The Making of a Family Heirloom:
A Diamond & Sapphire Ring
“It isn’t just jewellery. It’s a story, told in gemstones; a family history, a love story, a personal memoir, a statement to the world.”
For award-winning jeweller Matthew Ely, whose luxury boutique is a stalwart of the Queen St strip, each custom-made piece – specifically curated for its wearer and collector – has its own story to tell.
Here is just one. The transformation of a family heirloom, and the ‘making of’ a remarkable colour fade sapphire and diamond ring.
Step 1: The Consultation & Original Heirloom Rings
It started with two rings, ten diamonds, and one sketch.
A valued Matthew Ely client had a very special request: to transform and unite two sentimental heirlooms, her late mother’s rings, into one beautiful, iconic piece. A piece that was both creative and wearable; a piece that would make her father smile and celebrate her parents long, happy marriage; a piece that was “like nothing you’d normally see in a cabinet”.
For Matthew, this brief was an “absolute pleasure”.
“There’s something so special about redesigning a family heirloom. It’s like being given the first chapter to a story, then writing a full novel. You want to make those original gemstones shine, while also reimagining them to match the personality and aesthetic of the wearer; the next generation. The original stones aren’t always the main character.”