Elongated gemstones have been wildly popular. So has enamel. This Matilda Bardet custom ring isn’t the result of those current jewelry trends, though it feels perfectly in step with the moment.
There’s plenty about this bespoke piece to take in, but the eye is instantly drawn to its center quartz. A “bubbly” 9.5 ct. marquise, it looks like a celebration frozen in time.
“The stone was sourced from Brazil through Renato Giusti of Giusti Gems in Washington, D.C., with the bubbles hand-carved by Brazilian lapidarist Walter Lopes,” says Melanie Bardet, founder and designer of Matilda Bardet. “I first discovered the stone in 2023 and was immediately captivated—it was extraordinary in every way. I knew it needed a collector who values bold artistry, rarity, and one-of-a-kind gems.”
Bardet found that collector in one of her clients with impeccable taste. “We began with the idea of designing a torque-collar pendant around the stone, but it quickly evolved into a ring—my client isn’t a necklace person,” the designer says. “She prefers wearing a single ring at a time, has an incredible eye for design, and a deep appreciation for fine art, so the piece had to stand confidently on its own.”
And stand it does. Rather than using a simple setting, the design makes a bold statement with a vibrant splash of blue. “I wanted to push the envelope with custom blue cold enamel inspired by Yves Klein Blue, which meant multiple rounds of color testing on sterling silver before committing to 18k yellow gold,” Bardet says. “Cold enamel requires patience—it’s hand-applied and left to cure for several days—so every iteration demanded intention.”
Bardet labored with love over crafting the right setting to showcase the center stone. “One detail I was determined to honor was the carved ‘bubble’ that dips along the side elevation,” she explains. “We ultimately chose a half-bezel setting to frame that moment visually, while also offering the most secure technical solution. Refining the scale and proportions of the ring became an art form in itself. Design is never linear—and neither was this piece.”
Top: One-of-a-kind custom ring in 18k yellow gold with enamel and 9.5 ct. Brazilian quartz, price on request; Matilda Bardet