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The Ring Leader Blog

What Do Custom Rings and the Ringing of a Beautiful Voice Have in Common? 

 

My husband John Krikawa, the Chief Technical Officer of Krikawa Jewelry Designs, has a brother Andy Krikawa, who is married to Jennifer Krikawa.  Sound complicated?  It's not (we'll leave the other eight Krikawa siblings out of it!).

So, my sister-in-law Jennifer is also the founder, President and Artistic Director of the Vashon Opera Company on Vashon Island, just west of Seattle.  Jennifer and Andy moved from New York to find a quiet place to raise their children, but couldn't get away from singing. …

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Sapphire Colors for Engagement Rings

The traditional color of sapphire for an engagement ring is a blue sapphire.  The highest quality blue sapphire would be a rich, deep royal blue Ceylon sapphire.  However, blue is not the only color found in sapphire!  Another extremely rare and valuable sapphire is a Padparadscha sapphire, a deep saturated pinkish-orange color.  Not all peach sapphires are classified as Padparadscha sapphire, but a nice peach sapphire is still rare!  Purple sapphire and pink sapphire are close to the top of this list in popularity, and while green sapphire is not often sought after, it can be found in shades of blue, green, and yellow-green, and it can be absolutely gorgeous, surrounded by white diamonds. …

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(Updated June 25, 2025)
 
Yes, you read that correctly. These are my seven favorite ring designs that never quite made it to the goldsmith's bench--or to the finger of a client. They're conceptual works of art, quietly waiting in the wings for the right person to bring them to life.
Each piece was sparked by a story, an idea, or a flash of inspiration during our custom design process. Some were developed for specific clients who paused before committing; others were simply creative exercises. All are ideas I'd love to see fully realized.
So, which one speaks to you? …
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(updated June 24, 2025)

A black diamond engagement ring makes a statement like no other--bold, unconventional, and dripping with mystery. 

With its opaque beauty and mirror-like luster, this rare gemstone speaks to a love story that breaks tradition. At Krikawa, we celebrate the extraordinary--and black diamonds are a stunning way to do just that!
 
Why should I have a black diamond in my engagement ring or wedding band? 
 
…
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The Origin of Black Diamonds

Where do black diamonds come from? This question has only increased the mystery surrounding these amazing gemstones, and the answer to the question of origin is even more alluring than their unique appearance. Black diamonds are less commonly known as carbonado, and scientists believe that outer space may actually be the birthplace of these particular stones.
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