We’re often approached by excitable couples keen to know our stance on LGBTQ+ marriage. Our response is simple: However you identify, we see you, we welcome you and we’re proud of that.
Engagement rings, wedding bands and commitment rings are important symbols that scream ‘forever’ and unite you both as a whole. Paramount is that yours feel just right on your finger, their designs an authentic encapsulation of you. Equally as important is your experience selecting them. We want you to feel as comfortable and assisted in your decisions as possible.
According to Kathryn Bishop – vice-chair of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, former editor of Professional Jeweller and co-founder of the Women’s Jewellery Network - diamond marketing needs a lesson in realism.
“In the UK, where 2019 ONS statistics estimate there are 1.1 million people aged 16 years and over identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual, you have to ask: Where are the LGBT+ individuals in these diamond campaigns? Where is the tattooed girl having a burger with her lover? Or the 50-something men holding hands as they watch their favourite rock band? They too might like a diamond one day.”
And Kathryn’s absolutely right. Love does not conform to heteronormativity; It belongs to everyone. At Lebrusan Studio, this under-representation of LGBTQ+ love within the fine jewellery sphere does not sit well with us. When identities are consciously and repeatedly written out of narratives, the message implied is that they neither exist nor matter. Meanwhile, various studies prove that the visibility of LGBTQ+ people within the media contributes to important shifts in social consciousness, playing a crucial role in changing widespread discriminatory attitudes. The ability to see oneself in public domains enables a person to foster a sense of affirmation in their identity, boosting feelings of self-worth.
This is exactly why we’re keen to operate a jewellery brand that makes everybody feel seen.
For us, it’s what’s inside that counts. Our Creative Director Arabel Lebrusan is a multifaceted artist with almost two decades of experience in jewellery design. Fuelled by an interest in people and a fine attention to detail, it’s the mission of Arabel and our small team to delve into the psyche of each client and help their vision translate to reality.
It’s been an honour of ours to have played a part in a number of LGBTQ+ lovers’ beautiful stories. Whenever a door is opened to us, we make it our priority to learn what makes each couple tick. It’s not just about what the rings will eventually look like on fingers, but what makes people who they are.
When Carolina came to us in search of an engagement ring for whenever the moment “felt right,” she quickly set her sights on our ruby-set Athena design. Through a series of discussions, we helped her choose the perfect red centrepiece and settle on a special message to be engraved discreetly inside the ring’s band, reserved specially for the eyes of her loved one.
"I loved the experience of buying an engagement ring from Lebrusan Studio,” Carolina later told us. “The design is exquisite, not your boring bog-standard rings, and the customer service provided by Ruby was really helpful along the way. It was really important to me to buy from a business which is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community all year long, and doesn't just use queer couples as an ad tool during Pride month. The ethos of the company also spoke to me, and knowing that both the stone and the metal used in the ring are ethical and not harming the planet or indigenous communities is another reason why I chose Lebrusan Studio."
When Jess proposed to Emily with the help of a sapphire-set Athena engagement ring, she was delighted to receive the gift of ‘Yes!’ in return. “Emily always wanted an intricate and beautiful sapphire ring. The Athena engraving is stunning and fit the bill perfectly,” Jess shared. “The service I received whilst purchasing the ring was amazing; I always had a reply within a day with any queries I had. Working with a company that we knew supported LGBTQ+ couples meant I felt completely comfortable in my purchase. I would not hesitate before recommending Lebrusan Studio to any couples, especially LGBTQ+ individuals, due to the inclusive and wonderful customer service I received - not to mention the stunning, ethical and excellent quality rings on offer.”
Once upon a time, expectations surrounding engagement rings, wedding bands and commitment rings were relatively rigid. Traditionally only gifted in that order, society also held some pretty steadfast expectations of how they should look and how much they should cost. Today, we encourage our clients to shop instinctively.
Recently, we lifted the lid on Freedom, our brand new collection of mix and match commitment rings. This selection of combinable bands is celebration of love that offers exactly what it says on the tin: Freedom to express without limitations. Embracing a variety of band widths, shapes, details and colours, Freedom is made up of components for you to mix and match in self-curated combinations that transcend conventional restrictions. Finished rings can comprise of two, three, four or even five sections, ranging in stature from delicate to chunky. The collection’s flagship piece is the Freedom Rainbow Ring: A 3mm flat band set with a technicolour row of fancy Sri Lankan sapphires. It's our sparkling take on Gilbert Baker’s iconic rainbow flag.
Meanwhile, the made-to-order nature of our other collection engagement rings, wedding bands and commitment rings invites you to make your jewel yours; from ensuring the perfect fit to personalising with unique engravings or alternative gemstone colours. For an opportunity to really let your imagination run wild, our award-winning bespoke service invites you to work alongside our design team and create a one-of-a-kind set of your very own.
A special thank you to theGay Wedding Guide, who helped to develop our LGBTQ+-centric blogs, landing page and collection happen by generously advising us on copy and providing us with beautiful photos.❤#