A Vintage-Inspired Custom Engagement Ring Story from the Chrysos Collection

Inspired by Legacy: How One Couple Designed Their Own Heirloom Engagement Ring

Sarah and Greg met in 2017. Just a few years later, on a beautiful shoreline, he proposed—a coin pendant with a snake and evil eye for new beginnings and protection. For their five-year wedding anniversary, Greg commissioned a surprise redesign: an heirloom engagement ring that would feel timeless and personal from day one. We kept the silhouette low-profile for daily wear and leaned into heritage ring style—old-world details combined with modern craft to create a piece meant to stand the test of time.

The Bohemian Spark: Weaving Family Stories into Ring Design

Sarah has a soft spot for color and vintage romance. We honored that with a deep green sapphire center and details that echo romantic vintage wedding rings—subtle texture, hand-finished accents, and a setting that feels eternal, rather than brand-new. The result is a vintage-inspired engagement ring with presence, sentiment, and just enough edge.

The Chrysos Aesthetic: Gold, Filigree & Antique Touches

Chrysos is where jewelry meets history. Think warm metal, delicate textures, and airy architecture that nods to Edwardian filigree without feeling fussy. In Sarah’s ring, we used vintage bridal ring proportions, crisp milgrain, and a split-shank to keep the design light on the hand while maintaining that antique-leaning elegance.

Symbolism in Every Detail: From Milgrain to Stone Shape

We chose a cushion-cut center—an antique-coded profile that gives broad, velvety flashes like are reminiscent of an old mine or old European cut, with modern precision. Milgrain adds that time-tested grace; diamond accents keep the light dancing. And while diamonds are classic, we love non-traditional gemstones in vintage rings—here, a green sapphire that ties color to meaning.

A Ring That Tells a Story – Now and for Generations to Come

Built low and secure, finished by hand, and designed with intention, this piece carries family legacy in every line. It’s a heritage ring style made to live beautifully now and feel at home decades from today—history you can wear.

How She Chose a Cushion Cut to Match Her Vintage Taste

Sarah gravitated to the cushion’s softened corners and antique feel—romance without being over the top, glow without being too flashy.

Choosing Yellow Gold for Contrast (and Comfort)

Her original rose gold ring disappeared on her skin, so we moved to yellow gold for warmth and contrast—recycled options available for a sustainable upgrade.

Why They Chose a Deep-Green Australian Sapphire as the Centerpiece

Green felt personal and painterly; the cushion-cut sapphire delivered richer color and a larger presence than her original stone while staying low-profile for practicality in everyday wear.

Designing the Band: Milgrain, Hand-Etched Details, and a Secret Motif

We balanced a split-shank with fine milgrain and hand-finished textures; inside the gallery, a subtle “eye” motif quietly honors their proposal pendant. An optional engraving keeps a private note close.

On their anniversary this October, Sarah loved it immediately—easy to wear every day, and meant to last a lifetime.

Visit our vintage collection Chrysos for some antique inspiration!