My husband had always promised for our ten-year wedding anniversary we would re-style my wedding rings, as we were never happy with the original workmanship. This combined with a large birthday gift (for my “significant” birthday!), meant we needed to find a jeweller who specialised in customised jewellery. We wanted to use the diamonds I already had, but modernise the style.
The Search Begins
We did quite a bit of searching and stumbled upon the Instagram page of Madly Gems in Tiong Bahru. I loved the look of their craftsmanship, so we made an appointment.
If you didn’t know Madly was there, you would miss it – it’s located in a renovated shophouse just opposite the wet markets. When we arrived that morning, we thought we wanted to re-make my ring in the same style but refine the workmanship. I hoped for a cheeky increase in the size of the central princess cut diamond too!
The showroom felt serene and plush, without the usual harsh bright lights and endless glass cabinets of a high street jewellery store. I loved that they were even playing our favourite Queen song! I had tingles already.
We sat down with the founder of Madly Gems, Maddy, and lead designer Renee, to chat about what we were looking for. I instantly had a connection with Maddy and knew I could trust her and the team to re-craft my ring. Maddy explained how they source their stones and find their craftsmen. One even used to be the head jewellery craftsman for one of the world’s biggest fashion houses.
Whilst we were talking, Maddy said, “Hang on, let me show you something a bit different – have you considered a gem rather than a bigger diamond?”
She presented us with a tray containing a couple of beautiful coloured stones. Renee explained they were spinels and the one I was eyeing off was a rare lavender-grey one.
Why Get Your Jewellery Customised?
Getting a piece of customised jewellery is such a personal experience. I was a little hesitant to change my original engagement ring and wedding band as I was obviously emotionally connected to them. Each was one-of-a-kind, designed by my husband all those years ago. I felt I needed to stay loyal to them!
Maddy explained they could take the smaller diamonds and incorporate into a new design. It would still contain part of the rings I had said my vows with. Taking the spinel outside into the Madly courtyard, I loved how it changed colour in the different light – sometimes very lavender, sometimes pink, and sometimes very grey. Okay, I was hooked! This is one of Madly’s biggest strengths, taking parts of your original rings but using their carefully sourced stones to make truly unique pieces.
The Process
Handing over my rings was very difficult, but I knew in a couple of months it would be worth it.
About 11 weeks later, we received a call to say the engagement ring was ready (much to my husband’s relief, as I’d been asking every day if he’d heard from Madly!). We took the next available appointment and I practically bounced in through the doors. Renee presented me with a beautiful bag and a box to unwrap. I could barely undo the ribbon; I’d waited so long for this! I lifted off the lid and there it was – the most perfect ring I had ever seen. Shaking and with rather large (and embarrassing) tears, my husband slid it on.
It was everything I had imagined and more. The rectangular spinel sat high in a claw setting on the band, with my original engagement ring diamonds down the sides. I loved how it caught the light and looked different from all angles. I knew 100 per cent we had made the right decision with Madly Gems. The unique wedding band they designed sat snuggly against the engagement ring, which I love!
It Will Be Worth It!
Getting customised jewellery might seem like a big step but being able to create something that is unique was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. They even came in under the original quote they had given us.
It’s been a couple of months now, and I still find myself MADLY gazing at the rings – the same way I did when I first got engaged! I’m now planning another piece with Maddy and Renee – using the left-over diamonds to make an abstract pendant. I can’t wait – the process was so joyful the first time! But shhh, don’t tell my husband just yet, he might have a heart attack!
72 Seng Poh Road (by appointment only)
6650 1544 | madlygems.com
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