My mother's pearl ring - Jewellery Sketches, Inspiration and Re-designing the Margaret Ring

Posted by Teresa Tiong on

jewellery designer Teresa Tiong talks about her inspiration, creative process and the inspirations behind her jewelry design or jewellery designs for jewellery label AU REVOIR LES FILLES - margaret pearl ring in gold - diamond shape pearl cluster ring - antique pearl ring that is classy, elegant and beautiful - this ring is inspired by a vintage pearl ring from her mother. great for mother's day gift ideas, mother's day jewelry gifts, mother's day jewelry ideas

jewellery designer Teresa Tiong talks about her inspiration, creative process and the inspirations behind her jewelry design or jewellery designs for jewellery label AU REVOIR LES FILLES - margaret pearl ring in gold - diamond shape pearl cluster ring - antique pearl ring that is classy, elegant and beautiful - this ring is inspired by a vintage pearl ring from her mother. great for mother's day gift ideas, mother's day jewelry gifts, mother's day jewelry ideas

Photo by Food and Shelter.

 

INSPIRATION

The Margaret Ring was inspired by an heirloom pearl ring that belonged to my mother, who has handed it down to me.

 

my mother's pearl ring - the inspiration, design process behind the Margaret pearl cluster gold ring - comparing the 2 rings side by side - one vintage and antique, the other modern and effortless.

I love the elegant diamond shape, and the heritage cluster of fresh water pearls that are held in place by petite claws. The design is eye-catching yet timeless, and I receive so many compliments whenever I wear it. It is one of my favourite pieces, and I wanted to share it with others who might find the same joy in wearing this ring. 

 

designer Teresa Tiong of jewellery label AU REVOIR LES FILLES and her mother Margaret Tay - on what inspires her

designer Teresa Tiong of jewellery label AU REVOIR LES FILLES and her mother Margaret Tay - on what inspires her

 

 

THE DESIGN

jewelry sketch of pearl ring - diamond shape pearl cluster ring in gold, hand drawn or sketched on paper , creative process and design inspiration of jewellery - vintage pearl ring that is classy, beautiful and elegant, perfect for mother's day gift idea

comparing 2 rings - vintage pearl ring with modern pearl cluster ring in beautiful diamond shape. 14k gold sterling silver, great gift ideas for mother's day or mother's day jewelry. learn about the creative process behind this jewelry design. by jewelry label AU REVOIR LES FILLES

Mum's ring has been worn so often, that the pearls have taken on an antique patina. However, it is no less beautiful even after all these years. To keep the look of the ring the same, I stayed true to its original diamond-shaped cluster.

At the same time, it was important for me to put my own spin into the design, in order to make it my own. This I did through the ring band, re-designing it so it looks more bold like a cocktail ring. 

 

jewelry sketch design inspiration - pearl ring - vintage antique diamond shape pearl cluster ring - creative jewelry design ideas - inspired by designer's mother. perfect mother's day jewelry gift ideas. comparing 2 rings side by side

Mum's ring has a very slender curved band, which is reminiscent of rings from an earlier time and has an art-nouveau look. This gave it a very feminine and traditional feel. I wanted a design that was more modern and tailored to women today, and decided to go with a thicker and more geometric band. 

 

jewelry sketch design inspiration - pearl ring - vintage antique diamond shape pearl cluster ring - creative jewelry design ideas - inspired by designer's mother. perfect mother's day jewelry gift ideas. shape and structure of ring bang

I have always been interested in the artwork of Escher, how he plays with perspective and illusion. I wanted to incorporate this into the band of the ring, so that its dimensions change when viewed from different angles. My design starts off narrow at the bottom of the ring, gradually becoming wider towards the pearls. However, as you view it from the side, the thickness of the band is inverse - it is wider at the bottom, then tapers to being more narrow near the pearls. The design is subtle and only something the ring wearer will notice, but I like how it adds detail to the overall form and structure of the ring. 

I also wanted to highlight the diamond shape which I felt was not as pronounced in the original ring. I decided to put a little cleft on each side of the setting. When viewed at an angle, this gives the illusion that the pearls are rising up from the ring, which further emphasises its pointed diamond shape. 

 

jewelry sketch design inspiration - pearl ring - vintage antique diamond shape pearl cluster ring - creative jewelry design ideas - inspired by designer's mother. perfect mother's day jewelry gift ideas. design sketchbook, with jewelry sketches of different types of pearl rings.

 

 

THE NAME

Margaret Tay - mother of jewellery designer Teresa Tiong of jewellery label AU REVOIR LES FILLES. jewelry sketch design inspiration - pearl ring - vintage antique diamond shape pearl cluster ring - creative jewelry design ideas - inspired by designer's mother. perfect mother's day jewelry gift ideas

It seemed destined for this ring to be named Margaret after my mother. I researched the history and meaning of the name, and discovered that Margaret is a modern derivation from the ancient namesake Margaron, which was first heard in Normandy of northern France. The name symbolises 'pearl' or 'daughter of light', which not only brings to mind the luminous lustre that pearls exude, but also inspired me to name the entire jewellery collection Dawn.

The significance behind the name was further strengthened when we had fashion blogger Margaret Zhang star in our Dawn campaign. Not only does she share the same first name as Mum, my Chinese surname is Zhang, and it felt like serendipity that all our names entwine together so well. 

 

margaret zhang - fashion editorial fashion photo shoot - fine affordable demi jewelry - underwater moody blue muse and damsel wearing sterling silver and australian blue opals and opal jewellery, opal necklace, opal ring

Margaret Zhang stars in our Dawn campaign.

 

Margaret Zhang wearing Margaret pearl ring by AU REVOIR LES FILLES at Paris fashion week. love her streetstyle

Margaret Zhang wearing Margaret Ring at Paris Fashion Week.

 

Margaret Zhang wearing Margaret pearl ring at Unseen photo exhibition in sydney paddington

Margaret Zhang wearing Margaret Ring at her Unseen photography exhibition in Sydney. 

 

Little details matter. I relished the chance and challenge to re-design this ring in my own unique way by playing with proportions and accentuating the diamond pearl setting. It is all about elevating the classics through nuanced touches, that makes a design both thoughtful and effortless. 

I hope you have enjoyed reading about the design process behind one of my favourite pieces of jewellery. We will be sharing more insights into our designs and creative process. If you have any thoughts, I will love to hear from you so please comment below. 

xo Teresa

Founder / Designer

 

View the Dawn Campaign starring Margaret Zhang

Shop Margaret Ring in Silver or Gold

 

Do you have any jewellery passed down from your family? How do you feel when you wear them?

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Comments


  • Intrinsic piece of your diary behind your vintage Magaret ring. Beautifully crafted post! I love it!

    Pearl on
  • Beautiful post! I bought my Margaret Ring today! I’m completely thrilled! <3 <3 <3

    Alice Jack on

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