Pounamu Inlay Engagement Ring

This pounamu engagement ring was a new and rewarding challenge for me. The customer had chosen a silver ring with a recessed space ready for an inlay, along with a slice of pounamu they wanted incorporated into it. They then trusted me to bring the two together and create a ring for their partner.

This was the first time I had completed an inlay of this kind. It required very precise work, gradually shaping the pounamu down to within tenths of a millimetre so it would fit neatly into the silver setting. The piece became incredibly small as I worked on it, yet once it was placed into the ring, it looked exactly the right size.

The original slice of pounamu contained several small fractures, so choosing the right section was an important part of the process. Near the centre was one small area that appeared clearer and more solid. I carefully worked with this section, and it proved strong enough to become the finished inlay.

Carving an inlay is quite different from creating a taonga entirely from pounamu. When shaping a toki, hei tiki or manaia, I can adjust the wider design as the stone develops. With an inlay, the silver setting determines the exact shape and size. The pounamu must be made to fit the ring, leaving very little room for adjustment or error.

Pounamu is traditionally valued as a symbol of strength, connection and enduring relationships. These meanings make it particularly fitting for an engagement ring. The silver holds and protects the stone, while the pounamu carries the personal connection behind the commitment being made.

There is always more to learn when attempting something for the first time, but I am very pleased with how this ring turned out. It was an excellent challenge, and I am grateful to have been trusted with such an important piece.