From Inspiration to “Yes”: Inside a Custom Sapphire Engagement Ring by Emily Kuvin

“You are truly the best, Emily. Not to sound dorky here…the ring has the best energy now because of you. You’re the most honest, lovely human and I mean that sincerely. I wouldn’t have sent him anywhere else.”

Jewelry is highly personal and creating a custom piece – especially an engagement ring – requires a lot of trust. It’s important to work with someone you like and who has your best interests at heart.

When @styledxelyse wanted someone to help create an engagement ring for her brother to present to his girlfriend, she introduced him to Emily Kuvin Jewelry. Elyse and I have worked together many times, and I love our collaborations. In fact, Elyse’s custom engagement ring redesign became the now-signature Elyse Ring! When it came time for her brother to create an engagement ring of his own, he knew he wanted something equally personal: a sapphire engagement ring that felt timeless, distinctive, and deeply considered. And she knew she wanted him to work with me. Nothing is more gratifying than a personal recommendation, especially when it comes from a highly sophisticated and respected personal stylist like Elyse.

The process began the same way all custom fine jewelry projects at Emily Kuvin do — with a conversation. We started with a video call to discuss style, budget, timeline, and the overall feeling he wanted the ring to capture. Every detail was personalized from the very beginning.

Once the vision was established, I began sourcing stones. For custom engagement rings, this is one of the most exciting parts of the process. I work with my longstanding trusted gemstone dealers to curate a selection of diamonds and/or gemstones based on the client’s preferences, so I can present a range of options that vary in cut, proportion, price, and personality. After reviewing the selections, the client chose a striking emerald-cut sapphire — a shape known for its elegant lines, understated sophistication, and ability to showcase the depth of color within the stone.

From there, the design process moved into renderings. I worked up detailed concepts around the sapphire, refining proportions and specific design elements. We went back and forth several times with lots of different ideas, until the final design felt perfectly balanced. This collaborative stage allows clients to visualize the piece before fabrication begins, ensuring every aspect is considered before production.

Once the client approved the final design, the ring moved into production. Every custom piece is carefully crafted in New York with an emphasis on quality and wearability. Before anything leaves my studio, I perform a final quality check to ensure the craftsmanship meets my standards and that every detail is exactly as the client intended.

The finished ring is a reflection of what makes custom fine jewelry so special. It is not simply about selecting a stone or setting. It is about creating something highly personal with intention and emotional significance — a future heirloom designed specifically for one person and one moment in time.

“It’s so special and you’re been so amazing throughout the whole process.”

The client and his new fiancée are thrilled with their ring and I could not be more grateful for their trust.