A Love Letter to Color: Inside the Creation of My One-of-a-Kind Orange Zircon Ring
Inspired by History, Grounded in Modern Wearability
Colorful gemstones were once the norm in engagement rings, long before diamonds became the standard. That bit of history inspired this design, but this ring isn't about tradition. It's a modern, one-of-a-kind fashion piece I created to be worn and loved simply because you want to.
It's a ring that nods to the past while carving out space for self-expression in a modern jewelry wardrobe.
I love creating rings that celebrate milestones like a marriage, but I also believe jewelry can be deeply personal without needing to mark a life event. Sometimes you wear a piece because you love it, because it feels like you.
This ring was born from that exact philosophy: a love of color, a reverence for craftsmanship, and a belief that fine jewelry doesn't need a milestone to matter. It can be worn, cherished, and passed down simply because you adore it.
The Design Begins with the Gem
It all started with a 4.95ct natural orange zircon, GIA-certified, and unlike anything I'd worked with before. Its deep oval cut, with most of the weight toward the bottom, gave it natural height and undeniable presence.
I've always been drawn to colorful gemstones. When I saw this one, I immediately knew I wanted to create something that honored its vibrancy while still feeling wearable and distinct.
Zircon ranks about a 7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which is softer than a diamond. That meant I needed to be thoughtful in the design – balancing beauty and function to create something both secure and stunning.
Designed for Beauty, Built for Real Life
Zircon isn't just beautiful, it's complex. It has warmth and depth that shifts in different lighting, and that play of color deserved a setting that would enhance it, not overpower it.
I chose a 12-prong setting for both structure and style. The prongs add extra protection for the softer stone and also complement its natural height by giving the ring visual balance. But I didn't want the prongs to feel separate from the rest of the piece. I wanted them to feel integrated and intentional.
That's where the ridged band came in. Each line flows into the next, with one overlapping ridge extending into the head of the ring. It adds texture, dimension, and gives the entire design a sculptural quality that sets it apart.
As light passes through the high-set stone, the zircon reveals rich, glowing tones from fiery orange to subtle brown undertones. I chose 14K yellow gold for the setting to echo that warmth and pull out every nuance of the color.
The result is a ring that feels both elevated and grounded. Practical enough for everyday wear, but romantic in every detail.
A Ring Meant for Expression, Not Just Occasion
Though I designed this as a statement ring, this piece is stackable and versatile – ready to be layered or worn solo. With fashion leaning into color and playfulness this summer, I wanted this piece to feel joyful but still refined. The materials, zircon and gold, offered the perfect balance of fun and sophistication.
Like all of our custom pieces at Market Street Diamonds, this ring was handcrafted with care and intention right here in our Washington, DC studio. Every part of it, from the first sketch to the final polish, was shaped by hand and guided by purpose.
Want to Create a Ring That Reflects You?
Whether you're marking a moment or simply expressing your personal style, I'd love to help you design something meaningful. Come visit us in Georgetown and explore what's possible when artistry and intention come together in one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Sydney Munns With a background in Jewelry Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Sydney has always had a passion for creating unique jewelry that is curated to her client's style. She loves staying up to date on the latest jewelry trends but is an old soul at heart, making her work a balance of timeless yet modern style.
