Let Me Introduce Our In House Designer

06 October 2009

Could you please tell us who you are, and what you do?

My name is Audrey Granville, and I am the Jewellery Designer at Lunn’s the Jeweller in Northern Ireland.

Do you like what you do, and what do you like best about it?

I love my role and every day holds new and exciting design enquiries, and I never know what design opportunities I will get next! The most rewarding part of my job I would say is; the look on my customers faces, the first time, they see the piece of jewellery they designed with me. You can see their excitement when they chose the metal, and stones that will make up the finished Jewell. It is truly a memorable moment.

Can you describe to me, what is involved in the design process of a ring, with you?

I have the perfect example: I met with a customer the other day. She wanted a really different engagement ring, with an antique twist.

We agreed that I would sketch a few designs, for her to see on her next appointment, and if she wanted to add anything, we could re work the sketches with her. A week later she came to see me, and liked the designs I had prepared for her. She immediately chose the ring she wanted, but was hesitant to have it made up straight from a drawing. So I suggested to have a 3D wax mould made, in order for her to physically see what the ring would look like. I would also have, a selection of, diamonds in for her to choose from.

The wax mould and the diamonds were waiting for her the next time she came to see me. I had prepared a selection of diamonds varying in colour and clarity, to demonstrate price differences, and for her to choose the diamond best suited, for the ring and her. She was delighted to see it all taking shape, and decided to proceed!

A normal manufacturing period is of 4-6 weeks, as these rings are custom made. These flew in, and in no time, my customer was in to see her completed ring. Upon her visit, I saw her face light up when I produced her bespoke ring, she loved it! Having had such a big role in the design, from beginning to end, and it was very much hers.

To celebrate such a momentous even, I gave her our care package, which included an engagement portrait with a professional photographer, and a bottle of our in house vintage champagne, to toast her engagement!