Christmas in NYC
Although Sonal and Arun grew up in the same upstate New York neighborhood and even went to the same high school, they didn’t manage to meet until years later through a dating app. It turns out that if you can’t meet your soulmate by crossing paths in person, then the algorithm will help push you in the right direction. Their first date was on a rainy winter evening around Christmastime and they talked non-stop for three hours. As their relationship progressed, they split their time between Albany and New York City.
Meeting a Jewelry Family’s Standards
Before getting connected with Wove, Arun and Sonal browsed through the rings at both high-end, traditional jewelry retailers and online retailers but couldn’t find what they were looking for. Since Sonal has particular taste, she couldn’t find the perfect ring. She liked an aspect of one ring and another part of a separate ring, but couldn’t find one ring that had everything she was looking for. Sonal’s family designs jewelry in India so she is very aware of how jewelry is made and was meticulous about what she wanted her design to look like. She was even more conscious of the quality of her piece - which had to be top-notch.
“As a surgeon, Arun loved that the Wove process was very systematic. ”
Systematic & Unique Design Process
As a surgeon, Arun loved that the Wove process was very systematic. Sonal was also looking for a ring that was unique and not mass-manufactured, which was another reason Arun chose to work with Wove. He recalls being amazed that his designer was able to take his described design and reference photos and bring the vision to life in a sketch.
The Replica Seal of Approval
When the replica ring came in the mail, Arun briefly considered trying it on Sonal’s finger while she was asleep to see how it looked but, luckily, it didn't have to come to that. Instead, he showed the replica to her parents and other close friends and family to get their opinion. Arun appreciated that the replica ring process allowed him to see the ring proportions, which aren’t always clear in a rendering or photo. Being able to see how the diamond is set and the relationship between the center stone, the halo, and the band are important details you can only discover in person.
Choosing the Diamond
As someone in the jewelry industry himself, Sonal’s father was excited to be a part of the diamond selection process. Both Arun and Sonal’s father agreed on the characteristics of the stone that were most important to them. After going through a few diamond options with their gemologist, they found a diamond that was the perfect fit.
“ Arun appreciated that the replica ring process allowed him to see the ring proportions, which aren’t always clear in a rendering or photo. ”
The Showstopper
Sonal wanted a high-quality, simple ring and Arun delivered. The ring they designed is an 18-carat yellow gold round solitaire with a hidden halo, which matches the rest of the yellow gold jewelry she wears daily. She predicts that she’s going to get slightly more creative with the upcoming wedding band design. Arun knew that he had made the right choice with the ring because she hasn’t stopped looking at it since he put it on her finger. Others take notice too; Sonal describes getting compliments on it from strangers. They recently attended a wedding where one guest spotted it from across the other end of the table and had to come over to compliment Sonal on it.
An Art Lover’s Dream Proposal
As art lovers, one of their first dates took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in New York City. Arun proposed at the Monet gallery at the MET since Sonal is a big fan of his work. Arun was able to surprise her by creating a fake business event taking place at the museum. Arun also organized a surprise dinner event after the proposal, where their family and friends came together to celebrate the engagement. Her replica ring, which Sonal describes as ‘stunning’ and ‘perfect’, will be the ring she wears on their upcoming honeymoon. Describing the replica, she says, “I don't think most people would be able to tell the difference between the two.”
A One-Stop Shop
Arun reflects, “In an era where we want more personalization and customization than traditional jewelry stores can offer, Wove is poised to make jewelry designing easier. This is especially true for people who aren't as well-versed in jewelry. It’s helpful to have both the gemology and jewelry design expertise in one service, which is something you don’t always get elsewhere. Having both in house is helpful because you’re sourcing high-quality stones and pairing that with a customized design, which brings the experience together nicely.”
