Jack Meyer of The CAD Fantastic says that the way to get your dream ring is to commission it. Here’s his guide to ensuring the rings not only fit, but express your personality and your love for each other
The CAD Fantastic Jewellery was established a response to my experiences working with couples, and from personal requests from friends and former clients. When you propose to your partner, it is an emotional journey for both sides. People tend to talk about the recipient, but sometimes they forget to talk about the big emotional journey happening for the person making the decision to propose. That is not done lightly.
Add to this the fact most people will be shopping for diamond jewellery for the first time in their lives, and it’s easy to see why shopping for an engagement ring can be quite an overwhelming experience.
The CAD Fantastic was born from a desire to help couples to not only express their personalities but their love for each other through their jewellery. I came to the conclusion that there had to be an easier way to help couples get the rings they want. Many people make wedding rings, or even provide bespoke services, but the aim here is to offer a different approach that really helps people to design the perfect ring or ring set.
The customisable collection is designed to inspire people to find their perfect ring. They can either take one of these designs and personalise it, or use it as a starting point to create something unique. I also offer a relationship-based bespoke design service called Custom Couples wedding ring sets. Here, the aim is to work with couples or individuals to develop engagement and wedding rings that clearly belong together when they are seen side by side, as well as matching the couple’s tastes and personalities.
Be bold and ask your jeweller lots of questions
My advice to couples is to ask lots of questions because this is an important purchase and you want to find both the right ring and the right person to design it for you. Do ask where the jeweller learned their trade. It’s a fair question. In my case, I worked for many years as a Hatton Garden-based jewellery manufacturer, developing designs and producing pieces for both high-street jewellers and designer brands. I worked for names such as Stephen Webster, Mappin & Webb and Harley-Davidson, and all sorts of independents in between.
I’ve also taught at the British Academy of Jewellery (formerly Holts Academy of Jewellery) for many years and this has made me very aware of the importance of clear communication. Do ask questions about the process and get as much assistance as you need. Jewellery, like most other specialisms, has its fair share of technical language and ‘jargon’ so, whether you need advice about the metals, the mysteries of carats or any other area, just ask.
One advantage of going bespoke is that an experienced designer will walk you through the journey step by step. Never forget that this is your ring and your personal commitment expressed through jewellery, so the journey to the perfect ring should be an exciting one, never an extra stress.
My experience, as both a maker and a teacher, is that jewellers love the creative side of what they do. Personally, whether I’m working within someone’s aesthetic or helping someone express their creative side through a special piece, it’s a pleasure. In fact, the joy and pride I see on a client’s face when I help them get the piece exactly right is exactly why I fell in love with making jewellery in the first place. And making engagement and wedding rings is always something special – these are one-off pieces for a unique moment in people’s lives.
You can see examples of CAD Fantastic’s rings and contact Jack Meyer at cadfantastic.com
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