Ruby nodded. ‘Yes, I just need to measure the diamonds for it and then it can go off to be made.’ Recently Hermione had allowed her to handle the more expensive jewels – the diamonds, sapphires and rubies – and though Ruby loved them, she was always nervous of losing one because she knew that each stone was probably worth more than she could dream of earning in a couple of years. She was now trusted to lock them securely away in the safe each night when she finished work and she was forever checking that they were all accounted for – not that Hermione seemed concerned.

When they got to the workshop, Hermione took the diamonds from the safe and tipped them out onto the table. They gleamed and sparkled in the light as Ruby began to move the ones she thought would work for her new design to one side.

‘I thought this larger rose-cut one for the centre,’ she said thoughtfully. ‘The flat bottom and domed top will make an ideal centrepiece for the design and with this cut only having the twenty-four larger facets it catches the light more and makes it stand out. Then I thought these two slightly smaller ones in the same cut on either side of it, and then two old mined round-cut on either end for a contrast. It makes a boat shape, do you see, and makes it a little different to the more traditional round cluster. What do you think?’

Hermione studied the design and the stones and nodded in agreement. ‘It is actually very unusual,’ she admitted. ‘And I’m pleased to hear that you’ve been doing your homework on the different cuts. Tell me what you like about the old mine cut?’

‘Well, they usually have a slight tint to them and aren’t quite as white as the round brilliant cut, but they do sparkle beautifully in candlelight or sunlight,’ Ruby answered without hesitation. ‘Although . . .’ She hesitated. ‘I do understand that the stones I’ve chosen for this ring are worth a great deal of money so I think they are worthy of being set in platinum, but then it will make this piece extremely expensive. Do you think the person who has commissioned it will be able to afford it?’

Hermione chuckled as she examined the stones in the light. ‘Oh, don’t worry on that score. I know the client in question and believe me money will be no object if she likes it, which I’m sure she will. Well done. Now put the stones safely in that small box there and when Oscar calls later this afternoon, he can take them and the design back to the workshop to be started.’

Ruby flushed with pride and did as she was told.

‘And what are you working on now?’ Hermione asked.