A love story continued, Mel and Katie’s design story flourishes with a second proposal and elegant ring designed by Laings Bespoke team.
Several months after the magical engagement of Mel and Katie, their design journey continued with a proposal reciprocated, right where the question was first asked. As a continuation of their engagement celebrations, Mel began working with the expert design team at Laings to design her own engagement ring, a perfect counterpart to the one she designed for Katie months prior. Join us in learning more about their enchanting love story.
MEL:
Q:KATIE PROPOSED TO YOU AFTER YOU HAD PROPOSED MONTHS EARLIER - WHAT WAS IT LIKE EXPERIENCING THAT MOMENT FROM THE OTHER SIDE?
M: It’s always special for us returning to Disneyland Paris, it’s where so many special moments of our relationship have been created. I proposed to Katie in November whereas this visit took place in August, so it was lovely to experience the setting in the summer. I had been working with Katie and the designers for a couple of months to design my ring, so I knew a proposal was coming but didn’t know when.
Katie had arranged for us to have a special area for the evening firework display, so we had a somewhat private space in amongst the crowds. Subtly, she produced the blue box out of her pocket and proposed with the gorgeous ring we’d been working on. It was a perfect mirror to how I had proposed to her and another amazing memory in one of our favourite places.
Q: YOU HAVE NOW BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS OF DESIGNING TWO RINGS. WHAT WAS IT LIKE DESIGNING SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF AS OPPOSED TO DESIGNING KATIE'S?
M: I always had some ideas about what I wanted my own ring to look like. I’m drawn to the angular lines of an emerald cut diamond and knew I wanted a slightly more simplistic piece than what we created for Katie. However, after working with Sarah Alexander on Katie’s piece, I was inspired to infuse some elements of her ring into my own. We added the subtle French scroll details which ties them together as an almost set, still however showing our distinct personalities.
During the process Sarah invited us to select the main diamond. We were presented with loose stones and got to select based on which one called to us both and what most suited me. This was such a special moment in this design process.
Q:COULD YOU SHARE MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE DESIGN? HOW DID YOU MAKE IT PERSONAL FOR YOU?
M: I’d say Katie and I have very different but distinctive styles. I wanted my ring to feel like an extension of myself but still partner well with Katie’s. We chose a platinum band with an emerald cut diamond. One of the most special parts of the design is the hidden pink sapphire in the band. This stone perfectly complements the pink sapphire I chose for Katie’s ring and is hidden within the band – a secret just for the two of us. I love the traditional symbolism of the ring finger, which is believed to hold a vein that connects directly to the heart. Wearing something that represents Katie against my skin in that special spot makes me feel close to her every single day.
KATIE & MEL
Q: HAVING DESIGNED ENGAGEMENT RINGS TOGETHER, DO YOU THINK YOU’LL OPT FOR CUSTOM WEDDING BANDS AS WELL?
K: Absolutely, Sarah advised during the consultation process that we could create something to perfectly harmonise with my band. As we added some scroll details to the ring, I’d like something that sits well against it and continues the story of my engagement ring into my wedding band. I’d love to incorporate some non-traditional gemstones into my wedding ring, starting with amethyst to honour my grandmother’s birthstone. Sarah has advised that, as amethyst is a softer stone, we’ll need to consider protective measures and its placement on the band. Because I adore colour, I imagine a band that blends multiple hues. I’m drawn to the idea of a pink centre stone, like my engagement ring, complemented by delicate leaf motifs that add even more colour. I want the design to feel completely ethereal. The possibilities with a bespoke piece feel endless, and I’m so excited to continue this journey.
M: Similarly to my engagement ring, I’d like a simple design for the band but with sentimental touches. I’ve thought about adding an engraving to the inside of the band which could be a subtle but still very personal touch. We both love the Disney movie ‘Tangled’ so I think some lyrics from that would be the perfect addition.
Q: WERE THERE ANY ELEMENTS ABOUT THIS ENTIRE PROCESS THAT SURPRISED YOU OR LEFT YOU UNEXPECTEDLY EMOTIONAL?
M: Bringing gemstones from each other’s rings into the designs felt very sentimental. It was such a personal touch that resembles us so deeply. Visually, we look quite opposite just like our rings, but we come together and bring out a unique love within each other.
K: It felt really special how well Sarah got to know us during the process. She began to anticipate what we’d like and could suggest the perfect addition. She was really our fairy godmother!
