When it comes to bespoke commissions, I’ve learned over the years to always expect the unexpected.
The jewellery adventure detailed below began with an out-of-the-blue phone call from a dear friend and client, who had a very specific request.
Could I meet her in Geneva to discuss a new bespoke ring commission? A dress ring with a distinctly "haute horlogerie" feel to it?
A chance to visit the salons and ateliers of some of Switzerland’s finest watchmakers?
A VIP tour of the world famous Patek Philippe Museum?
My client already knew I shared her passion for fine timepieces and, rather like Don Vito Corleone in “The Godfather”, she had just made me an offer I simply couldn’t refuse!
As we marvelled at the watchmaker’s masterpieces along the Rue du Rhône, my client would point out the particular design aesthetics that she adored.
The purpose of this exercise (other than sheer delight and enjoyment for us both!) was to gain inspiration to create a unique gemstone ring for my client that would capture the essence of haute horlogerie.
My client had selected a centre stone for this bespoke ring commission some time ago in London - so I already had my starting point for the new design.
On the flight home, my brain was buzzing with exciting design ideas. I couldn’t wait to get to the studio to sketch them out on paper.
My client's somewhat unusual brief to me was the same as all her previous commissions. I was under strict instruction not to show her any design sketches nor to update my client on the progress of her commission in the studio.
In short, this ring was to remain a complete surprise to her. The very first time she would view it would be when she opened the ring box to reveal the completed piece!
As I started goldsmithing in the studio I couldn’t help wondering whether I would truly be able to capture my client’s love of luxury watches in the dress ring now taking shape on my bench.
Working at her bench in Hatton Garden - the heart of London’s jewellery district – Julia now divides her time between creating private client bespoke commissions and making pieces for her ready-to-wear jewellery collections.
