Bear Brooksbank

Bear Brooksbank excels at reinventing jewellery – taking heirloom pieces and transforming them into contemporary engagement rings – saving them from a lifetime of lingering in a dusty safe. "I start by asking customers what makes the piece special, which parts, whether stones, metal or shapes, would they like to use in the new ring?" she explains. "It's up to the couple, whether they want an extreme change or just a subtle update." Previous pieces Brooksbank has worked on include a sapphire and diamond cluster ring mounted in platinum, which had belonged to the groom's grandmother. "The bride was a yellow-gold girl, so I encouraged her to go for it, while keeping the grandmother's stones." Another commission used gems from a brooch that the groom had been given by his mother to make a ring for his wife-to-be; he was given half of the diamonds and his brother received the other half. If, however, you're struggling to see a new lease of life in great aunty's fussy brooch, you don't have to arrive with a fully formed plan. "I always say just come with as many or as few ideas as you want," she explains. "As soon as you meet a couple you start to build a picture of who they are, and designing a piece that you think encapsulates their love is a real privilege."

Bear is a true professional. When it comes to choosing a diamond it's no easy task: you need an expert that you can trust. It wasn't just Bear's comprehensive knowledge of the field and keen eye that made her such a pleasure to work with, it was her thoughtfulness and sensitivity to the kind of stone I was looking for. In particular, I wanted a diamond with a little history rather than a new stone off the high street so i decided to buy at Auction. Faced with hundreds of options, varying widely in quality, cut, colour and price, Bear was able to quickly discern the type of stones with the characteristics I had described. It was because of Bear that I was able to buy a ring that thrilled my fiancee. Bear took what I imagined would be a stressful and daunting search and turned it into a wonderful experience.

I met Bear through a mutual friend, and turned to her for some advice when I was looking to buy an engagement ring. From start to finish, Bear made the entire process (which I would otherwise have found extremely stressful!) extraordinarily easy, especially for a slightly nervous – and totally clueless - first-time jewellery buyer. Bear helped me select a style and format, sourced a range of stones for me to choose from, and made various helpful suggestions along the way, always keeping me up to date with regular emails and photos. She was also a model professional, and was completely discrete! Bear was absolutely brilliant to work with, and I would heartily recommend her services.

Working with Bear has been a pleasure. Creating a unique and individual engagement ring for Hannah was what I had always hoped for, and through Bear's creativity and vision this was achieved. What could have been a daunting experience was made a positive one due to her easy manner, extensive knowledge and utmost dedication. She created a ring which is the envy of friends and family alike, and within a short time frame. Therefore meeting and surpassing all my expectations.....what more could you ask for! Bear, thank you so much.