NMJ Lovers | The Signature Solitaire Series | Michael & Kirsten

In celebration of our Signature Solitaire Capsule Collection, we connected with our past clients who worked with us on creating a bespoke solitaire design that was truly reflective of their love story, and whom it was being created for. The pure admiration that Michael and Kirsten share for each other is completely infectious; it’s a love story that goes back to beyond the point of even knowing what love is, and one that has evolved into something so effortless and powerful.

They first met through family friends when they were only children and shared many family holidays together before finally getting together after school. Michael worked with NMJ on a design that was beautifully reflective of Kirsten’s style; classic, timeless and unique. Here, we tell the love story of Michael and Kristen, their no-fuss engagement, and why jewellery evokes special memories for Kristen.

 

NMJ: So much of what we do at NMJ is centred around love and it is an honour to be involved in your love story. Let's go back to the beginning, how did you meet?

Kirsten: We actually met when I was 7 and Michael was 10. Michael has a younger sister who is my age and we all went to the same primary school. Heather and I shared a class in year three and she has been my closest friend ever since. Our families also got along really well and we went on a number of family holidays together growing up. Whilst I had a crush on Michael forever, it wasn’t until after we had both finished school and I was in second year of university that we first got together.

 

NMJ: What do you love most about each other?

Kirsten: I love Michael’s generous spirit. I have seen him work incredibly hard to be where he is today and take steps to share his success. He always wants the best for people and makes an effort to help them achieve their goals.

Michael: Kirsten is one of the most caring people I know. I love her nurturing nature and down to earth thinking.

 

NMJ: At NMJ, we believe designing a forever piece for your partner means conceptualising a design reflective of your love story and the person receiving it. How did you approach design and what role did you NMJ play in bringing this to life?

Michael: I had a good idea of Kirsten’s taste in jewellery, particularly after looking through her Instagram, and I blended this with some of my own personal touches. I wanted the ring to be something that she would love but also have my signature on it. NMJ guided me through the whole process and gave me the ability to achieve my vision. 

NMJ: How did Michael propose to you? What do you remember most about this special moment?

Kirsten: It was a beautiful, sunny winter morning on a Wednesday. Michael said he would work from home and since it was nice weather asked if I wanted to go for a bushwalk with our puppy before I started work in the afternoon. This wasn’t suspicious behaviour so I had no idea what was coming. When we got to the top which overlooks Narrabeen lakes and the beaches, I was trying to get our puppy Buddy to down sit next to me when Michael asked me to turn around and he was down on one knee.

I will always remember how perfect it was and how much it suited me and us. No fuss, beautiful weather, out in nature and with our furry best friend.

 

NMJ: Your solitaire design is so beautifully reflective of timelessness. We’d love to know what you love most about the design, and how this reflects your personal style…

Kirsten: Can I say everything?! I love that it is both classic and unique. I like to be a little bit different and the spaced out diamonds on the thin rose gold band definitely sets it apart from any other rings I have seen. It’s gorgeous and sparkly without being over the top!

NMJ: Jewellery has a special meaning to everyone. It can evoke feelings and memories of loved ones, and it can lift and elevate an overall look with ease. What is your first memory of jewellery and what does jewellery mean to you today?

Kirsten: My first memory of jewellery was looking through my mum’s jewellery box. I loved how each piece had a story of where she had got it from or who had given it to her. Jewellery for me today is both a way of expressing myself and carrying memories with me.

 

NMJ: At NMJ, at the heart of everything we do is love. Tough question, but tell us, what do you know about love?

Kirsten: Love is incredibly powerful and complex; it can be scary but also the most comforting thing in the world, it’s both enduring and constantly changing, it sometimes can make you do crazy things and when you find your life partner, love brings out the best in you both.

Michael: I know that I’m in it.

  

Create your own story with an NMJ Signature Solitaire. In celebration of the fifth anniversary of our Signature Solitaire, we’ve spent this year reflecting on our most iconic design and have curated a capsule collection of one of a kind pieces based on our favourite and most requested varieties. Showing the diversity of the Signature Solitaire style through an exciting range of stones and shapes, these handmade beauties are available now and ready to ship immediately. Discover the collection here. 

PC: @tealily