Here is a picture of the final design, finished in platinum with a 1 carat radiant diamond. 

These rings represent a true collaboration between client and designer, and have a history quite unlike most engagement rings.

We share this story with you to inspire you to think outside of the norm when it comes to the rings that represent your love and devotion to each other.  How many people can relay the same story of the same brand name ring purchased from the same brand name store?  Now think about Kirk and Lauren. 

We met Kirk and Lauren in the summer of 2007 when they walked into our shop off the street on their initial search for an engagement ring.

Not long after our first meeting we found Kirk a beautiful 1 carat radiant diamond.  We set the stone in a simple solitaire and sent him off to propose.

Then, on a hike in Europe, and with butterflies in the air around them, Kirk proposed.

Meet Kirk and Lauren...      a true story (we promise!)

After their trip, Lauren,  came to us with her diamond and an interesting idea: to create rings inspired by a butterfly and a SEM picture of the microstructure of a butterfly wing. 

We loved Lauren's idea.  The challenge we faced from a design standpoint was to create a ring that was evocative of a butterfly but to avoid looking like a "theme" ring.

The finished piece also needed to stand on its own as a design, outside of the context of the butterfly and without having Kirk and Lauren's back story there as an explanation.  We wanted to instead have the ring's history act as an enhancement to its overall look.

Simply put, the ring needed to be beautiful on its own, and when Lauren was to tell the  story behind it, then the details in the ring would take flight in a new and interesting way. 

What Lauren says...

"My rings are more than a material symbol of a momentous occasion.  The extremely customized aspect of their design affords me the opportunity to revisit the sweet emotions and the picturesque scenery that crowned our engagement, every time that I glance upon my left hand.  These rings are the product of a series of progressively focused design iterations that began as a conversation with Jay.  I described the physical and emotional elements that so clearly defined that special day and he in turn translated these aspects into the organic lines and unique features that constitute my engagement and wedding bands.

It is my opinion that the J. Albrecht Fine Jewelry team possesses the uncanny ability to remain highly adaptive to each customer’s design taste and preference, which makes for a satisfied customer.  However, when this same team is given the additional freedom to infuse the piece with their own creative elements, through custom design, it makes for an elated customer who cannot wait for her next opportunity to sit down at the J. Albrecht design table and create beautiful jewelry."

-lauren