Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
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
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’sA private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for SummerThe designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.
Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With DisabilitiesAround 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at ConvergeThe event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s SaleThe one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical MetalsmithsThe donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education FundBIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past DecadeAs a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum “Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
