NMJ Lovers Revisited | Rachel and Nic

NMJ Lovers Revisited is a journal series exploring what happens after the proposal, the ceremony, the “I do.” While engagement and ceremonial pieces honour a moment in time, their true purpose is to remain and worn through the many seasons that follow.

This chapter revisits Rachel and Nic, whose story is deeply interwoven with our own. Rachel was one of Natalie Marie Jewellery’s very first bespoke clients. Entrusting Natalie to rework diamonds from a family heirloom into a truly one-of-a-kind ring Rachel would wear for life. Created during Natalie’s earliest days of bespoke, the ring has lived through marriage, children, growth, and change. Carrying layers of meaning with every chapter.

From witnessing Natalie’s graduation presentation, to becoming her first bespoke client, and collaborating on a campaign that so beautifully aligned with the ring’s aesthetic. This piece has remained a constant companion, rooted in friendship, family, and shared history.

Because love isn’t only marked in moments. It’s lived in the everyday. In friendship, in choosing each other, and in the years that unfold in between.

What is something that has surprised you about marriage over the years – perhaps a misconception proven wrong, or an assumption proven right? 

How natural it feels when you are with the right person. Marriage has felt less about change and more about growing side by side through different seasons of life. We genuinely enjoy being together and make time for each other, even as life gets busier. That shared choice to stay connected has been one of the most grounding.


What is something that has surprised you about marriage over the years?

How much you truly grow together. We met in our early twenties and now we are in our late thirties, we have changed, evolved, and supported each other through so many seasons of growth. Children of course bring big change, but we have always said first us, second our children, and I really believe that has been key to creating a happy and healthy family. What has stayed the same is our true friendship, we are still best friends.


In what ways do you feel your relationship has changed or grown, and in what ways has it remained the same?

We have grown up together. Life looks very different now, but the foundation has always been the same. We support each other, we are proud of each other, and we genuinely enjoy being together. That deep friendship has never changed.

What is something that has surprised you about marriage over the years – perhaps a misconception proven wrong, or an assumption proven right? 

How natural it feels when you are with the right person. Marriage has felt less about change and more about growing side by side through different seasons of life. We genuinely enjoy being together and make time for each other, even as life gets busier. That shared choice to stay connected has been one of the most grounding.


What is something that has surprised you about marriage over the years?

How much you truly grow together. We met in our early twenties and now we are in our late thirties, we have changed, evolved, and supported each other through so many seasons of growth. Children of course bring big change, but we have always said first us, second our children, and I really believe that has been key to creating a happy and healthy family. What has stayed the same is our true friendship, we are still best friends.


In what ways do you feel your relationship has changed or grown, and in what ways has it remained the same?

We have grown up together. Life looks very different now, but the foundation has always been the same. We support each other, we are proud of each other, and we genuinely enjoy being together. That deep friendship has never changed.

Can you tell us a little about your connection to your ring now, years past first putting it on?

I never take it off, thanks Natalie for finally helping clean it ten years later. This ring is incredibly special in so many ways. The diamonds came from a family heirloom, and Natalie and Nic worked together to create a truly one of a kind bespoke piece that I will wear for life. It was also so special to have Natalie create it. I have had the privilege of watching her evolve her craft, from her final graduation presentation, to being one of her first bespoke clients, and later working together on a campaign that aligned so beautifully with the ring’s aesthetic. I get asked about it all the time, it holds so many stories.


Looking back over the years, could you share specific life events or experiences you've encountered with your NMJ piece? How has it become a symbol of your personal journey?

It has been there through so many chapters, marriage, children, growth, change, and everything in between. It represents family, friendship, and the life we have built together. It feels deeply personal and layered with meaning.

Can you tell us a little about your connection to your ring now, years past first putting it on?

I never take it off, thanks Natalie for finally helping clean it ten years later. This ring is incredibly special in so many ways. The diamonds came from a family heirloom, and Natalie and Nic worked together to create a truly one of a kind bespoke piece that I will wear for life. It was also so special to have Natalie create it. I have had the privilege of watching her evolve her craft, from her final graduation presentation, to being one of her first bespoke clients, and later working together on a campaign that aligned so beautifully with the ring’s aesthetic. I get asked about it all the time, it holds so many stories.


Looking back over the years, could you share specific life events or experiences you've encountered with your NMJ piece? How has it become a symbol of your personal journey?

It has been there through so many chapters, marriage, children, growth, change, and everything in between. It represents family, friendship, and the life we have built together. It feels deeply personal and layered with meaning.

“Marriage has felt less about change and more about growing side by side through different seasons of life.”

Beyond the physical aesthetics, can you delve into the sentimental value your NMJ piece holds for you? Are there particular moments or memories attached to it that stand out?

The sentiment is everything. Knowing the diamonds come from family, having it created by a talented friend, and wearing something that marks so many stages of life makes it incredibly special. It is a constant reminder of connection, history, and love.


If you could tell yourself one thing, or offer your past self a piece of advice back when you first met, what would that be?

Honestly, I do not think I would change a thing. We often say how lucky we are and how grateful we feel for our journey. We have always supported each other and stayed proud of the life we have created together.


What makes you most proud when it comes to your relationship?

We are coming up to eleven years this year, and we often say how proud we are of us. We balance life well together, we show up for each other, and we continue to grow side by side. Putting our relationship first has had the most beautiful knock on effect on everything that follows.

Beyond the physical aesthetics, can you delve into the sentimental value your NMJ piece holds for you? Are there particular moments or memories attached to it that stand out?

The sentiment is everything. Knowing the diamonds come from family, having it created by a talented friend, and wearing something that marks so many stages of life makes it incredibly special. It is a constant reminder of connection, history, and love.


If you could tell yourself one thing, or offer your past self a piece of advice back when you first met, what would that be?

Honestly, I do not think I would change a thing. We often say how lucky we are and how grateful we feel for our journey. We have always supported each other and stayed proud of the life we have created together.


What makes you most proud when it comes to your relationship?

We are coming up to eleven years this year, and we often say how proud we are of us. We balance life well together, we show up for each other, and we continue to grow side by side. Putting our relationship first has had the most beautiful knock on effect on everything that follows.