top 5 diamonds 2023

Hey, everyone! Welcome back to the By Bonnie blog, your go-to spot for all things diamonds!


Okay, before I dive into sharing my favorite pieces of the year, let's have a real talk. Like, seriously, I want to spill it all—my physical health, my mental well-being, everything. Let's get raw for a minute. So, over the past five years, I've been pushing myself to the limit, pouring my heart and soul into diamonds day in and day out.


Don't get me wrong, I love what I do. But there are moments when I'm like, "Please, can I just catch a breath?" Especially when I get those emails from folks wondering if I'm some kind of diamond-obsessed robot! Like, calm down, folks. Yep, I'm human too. So, I just want to say a huge thank you for being patient with me. You guys are the real MVPs.


Okay, back to business! Let's talk diamonds.

 

Bonnie’s Favorite Pieces From 2023

I can’t believe that we are done with another year, a year filled with beautiful creations! Let’s go back and revisit some of my favorite pieces from this year, plus a bonus one at the end.

 

4.5ct Round Diamond 6 Prong Trellis Engagement Ring

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite piece of the year! It's this stunning four and a half carat round diamond paired with our new intricate trellis band. Seriously, when I finished this beauty, it was like a light bulb moment. It's the epitome of classic elegance.

4.5ct Round Diamond 6 Prong Trellis Engagement Ring4.5ct Round Diamond 6 Prong Trellis Engagement Ring

Now, here's the thing—I'm all about the bling, but not just any bling. I'm talking big diamonds, honey! You won't catch me rocking those tiny stones. Nope, I'm all about the statement pieces. And can we talk about next year? My ten-year anniversary? Yep, I'm thinking ten years, ten grand, done deal.


But back to this piece. What I adore most about it is that while I'm always working with fancy shapes like ovals, emeralds, and radiants, there's just something about the round diamond that tugs at my heartstrings. It's like a throwback to when I started years ago with a cushion cut diamond, which I still cherish to this day.


Ah, memories! Anyway, this round diamond beauty definitely takes the cake as my top favorite project of the year.

 

East West 13 ct Radiant Cut Diamond Bangle (1ct each)

Alright diamond lovers, let's talk about my second favorite piece of the year! Drumroll, please... It's the east-west, one-carat radiant cut bangle that I crafted for one of my fabulous clients. Now, let me tell you the story behind this beauty.

East West 13 ct Radiant Cut Diamond Bangle (1ct each)East West 13 ct Radiant Cut Diamond Bangle (1ct each)

So, picture this: I have this stunning bangle in my personal collection, featuring one carat diamonds each set east-west. It's like my signature bling, you know? Well, my client saw it and was completely smitten. Can you blame her? It's seriously dazzling!


Now, here's where it gets even better. We decided to make her a radiant cut eternity band to match, and let me tell you, it's jaw-dropping. She rocks it on her index finger every single day, and she's just living for that radiant sparkle.


But wait, there's more! We decided to take our twinning game to the next level and create a matching bangle. Yep, we became bangle buddies, and let me tell you, it's a showstopper. The east-west setting adds such a unique twist to the classic bangle style. It's bold, it's different, and it's oh-so-gorgeous.

 

east-west, one-carat radiant cut bangleeast-west, one-carat radiant cut bangle

So, there you have it—my second favorite piece of the year. And speaking of east-west settings, let's roll right into my number three favorite!


Emerald Diamond East West Set Petite Low Profile ¾ Way Wedding Band

Brace yourselves because I'm about to share my absolute favorite piece of the year! Are you ready? Ta-da! It's this beauty right here, crafted and designed by yours truly. Let me tell you all about it.

Emerald Diamond East West Set Petite Low Profile ¾ Way Wedding BandEmerald Diamond East West Set Petite Low Profile ¾ Way Wedding Band

This ring is something special—it's one of the lowest, extra-low set bands I've ever made. And guess what? I decided to give it that unique east-west twist. I mean, come on, how cool is that? I'm totally obsessed with it!


Now, here's where it gets even better. I've been dreaming about my ten-year upgrade, and let me tell you, it's going to be epic. Picture this: a ten-carat diamond paired with my east-west emerald-cut band. Can you say “dreams come true?”


But hold onto your hats, folks, because I've got a little surprise up my sleeve. Let's just say, when I was in New York, I may have stumbled upon something that could make my dream a reality. Fingers crossed, right?

lowest, extra-low set bandslowest, extra-low set bands

So, why is this ring my absolute fave? Well, it's classic with a twist, just like me! I can rock it on my index finger, and every time I look at it, it just makes me smile. The setting is so low, the craftsmanship is impeccable—it's like it was made just for me. I'm absolutely smitten with it!

 

“The Hailey” Oval Solitaire Engagement Ring

Let’s talk about not only one of my favorites but a CROWD FAVORITE—the Hailey Bieber-inspired remake! This ring holds a special place in my heart because it's all about love and connection.

“The Hailey” Oval Solitaire Engagement Ring“The Hailey” Oval Solitaire Engagement Ring

It all started with one of my clients who was inspired by Hailey Bieber, and let me tell you, we absolutely nailed it the first time around. Fast forward to now, and it's become a signature piece here at By Bonnie. How cool is that?


Recently, we had the pleasure of creating a stunning set for a lovely couple from Atlanta. They went all out and opted for a four and a half carat version of the ring, and let me tell you, it was an experience to remember. We documented the whole journey, so be sure to check it out!


Seeing their wedding photos brought tears to my eyes—it's just so incredibly beautiful to witness love stories unfold. In a world where it can be tough to connect with people, being a part of these special moments is what truly fills my heart with joy.

“The Hailey” Oval Solitaire Engagement Ring“The Hailey” Oval Solitaire Engagement Ring

From meeting them as boyfriend and girlfriend to now seeing them with three kids and a whole family—it's been an amazing journey, and I feel so grateful to be a part of it. This is why I do what I do, folks—I love every minute of it!

 

6.5ct Emerald 3 Stone Ring with Step Cut Trapezoid Side Stones

Last but not certainly not least, this gorgeous gem in my collection—the six and a half carat three stone emerald cut ring. This one's a real showstopper, let me tell you!

6.5ct Emerald 3 Stone Ring with Step Cut Trapezoid Side Stones6.5ct Emerald 3 Stone Ring with Step Cut Trapezoid Side Stones

Why is it my favorite of 2023, you ask? Well, because it's also my next, next, next dream ring. Yep, you heard that right—I'm dreaming big with a 20 carat version, maybe even larger, like 25 carats! I mean, who wants their knuckles covering up all that sparkle, am I right?

20 carat version20 carat version

You know I'm passionate about something when I start talking like this! But seriously, this ring is definitely one of my favorites, and I can't wait to see it become a reality in the future.

 

Bonus Ring!

Oh, and let's not forget about one more thing—a little bonus point from yours truly. One of my proudest moments in creation has to be the Contour Emerald Cut Band. Let me tell you the story behind it!

Bonus Ring!Bonus Ring!

So, originally, I designed this band as a travel ring for myself. But then, my client caught a glimpse of it and fell head over heels. 

six and a half carat three stone emerald cut ring.six and a half carat three stone emerald cut ring.

Before I knew it, I was making versions for emerald cuts, for ovals, for you name it! And the best part? It solved that pesky problem of rings and bands not sitting flush together. Talk about a win-win!


So, what do you think? Which piece stole the show for you on my website and Youtube channel? I'm dying to hear your thoughts!