Family Heirloom Stones Come Together in this Modern Cluster Engagement Ring

March 23, 2023June 15, 2023

by Jenna Dubose

Reading Time: 4 minutes

When the New York Times reached out to learn more about how we incorporate family heirloom diamonds and colored gemstones into modern jewelry, we knew we wanted to feature Paige Lombard and Brian Shoenauer's stunning custom cluster engagement ring, which was still in the works at the time. Here at Bario Neal, we adore working with heirloom gemstones in our custom designs and finding new ways to reimagine your family treasures whether it is a pair of diamond earrings and matching pendant, an engagement ring, a wedding band or cocktail ring. You can always visit our custom jewelry page to start gathering inspirational images for your custom jewelry vision! These precious heirloom redesigns are unique signifiers of family history, and as an extra bonus they have a low environmental footprint because no new mining is required. Thank you Paige & Brian for choosing us to be part of your beautiful story.

Bario Neal: Why did you choose Bario Neal to design your jewelry?

Paige Lombard: Bario Neal checked all of our boxes! (1) Unique design (2) Ethically sourced (3) Custom heirloom

BN: Are you commemorating a milestone or event with your jewelry?

PL: Yes - this will be my engagement ring!

A custom made ring sits with 3D wax printouts of the ring in the Bario Neal workshop in Philadelphia, PA., on Wednesday January 25 2023. Hannah Yoon for The New York Times HEIRLOOM

Aliyah Gold, a stone setter, prepares to set stones in a custom made ring at the Bario Neal workshop in Philadelphia, PA., on Wednesday January 25 2023. Hannah Yoon for The New York Times HEIRLOOM

Aliyah Gold, a stone setter, uses a small bur to sand down a seat in a custom made ring at the Bario Neal workshop in Philadelphia, PA., on Wednesday January 25 2023. Hannah Yoon for The New York Times HEIRLOOM

Aliyah Gold, a stone setter, uses a toothbrush to dust off a custom made ring at the Bario Neal workshop in Philadelphia, PA., on Wednesday January 25 2023. Hannah Yoon for The New York Times HEIRLOOM

Aliyah Gold, a stone setter, sands down a custom made ring at the Bario Neal workshop in Philadelphia, PA., on Wednesday January 25 2023. Hannah Yoon for The New York Times HEIRLOOM

Aliyah Gold, a stone setter, polishes and cleans a custom made ring at the Bario Neal workshop in Philadelphia, PA., on Wednesday January 25 2023. Hannah Yoon for The New York Times HEIRLOOM

BN: Can you tell us about the origin of your stones and where they came from? Why have you chosen to use these heirlooms in your design?

PL: My heirloom stones come from 3 generations of incredible women in my family: my mom, grandma, and great grandma.

BN: Any details you’d like to share regarding the significance of the chosen gemstones or the design inspiration for jewelry?

PL: The combination of new and heirloom stones in our design signifies the new journey we're about to embark on as a couple and the family members supporting us along the way!

A custom made ring made from new and old stones sits at the Bario Neal workshop in Philadelphia, PA., on Wednesday January 25 2023. Hannah Yoon for The New York Times HEIRLOOM

We love being a part of your custom design process, and we also love seeing your engagement/wedding/finished product/day to day shots of our pieces so please share them with us! Find us on Instagram. Interested in starting your own custom design? Book an in-store or virtual appointment for a complimentary design meeting today!

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Related Articles

Behind the Scenes: Designing a Modern Heirloom

5 Engagement Ring Redesign Ideas Post-Divorce

What Makes A Ring A Cluster Ring?

An Heirloom Diamond Necklace, Reimagined; A Story of Recommitment to Self