What are the stats?
2.09ct Post Consumer Emerald Cut Center Stone Flanked by half carat baguette diamonds set in 18K Rose “Ali” Gold which I self alloyed.

How did you come up with the concept?
I started off creating a couple of rings that were more traditionally my style but none of them were just right. My team kept reminding me that this ring had to be exceptional and different from my other pieces. I honestly began playing around with fabrication and ended up with the final design after countless hours of filing and altering it until I was happy.

Did you work on it with your partner? How was that?
I actually did not. We created each others bands (which was awesome!) but I wanted to fabricate her entire ring while keeping it a surprise. I was lucky to have insider information from her best friend who took her ring shopping.

Did you always know what you wanted to design?
I had no idea...I really needed the process to dictate the final design.

What’s your favorite detail or part of the ring?
Setting the sidestones upside down and making the basket float were the two elements that really made the ring feel badass to me.

Did you go over budget?
I didn’t have a budget in mind so not really but I definitely went over what I thought I would make it for.

If your ring was worn by a mythical character, who would that character be? Does it have a special power?
Pegasus! Sparkly, brilliant, and capable of magically making your goals a reality. It’s special power is foresight... it predicts a pretty amazing future!

Is there advice you usually give clients that you didn’t take yourself?
If I told you I’d have to kill you...​

We are introducing a new series to the LITTLE BIRD blog. Enter: "My Engagement Ring Story" where some of our favorite engagement ring designers tell us how they imagined and then created their own engagement rings. Should be illuminating for those who are looking to create their own ideal engagement ring. Our first story comes from Brittany Stadtmiller about her engagement to Bobby. You guys. Brittany is the funniest. She runs the most attractive AND hilarious jewelry Instagram account I know of: @gemsteady. Not only did their engagement lead to MARRIAGE, but it also created the alternative fine jewelry company I've come love to hard: GEM STEADY. Enjoy!

Tell us the stats!
I actually never had an engagement ring. My husband and I got married on a whim so it was straight to the wedding band which was a super fat sterling silver cigar band.

How did you come up with the concept?
We had just begun our adventure to start a jewelry business and I thought the idea of just one really sexy wide band would be timeless (and fairly simple to create for freshly self taught jeweler). Our story is probably best saved for another day/blog post, but I knew I never wanted to be engaged or ‘have a fiance’ so one big band is all I needed to seal the deal.

Did you work on it with your partner? How was that experience?
Our wedding bands were some of the first rings we ever created (my husband is the maker) and marks the beginning of both our personal and business life together. It is definitely a pretty straight forward design, but we did work together on figuring out the perfect width and sizing.

Did you always know what you wanted to design?
I had no idea. We literally decided to get married after only a matter of a few days spent together so I had never really even thought about what my ring would look like. It was spontaneous to say the least.

What’s your favorite detail or part of the ring?
My favorite part of the ring is the fact that it was one of the very first rings my husband ever made. He had never dabbled in jewelry before, so you can see the seams and imperfections of where the metal connects. I guess that is a pretty good metaphor for our relationship too :)

Did you go over budget?
Not even close.

If your ring was worn by a mythical character, who would that character be? Does it have a special power?
A super powerful sorceress. It would definitely absorb and emit healing powers and have the capability to manifest pretty much anything I ever wanted and deflect all bullshit.

Is there advice you usually give clients that you didn’t take yourself?
I always tell my clients that they should make a decision based on what makes them feel good even if that means getting something made by someone other than me. There is no right or wrong way to wear your jewels. They should go for something that will feel timeless to them.

This client knew he wanted to maximize for the size of the center diamond, but he also felt strongly about selecting a color grade in the upper echelons of the scale. We were able to find him a larger-than-average diamond that featured an E color (very very high), and a once-in-a-lifetime, completely eye-clean twining wisp S12 inclusion grade. The result was a diamond over .10 carats larger, and 2 color grades better than every other option in his price range. W.I.N. 

We designed each element of this stunning engagement ring, start to finish, with the groom-to-be. His other half was never once briefed on the process - it was a complete surprise. This halo style engagement ring features a very unique blend of design elements. The bride-to-be was described as being a very physically active, finance professional with a simple, unique and modern personal design taste. Oh yeah, she also wanted her ring to maximize for diamond size. Round diamond halos are a great way to maximize for visual size, but we also knew that adding a bunch of little diamond accents may prove complicated if she was super active, and planned on wearing this ring on her exercise and traveling adventures. In response, we advised a platinum bezel set center diamond, so that a smooth frame of very durable precious metal held the gem in place instead of the classic prong-set design. Additionally, we made the halo diamond accents each smaller than the status quo, and increased the quantity of them. This specific design choice served to magnify the size of the center gem, while increasing the total number of diamonds on the ring itself. We also chose to channel-set each diamond in the halo instead of the usual prong-ladden pave setting you always see, which is typically more fragile than the clean channel setting. The result is a smoother, far more durable, and just plain cooler halo style ring. 

Bonus Points: We quizzed our boy on inside lover's jokes between him and his girl to uncover the special inscription on the inside of her band. Special touches like these impress for a lifetime. Literally.

Now What? Your design story is bound to be different, but the rules of engagement remain: get some help. We will happily lend an ear and help you get on the right track. Schedule a COMPLIMENTARY BIRD CALL.. This is a free consultation and very smart investment in the search for your ideal engagement ring. Let’s hop on the phone, find out where you are in the process, and get you headed in the right direction.

We are so excited to be able to congratulate these two on their engagement! Travis was one of the funniest, nicest guys we have ever had the pleasure to assist in the ring search. At the beginning of the search we were envisioning an antique solitaire. It's wild to look back on how that vision slowly morphed as we explored and compared all the possibilities out there. Travis remained open-minded throughout the process but he also stayed true to his and Amanda's personal style and let his internal compass be his guide. The result was a totally gorgeous, cushion-cut diamond in a Victorian inspired 18k white gold setting. Swoon! 



​Warmest wishes to the beautiful couple! We can't wait to see your wedding pics!
XOXO  - the Birds

Have you ever dreamed of recreating a gorgeous celebrity engagement ring? Little Bird would be happy to help. You are welcome to drop us a line to set up a free 30 minute consultation to discuss your vision for the perfect ring. 

Ever wondered how an engagement ring gets made? We had the pleasure of guiding our client Fabian through the custom design process from idea to "YES!" and it was incredible. Fabian started with a fairly clear picture of his ring. He knew he wanted a substantial center stone set in a halo sitting low to the finger so it would be comfortable. We played with a few concepts and eventually added a matching pavé split-shank band in 18K white gold. It was important to Fabian that he work with a local jeweler of the highest caliber. After exploring options both near and far, we let our instinct be our guide and decided to work with Monique of Gold Direct Jewelers in Sudbury, Ontario. By then, we had really done our homework, and as Fabian explains it:

The ring is finished! Monique did a great job. It's gorgeous and we couldn't be happier for Fabian and Jessica. Fabian is one of the nicest, most genuine, customers we have ever had the pleasure to work with, and his enthusiasm and excitement to be getting engaged to Jess was contagious. Congratulations to the beautiful couple! We wish you two cuties all the best! 

If you are feeling inspired and interested in starting the process of designing and creating a custom engagement ring please don't hesitate to drop us a line! We love projects like this and we would be happy to talk to you. 

XOXO
The Birds

Huge congratulations to Dan and Michelle on their engagement! Dan reached out to Little Bird because he had a family diamond that he was hoping to use as the center stone in a very special engagement ring for Michelle. He was dedicated to working with a local jeweler so together we did a bit of sleuthing and eventually settled on Alex's Jewelry in NY. Dan was looking for an engagement ring that would match Michelle's classic beauty, sparkling personality, and sweetness. He also wanted something practical and wearable, so Michelle could enjoy it every day for the rest of her life. Jacob at Alex's Jewelers was fantastic to work with. Dan was picturing a low profile setting with a simple halo and smooth band. As you can see from the photos, Jacob and the people at Alex's Jewelry totally nailed it! If you are in the neighborhood, go check them out. They have some gorgeous designs in there. 

Dan, it was such an honor to be able to coach you thought this process. This is a beautiful ring for a beautiful couple. We wish you two all the very best in life!