The Dis-Engagement Ring: An Industry Changing Approach from the Jewellery Orchestra

October 23, 2018

By Katerina Perez

5 min read

What does an engagement ring represent? Is it a promise? Is it the manifestation of love? Or is it a nod to tradition? The engagement ring is the most commonly purchased item of fine jewellery in the modern world: even those who have no desire for gemstone adornment in their everyday life understand the significance and importance of this symbolic jewel.

However, what if someone was to subvert the meaning of this piece of jewellery? To take its essence, and transform real life experience into jewellery design? In this case – if an engagement or marriage comes to an end – what you might end up with is a ‘Dis-Engagement ring.’

Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring

Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring

 Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring

Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring

 Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring

Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring

Only truly creative minds could conjure beauty and art out of sadness, and this is exactly what the Paris-based jewellery designer Frédéric Mané has achieved together with a team of artists who operate under the moniker ‘Jewellery Orchestra’.

It is the fruition of the deconstruction of an engagement ring. It affirms and symbolises the new life of the person who commissioned it. – Frédéric Mané

Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

Out of this rupture in traditional practice, a ring has been born: The ‘Boa Constrictor’ ring. Crafted in platinum, yellow, pink and white gold, it is decorated with a 4 carat Colombian emerald. This central stone is from the first iteration of this ring, and was conceptually ‘destroyed’ by the boa. The ring also features a 1.5 carat aquamarine, accenting tsavorites and rubies, colourless and black diamonds, as well as vivid hand painted hot enamel decoration.

Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

 Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

 Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

 Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

 Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

Making of the Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

The combination of unexpected precious materials, transformable components that allow the jewel to morph into a brooch, and the various cumulative skills of the artists who have joined together to create this piece has resulted in a truly original and unique jewel. It is not just the nature of the ring itself which is unconventional, but also the collective of creatives which have seen the piece come to fruition – the Jewellery Orchestra. This bespoke fine design is the starting point of the Jewellery Orchestra: “All the resulting creations are inspired by this order, affirming our creative manifesto,” states Frédéric Mané.

 Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

Jewellery Orchestra ‘Boa Constrictor' dis-engagement ring with 4 ct Colombian emerald, aquamarine, tsavorites, rubies, colourless and black diamonds and enamel in platinum, 18k yellow, pink and white gold

The individual artists who comprise the collective under the Jewellery Orchestra name are: jewellery and precious objects designer Frédéric Mané, 3D Designer Victor Borel, jewellers Marie Grimaud and Félix Albert, enamel artist Marie Oberlin, artist William Amor, gemstone setter Jonathan Bauché and jewellery photographer Yoann l’ Hostellier. Within the collective’s self-proclaimed manifesto, they state: “jewellery is a body of collective work in which each member of the orchestra plays his score and expresses the excellence of his art. The culmination of the work is the fruit of a unique symbiosis, where each one is equally important.”

The Jewellery Orchestra collective: jewellery designer Frédéric Mané

The Jewellery Orchestra collective: jewellery designer Frédéric Mané

 The Jewellery Orchestra collective: 3D Designer Victor Borel

The Jewellery Orchestra collective: 3D Designer Victor Borel

 The Jewellery Orchestra collective: enamel artist Marie Oberlin

The Jewellery Orchestra collective: enamel artist Marie Oberlin

 The Jewellery Orchestra collective: jewellers Marie Grimaud and Félix Albert

The Jewellery Orchestra collective: jewellers Marie Grimaud and Félix Albert

 The Jewellery Orchestra collective: gemstone setter Jonathan Bauché

The Jewellery Orchestra collective: gemstone setter Jonathan Bauché

 The Jewellery Orchestra collective: artist William Amor

The Jewellery Orchestra collective: artist William Amor

 The Jewellery Orchestra collective: jewellery photographer Yoann l' Hostellier

The Jewellery Orchestra collective: jewellery photographer Yoann l' Hostellier

The innovative approach to collaborative design in fine jewellery is one which is reflected in the uniqueness of the ‘Boa Constrictor’ Dis-Engagement ring itself. It is fairly rare for me to come across concepts and methods which are truly new in the luxury industry and I believe that this wholly democratic ideal of promoting individual contributors within all artistic mediums is the future of high jewellery.

DAWN: A New Era of Collaboration Between Brands and Jewellery Artists

continue reading

Jewellery Manifesto: Tracing Three Pivotal Decades with Pomellato Collezione 1967

With Collezione 1967, Pomellato is presenting its ‘Jewellery Manifesto’ through 75 pieces, each inspired by one of three revolutionary decades in its creative history: the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Let’s take a closer look at the Maison’s artistic signatures, reinvented for a new generation of high jewellery lovers… 

by Sarah Jordan

Pink City Style: The Best-Selling Reversible Jewels of Gyan Jaipur

I would like to tell you more about the brand, its origin story, design inspirations and its popular Jaipur and Yami collections

by Katerina Perez

Fabulous Futures: Le Vian Unveils its 2026 Jewellery Trends in Las Vegas

Here's a rundown of what was included this year…

by Sarah Jordan

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.