Take one look at the fresh crop of “I Said YES!” posts on Instagram and one thing becomes apparent: more in-the-know couples are opting for sparklers designed and crafted with a boutique approach—less neighborhood jeweler, more compelling brandy story. Los Angeles seems to be a haven for unique designers creating jaw-dropping rings steeped in romantic lore. Here, we rounded up a hat trick of engagement brands on our radar from the Golden State—from a rebellious It Girl favorite to an Old World-style artisan—making heirlooms for cool girls everywhere.
For jewelry label Ceremony, the bridal offshoot of cult favorite J.Hannah Jewelry, pivoting to the wedding realm was about more than just introducing modern, pared-back ring designs, but serving up a contemporary message as well: “We wanted to create a collection that represented a ring as a symbol of empowerment and acceptance; a reminder of individuality and love of all kinds,” founder Jess Hannah says. Furthering that conscious narrative, the diamonds and gems are ethically-sourced with bands crafted from the highest quality materials such as 18k yellow, rose, or white gold—spanning a modern edit of classic styles like the Deco-inspired Protea ring and the open wrap-around Toi Et Moi (“Me and You”). What better way to go off the market than with a stunning sparkler rooted in celebrating love’s many forms?
“My clients are drawn to the handmade nature of my work,” notes jewelry artisan Jessica Seaton, referring to the one-off talisman pieces the clay artist-turned-jeweler crafts from her industrial L.A. studio. Her work is championed by an “old meets new” aesthetic, utilizing turn of the century European old mine diamonds, 18k gold, and sculpting in the ancient method of lost wax casting, and ushered into the present day via innovative nature motifs and abstract sculptural elements—from serpent-shaped settings to floating diamonds. Slipping one of her careful creations onto your finger surely feels like you are part of a love story for the ages: Says Seaton, “Most of my clients feel deeply connected to the work that goes into their pieces, which is so very special.”
Jacquie Aiche’s signature bohemian luxe rebellion has garnered her a devoted “tribe,” which includes muses Behati Prinsloo, Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski. Now, the jewelry maven has translated this same spirit to a new bridal range, replete with cooly stackable bands in 14k yellow, rose, or white gold. (“Because what’s more symbolic than limitless layers for that forever love?” quips Aiche of her symbolic design intention.) From a five-diamond teardrop band to an eclectic baguette fringe ring with marquise diamonds, each arresting piece will have free spirited brides-to-be running to share with their significant others. “It’s the best feeling in the world to know you’re spending the rest of your life with your best friend,” says Aiche. “I feel so lucky to encapsulate that feeling in a piece of jewelry for my tribe.”
