Heirloom Redesign Idea: Cluster Rings

One of our specialties here at Alx&Co. is working with clients to redesign sentimental or antique pieces in order to breath new life into them. Sometimes, clients come with one piece that they want transformed into something new. Other times, they might have a collection of different pieces that we can pull from. In either case, we sometimes are left with a small pile of mismatched diamonds or gemstones and need to figure out a way to set them seamlessly together.

One of our favorite options is to create a scattered-style ring. We love this idea for its adaptability: clients can opt for prong settings, or a more streamlined bezel setting, or a combination of both. Clients can do a very clustered option or something more spread out. We can integrate colored gemstones or not - the options are truly endless. But, at it’s core, the concept is quite consistent: a delicate aesthetic that will wear well during the day but also feel special enough for the time and effort of custom design.

Here are a few of our favorite bespoke designs we have created using this concept:

These pretty bands were designed by two sisters who wanted to share the heirloom gemstones which were left to each of them in different settings. We combined the diamonds from a couple of rings and used two emeralds from another ring to provide an anchor point to each design. Set in bezels for ultimate protection for those delicate emeralds, these rings are perfect for daily wear.

A beautiful example of a cluster-style ring, this client wanted to use pieces from sentimental family heirlooms to create a single, stunning engagement ring. We inventoried each diamond and plotted them on the band, carefully selecting placement to keep things from looking too busy. It’s a little hard to see in the photos but the band also features a touch of hand engraving down the shoulders for a pretty vintage touch.

This ring is a combination of gemstones from three different rings. We opted for a more centrally-clustered design and drew the eye towards the gorgeous ruby by playing with the directional elements of the other gemstones. This is certainly wearable on a day-to-day basis but feels just a little more special in its styling.

This design is actually set with Alx&Co. sourced certified recycled diamonds, not heirloom diamonds, but we love the execution of combining different shapes into a beautiful cluster. The ring has a decidedly organic feeling to it, with textured elements and lots of references to leaf shapes. Such a beautiful and unique engagement ring!