Emily Warden Designs, a Richmond-based, woman-owned fine jewelry brand founded by James Madison University graduate Emily Warden, is shining a spotlight on a love story rooted in Virginia. Charlotte Mitchell and her fiancé, Tristan, first met at JMU and recently shared their engagement journey, which features a handcrafted Emily Warden Designs engagement ring.
Tristan, originally from Luray, Virginia, wanted a ring that felt different from the big chain jewelry stores. His search led him to Emily Warden Designs, where he chose a three-stone oval trilogy ring with a gold band.
“It was everything she was looking for,” Tristan said. “When I saw the ring in person, I bought it immediately.”
Charlotte, a Doswell native, recalled how personal the shopping experience felt compared to traditional jewelry stores.
“We loved how friendly everyone was and how easy they made the shopping experience,” Charlotte said. “It was also a bonus that there was a JMU connection. It felt personal, like they genuinely cared about our engagement.”
The couple’s story reflects a growing shift in the bridal world, according to Warden and her staff. Weddings and jewelry design are becoming more personal than ever. Couples increasingly want pieces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and unique to their story. Emily Warden Designs has leaned into this movement with custom bridal work, heirloom redesigns, and collections that highlight individuality and a custom jewelry design guide.
“As a JMU graduate myself, it means so much to celebrate milestones for fellow Dukes and for our Virginia community,” said Warden. “Couples today are looking for something truly one of a kind. Jewelry is no longer just about style or price, it is about capturing a piece of their story in a way that feels authentic.”
This trend has been evident in the success of Emily Warden Designs’ recent Natural Diamond Collection, created in collaboration with Misfit Diamonds. The collection, which launched earlier this year, has been especially popular among couples seeking rings that balance intentional design with responsibly sourced, one-of-a-kind stones. From unusual champagne diamonds to striking Australian sapphires, the Natural Diamond Collection offers a reflection of the individuality that modern couples are embracing.
The woman-owned design house will debut its new Fall Collection in early November. Designed and handmade in-house, the collection marks a confident evolution in Emily Warden’s creative journey, one that embraces bolder styles, richly colored gemstones, and a renewed appreciation for statement pieces.
“Our clients are embracing jewelry that feels substantial, personal, and expressive,” said Warden. “This collection celebrates that shift. You’ll find thicker bands, bolder designs, and modern silhouettes.”
Emily Warden Designs’ Fall Collection arrives as the jewelry world embraces bolder statements and richer color. According to Vogue, sculptural cuffs and chunky bands are making a major comeback, becoming essential pieces for modern collections. Porter via Net-A-Porter also highlights the resurgence of emeralds, yellow gold, and bold proportions that pair effortlessly with fall’s more expressive styles.
Emily Warden Designs continues to set itself apart in the fine jewelry industry by offering bespoke craftsmanship rooted in artistry and story. Each piece is designed and made in Richmond using responsibly sourced metals and stones, honoring both tradition and innovation.
By combining natural and lab-grown diamonds with vivid sapphires, emeralds, and sculptural designs like cigar bands and heart motifs, Emily Warden’s Fall Collection reflects the best of what’s next in fine jewelry, pieces that feel both of-the-moment and destined to endure.
The release also highlights new heart-shaped designs that blend sentiment with sophistication, offering a playful counterbalance to the collection’s geometric lines and clean, modern forms. Each piece is handcrafted in the brand’s Richmond studio using responsibly sourced materials and Warden’s signature attention to detail.
As engagement and everyday jewelry trends continue to evolve, Emily Warden Designs’ Fall Collection reflects a growing desire for individuality. Signet-style rings, modern antique cuts, and bold diamond settings speak to collectors who want pieces that stand apart, bridging the gap between classic and contemporary.
“This collection is about redefining what timeless looks like,” Warden adds. “Each design carries the emotion of the past and the energy of what’s next. That’s what makes a modern heirloom.”
Emily Warden Designs continues to set itself apart in the fine jewelry industry by offering bespoke craftsmanship rooted in artistry and story. Each piece is designed and made in Richmond using responsibly sourced metals and stones, honoring both tradition and innovation.
The Fall Collection will officially launch both online and in-person at the Emily Warden Designs showroom in Richmond, VA.
To view the collection or schedule a custom consultation, visit www.emilywardendesigns.com.
Follow Emily Warden Designs on Instagram at @emilywardendesigns for updates, behind-the-scenes previews, and design inspiration.
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Richmond, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia, or Charlottesville/ Lynchburg, Virginia, we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
