Case studies

Take a closer look at the clients we love, the ideas they've shared, and how we've brought those ideas to life!

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case studies

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- Vintage sapphires and diamonds incorporated from a loved one's ring
- Contrasting claw and round prongs
- A hidden halo of diamonds 
- An exquisite marquise diamond center

What makes it special:

my client approached me about designing a special engagement ring to blend old and new. diamonds and sapphires from her fiance's grandmother's ring, a special heirloom of the family, would be repurposed into an asymmetrical design featuring a 6 claw set marquise center diamond as well as a hidden halo. a truly unique and special ring. 

Case Study One

A New Heirloom

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- Special deep blue diamond cut sapphire sourced from Thailand
- Open shank in rose gold and open bezel design revealing more of both stones
- Canadian mined diamond - Diavik mine

What makes it special:

Improving upon an inspiration photo(top left), My client and I designed a stunning contemporary open shank engagement ring. Departing from tradition we brought to life a unique open/split bezel ring showcasing a diamond cut deep blue sapphire reminiscent of the ocean & a canadian diamond set in rich 18k rose gold. 

Case Study Two

deepest blue

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- Gemmy Garnets and brilliant diamonds framed in vintage inspired Georgian cutdown settings 
- Two-tone gold to best compliment each stone
- Raised funds for local scholarships

What makes it special:

I WAS HONORED WHEN ASKED TO MAKE AND DONATE A SET OF CUSTOM DESIGNED EARRINGS for THE HIGHLAND FOUNDATIONS 2025 ANNUAL BENEFIT hosted at the rock and roll hall of fame. A PAIR OF UNTREATED VIVID PINKISH-RED OVAL RHODOLITE GARNETS FROM THE ELAHERA REGION OF SRI LANKA, ACCENTUATED WITH DIAMONDS, DAZZLE IN TWO-TONE 14K GOLD GEORGIAN INSPIRED DROP SETTINGS.

Case Study three

ROCK THE FUTURE

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- Organic design intertwines to surround the original ring
- Use of multi color gold as in the italian "oro tre colori" or tri-color gold and two colors of blue Topaz to tie-in with the clients' existing jewelry

What makes it special:

Having originally created this couples engagement ring, I was entrusted to  create a unique wedding band wrap from an inspiration photo. I designed a rose & white gold wrap showcasing sky blue & london blue topaz to match existing jewelry. we explored various layouts including diamond accents to create this one-of-a-kind piece.

Case Study four

That's a wrap

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- An exceptional radiant cut 2.50 diamond center
- Durable platinum gallery to secure the diamonds
- Timeless design blends with modern brilliant radiant cut and claw prongs 

What makes it special:

A Platinum gallery envelopes a 2.50 carat radiant cut diamond flanked by two trapezoid sides and joins an elegant yet substantial 18k band to bring my clients' custom dream ring to life. 

Case Study five

radiant dreams

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- Elegantly proportioned and colorless VS diamonds
- 17 2/3rd carat shared claw prong set eternity band
- Precious platinum setting

What makes it special:

An eternity band of platinum is the robust custodian of over eleven carats of elegant emerald cut diamonds.  what began as a simple request for "a three and a half carat anniversary band" took on a life of it's own as we explored designs from five to 8 and then with a stone proportion change to the magnificent eleven carat ring show here. 

Case Study six

A LIGHT ETERNAL

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- Forest Green natural 1.20 carat pear center with matched custom cut round and marquise sapphires for durability
- Vine and leaf motif wraps around the band, terminating in a whimsical touch
- What makes it the most special Isabelle, is that Evan has a question for you now

What makes it special:

my client shared inspiration for a nature inspired engagement ring. he wanted to create a higher quality version with a local jeweler so He and I designed a beautiful woodland fairy style ring featuring a leaf & vine motif in 14k gold with custom cut Natural green sapphires, perfect for everyday wear. 

Case Study seven

woodland fairy

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- Nearly 70 diamonds set in partly recycled 14k gold
- Repurposed the clients former center stone as a side stone
- Special touches like the infinity and hidden halo

What makes it special:

for more than two decades the ring had done it's job, serving as symbol of commitment for my clients. the cherished yet worn ring, having survived moves, kids, workouts, and more was ready for a fresh take. the former center stone would slide over a spot to make way for a stunning new two carat center. recycled original gold still embracing her.

Case Study eight

A MODERN TAKE

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- The dark and milky looking two carat center that the client asked if she should replace now shines beautifully bright with a re-designed head
- Designed and cast in two pieces now allows proper polishing between the shank and side stone bridge

What makes it special:

decades of wear & careless repairs had taken it's toll on my clients' engagement ring. thinned and stretched from improper sizings, i re-designed the ring and improved the design. the head was opened up with the accent stones relocated to the base, allowing the center stone to finally shine. designed and cast in three parts it was able to be correctly polished. 

Case Study nine

MAKING IT RIGHT

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- The parents birthstones bookend the 3 children's birthstones arranged in order of birth
- A two-tone white and yellow 14kt gold setting with custom tapered shank conveys the look and feel of an heirloom quality piece of jewelry

What makes it special:

a favorite client commissioned me to create his third custom piece. a stackable family birthstone ring, representing them and their three children. brilliant diamonds flank birthstones of tourmaline, topaz, sapphire, & ruby, all coming together to represent a real gem of a family. 

Case Study ten

FAMILY OF GEMS

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- Custom designed in CAD to perfectly fit the clients wrist
- A special Christmas gift featuring a trendy 14k gold curb bracelet & extra large lobster claw clasp with gold hoop for easy fastening

What makes it special:

THIS BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM BRACELET FEATURES BIRTHSTONES REPRESENTING THE WEARERS THREE CHILDREN AND 6 GRANDCHILDREN. TOURMALINES, DIAMONDS, AQUAMARINE, PERIDOT, ALEXANDRITE, AND RUBY ALL BEZEL SET IN 14K YELLOW GOLD COME TOGETHER TO HONOR THREE GENERATIONS OF FAMILY. HEART CUTOUTS IN THE BEZELS GIVE A WHIMSICAL YET HEARTFELT TOUCH.

Case Study eleven

BIRTHSTONES & BLESSINGS

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rachel & emily

Chris went above and beyond my wildest dreams for my fiancee's ring. He was very professional and gave me great suggestions on the direction of the ring. This experience was so much more personal and unique than using a big box store jeweler or an online website. My fiancee and I have already agreed we are going back for our wedding bands and more. If you are looking for something unique I recommend using Chris!

Chris went above and beyond my wildest dreams for my fiance's ring

Tristan & Kaylee

Chris made my wife's amazing engagement ring. She was able to work with Chris to have it custom made exactly how she wanted it. I would recommend anyone needing jewelry to go to Christopher Nolan Jewelry, he's great!

Chris Made my wife's amazing engagement ring

everrett & Joanne

Super nice guy and professional. He has made multiple pieces for my wife and I from my custom wedding band, tennis bracelet to a family birthstone ring. If you want to have a piece of jewelry that is 1 of 1 this is it. He can make things similar to the jewelry store or be as unique as you need. He's also great at educating as well as having access to lab diamonds as well as natural. Guys if you want to get your loved one something truly special and not from a shopping mall this is it.

super nice guy and professional

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