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Leo isn't exactly known for shrinking into the background, so when I began thinking about a ring inspired by this sign, I knew the design needed a little presence.
The Sun rules Leo and feels completely at home in this solid, yang, fire sign. Both Leo and its ruling luminary are associated with vitality, creativity, leadership and the desire to shine. Those born under the sign of The Lion are often warm, determined, expressive and perfectly comfortable attracting a little attention.
In other words, subtle wasn't really the assignment.
Leo season begins after Cancer, when summer is still very much alive but the seasonal story has begun to shift. The daylight still dominates, yet the days are slowly becoming shorter as we move closer to autumn.
I've always loved that symbolism. Leo carries an association with radiance and visibility, but also with the desire to create something lasting in a world where everything eventually changes. Traditionally associated with kings, rulers and nobility, Leo brings themes of loyalty, authority, legacy, fame, spirit and the impulse to leave some part of yourself shining behind you.
That gave me plenty to work with when it came time to translate the sign into jewelry.
The creation of The Leo Ring was driven by my desire to capture that larger-than-life, radiant energy without interpreting the symbolism too literally. I didn't need to put a lion or a sun on the ring. I wanted the design itself to behave a little like Leo.
The focal point is a 3mm raised, bezel-set diamond that sits proudly above the band rather than blending into it. The diamond catches the light, adds just the right pinch of glamour and makes the ring nearly impossible to ignore once it's sitting in a stack.
It can be made in solid 14k gold or sterling silver, and while it works beautifully on its own, I especially love what happens when that raised diamond enters a larger ring stack. Everything around it suddenly has something to orbit.
There are plenty of reasons to wear a solitaire diamond, and they don't all have to involve an engagement. Sometimes you simply want a beautiful diamond ring because you love the way it looks on your hand.
That feels particularly appropriate for Leo. There's something wonderfully unapologetic about choosing a piece because it makes you feel fantastic, adding it to the rings you already wear and letting it sparkle without needing a larger explanation.
The Leo Ring is a little piece of everyday extravagance. It has enough presence to stand alone, but it can just as easily become the bright focal point in a mixed-metal stack filled with different shapes, widths and finishes.
Because sometimes the ring really can steal the show.
When I design jewelry around the zodiac, I'm much more interested in translating the character of a sign than illustrating it literally. I want the finished piece to feel like CMD jewelry first: modern, wearable and interesting enough to become part of your everyday collection.
You certainly don't have to be a Leo to wear this one, either. Maybe you're drawn to the sign's creativity and confidence. Maybe there's an important Leo in your life. Or maybe you simply appreciate a raised diamond that refuses to disappear into the background.
All perfectly acceptable reasons, if you ask me.
Leo season eventually gives way to Virgo, but I think we can borrow a little Leo energy any time of year. Wear the thing you love. Take up some room. Let yourself shine.
And if you're celebrating a Leo birthday, make sure we know when your special day is! You can learn more about our CMD Bucks Rewards Program and the Birthday Bucks we send our members. A little extra jewelry money feels especially appropriate for the zodiac's resident lover of beautiful things.
Here's to stealing a little spotlight,
Colleen
© Colleen Mauer Designs. All rights reserved.
Published: August 17, 2023
Updated: August 24, 2026
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Jill
August 23, 2023
A sweet aesthetic to add to your collections. Love it!