Lately, I’ve been reflecting on some of my favorite custom projects — the kind where memory, metal and meaning all collide. From heirloom diamonds and recycled gold to entirely bespoke wedding bands, these are the stories that remind me why I feel so called to this work...

If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible with heirloom diamonds, old gold, or a wedding set that no longer feels like you… I hope these stories inspire you.
 

LP Giobbi & Chad’s Wedding Bands — When LP Giobbi asked me to design her and Chad’s wedding bands, it felt like a full-circle moment. The anchor would be LP’s engagement ring was a sentimental diamond daisy that belonged to Chad’s mom. We designed two curved gold bands that nest perfectly beneath it, contouring the heirloom without overpowering it. For Chad, we created two individual bands that mirror LP’s curves and are permanently soldered together in the back. Hand-carved in wax, refined in person, and cast in solid 14k gold, these rings are modern heirlooms rooted in partnership, artistry, and intention. Read more about this project here.
 

This Ring Now Holds a Piece of Her Family's History — Andrea came to her Reconstruction appointment carrying rings that belonged to her mother, grandmother, and father, each holding a different chapter of her family's story. Together, we created one ring that honors all three generations, preserving their memories while giving Andrea something she can wear every day. This one is a story about family, remembrance, and carrying the past forward in a new way. Read more about this project here.
 

Lorie's Juicy Tourmaline Ring Reveal — Lorie came to us with a vivid green tourmaline she’d purchased years ago while traveling internationally, along with several inherited rings that no longer reflected her style. Together, we designed a bold modern signet-inspired ring in recycled 14k yellow gold and sterling silver that feels architectural, deeply personal and entirely wearable. The final piece honors both her past and her present. It's proof that reconstruction can create something even more meaningful than the original pieces alone. Read more about this project here.
 

You Can Still Love the Marriage & Reclaim the Ring — Cara and Cor had been married for over twenty years when they came to CMD ready for a second chapter. Their original wedding rings no longer fit their hands, lifestyle, or who they’d become together over time. Using their original diamonds and inspiration from their well-loved pieces, we created a modern mixed-metal wedding stack for Cara and a strong, understated custom band for Cor. The result feels grounded, personal, and deeply reflective of a marriage that evolved beautifully with time. Read more about this project here.
 

Cori’s Custom Diamond Stack — Cori drove over four hours to visit The CMD Shop with seven diamonds from her mother. What started as a mixed-shape idea evolved into a bold, five-ring square stack layered with matte gold (both rose and yellow), oxidized silver, and heirloom stones scattered across the faces. It’s edgy, architectural, and deeply personal. Read more about this project here.
 

Becky’s Wedding Stack, Reinvented — After two decades with the same wedding set, Becky was ready for something new. We reworked her original diamonds — including her 1.14-carat center stone — into a timeless, all-round stack featuring white gold, yellow gold, and a bold 6mm centerpiece band. When she opened the box, she wrote: “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever owned.” Read more about this project here.
 

Stephanie’s Peridot Ring Re-Design — Stephanie’s mom wore her emerald-cut peridot every single day. After inheriting the ring, it sat quietly in Stephanie’s jewelry box. It was too meaningful to part with, but not quite her style. We carefully recycled the gold and reset the original stone into a bold, modern square band with a warm gold bezel. Read more about this project here.
 

Lee’s Custom Moonstone & Diamond Stack — Lee came to me with a beloved moonstone ring and a delicate diamond band that no longer felt like her. Together, we transformed them into a bold, modern stack: a wide, matte sterling silver square band with her moonstone bezel-set for both protection and edge, paired with a 14k yellow gold diamond band using stones from her original ring. The contrast of matte silver and polished gold gives the set depth and character, honoring her past while fully embracing her present style. Read more about this project here.
 

If you’ve been holding onto diamonds, want to recycle metal for credit, or just have a vision for something entirely your own, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide that walks you through the entire process — timelines, pricing, recycling credit, designer appointments, and how to begin.
 

You can book a 15-minute consult with me, I would love to chat more! 
 

Thank you for trusting us with your stories.
 

xo,
Colleen ✨

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