Grace Lee proves that a single engagement ring does have the power to change everything. Boldly designed, a collection of small but significant pieces capture the most monumental moments of our lives, but in her case, a singular design also changed one.
With a background in corporate finance, Grace Lee embarked on her journey to establish a fine jewelry empire after designing her own engagement ring. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Grace Lee has now emerged as a leader in the fine jewelry industry. She’s known not only for her bespoke, custom bridal pieces but also for everyday fine jewelry collections that capture her heritage.
So, we had to ask Grace Lee about her background, latest collection, and–of course–the engagement ring that changed everything.
Courtesy of Grace Lee
Courtesy of Grace Lee
So, you became a jewelry designer when you designed your own ring? Tell me about that ring and how it changed everything?
“My engagement ring was actually quite simple—it was prong-set in platinum with a thin band. The key difference was that it was low-profile and allowed my wedding band to stack flush next to it.”
Do you feel like your background or heritage influence your designs? Tell me more about the Helix Collection.
“Yes, absolutely. Given that I do not have a formal design background, I often design backwards—function and then form. These days, 10+ years later as a designer, sometimes the order is reversed but functionality still plays a big part in the design process.
“We created Helix Collection because clients seem to desire a non-traditional single-band setting that gives the illusion of multiple rings. But the Helix Ring also functions well in that you can still stack a wedding band next to it.”
Is there a stone or setting of the moment?
“Our Baguette Helix Setting with an elongated Pear Diamond is a current favorite.”
Courtesy of Grace Lee
Courtesy of Grace Lee
In your opinion, what makes an engagement ring truly unique?
“With our custom engagement rings, each piece is unique as the piece is customized to the client's hand, finger size, diamond specifications, and lifestyle. The truly unique part is each couple's story and journey leading up to the creation of a physical custom engagement ring.”
Have you seen a big trend in consumers tapping independent designers for upgrades or revamps? Do you ever work with heirloom stones in custom commissions?
“Many of our custom pieces are clients’ existing rings that are currently not being worn for reasons ranging from sizing issues to lifestyle changes that have led to an evolved sense of style. Heirloom stones are my favorite as we get to design around a piece of the client's history.”
How would you craft the perfect “ringfie” or stack?
“The physical elements of a perfect ‘ringfies’ are created with different textures, metals, and stones.The sentimental elements are the life moments that each ring of the set represents. For example, an engagement ring, wedding band, anniversary band, push bands, or an heirloom ring from a late family member, to a graduation class ring.”
When it comes to your favorite pieces, do you gravitate towards white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum? Or do you see a space in a perfect stack for them all?
“Personally, I gravitate most to yellow gold and white gold but a perfect ringfie in my opinion can include a mix of all metals.”
