← All stories

Bradley & Julia's Custom Engagement Ring Story

A Love Story Worth Every Mile

How one man's determination to earn the perfect engagement ring became a love story that inspired millions. Every engagement ring tells a story. But some stories begin long before the proposal. When Bradley decided to propose to Julia, he wanted to give her something truly meaningful. After purchasing a condo, however, his finances were tight. Instead of compromising on his dream, he decided to work extra hours delivering for DoorDash, setting a goal of saving approximately $6,500 for her engagement ring. What began as a personal challenge soon became a journey shared with millions of people online.

How Koorosh Met Bradley

Bradley had visited Koorosh at Wedding Bands & Co. months earlier to explore custom engagement ring designs. After their initial consultation, time passed, and Koorosh assumed Bradley had chosen another jeweler. Then something unexpected happened. While browsing social media, Koorosh discovered a young man documenting his DoorDash journey to purchase an engagement ring. Impressed by his determination and devotion, Koorosh wished he could help design the ring. What he didn't realize was that the young man was Bradley, the same customer he had already met.

“What else can we do to make it even more personal?”

Bradley & Julia

Designing Their Custom Ring

Eventually, Bradley returned to Wedding Bands & Co., bringing Julia into the creative process. Although the proposal would remain a surprise, Bradley wanted Julia to help shape the design of the ring she would wear for the rest of her life. Together with Koorosh, they developed a meaningful custom engagement ring, with every detail representing something personal. The design featured a beautiful 2-carat oval lab-grown diamond, set in platinum. Its most distinctive feature was the crisscross band, representing two separate lives coming together. One side was polished and simple, symbolizing Bradley. The other was decorated with diamonds, representing Julia. Julia also loved a floral-inspired setting, so Koorosh incorporated delicate petals around the center diamond, with additional diamonds between them. For an even more personal touch, their birthstones were hidden beneath the center, where the two bands crossed. These small, meaningful details turned a beautiful ring into a reflection of their relationship.

A Dream Ring Comes True

When the final design was ready, Bradley returned alone to complete his purchase. The price came to approximately $6,400, remarkably close to the amount he had been working toward. Only after Bradley paid did Koorosh discover that he was the man from the DoorDash videos. Koorosh offered to make the ring complimentary, but Bradley politely declined. He wanted to purchase it himself because earning the ring was part of what made the experience meaningful. Respecting his decision, Koorosh found another way to contribute: he upgraded the diamond to a higher D-color grade at no additional charge. He also prepared special keepsakes, including original design artwork, a 3D model, and a sketchbook with blank pages for the couple's future milestones.

The Perfect Proposal

Bradley put just as much thought into the proposal as he had into the ring. Knowing Julia loved collecting rocks, he gathered stones from places that held special memories in their relationship. Each rock represented part of their journey together. But one final rock was missing. The diamond engagement ring. Surrounded by memories of their relationship, Bradley got down on one knee and asked Julia to marry him. She said yes.

More Than an Engagement Ring

For Koorosh, Bradley and Julia's journey was a reminder that the true value of an engagement ring isn't determined by its price. It's found in the thought, effort, and love behind it. Bradley worked countless extra hours to give Julia something meaningful. Julia helped create a design that reflected their personalities. And Koorosh brought those details together in a ring made to last. The diamond may catch the light, but the story behind it is what makes it priceless. That's what we believe custom jewelry should represent.

Create Your Own Love Story

At Wedding Bands & Co. in Chicago's Gold Coast, we believe every couple deserves a ring that reflects their unique relationship. Whether you have a specific design in mind or need help discovering the possibilities, our team will guide you through every step of creating your own custom engagement ring. Wedding Bands & Co., Luxury Crafted for Every Love Story.

The ring

Style

Custom crisscross engagement ring with a floral-inspired setting

Metal

Platinum

Center stone

2-carat oval lab-grown diamond, D color

Details

Intertwined bands, one polished for Bradley and one diamond-set for Julia, with delicate floral petals, accent diamonds, and two hidden birthstones beneath the center stone.

Your story is next

Sit down with us at 43 E Oak St and we'll design it together.

Book an appointment