Bradley’s curates bespoke aquamarine ring for York Ice Trail winner
Independent jewellery business Bradley’s Jewellers York has curated an Art-Deco-inspired aquamarine ring following the announcement of the winners of its fifth annual York Ice Trail Competition.
In February 2024, Debbie McGroarty from York entered the Bradley’s Jewellers online draw, held in conjunction with the annual York Ice Trail event, to win a diamond or coloured gemstone from a mystery basket of ‘eggs’. As part of the competition, the winner could transform their stone selection into a solitaire ring or pendant in 9ct rose, yellow or white gold or choose a full bespoke jewellery design service to achieve their unique vision for the mineral.
Upon being named the winner, McGroarty visited Bradley’s Jewellers York to select her surprise gemstone, which turned out to be a powder blue emerald-cut aquamarine weighing approximately one carat. Rather than pursue a solitaire design, McGroarty asked Bradley’s Jewellers York owner, Kay Bradley, to produce a range of bespoke trilogy ring ideas.
After a period of consultation, McGroarty settled on an Art Deco-inspired trilogy ring with two additional round brilliant-cut diamond accents set in platinum. Personalised engraving was also added to the interior surface of the ring.
Bradley’s Jewellers York has participated in the York Ice Trail for 10 years and has hosted numerous competitions and events to drive footfall and engagement with the city-wide event. Its six-foot-tall ice sculpture for 2024 was inspired by the Fabergé x Bradley’s Robin Egg Surprise Locket Pendant, which is available for pre-order throughout the year.
This unique 18k gold jewellery piece represents the continued collaboration between the esteemed jewellery house Fabergé and Kay Bradley of Bradley’s Jewellers York. Inspired by British heritage and winter traditions, Bradley co-designed this Fabergé x Bradley’s Robin Egg Surprise Locket Pendant to pay tribute to her favourite bird, which is traditionally considered a symbol of “good luck, happiness and rebirth”.
The Fabergé x Bradley’s Robin Egg Surprise Locket Pendant represents the first time a robin has featured in a “modern-day” piece of Fabergé jewellery. The outer shell of the egg-shaped locket is decorated in a shade of red and adorned with golden snowflakes. Inside, a miniature robin can be found perched on a branch of holly, surrounded by wave-like patterns of 18k guilloche engraved gold.
This special, limited-edition piece of fine jewellery is now available to pre-order for Christmas 2024.
Kay said: “The York Ice Trail is a hugely important part of our annual calendar and a wonderful opportunity to engage with new and existing clients. As soon as Debbie and her husband Neil arrived at the store to select their mystery gemstone, I knew we were about to embark on a memorable bespoke jewellery journey for them. Debbie had a clear vision for maximising the potential of her new aquamarine, and I was delighted to bring her dreams to life.”
McGroarty added: “I chose a trilogy style ring to symbolise myself, my husband and my daughter Poppy. It was exciting to win the York Ice Trail competition and I was thrilled when my prize turned out to be an aquamarine, which is one of my favourite gemstones. This is such a special piece of fine jewellery that I will treasure, so thank you to Kay and the team at Bradley’s Jewellers York for making it all happen.”