real designs created for real couples

Custom Engagement Ring Stories

Every couple has a unique story, and every custom engagement ring should reflect it. Explore three one-of-a-kind designs created to capture each couple’s style, personality, and love story—from the first idea to the finished piece.
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Real Custom Engagement Ring Designs Created for Real Love Stories

Every custom engagement ring begins with a unique vision. Some couples come with a specific design in mind, while others start with a feeling, a favorite style, or meaningful details they want to incorporate. Through collaboration, creativity, and expert craftsmanship, those ideas can become a one-of-a-kind ring that represents their relationship.

Explore these three custom engagement ring stories to see how different inspirations, gemstones, settings, and personal touches came together to create rings as unique as the couples who wear them.

Learn more about the custom engagement ring process.

Elise's & Sarah's Custom Engagement Rings

Two Surprise Proposals, Two Meaningful Custom Engagement Rings

Elise and Sarah each had a surprise proposal planned for each other at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. But, first, they needed custom unique engagement rings to match their very different personalities.

Elise and Sarah met in high school and became close friends. They started dating and spent ten wonderful years together before coming up with separate surprise Baltimore proposal ideas.

The Inner Harbor was the setting of one of their first experiences together in the area, and it held sentimental value. One proposed during a dragon pedal boat adventure, and the other while overlooking the same spot from the World Trade Center — but both had custom design engagement rings.

Custom Rings as Unique as Their Love Story

Both Elise and Sarah worked with Jaci Schleigh to custom design Sarah’s engagement ring. The 14kt rose gold wedding set features a checkerboard cut, cushion-shaped, rose quartz. The rose quartz sits in a four prong custom engagement ring setting with round, gray sapphires.

The rose gold wedding band also features round, gray sapphires, but with a bar separating the two sapphire sections in order to hook into the engagement ring.

Elise also worked with Jaci to customize a Martin Flyer three-stone engagement ring. She chose a 14 karat white gold setting and customized a round turquoise colored blue topaz, flanked by two pear-shaped London blue topaz.

A Personalized Custom Engagement Ring Experience From Start to Finish

Elise and Sarah describe themselves as radically different people but were each able to enjoy working with Jaci to create the custom unique engagement ring they wanted. The rings may be nothing alike, but they are perfectly tailored to Sarah and Elise’s individuality. Jaci was able to include the important aspects Sarah and Elise wanted in their rings, like the specific shades of blue and the dramatic shape and cut.

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Brian & Danielle's Custom Engagement Ring

A Custom Engagement Ring Inspired by Their Love of Music

When it came time for Brian to start shopping for an engagement ring he knew an off-the-shelf ring wouldn't do for the love of his life. So much of Brian and Danielle's life together revolves around music. So Brian began his search for a custom engagement ring that would incorporate their musical nature.

Finding a Jeweler Who Could Bring His Vision to Life

“When I began looking around for jewelry stores around me, I noticed that Nelson Coleman was the highest reviewed, and decided to come and see for myself. When I entered I was immediately greeted, welcomed, and offered assistance. I then explained how I was looking for an engagement ring for the love of my life and how I was kind of looking a custom ring which would be something that she would treasure forever, enter Jaclyn Schleigh." - Brian

Collaborating With a Jewelry Designer to Create a One-of-a-Kind Ring

Brian worked with Jewelry Designer Jaci Schleigh to custom design Danielle's engagement ring. Together they designed this 14k white gold diamond ring with an old European cut center diamond and surprise pink tourmalines. "Jaci is a master of her craft who sat with me, brainstormed ideas for the ring, and made the idea into reality even found the perfect diamond to top off the entire ring. I wanted a music-themed ring as my wife is a music teacher. Jaci was able to craft the band of the ring into a musical staff, and line it with the notes from Danielle and I's song." - Brian

The Perfect Ring for a Meaningful Proposal

On the morning after Easter, Brian and Danielle were lying in bed. He was telling her the story of his best friend's botched proposal and the advice he was given to just get it out. When the story was over, he surprised Danielle with her custom-designed engagement ring and popped the question. "One of the biggest worries I did have going into this entire endeavor was that the price would be too far out of my reach. Nelson Coleman was able to work with me to get this perfect ring into my price range. With the rebates given for the purchase of the ring, I was able to also buy the wedding bands after I had proposed, which were relatively inexpensive. I can't thank everyone at Nelson Coleman enough for everything they have done for me and my wife. After my experience here, I don't want to go to any other jewelry store.” - Brian

Think custom jewelry is too expensive? Learn more about the myths surrounding custom jewelry design.

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Themar & Rebecca's Custom Engagement Ring

From Morning Lattes to a Lifetime Together

Themar owns Peace & Cup of Joe, a coffee shop and bistro near Camden Yards. Themar and Rebecca met over many non-fat lattes each morning before Rebecca shoveled off to work. Now Rebecca enjoys free lattes and Themar’s continuous company.

Turning Their Coffee Shop Love Story Into a Custom Engagement Ring

Themar worked with Jaci Schleigh to create Rebecca’s surprise engagement ring. The 3-stone old-mine-cut diamond engagement ring in 14k white gold was custom-designed to incorporate their experience at Themar’s coffee shop. The center diamond is set in a four-split-prong style setting with two side diamonds that are set in coffee cups.

A Ring Filled With Family History and New Memories

Themar and Rebecca were married in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico on May 23, 2015. They return every year on their anniversary. “I always think what makes my ring so special is that it has a piece of my family history in the diamonds but that you and Themar designed the coffee cup setting to create our history together starting at his coffee shop.” -Rebecca

Ready to get started on your engagement ring journey? Learn more about our custom engagement ring services.

Create Your Own Custom Engagement Ring Story

Every custom engagement ring begins with a unique idea, a meaningful detail, or a vision waiting to be brought to life. Whether you have a specific design in mind or are still exploring possibilities, the team at Nelson Coleman Jewelers can help guide you through each step of the custom jewelry design process.

From selecting the perfect diamond or gemstone to choosing the setting, metal, and personal details that make the ring yours, we will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring that reflects your relationship and your style.

Ready to begin designing your own custom engagement ring? Schedule a consultation with Nelson Coleman Jewelers and start bringing your vision to life.

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