Of all the important details that go into a memorable engagement, your ring is probably the one piece that will never go out of style. Finding the right engagement ring can be daunting, especially for the unconventional bride-to-be, who dreams of a more unique engagement ring that speaks about their personality and individuality, rather than that of their statements of status. There is a cultural shift happening towards a renewed appreciation for engagement rings with history which had led to something ‘old’ becoming the ‘new’ ring for that special someone.
There may be a certain appeal to buying an engagement ring no one has worn before. It can feel more like it’s truly yours, a part of you, and a symbol of your special love, and not anyone else’s. But while no one else may have worn your particular ring, if you bought it from one of the jewelry stores out there, there’s a high probability that at least one other person out there has your same ring. The same metal, the same stone, the same look, the same everything. Now imagine wearing a vintage ring with a little history behind it. Imagine if that ring could talk, what stories it would tell. These vintage rings, before mass production, were lovingly handcrafted by talented jewelers creating from their own imaginations. They’re miniature works of art, with no duplicates to be found. The level of craftsmanship and detail put into vintage engagement rings is unparalleled still to this day, and what makes them so expensive today. So just as your love is unique, shouldn’t you have a unique ring designed with intricate detailing allowing you to capture your story? The amount of time and money required to commission a jeweler to create a ring would quickly become an expensive venture, or wouldn’t it?
Behind the craft
When you search ‘engagement ring’, immediately the name Lyppens comes up in your search. Arguably the Netherlands’ most iconic jewelry brand. The history of Lyppens dates back to 1959 when back then Herman Lyppens senior opened the Langebrugsteeg store, specializing in modern, vintage, antique, and handmade jewelry, timepieces, and silverware. Lyppens quickly established itself as the go-to imperium for lovers of all things shiny and glittering. A true phenomenon that is firmly etched into the history books of Amsterdam. The name Lyppens has been synonymous with family traditions from celebrating the bright futures and trailblazing accomplishments of their next generation, to the engagement ring market, which turned this Amsterdam jeweler into the premier destination for couples embarking on married life. When adding ‘custom design’ to the search their modern and vintage-inspired pieces, which are crafted to mimic the intricate lace of antique filigree, the swoops, and swirls of etching and engraving of art nouveau, and the coveted angles of art deco design, will have proposers opt for a custom design engagement ring. As most believe a custom ring and a personalized design service will incur a hefty premium, at Lyppens these services are accessible to everyone and can be affordable, and still cater to the desired aesthetics. It was without a doubt the perfect match for a creative and unique man like Djordy to embark on this ‘love story’ journey with Lyppens, by creating an engagement ring that tells our story, decades after we say “I do.”
Labor of love
Djordy purchased a custom ring, a process he says was easier and more satisfying than he expected. In all his research of collecting references from different styles and eras, he felt confident enough to start the process of connecting all these elements in one design with Lyppens’s craftsman, focusing on heritage, personal characteristics, and our love story. Whenever I look at this ring I not only see a beautiful ring, where much thought and love has gone into it, but this is a ring of, courage and reinvention that constantly reminds me of the creativity of my husband-to-be. The ring is a brilliant manifestation of his main idea- to make an engagement ring that has a vintage feel, with a huge influence from famous and decadent periods, mesmerized by the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and intricate detailing, and historical elements. The combination of storytelling, rarity, the character and personality that is inherent to the craft, and details of this ring, is what made me fall head over heels for, one that accommodates my lifestyle and, like the man I am marrying, the one I love deeply, compliments me and feels like I can live with day-to-day.
“Whenever I look at this ring I not only see a beautiful ring, where much thought and love has gone into it, but this is a ring of courage and reinvention that constantly reminds me of the creativity of my husband-to-be.”
—Nada Hubara
Where tradition begins
There are infinite possibilities in crafting a unique engagement ring. Whether you’re entirely inspired by an antique piece of jewelry or you’re incorporating one or two vintage elements into a modern design.
In fact, taking inspiration from styles-gone-by will give more layers and depth to the character of the ring, and make it more personal. A custom design ring can also create new traditions. In the age of minimalism, it’s still important for your future posterity to have something to remember you by. If you have your own piece of custom jewelry to pass on, generations down the line will feel connected to your place in history.
With this ring, we may just start our own family heirloom, that is full of meaning, stories, and memories. As it’s passed from generation to generation, the heirloom can be a way to preserve our love story.
