CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
EditorsJan 20, 2021
When Nerd Culture and Engagement Rings Collide
From Harry Potter to the Legend of Zelda, these are the geekiest engagement rings around.
The “Spiritual Stone of the Forest” emerald engagement ring, crafted by New York City-based designer Kelly Zogheb of Soulbound, was inspired by “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” video game.
I am in my late 20s and it’s proposal season.
From Christmas surprises to “ringing” in the new year, my social feeds have been full of engagement ring photos.
Within my own friend circle, I’ve noticed a clear trend—the less traditional, the better.
One friend has a gorgeous pigeon’s blood ruby center stone, a grotesque name for a beautiful gem.
My best friend and I, neither engaged nor in a rush to marry, often send each other our engagement ring picks for fun.
We met a few years ago while working for the same jewelry company, specializing in diamonds, so we know what we want down to the letter, literally.
Just the other day, she sent me a link to this stunning marquise-shaped pink tourmaline set in platinum with a tapered diamond baguette on each side. It was a showstopper.
(I lean a bit more traditional, opting for marquise-shaped diamonds and simpler platinum bands.)
So-called alternative engagement ring picks—like my friends’ pigeon’s blood ruby or pink tourmaline center stones—are nothing new, having grown in popularity in recent years.
There are some people, however, taking “alternative” to new levels.
Sapphire Studios Design, a Melbourne, Australia-based jeweler, caters to those looking for something more than a little out of the ordinary.
The “Iconica” collection draws inspiration from pop culture, including movies, TV shows, and video games.
Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, or Sailor Moon, there’s an engagement ring for you.
From Christmas surprises to “ringing” in the new year, my social feeds have been full of engagement ring photos.
Within my own friend circle, I’ve noticed a clear trend—the less traditional, the better.
One friend has a gorgeous pigeon’s blood ruby center stone, a grotesque name for a beautiful gem.
My best friend and I, neither engaged nor in a rush to marry, often send each other our engagement ring picks for fun.
We met a few years ago while working for the same jewelry company, specializing in diamonds, so we know what we want down to the letter, literally.
Just the other day, she sent me a link to this stunning marquise-shaped pink tourmaline set in platinum with a tapered diamond baguette on each side. It was a showstopper.
(I lean a bit more traditional, opting for marquise-shaped diamonds and simpler platinum bands.)
So-called alternative engagement ring picks—like my friends’ pigeon’s blood ruby or pink tourmaline center stones—are nothing new, having grown in popularity in recent years.
There are some people, however, taking “alternative” to new levels.
Sapphire Studios Design, a Melbourne, Australia-based jeweler, caters to those looking for something more than a little out of the ordinary.
The “Iconica” collection draws inspiration from pop culture, including movies, TV shows, and video games.
Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, or Sailor Moon, there’s an engagement ring for you.
The “Mystic” diamond ring, inspired by the Harry Potter series
The “Mystic” diamond ring, shown above, was inspired by the Deathly Hallows symbol from the Harry Potter series.
This ring, like most on the Sapphire Studios website, is available in 10-, 14-, or 18-karat yellow, white, or rose gold. It ranges in price from $2,156 to $2,745.
If you’ve stayed up until the wee hours playing Kingdom Hearts or Final Fantasy, you’re covered, too.
The Kingdom Hearts-inspired “Destiny” diamond bridal ring set
The “Destiny” diamond bridal ring set features a star-shaped “Paopu” fruit from the video game series Kingdom Hearts. The fictional fruit is native to Destiny Islands, the home world of main game characters Sora, Riku, and Kairi.
The legend goes that if two people share the fruit, their destinies are joined together and they’ll remain in each other’s lives.
The set is available in 10-, 14-, or 18-karat yellow, white, rose gold, two-tone white and rose, and two-tone white and yellow. It ranges in price from $3,719 to $4,301.
“We have such a wide range of customers. Lots are into the alternative scene or cosplay,” said Alisha Walker of Sapphire Studios Design. (Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as a character from a video game, movie or book.)
“I think they all appreciate the artistic approach to our jewelry.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The “Until Death” collection is one of the most popular, combining black gold and dark hues to capture a gothic romance feel.
A coffin-cut garnet set in black gold from Sapphire Studios’ “Until Death” collection
The “Valencia” ring, featuring a 1.30-carat diamond set between two black rhodium bats
The “St. Ivy” Ring features a round-cut diamond set between two black rhodium skulls and surrounded by intertwined vines and stone accents
The “Nevermore” ring, inspired by poet Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven”
“I think a lot of people want something different and not the same cookie-cutter designs,” Walker said. “A lot of customers tell us they have never seen anything quite like our designs and that’s what we want, to create something unique.”
“Most of my customers enjoy their geeky passions with their partner, and they love the idea of having that reflected in their bridal jewelry.” —Kelly Zogheb, Soulbound
For Kelly Zogheb of Soulbound, unique jewelry is her specialty.
The New York-based jeweler specializes in video game-inspired designs, including Animal Crossing and the Legend of Zelda series.
The name “soulbound” refers to items used in video games that can’t be given to another player, as they are tied to your soul. These items are typically rare and powerful, explains Zogheb on her website.
“My customers are pretty much just like me,” she said. “Proud gamers and geeks who are looking for fine jewelry that can express their passions, while still being tasteful and elegant.”
Her most popular designs are those inspired by her favorite video game, “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.” Released in November 1998 for the Nintendo 64 console, the game is a mainstay in the memories of many ‘90s kids.
“Most gamers consider it to be a masterpiece. I personally think it shaped me as a person and led me down a career path full of fantasy and imagination,” said Zogheb.
The ultimate power in the Zelda universe is the Triforce, she explained, a sacred relic left behind by the goddesses who created the world. It grants the wish of anyone who obtains it.
It’s hidden in the “sacred realm” and can only be accessed by collecting three “spiritual stones”—Kokiri’s Emerald, Goron’s Ruby, and Zora’s Sapphire.
Her best-selling engagement rings are those inspired by the Triforce and its spiritual stones.
The top seller of all is the ring inspired by Zora’s sapphire, seen below.
In the game, a princess named Ruto gives you the sapphire and tells you that her mother told her to only give the stone to the man she will marry, referring to it as an engagement ring.
The “Spiritual Stone of Water” ring, inspired by Zora’s sapphire ($1,500)
The “Spiritual Stone of the Forest” emerald engagement ring ($1,815), inspired by Kokiri’s Emerald in the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The “Spiritual Stone of Fire” ring set with a princess cut ruby and accent diamonds held in place by dodongos, fire-breathing dragons you fight in the game ($1,610)
The “Goddesses’ Relic” engagement ring, set with three triangle-shaped diamonds to represent the Triforce ($1,910)
Also an avid fan of Japanese manga Sailor Moon, Zogheb designed this ring, seen below, based on Neo-Queen Serenity’s crown.
The center garnet sits inside a golden heart, topped with a fleur-de-lis crown and flanked by diamond wings.
The “Neo-Queen” ring draws inspiration from Sailor Moon. Available in 14-karat yellow, white, or rose gold, the ring retails for $1,595.
The "Gold Rose" diamond ring ($1,680)
The “Gold Rose” diamond ring, meanwhile, mimics the gold roses that grow in the video game “Animal Crossing New Horizons.” Zogheb calls it the perfect fit for those who like delicate, minimal jewelry.
Soulbound also makes men’s, women’s and unisex wedding bands.
The “Band of the River” matching bands ($1,265-$1,375) were modeled after Zora’s River in “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.”
The “Band of the Woods” matching bands ($935-$1,375) were inspired by the Lost Woods in the same Zelda game, decorated with deku seeds and nuts.
The one-woman company was founded in July 2017, with all the jewelry designed and crafted in New York City.
Dubbed “The Queen of CAD” by some, Zogheb uses 3D models to create her designs, eschewing molds or mass-production methods. Each piece is 3D printed to order and then cast in recycled gold.
Soulbound was on rocky ground at the beginning of the pandemic, said Zogheb, with sales “dropping off a cliff” in March, April and May.
She was considering other career paths, but business turned a corner in June as engagement ring sales picked up.
“I think at the beginning of the pandemic, couples were hesitating to get engaged because there was so much uncertainty,” she said.
By November, around the time of the vaccine news, she saw a huge jump in engagement ring sales.
“The beauty of unconventional engagement rings is that they can truly express a couple’s shared style or interests,” she said. “Most of my customers enjoy their geeky passions with their partner, and they love the idea of having that reflected in their bridal jewelry.”
Zogheb and her husband, who recently eloped, bonded through their love of video games and fantasy movies back in high school.
Fast-forward 15 years and the couple still plays video games together daily and spends date nights rewatching the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
When Zogheb and her husband eventually hold a ceremony, she’ll be walking down the aisle to a song from “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.”
Her invitations feature swords and fairies. A string quartet will play video game music throughout the night.
“There are a lot of other couples out there just like us, and my mission with Soulbound is to offer them beautiful, meaningful fine jewelry, designed by someone who truly understands their proud geekiness.”
More on Editors
The Latest
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
