‘The idea of engagement rings usually revolves around a beautifully shining standard cut diamond stone, and that never appealed to me,’ says Gaelle Khouri. ‘I chose to approach the concept differently, and instead go for something unusual and edgy, breaking the barriers of classic, neat and impersonal designs.’
For her first venture into alternative engagement rings, the Lebanese jewellery designer embraces precious materials and unexpected silhouettes, building on the foundations of her eponymous jewellery brand.
In the ‘New Family’ ring, diamonds, sapphires, rubies and citrines embody the modern family, whether they are getting married for the second time or welcoming children as well as partners. ‘Each gemstone stemming from the diamond eternity band can be the birthstone of the individuals who make up the family unit,’ says Khouri. ‘It symbolises "family" in whatever guise that is.’
Other jewels sidestep an engagement ring’s traditional curves and form glittering peaks for affordable engagement rings; ‘Modern Love’ juxtaposes emerald and white and black diamonds while the remaining rings are a joyful twist of white, yellow and brown diamonds.
‘The mix of alternative cuts and unusual colours give the rings more edge, in part by breaking the concept of symmetry which always goes hand in hand with engagement rings,’ adds Khouri. ‘At the end of the day the purpose of engagement rings is to serve as a symbol of marriage, and if you think about it, marriage is as much about happiness as it is about challenges and turbulent moments. A marriage has so many facets and colours - why not design something that embodies the whole story?’
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