Back in 2020, when so much of life suddenly had to happen through a screen, I started something called the Ring Bar Happy Hour. I'd hop onto Instagram Stories, pull out trays of CMD rings and start building stacks in real time. Some were combinations I'd been thinking about for a while and others came together right there while everyone watched.
What started as a way to stay creative and connected during a very strange year became one of my favorite parts of that chapter of CMD.
I've always loved stacking rings. Mixing widths, shapes, metals, finishes and diamonds until a combination feels just right is one of those things I could happily do for hours. The Ring Bar Happy Hour gave me an excuse to do exactly that while inviting all of you into the process.
I'd create one-of-a-kind combinations, share styling ideas and put together stacks that sometimes surprised even me. It was informal, experimental and a little unpredictable, which was exactly what I think we all needed at the time.
The original Ring Bar Happy Hours eventually came to an end, but the idea behind them never really left CMD. I still love sitting down with someone, pulling out rings and trying combinations until we find the stack that makes them light up.
These days, you can do that with me in person at The CMD Shop & Studio in Asbury Park during scheduled Open Hours, at one of our Pop-Up Events or during a private appointment. And if you're nowhere near New Jersey, we can build together virtually. Distance has never stopped us from making a really good stack.
Whether you're starting with one ring or already have a hand full of CMD, the process is still the same. We try things. We move them around. We mix metals we're supposedly not supposed to mix. We add one more ring just to see what happens. And somewhere along the way, we find the combination that feels like yours.
If you'd like some help building or adding to your own stack, book an appointment or come see me during our next Open Hours.
Still stacking until I can't bend,
Colleen
© Colleen Mauer Designs. All rights reserved.
Published: September 23, 2020
Updated: August 19, 2026
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