MEET VANESSA NICOLE
Hi, I’m Vanessa Nicole! My clients say the #1 thing they need when creating a custom engagement ring is guidance by someone they can trust. After our first meeting, they always say “Wow, that was easier than I thought it would be!” Fast & easy email communication is really important – by reading reviews from my past clients, you’ll know that I follow up to your emails quite quickly.
– I’m madly in love with my husband (teenage sweetheart!)
– A mother of super cute twin boys and their little sister
– From San Diego, but a closeted Midwesterner
– Backpacked alone for 2 months across Europe (Gelato!! Croissants!!)
– Family is very important to me, and I cherish spending time with my parents
– I work hard, I work sincerely, and you will learn quickly that I love what I do
Want Vanessa to create your diamond ring?
WHY AM I AN HONEST JEWELER?
These people right here ↓↓↓
MY STORY
Hi there! My name is Vanessa Nicole.
I live in San Diego, CA with my teenage sweetheart Joe, our twin boys Jack & Mason, and their little sister, Liv.
I’m a diamond setter by trade, having started my career as a diamond setter for other stores before opening my own custom ring studio. I’ve been in the jewelry industry since 2002.
After being questioned whether I’m REALLY a diamond setter by an industry vet (a rare skill for women), I set up a video camera, filmed myself making a diamond ring, and pressed “POST” on Thanksgiving Day 2011 to prove myself.
My life forever changed from that day on.
In short - my mission is to approach the commercial world of engagement rings with a very personalized touch. I actually care about YOUR personal love story, and place an emphasis on exceeding your expectations.
One of my favorite quotes says it all: “There are three responses to a piece of design – Yes, No, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for.” –Milton Glaser
I have an incredible sense of responsibility to not let any of my clients down. Where does that stem from?
Growing up attending an amazing college prep school amongst future doctors & lawyers, I often felt like I would be voted least likely to succeed since I’m “just” an artist.
That (diamond) chip on my shoulder pushes me to be the BEST for every single client so I can continually earn 5 star reviews.
I want to show myself AND the world that I’m not “just” an artist. Despite being a celebrity in the jewelry industry with millions of video views on Facebook & YouTube, that drive persists. I secretly always hope it will because clients truly benefit from it.
I literally lay in bed at night trying to come up with new ways to go above and beyond for clients.
That’s how my unique Making of the Ring™ video service came about… trying to find a way to make her engagement moment AMAZING by creating a video that captures the love and emotion he has for her, while also documenting the entire creation process of her one-of-a-kind ring being specially made exclusively for her.
I feel so grateful to earn an amazing living doing what I love.
Even after making thousands of rings, I still feel incredibly humbled when someone chooses to have me create their diamond ring.
I only want to work with genuinely nice people and I repel negative people.
It's a thing.
I'm 100% a homebody, and love spending time with my family most.
My family is everything.
I wouldn’t trade my life with anyone. I am exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to do with my days.
If you share your proposal story with me all excited and in love, I will likely beam from ear to ear out of pure happiness for you.
I have a huge heart and a deep desire to make beautiful rings for people in love.
Because to me, it’s more than just a ring… it’s a symbol of your love story.
I'm really glad you're here. 🙂
Warmly,
Vanessa
FORMAL BIO
Vanessa graduated summa cum laude with a BFA in Jewelry Design from the University of Michigan. Following a diamond setting apprenticeship with a Russian master jeweler, she began creating custom engagement rings for clients worldwide. Vanessa has received nearly 2 million organic views on YouTube for her educational ring videos.
With over two decades of experience in the industry, she has become known for her innovative setting techniques, impeccable craftsmanship, and exceptional attention to detail.
Vanessa is the author of the #1 Bestselling book,The Perfect Custom Engagement Ring, and to date, has a perfect five-star rating on every review site.
She has worked with a wide range of clients, from celebrities and athletes to everyday warm & friendly people who want to create a one-of-a-kind piece for their special occasion. One of Vanessa's signature approaches is to work closely with her clients to understand their vision and preferences, and then to bring those ideas to life with her expertise in design and selection of the finest diamonds and gemstones. Her creations are not only stunning works of art, but also meaningful symbols of love and appreciation that will be treasured for a lifetime.
A small client roster of only 10 clients accepted per month allows Vanessa to offer unbelievable personalized service unmatched by typical jewelry stores. Vanessa lives in San Diego, California, with her husband Joe (her teenage sweetheart), twin boys, and their little sister.
AWARDS
– SD A-List Winner for two years in a row: #1 Jewelry Store in San Diego
– Rising Star Award Nominee, National Association of Women Business Owners
– Grant, Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG)
– Grant to study jewelry making in Sydney, Australia
– Grant to study in Florence, Italy
– Bank of America Fine Arts Recognition Award
Don’t live in San Diego? No problem, we create engagement rings for clients worldwide.
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One of the things I LOVE about my clients is how they see me beyond the ring I am making for them... that last line that Jeanne writes below, "All the best to you and your family" shows that she appreciates me as a person and wishes the best for my family. I notice those things. Those are the kind of people I adore working with.
There's a time and place for "transactional business", but that's not what happens here. By seeing a photo of who I'm making the ring for and engaging in kind, friendly conversation, the ring AND experience become joyful, artistic, and one of a kind.
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"It is absolutely exquisite! I truly cannot stop staring at my ring! Larry and I both so appreciate your artistry and your attention to each detail. It was hard for me to wait, but your updates really helped as I knew something very special was being created. You are now a favored and cherished part of our "story" which makes the rings you created for us even more special. All the best to you and your family."
– Jeanne S.