Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are engaged! I’ve never met Angelina or Brad — though I did once stand kind of near him when he was still married to Jennifer Aniston. Still, I’m all like, “Brangelina, Y U NO call me to make your engagement ring? Is it because I made fun of Angie’s leg? But everyone did!” Sadness. The couple went with a jeweler with whom they’ve worked before. (See People.com for a photo of the ring.) That choice makes sense to me and I’m glad for him. But I did laugh a little at this breathless description of the design process:
“Brad had a specific vision for this ring, which he realized over a yearlong collaboration. He wanted every aspect of it to be perfect, so I was able to locate a diamond of the finest quality and cut it to an exact custom size and shape to suit Angelina’s hand. Brad was always heavily involved, overseeing every aspect of the creative design evolution. The side diamonds are specially cut to encircle her finger. Each diamond is of the highest gem quality.”
Of course, you have to tell a good story about the process, especially when everyone in the world is going to ask. I would say the same kind of thing; I’ve done long process posts on this blog. But no job is totally glamorous from the inside, so much of the description of the “creative design evolution” seems like a typical to-do list for a fine jeweler. For example, here are a few of the tasks I’ve done in the past couple of weeks:
- Received shipment of 600+ specially cut 1 to 1.5 millimeter faceted tsavorites (green garnets).
- Discovered the tsavorites were much too light in color.
- Sent them back to the gem dealer and put two projects on hold until the delivery of better quality tsavorites.
- Ordered a number of tsavorite and ruby cabochons; big amethysts; and a white sapphire. All specially cut to fit my designs.
I could add a lot more tasks to the list but that would give away too much about the pieces I’m working on. When the pieces are completed and photographed, I’ll give you the full stories behind the evolution of a pair of earrings set with 400 tsavorites; a pair of cufflinks set with 200 tsavorites; a ring with three colors of 18K gold; and a couple of engagement rings.
In the meantime, if you want to see my custom-made engagement rings, check out the custom gallery on my website. To discuss a ring with me, email me at wbjewelry at hotmail dot com. I specialize in redesigns, so if you want to redesign an existing engagement ring or convert another piece of jewelry into an engagement ring (or other item), I’m happy to help.
stacy says
She’s not going to wear an engagement ring, Wendy. Don’t you know better? You could have done a fantastic vile for her so she could wear Brad’s blood around her neck. Could have been a fab mechanical piece!
WendyB says
I miss the blood-wearing Angelina!
stacy says
Vial!!! I think I must have been thinking the whole thing was just vile. lol
Celebrity Manicurist, Tracylee says
I miss that Angelina too….sniffle
Alexis Grace says
I love how things seem more glamorous from the outside than they are on the inside—- even in something unarguably glamorous like jewelry!
Eli says
Brangelina engaged? wowee, didn’t see this one coming (way too out of touch with the celebrity world). But she’d definitely do well in a Wendy Brandes ring.
déjà pseu says
Enh. My ring is better. 😉
Make Do Style says
Don’t worry I have it on good authority Angelina shouted at Brad ‘why the heck didn’t you go to Wendy Brandes, she’s much more up my street, quick quick I need my viall!’
sulky kitten says
Well, if they do get married then they’ll be needing more rings – wedding rings! Get to work!
Pam@over50feeling40 says
Your engagement ring is so stunning and unique…I am shocked Brad did not call! I guess this dispels all rumors that the couple is having problems!!
qin says
i dont like them together 🙁
Andrea says
arrghh i don´t like that woman! brad used to be so cool..now he´s just a daddy..
Lynne DeVenny (@ExpertParalegal) says
And I read it here, first! Really!
The ring you did for Susan? Very, very pleasing to this reader’s eye. Brad totally shoulda called u.
ThirdWorldFabi says
I never thought the day where I clicked on an engagement ring gallery would ever come. What is happening to me??
That's Not My Age says
They’ve obviously lost their style compass – first the leg, now the wrong engagement ring!
Susan Tiner says
Yes, Susan’s ring is better.
Jean says
Ahh Wendy, you don’t need those two losers! Your designs are way too cool for them!! Only the really special people wear a Wendy Brandes design!!! I know I will someday.
Elizabeth says
She’ll never be as happy with that breathless ring as she would have been with one of your designs. But this will do.
Dale Fournier says
Thanks for telling it like it is Wendy!