CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
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
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
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.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
