As engagement season peaks and Valentine’s Day approaches, couples across the Richmond region are turning to meaningful, story-driven jewelry to mark life’s biggest moments. One such story began with a Bumble match between two cities. She was living in Washington, DC. He was based in Richmond. What started as a modern digital connection quickly became something deeper, leading her to move to Richmond in fall 2022 and the couple to later relocate back to the DMV together in 2023.
“The ability to design something completely unique meant everything to us,” said the bride-to-be. “Emily and her team were incredibly responsive to feedback and small design tweaks. It truly felt customer-centric. They were invested in creating an heirloom piece that honored my grandmother and our story.”
When it came time to plan a proposal, the groom-to-be chose Emily Warden Designs, the Richmond area’s leading destination for custom engagement rings and heirloom redesigns. The bride-to-be brought three deeply personal rings to the studio, including stones from her grandmother’s engagement ring, her grandmother’s wedding band, and a ring gifted by her parents for her college graduation. Her grandmother passed away in 2020, making the opportunity to carry those stones forward especially meaningful.
After reviewing the initial design sketch together, Emily Warden worked privately with the groom-to-be to preserve the surprise. The proposal took place in fall 2024 during a planned trip back to Richmond, where he proposed at Main Street Station with a custom ring designed to blend family legacy with a modern love story.
“These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do,” said founder and designer Emily Warden. “Jewelry should hold meaning beyond the moment it’s given. Being trusted with heirloom stones and helping couples create something that will be passed down for generations is incredibly special to our team.”
Stories like this have helped establish Emily Warden Designs as the Richmond area’s top engagement ring destination. Last year, the studio was named number one on the Richmond Bride A-List for custom rings, engagement rings, wedding jewelry, and wedding bands. With 423 rings sold in the Richmond area alone, the brand continues to reign as the go-to jeweler for couples ready to say “I do.”
Founded by Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Emily Warden, the Richmond-based studio specializes in handcrafted fine jewelry made in small batches with responsibly sourced materials. The brand has emerged as a Virginia company to watch in 2025, driven by Warden’s blend of artistry, ethical focus, and collaborative leadership. Recent partnerships, including work with MisFit Diamonds, reflect the studio’s commitment to transparency and education around ethically sourced natural diamonds.
Beyond engagement rings, Emily Warden Designs offers giftable fine jewelry ideal for Valentine’s Day and milestone moments, including charms and lockets, timeless staples, cocktail pieces, and one-of-a-kind designs. With an all-female team and a community-minded approach, the studio delivers a thoughtful, personal shopping experience both online and in person during engagement season and beyond.
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.
