Ring win brings sparkle to mum's eye

Jeweller Angela Daniel (left) with Herald promotion winner Sarah Irving. Photo / Dean Purcell

It's been a whirlwind week for Auckland mother-of-two Sarah Irving.

As winner of the Herald Angela Daniel promotion, the 38-year-old Mairangi Bay resident scored a 2.3ct, 18k white gold diamond ring, valued at $30,000.

The sparkly stunner, which has been set with 83 diamonds, was presented to her by Ms Daniel at her Newmarket store on Tuesday.

"It looked amazing. It was a bit overwhelming because I'd never worn jewellery that expensive before."

"It fits perfectly," Mrs Irving said.

To make the most of the special occasion, the account manager took the day off work and also booked a manicure.

"You don't think you're ever going to win the competitions.

"I brought a friend with me and then we went for lunch afterwards," she said.

Her diamond prize had also caused a stir at home, with Mrs Irving's 2-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son taking turns at trying on the beautiful bespoke ring.

Even her husband had fallen for its charms, admitting it was "pretty cool", she said.

While Mrs Irving wasn't sure whether she would keep the ring permanently, she did say she was enjoying wearing the piece of jewellery around her middle right finger.

"At the moment it will be on my finger all the time.

"I have to wear it to work ... so everyone can try it on."

Mrs Irving said her mother had also entered the competition, which required contestants to collect daily keywords from the Herald.

"She was excited because she helped me with some of the words."