Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
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.”
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
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Weekly QuizNov 13, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle StudioFounder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.
CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade AgoA buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’sMercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.
GradingNov 12, 2025
It’s Time: GIA’s Express Holiday Service Is Back GIA is offering next-day services for natural, colorless diamonds submitted to its labs in New York and Carlsbad.
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.
SurveysNov 10, 2025
5 Things Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearThe National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’sLate collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
