The Story of America

This ring is intended to symbolize what America means to you. You can carry that meaning with you and wear this ring proudly. To me, the American flag represents the best ideas humanity has discovered.

There are three that rise above all others: freedom, opportunity, and equality. I would love to hear what the American flag means to you.

I grew up in Miami, and my parents are Cuban, so when I visited Cuba in 2000 with my sister, parents, grandmother and aunt, I expected a nostalgic trip where I would be envious of their past. My family has been Cuban for centuries, but during that trip I did not feel any nostalgia for Cuba. What I felt was how shockingly American I am, and how proud I am to be American. It was as if no one on the island had ever read Animal Farm.

P.S. Incidentally, my wife Sarah’s grandmother’s name was America, and I wanted to name my daughter America, but my wife wouldn’t let me. America raised 10 kids of her own and adopted 2 more. They all went to college and 3 served in the United States military. She was an amazing woman.

My Favorite Parts of this Ring

Throughout history, jewelry designers have been fascinated by the perfect juxtaposition of sapphires, rubies, and diamonds, and I am too.  There is something special about being able to combine the beauty of these colors with the meaning of the American flag.

You might think I am completely irreverent for turning each of the stones upside down and reverse-setting them for this design, but in the process, I was forced to create a new geometry to support the unfamiliar reflections of these typically hidden facets, which I believe led me to a complete design that feels perfectly classical.

I must confess, I am in love with my Bonbon design. Small enough for every day, but significant enough to have recognizable power, every time I hold a Bonbon in my hand, I feel its magic, and I can’t help but smile.

I chose to name this collection after my favorite chocolate confection, the bonbon, because I believe there is a special magic in exploring a box of exquisite chocolates.  With each piece, there is the potential to find yourself in its unique flavor and reveal a special joy.  My hope is that I can create Bonbons as diverse as your strengths, and that your Bonbon captures a little magic for you.