

Behind the Bench #1: Building a Capsule Collection
Sara Gallo -
As a jeweler, some of my most meaningful work begins with a single piece—and then grows into something much more. That’s exactly how my collaboration with Helen began. She came to me as a soon-to-be bride looking for a wedding band that felt timeless but personal. She left not just with that ring, but with the beginning of what would become a custom jewelry capsule collection—one that would evolve alongside her life.
Over time, we built a collection around marquise-shaped diamonds, each piece designed to mark a milestone. And each one reminds me why I love being a jeweler.
The Beginning: A Wedding Band with a Story
Helen’s first piece was her wedding band. She had a vision of something simple but intentional—a ring that could be worn every day and feel as elegant as it was durable. We were still very much in the discovery phase, figuring out what elements she was drawn to that we could build from. We landed on marquise diamonds and everything fell into place.
This was the first time I experienced how deeply Helen connected to shape and symbolism. The marquise, with its elongated, pointed ends, felt like the perfect stone to flow around her heirloom old mine-cut diamond engagement ring. It paid homage to the era of her engagement ring and embodied her spirit- one of motion and momentum—perfect for a woman building a marriage, a family, and a business all at once.

Jewelry That Adapts: Studs That Transform
Not long after the band was complete, Helen came back to design a pair of earrings. She wanted something she could wear every day but that would also elevate for special moments.
We designed bezel-set marquise diamond studs (in the style of her wedding band) with a little twist: detachable marquise-shaped diamond drops she could add for her wedding day. I loved the idea that these earrings would literally transform—just like she was, from fiancée to wife, from founder to mother.
Today, she wears the studs constantly. The dangles are tucked away, but they hold the memory of that day and all it meant.

A Ring for Two: Celebrating Her Son
When Helen gave birth to her son, we created my favorite piece in the collection—a moi et toi ring. It’s a two-stone ring design that’s deeply symbolic: “me and you.”
She chose a marquise diamond to represent herself, and a pear-shaped diamond to represent her son. Both are half bezel-set, nestled beside one another in a modern, asymmetrical design that feels both intimate and iconic.
She told me she plans to pass it down to Everett one day. That kind of intention—that a piece made today becomes someone’s heirloom tomorrow—is why I love working on capsule collections. They’re about now and forever at the same time.

Designing a Life in Pieces
What I love most about Helen’s collection is that it wasn’t rushed. We didn’t sit down and sketch out a five-piece plan. Each piece came when it was time. Each one answered a need, told a story, marked a chapter.
That’s the magic of a capsule collection. It’s not about matching sets—it’s about meaningful evolution. You build it over years. It becomes more layered, more personal, more you.
Working with Helen reminded me that jewelry doesn’t have to shout to be powerful. Sometimes the quietest details— the way stones sit beside each other, a particular diamond shape, a secret detachable element—say the most.
Too see Helen's Moi et Toi Ring being made, check out our Instagram post:
Ready to Tell Your Story?
If you’ve ever dreamed of building a jewelry collection that grows with you—starting with one meaningful piece and unfolding over time—I’d love to hear your story. Whether you're celebrating a new beginning or honoring the life you've built, we can design something that’s deeply, uniquely yours.
Let’s begin with the first piece.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a custom wedding band take to make?
Custom projects require 6-8 weeks to manufacture after the design is approved and a 50% deposit is submitted. We are sometimes able to expedite custom orders depending on our work flow in the studio. Rush orders incur a fee of 10% of the order total.
Can I use my personal gemstones and metal?
Yes! We will examine your gemstones and metal under a microscope to determine their condition and usability in a custom piece.
CONTACT US
Bring your custom jewelry inspiration to life.
Phone: 717.842.0845
Email: contact@saragallo.com
226 N Arch st. Lancaster, PA 17603
Open M-F 10:00AM-6:30PM