Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
EditorsJan 04, 2013
The droids they’re looking for
What do you create for a man who proposed to his girlfriend with an R2-D2 engagement ring around Halloween while dressed as Charlie Brown from the Peanuts? The answer is simple: a C-3PO wedding band.
This past fall, Pittsburgh-based custom jewelry designer Paul Michael Bierker made headlines with the R2-D2 engagement ring, crafted in 14-karat X1 white gold, an alloy available through Stuller, custom-cut sapphires, diamonds and one ruby for the red light that appears below the droid’s eye. (This light is technically known as the “processor state indicator;” thank you Wookieepedia.)
Bierker said he created the ring after the client, a New Jersey tattoo artist who was dating his tattoo shop co-worker, posted images of what he had in mind on CustomMade.com, a website that connects clients searching for custom-made objects with the artists who can create them.
The jeweler, who sells both to private clients and via The Collection, a retail store in Pittsburgh that carries the work of several different designers, highly recommends the site. He says it netted him more than $100,000 in gross sales this past year. The fee to join is only $1 and while the site takes a 10 percent cut of whatever you sell, he said that is nothing compared to the total cost of sales inherent in running a retail store.
He said he connected with the client who made the R2 posting immediately, “of course” jumping at the chance to make Star Wars-related jewelry.
“I was a kid of the 70s,” Bierker said. “That’s the Holy Grail of awesomeness.”
With Bierker in Pennsylvania and his client in New Jersey, the two collaborated over the Internet to create the engagement ring. Now it’s on to a wedding-band version of R2-D2’s droid partner-in-crime, C-3PO, for him. The ring will be crafted in--what else?--yellow gold using brown brilliant-cut and rough diamonds.
While Bierker can’t share his C-3PO sketches just yet, the R2-D2 ring begat a number of other Star Wars-related jobs, not surprising for an über-popular movie franchise that has to have one of the biggest merchandising followings in history.
There is the Death Star engagement ring (below, left), a 10.5 mm silver-grey Tahitian pearl with black incised into the surface and white or black diamonds available in the shank, and a pair of R2-D2 wedding bands (below, right).
Bierker also has a number of other designs influenced by popular movie and book franchises that can be viewed on his Facebook page.
The designer said he while he won’t duplicate the original R2-D2 engagement ring, he has, with permission of the client, created
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
a stripped-down version of the ring, which he refers to as R2 “light.” But when he sells one he makes a donation to the original R2 client’s wedding fund or applies some of the money to the cost of C-3PO wedding band.
It’s just the force that’s with him.
“I don’t reproduce this ring. I could make (a lot more money),” he said. “But that’s sort of how we go. I tend to be really personally connected to my customers.”
It’s just the force that’s with him.
“I don’t reproduce this ring. I could make (a lot more money),” he said. “But that’s sort of how we go. I tend to be really personally connected to my customers.”
More on Editors
The Latest
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
