A Bespoke Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

This custom engagement ring was created for a client who loved deep blue gemstones, clean lines and the elegant proportions of an emerald cut.

The brief called for a ring with strong geometry, refined Art Deco influence and a sense of balance on the hand. Matthew sourced a selection of sapphires and diamonds for the client to consider, before developing the final design around a 3.67ct emerald-cut Ceylon sapphire.

The finished ring was handmade in 18ct yellow gold, with trapeze step-cut diamonds framing the centre stone.

Emerald-cut Ceylon sapphire selected for a custom engagement ring

Design Development & Brief

The design began with the stone selection. Several blue sapphires were sourced so the client could compare colour, cut and character in person before choosing the centre stone.

Once the sapphire had been selected, Matthew designed the ring around its strong emerald-cut shape. Trapeze step-cut diamonds were chosen to continue the clean, architectural lines and create a balanced transition from the centre stone into the band.

The concept was first explored through sketches, then refined with CAD modelling so the proportions, stone placement and overall silhouette could be reviewed before the piece was handmade.

Emerald-cut Ceylon sapphire
Hand sketch for a custom sapphire and diamond engagement ring
CAD render of a bespoke sapphire engagement ring

From gemstone selection to sketching and CAD refinement, each stage was used to balance the bold centre sapphire with the clean geometry of the diamond side stones.

Inside the Workshop

The ring was constructed by hand in 18ct yellow gold. Each setting was made and checked individually to ensure the sapphire and diamonds sat securely and in proportion.

The settings were then assembled, soldered together and refined before the diamonds were set. The centre sapphire was set last, completing the structure of the ring and allowing the finished piece to be checked for alignment, security and balance.

Handmade 18ct yellow gold sapphire engagement ring in progres
Setting diamonds in a handmade sapphire engagement ring

The Finished Piece

The completed ring is bold, structured and deeply personal. The rich blue Ceylon sapphire gives the piece its colour and presence, while the step-cut diamonds add symmetry, brightness and refinement.

The yellow gold setting brings warmth to the design and contrasts beautifully with the saturated blue of the sapphire. The result is a distinctive engagement ring with a strong architectural feel, made to suit the client’s taste rather than follow a standard design.

Bespoke sapphire engagement ring with trapeze diamond side stones
Finished Ceylon sapphire and diamond engagement ring in yellow gold
  • Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold

  • Centre Stone: 3.67ct Emerald-Cut Ceylon Sapphire

  • Accent Stones: Four Trapeze Step-Cut Diamonds, 1.18ct total

  • Setting: Handmade Geometric Bezel-Style Setting

  • Technique: Gemstone Sourcing, CAD Design, Hand Fabrication & Stone Setting

  • Style: Bespoke Sapphire Engagement Ring

Project Details

  • Designed around a deep blue Ceylon sapphire

  • Emerald-cut centre stone selected for colour and proportion

  • Trapeze step-cut diamond shoulders

  • Strong geometric, Art Deco-inspired design

  • CAD-refined before being handmade

  • Handmade and assembled at the bench

  • One-of-a-kind engagement ring

At a Glance

This project highlights how a carefully sourced feature gemstone can guide the entire design of a bespoke engagement ring. The deep blue Ceylon sapphire, step-cut diamond shoulders and warm yellow gold construction work together to create a ring with strong geometry, balance and presence.

While the design was refined through sketches and CAD, the ring itself was handmade and assembled at the bench. Each setting was individually crafted and checked around the stones, resulting in a distinctive engagement ring made specifically around the client’s brief, chosen gemstone and personal style.

Commission a Bespoke Engagement Ring

Looking for a custom engagement ring designed around a particular gemstone, style or story?

MN Jewellery Design creates bespoke engagement rings by appointment, with each piece designed and made around the client, the stones and the intended wearer.