Best Rings of 2021

January 1st, 2022

It has been an honor to be a bright spot for so many couples as they celebrate unexpectedly long engagements and spur-of-the-moment micro-weddings in the past year. We’re excited to share just a few of the most artistic and technically challenging pieces of jewelry we have made in 2021 that have risen to these unprecedented occasions!

For every piece of custom jewelry here, there are a multitude more that have been hand-crafted with the same care and love in our studio. In the past year, we have been in awe of the deluge of orders and support our studio has received as we re-opened our doors. We’re honored to create your meaningful works of art and are so happy to share our passion for jewelry with you!

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Jewelry Categories

Multi-Metals

Favorite Florals

Art Deco

Natural Wonders

Art Nouveau Inspired

Worldly Momentos

Vintage Mosaics

Family & Memorial Jewelry

Storytelling Wedding Sets

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Multi-Metals

With custom jewelry designs, every detail can be personalized. Mixing precious metals is a beautiful way to highlight handcrafted details and make your ring the ultimate expression of your personal style.

Architectural Sapphire Engagement Ring

A 1-carat emerald step-cut blue Montana sapphire is framed by arcs of rose and white gold accented by pavé and princess cut diamonds. Inspired by the Art Deco movement, the two-tone gold effect makes each architectural detail stand out in this gorgeous custom engagement ring. Design No. 159397

“An intricate and elegant ode to the Art Deco style, this ring features rose gold accents reminiscent of the iconographic Chrysler building and a stunning blue/green Montana sapphire daring you not to be mesmerized and lost in time.”

Designer Ben

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Scalloped Pavé Halo & Vine Twist Ring

A cushion cut pink sapphire is surrounded by a delicate scalloped halo of french set pavé diamonds in this stunning engagement ring. Delicate curls of rose gold filigree are interwoven amongst the strands of the twisting pavé band. Design No. 156293

See more of the process of how we made this ring!

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Rustic Rose Ring

Fans of peach sapphires, marquise, and tapered baguette diamonds radiate from a rustic rose-cut diamond. Tiny rose gold roses nestled in the shoulders and a rose gold bezel accent the colors of this warm and colorful center stone. Design No. 158015

“This ring design brings together a mosaic-like arrangement of various stone shapes– tapered baguettes, marquise, round cuts, and a rose cut center diamond–all contained within an hourglass-shaped frame dotted with milgrain. The geometric layout is rendered in a blush color palette of rose gold accents, peach sapphires, and a rustic diamond for a look that is subtle and elegant without sharp contrast.”

Designer Chelsea

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Mobius Twist Band

There are so many unique ways to personalize a wedding band. Incorporating multiple precious metals is a wonderful way to personalize and coordinate a band to match a partner’s wedding ring. Design No. 161796

“One of our more popular styles of men’s band has been personalized and enhanced with a streak of rose gold inlay accentuating its dynamic and perpetual motion.”

Designer Ben

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Favorite Florals

A favorite bloom can lend a beautiful theme to tie a whole ring design together from creating a color pallette to helping form a structure for the center stone and accent gems.

Ruby Rose Wedding Set

This unique wedding set creates a lush garden of emerald marquise-shaped leaves and carved roses for the engagement ring’s center 2.32 carat round ruby. Engagement Ring Design No. 156400 & Wedding Band Design No. 156561

“This project began with a search for an exquisite natural ruby, set of marquise emeralds, and pink diamonds. It is a testament to our team’s gemological expertise and ability to source some of the rarest gems in the world. 

The engagement ring enhanced by a fitted band on either side comes together to form a garden of roses and exceptionally rare gemstones.”

Designer Chelsea

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Golden California Poppy Engagement Ring

A 3.22 carat green pear sapphire is held by ornate prongs adorned by the feathery foliage of the California poppy flower. Golden poppy blooms and a twisted detail in the shoulders are accented by tiny meleé diamonds in this nature-inspired engagement ring. Design No. 153017

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Daisy & Blossom Engagement Ring

A trio of daisies are accented by bunches of blossoms in bloom nestled in the open loops of a braided band. Design No. 158533

“What I really want is a ring that shares an expression of me to share with Daysi for the rest of our life.” 

Client

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Art Deco

One of our most popular styles for vintage settings, Art Deco rings are a celebration of 1920’s geometry. Milgrain and hand engraving are added at the bench to make these brand new rings have all the Art Deco charm of their 100 year old counterparts.

Hexagon Diamond & Emerald Halo Anniversary Ring

A 2.01 carat hexagon step-cut diamond is the stunning center of this Art Deco halo ring with an inner halo of diamond baguettes, and an outer halo of triangle and custom cut emeralds. Design No. 156150

“I personally love Art Deco designs. When we found this perfect and very unique natural hexagon cut diamond, I knew it would be an exciting adventure designing an amazing ring to showcase the center stone. This anniversary ring is definitely one-of-a-kind!”

Designer Sophia

See more of our incredible collection of Masterworks designs here.

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Kite Diamond Five Stone Engagement Ring

An Asscher cut diamond is framed by kite and tapered baguette diamonds in this charming Art Deco-styled five-stone ring. Hand engraved geometric patterns encircle the gemstones while the gallery features a fan motif. Design No. 158057

“My client came to Green Lake Jewelry in search of a unique custom ring another jeweler couldn’t make. They started with Deco inspiration, but wanted a domed profile overall, so we took a flat sketch and infused it with curves. This ring has lush combination of finishes and textures, and [the jeweler] Tim was able to work miracles in fitting tiny, angled Greek keys on the top left and right of the kite diamonds.”

Designer Ellen

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Deco Old European & Trapezoid Diamond Engagement Ring

An Old European cut diamond is surrounded by vertical fans of tapered baguettes and vintage cut diamond melee. The shoulders feature trapezoidal baguettes that meet with vintage floral engraving on the band. Design No. 158215

“My client had a vintage cuff bracelet with at least 15 gorgeous old euro cut diamonds. We harvested three and used them as the base for this custom ring. My client wanted a design that would be a big look but still fit under gloves (she’s a dentist), so we went with a ring inspired by the classic dinner ring style. The engraving on the ring is based on a ring her grandmother wore, modified to fit her style and the engagement ring.”

Designer Ellen

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Golden Art Deco Halo Engagement Ring

A round diamond set in an octagonal setting is surrounded by an ornate Art Deco halo composed of fans of baguette diamonds and tiers of round diamonds that descend into shoulders with repeated architectural motifs and pierced milgrain frames. Design No. 153709

“This spectacular beauty was created for an Art Deco loving architect. The geometry of the baguette diamonds lend an inherent Art Deco feel and we bead set all the round diamonds into geometric shapes to further enhance the clean lines and angles. Edging all the stones in milgrain lends an antique flair to the entire motif.”

Designer Rebecca

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Natural Wonders

A favorite place can offer a sentimental motif for any piece of jewelry. Here are a few favorites from the past year that highlight sweeping landscapes.

Moab Solitaire

This diamond engagement ring features a half bezel setting and a detailed engraving of the Moab mountain range. Design No. 154381

“This ring places the center diamond in the middle of the Moab mountain range. It is a subtle reference to the wonderful memories and a way to take the mountains wherever you go.”

Designer Ben

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Mountain, Wind, And Wave Pavé Band

Swirls of diamonds forming waves and wind sweep across a landscape of mountains. Blue sapphires and milgrain edges accent the unique linear motifs in this pierced scenic ring. Design No. 159542

“This wedding band set was based on their lovely wedding invitations. They had a friend design their invitations and loved the theme so much we incorporated the mountain ranges and even polar bears into his band. Her band has a subtle movement and slight echoes to the design of the family ring he proposed to her with.”

Designer Sophia

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Castle & Polar Bear Wedding Band

This platinum wedding band features Neuschwanstein castle and two polar bears amongst hand-engraved treeline and scenic mountain setting. Design No. 159541

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Mountain Gallery Engagement Ring

A double rose gold bezel surrounds a hexagonal sapphire in this modern ring with a unique gallery featuring a mountain silhouette. Diamond pavé triangles accent the shoulders for extra sparkle. Design No. 158477

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Art Nouveau Inspired

Fluid strokes of metal are a signature design element of the Art Nouveau movement. For a nature-inspired design with vintage charm, the Art Nouveau movement is a wonderful period of historical jewelry to reference.

Art Nouveau Floral Halo Ring

Pointed petals filled with diamonds create a halo for a gorgeous oval center diamond. The shoulders feature sweeping Art Nouveau styled loops of platinum outlined in miligrain and accented by tiny melée diamonds set into the curls. Design No. 160312

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Filigree & Sapphire Ring

A cushion teal sapphire is framed by intricate curls of rose gold filigree. Each filigree curl in the shoulders and gallery of this design were hand-crafted at the bench for the finest detail. Design No. 152733

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Sapphire & Leaf Three Stone Ring

Two Montana sapphires frame an oval center stone in this unique three stone engagement ring with a leaf and vine motif. The gallery features a unique pierced and swirl detail cast in rose gold. Design No.158764

“This stunning ring was inspired by a beloved stock style (Design No. 147813). My client loved the swirling leaves and nature motif, but also wanted to incorporate a three stone style. We flanked her center stone with a beautiful blue Montana sapphire on each side which plays beautifully off of the warm rose gold color. It’s so fun to come up with new and creative ways to take an existing style and re-imagine it into a whole new look!”

Designer Rebecca

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Worldly Momentos

Every culture has a unique artistic language that we love exploring with our clients as they create sentimental pieces of jewelry inspired by their heritage.

Golden Filigree And Sapphire Band

Delicate gold filigree curls create an alternating pattern with arcs of milgrain and golden beads. Eternity set blue sapphires create a line to mirror and reflect this intricate filigree pattern. Design No. 160138

“This wedding ring set was based on filigree from a special necklace my client purchased in Israel. They were both very labor intensive rings and came out spectacular!”

Designer Rebecca

Intricate Filigree Wedding Band

Delicate gold filigree curls create an alternating pattern with arcs of milgrain and golden beads. A band of gold creates a line to mirror and reflect this intricate filigree pattern. Design No. 160136

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Celtic Amethyst Cocktail Ring

A checkerboard oval cut amethyst is held in an East-West setting and framed by intricate Celtic knotted rose gold shoulders. Design No. 156388

“This ring was designed by a gemstone enthusiast who was excited to see a checkerboard cut amethyst. The ring will eventually be passed to her daughter who shares a February birthday with her.”

Designer Michelle

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Golden Feather And Lotus Flower Band

Golden 22k peacock feathers and 14k rose gold lotus flowers are accented by a platinum background with a pattern of hand-engraved swirls, dots, and diamond-filled stars. Design No. 162201

“My client wanted to include elements that nodded back to her Indian heritage with inlay and engraving. At only ~4mm wide it’s a tiny feat of magic courtesy of [the jeweler] Dat Le!”

Designer Rebecca

Mokume Gane Wedding Band With Offset Stripes

The japanese art of mokume creates beautiful wood grain patterns in mixed metals. This design features a section of mokume gane made of swirling 14k rose gold, 14k palladium white gold, and sterling silver accompanied by stripes of rose gold and palladium white gold. Design No. 162328

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Vintage Mosaics

A collection of diamonds and colored gemstones in a wide range of sizes can be seamlessly brought together in a vintage halo design.

Vintage Three Stone Diamond And Sapphire Ring

A radiant diamond is framed by two blue princess-cut sapphires in this unique vintage three stone ring. Baguette diamonds create a frame around each large gemstone with small round diamonds accenting the corners. Design No. 162602

“My client lost her husband a couple of years ago, and while she loved the original wedding set Green Lake Jewelry Works created for her, wearing it had become too difficult. She wanted to reset her stones into a new ring, and brought me a gorgeous Art-Deco inspiration ring.

We created this beautiful design together, and in a meaningful coincidence, it finished on her husband’s birthday. I am deeply honored to have helped her create ring that honors the past, and that she can look toward the future with it sparkling on her hand.”

Designer Christine

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Scalloped Diamond Halo Ring

A kite set princess cut diamond is outlined by a pierced clover-shape pattern outlined in a variety of diamond sizes to create this stunning halo ring. Milgrain is added to the edges of this 18 karat gold ring to create a delicate feel. Design No. 160069

“The client’s beloved wedding set was falling apart after many years of happy marriage. She was excited to use her diamonds to create a new wedding set, and this design incorporated her love of scalloped shapes, milgrain, and bold 18kt yellow gold. I hope she will wear it with pride for years to come!”

Designer Christine

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Heirloom Vintage Reproduction

This gorgeous setting is a recreation of a vintage original. The heirloom diamonds from the original ring were re-set into this new platinum setting. A set of emeralds were custom cut to replace those shattered in the original. Design No. 157713

“Over 50 years ago, John bought Joanne’s engagement ring on a motorcycle trip through Mexico. To keep the ring safe, he hid it in a peanut butter jar. That became a family story, so on their 25^th anniversary, John presented the original ring we recreated in a small jar of peanut butter. The ring has been loved and worn, but reached the end of its life, so for their 50^th wedding anniversary, John wanted to recreate the same design as a new heirloom. I love the stories that each piece of jewelry tells. And a piece of custom jewelry tells the best stories! “

Designer Pia

“We are both delighted with the ring. The emeralds are so bright and well fitted, I think they look better than the originals. The delicate filigree and detailed engraving are superb and the whole ring just sparkles. Your team nailed it! Thanks so much for all the pictures and answers along the way, it’s been a pleasure working with you.” – John and Joanne, ME

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Family & Memorial Jewelry

Jewelry often holds precious memories in a wearable form. In the past year, we have made many pieces celebrating family, friends, and loved ones.

Filigree Anniversary Brooch

This unique brooch features a pine tree, bluebird, and swirling cloud all hand-forged in Russian-style filigree. Design No. 156629

“This was a very exciting and completely hand fabricated brooch piece created for a 4^th anniversary surprise. The symbolizm of each brooch is very important to her. His expression of love was creating each one in jewelry form. [The jeweler] Dat Le worked with me hand-and-hand to show each rolled wire set up before they were soldered in place. As the piece grew from each line of wire the whole story was told.”

Designer Sophia

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Nautical Sapphire Ring

Sapphires are swept up in wrap settings of delicate swirling waves extending from a sailor’s knot. Design No. 161702

“For this memorial ring, I sent [my client] Elizabeth probably a dozen photos of Montana sapphires in a sticky box to help her with selecting the best arrangement of colors to represent the ocean. Montana sapphires were going to be the gemstone for their engagement ring, so that’s why we included those in this design. He was an avid sailor so we incorperated lots of nautical motifs with the sailor’s knot and the waves. I especially like the touch that each wave grows from a strand of the knot. The sailor’s knot is sometimes referred to as a lover’s knot as well.”

Designer Sophie

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Musical Dragon Opal Pendant

Designed as a piece of memorial jewelry, this ornate kinetic pendant features an opal cabochon that flips to reveal a family crest. A dragon with music note ‘scales’ frames the opal and connects to tiny electric guitars forming the bail. Design No. 154354

“This pendant was created to honor the memory of the client’s late husband. The dragon, sheet music, and guitar are emblematic of his life and passions. In the tradition of mourning jewelry of the Victorian Era, this pendant holds a lock of dark hair backing the transparent opal and bringing out its vibrant play of colors. The family crest on the back of the pendant is designed so that it can be rotated to be used as a wax seal.”

Designer Chelsea

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Diamond And Ruby Swirl Ring

This wide pierced swirl band features small rubies and diamonds swept up in a multitude of delicate curls. Design No. 158976

“Swirls with sentiment! My client’s family has been passing down elements of a family ring as their wedding ring for a couple generations. This new ring was created based on the overall shape and open swirl pattern of the original family ring.”

Designer Michelle

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Storytelling Wedding Sets

A coordinating wedding set can be a unique and beautiful way to tell your story as a couple. These fantastical pieces of jewelry were meant to be together!

Tree Of Life Engagement Ring

A hexagonal light green Montana sapphire is suspended between the swirling roots and outreaching canopy branches in this Tree of Life inspired ring. Leaf details tie in the matching wedding band below. Design No. 159572

“Her ring is the Yggdrasil the tree of life. The stone is a Montana sapphire that is transparent enough to look through to see the carving of the web of wyrd which represents past present and future. 

His ring is dragon scales with a few yellow gold scales and some flush set black diamonds. The interior has ‘DMD’ carved in an axe design to represent his name’s initials as well as Dungeons and Dragons, which is how they met.”

Designer Vinh

Golden Dragon Scale Eternity Band

A 3D scale pattern with a mix of polish and matte finishes encircles this platinum band. Seven 18 karat yellow gold scales and seven black diamonds accent the band and add character to this fantastical band. Design No. 159573

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You might recognize this engagement ring from last year’s Best of 2020!

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Nature Inlay Wedding Band

Rose gold inlay and hand engraving capture symbols from nature including a cymatic frequency pattern, death’s head moth, mushrooms, deer skull, and monstera leaf. Alexandrites are flush set in the platinum amongst the intricate pattern. Design No. 157875

“In platinum with 18k rose gold inlay, alexandrites, and hand-engraving, create a flow of mirrored images referencing geometric hallucinations. This psychadelic pattern is composed of imagery with symbolic significance, including cymatic frequency patterns, Death’s Head moths, deer skulls, Destroying Angel mushrooms, and Monstera leaves.”

Designer Chelsea

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Fae Queen Engagement Ring

An oval diamond is held in an octagonal gold basket with tiny diamond accents in this folklore-inspired engagement ring. A double band features diamond dewdrops and the leaves of a blackberry bush. Design No. 160485

“This double engagement ring was forged under the glow of the moon by long forgotten magic. Tiny diamonds, sparkling like dew drops on the leaves of a blackberry bush, adorn the hand engraved majesty of a ring that is only worthy of a Fae queen.”

Designer Ben

Techno Relic Fantasy

An emerald cut orange sapphire and four baguette diamonds are set amongst a geometric pattern of ancient circuitry. A mix of brushed and polished finishes ‘reveals’ this relic technology from within the ring. Design No. 160263

“A discovered relic of ancient technology, this men’s band has an unknowable purpose forgotten through the ages of time. It is now revived; its alien circuitry humming, its orange sapphire coming back to life.  Brimming with power and yet it still remains a loyal servant to love.”

Designer Ben

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Vintage Engraved Double Halo

A bezel-set round diamond is surrounded by a double halo of french set diamonds in this ornate vintage-inspired ring. The shoulders feature pear diamonds and bead set pavé that join seamlessly with the wheat and scroll engraving along the band. Design No. 159916

Vintage Ruby Wedding Band

This 18kt yellow gold wedding band features an engraving pattern that coordinates with the engagement ring no. 159916. The center section of the band is a scroll engraving with a ruby accent. The edges are half-wheat engraved with milgrain. Design No. 160081