From social media stalking to taking on a mysterious male identity... no, we're not talking about the FBI, but actually a day in the life of fine jeweller and gemmologist, Georgina Boyce.
To coincide with Georgina's debut ready to wear collection at GeorginaBoyce.com, she reveals what it really takes to design the most highly-anticipated piece of jewellery we will ever receive.
Just call me John Smith...
"When commissioning an engagement ring, it's so important that all communication is kept as secret and discreet as possible, so as to avoid the bride-to-be from finding out about the impending proposal,” Georgina tells Grazia. “I ask men to save me as 'John Smith work' or something similar to keep my cover safe thought the project. The name usually sticks and I find myselfbeing called 'John' by people for years.”
Yet as any undercover wedding jeweller will know, it can get a little confusing at times as Georgia AKA John is no stranger to forgetting who she is supposed to be that day. “I actually have one specific name that I use but can't say or my cover will be blown! In turn, if I am making a ring for one of my friends in my social group, I have to save their name as something different too, just in case I am at drinks or dinner with them and he contacts me. I actually have a 'Peter Chong' go to! I will have to come up with something new now!”
Social media is a girl's best friend
But the shenanigans don’t stop there. We’re all guilty of stalking our best friend’s ex-boyfriend’s sister’s mate but Georgina takes it to admirable levels. “When a guy comes to me wanting a piece of jewellery commissioned for his loved one they usually have a clear idea in their mind of what they want, based on articles they have read and what their mother and sisters wear,” Georgina tells Grazia. “I listen and advise and then, to ensure I design something that she's really going to love, I scour her social media accounts...Facebook, Insta and Pinterest...to gather info and inspiration - including what they do for a career, their daytime/evening style and their age.”
Georgina continues, “It also really helps me with finger size - I now have a great knack of sizing a finger from sight - usually to within a half size. Men usually provide the line of 'her ring fits on my pinky' as their means of measurement. Not quite up to scratch!”
Introducing the wife... and mistress
Luckily Georgina is on hand to save the day and prevent any hint of the Bridezilla within us surfacing. Yet the job is not without its downfalls as Georgina is no stranger to discretely initialling bags for both wife and mistress. “This is awful and upsetting I know, but in the jewellery trade it is a well-known fact that men often buy two items at Christmas - one for the wife and one for the mistress. You hope the bigger and better piece is going to the wife but more often than not, it's the wife that receives the smaller pendant whilst the diamond chandelier earrings go elsewhere!”
Georgina has launched her debut ready to wear collection entitled Geo at GeorginaBoyce.com. Inspired by Cubist aesthetic, the 25-piece collection features minimalist and geometric designs. So if you’re thinking your man needs a little guidance in the engagement department, hook him up with jewellery expert Georgina, (just don’t be surprised if he’s staying out late with a Peter Chong).
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