Skyline view of Paris

Behind the Sparkle: Crafting The Golden Bachelor's Custom Ring

You may or may not be familiar with The Golden Bachelor—a reality TV dating series where older single women compete for the heart of the "Golden Bachelor," each hoping to find their happily ever after. Throughout the show, the contestants and the Bachelor go on intimate dates, special outings, and activities designed to help him make thoughtful, heartfelt decisions in his search for a new partner.


Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of welcoming Gerry Turner, the very first Golden Bachelor (cast in 2023), to our store. Gerry’s story has touched hearts across the nation, and ours was no exception. He visited with his then-girlfriend, now fiancée, Lana Sutton, in search of the perfect engagement ring. From the moment we met him, Gerry struck us as incredibly warm, genuine, and down to earth.

Gerry Turner and Lana Sutton taking a selfie on a pier.

Nicole Williams, a well-known Reis-Nichols Superstar, had the honor of working with Gerry. It wasn’t long before they decided that Lana’s ring would be custom designed and handcrafted through our in-house Jewelry Shop. We were not only excited to be part of such a meaningful moment in their love story, but also thrilled to bring their vision to life from concept to creation.


Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Gerry and Lana as they reflected on the custom ring design process, the story behind the proposal, and what made their entire experience so memorable.

Gerry Turner and Lana Sutton taking a selfie on a pier.

You may or may not be familiar with The Golden Bachelor—a reality TV dating series where older single women compete for the heart of the "Golden Bachelor," each hoping to find their happily ever after. Throughout the show, the contestants and the Bachelor go on intimate dates, special outings, and activities designed to help him make thoughtful, heartfelt decisions in his search for a new partner.


Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of welcoming Gerry Turner, the very first Golden Bachelor (cast in 2023), to our store. Gerry’s story has touched hearts across the nation, and ours was no exception. He visited with his then-girlfriend, now fiancée, Lana Sutton, in search of the perfect engagement ring. From the moment we met him, Gerry struck us as incredibly warm, genuine, and down to earth.

Gerry Turner and Lana Sutton taking a selfie on a pier.

Nicole Williams, a well-known Reis-Nichols Superstar, had the honor of working with Gerry. It wasn’t long before they decided that Lana’s ring would be custom designed and handcrafted through our in-house Jewelry Shop. We were not only honored to be part of such a meaningful moment in their love story, but also thrilled to bring their vision to life from concept to creation.


Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Gerry and Lana as they reflected on the custom ring design process, the story behind the proposal, and what made their entire experience so memorable.

Q: How did you hear about Reis-Nichols Jewelers, and was this your first time discovering our work?

Gerry Turner:
I heard about Reis-Nichols through my own research online and drive-by of a couple jewelers. The online reviews were excellent, the showroom was very impressive, so I just got a very positive feel about your business. I certainly made the right choice!

Q: Was this your first time designing custom jewelry? What was the process like for you?

Gerry Turner:
Yes, this was my first time designing custom jewelry. To give you a little background, Lana and I had traveled to London and Paris earlier this year, and we were really in awe of the Eiffel Tower. So when I came back, I wanted to give her engagement ring a look inspired by the Eiffel Tower.

So, I came in and spoke with the design team, started talking through my ideas, and they did an incredible job of capturing them. I’d say something like, “I want it to look this way,” and they’d create a sketch. Then we’d tweak things together until it felt just right. That back-and-forth collaboration made the process really successful.

Gerry's Vision, Lana's Dazzler

Lana's Engagement Ring Made to Resemble the beauty of the Eiffel Tower.

Lana’s custom engagement ring is a stunning masterpiece inspired by the elegance of the Eiffel Tower. Gerry personally collaborated with our designers to bring his vision to life, and every detail was crafted in house, entirely on site. The ring features a graceful architectural setting that echoes the Tower’s iconic structure, with a brilliant round natural diamond at its center. Surrounding it is a dazzling halo of smaller diamonds that add depth and radiance to the design, creating a timeless symbol of love, artistry, and devotion.

Lana's Engagement Ring Made to Resemble the beauty of the Eiffel Tower.

Q: We’d love to hear about the proposal. How did it happen?

Gerry Turner:
I decided that on this trip, I wanted to finally propose. Early on, I was trying to figure out how to get a bunch of family members together so that they could be nearby when it happened. And I just couldn't find logistically how I could make that work. So I decided, well, on this trip I was going to do the proposal. And the very first night away from home, we were in Asheville. It's a really lovely area. 

I had practiced a bit of a slight of hand magic trick, and the payoff or the last move of the magic trick was a reveal of the case with the ring in it. So I sat at a table, Lana on one side, I on another, and I went through this magic trick of seemingly answering purely random questions accurately, and the end result was, you know, pulling the ring. So that's kind of how it happened. 

Q: Lana, what was your reaction when he proposed? 

Lana Sutton:
Well, I really wasn't expecting the proposal. I just was kind of going along with him asking me questions, writing something on a piece of paper, and then sticking the paper under a cup. Then at the end, he disclosed how he knew what my answers were. I'm like, "How are you doing this? Like, how did you know that was my answer?" Then on the very last piece of paper, it said, "Will you marry me?" I immediately covered my mouth, and I was just in awe! I couldn't believe it! I was kind of shocked. But, you know, happily so. I just started to cry a little bit because it was an emotional moment, and I was so happy for what it meant. 

Gerry Turner and Lana Sutton taking a selfie at the beach.

Q: Would you recommend the custom design process to other couples?

Gerry Turner:
I would absolutely recommend doing custom design for anyone who's planning an engagement. I think it creates a very personal and a close attachment, not just to the piece of jewelry, but to the person you're presenting it to. It means more than something that is just chosen out of the case. When Lana occasionally takes the ring off and puts it on a night chest for the evening, I still want to look at it because I think it's truly a thing of beauty. 

Gerry Turner and Lana Sutton taking a selfie at the beach.

Q: Lana, what was your reaction when he proposed? 

Lana Sutton:
Well, I really wasn't expecting the proposal. I just was kind of going along with him asking me questions, writing something on a piece of paper, and then sticking the paper under a cup. Then at the end, he disclosed how he knew what my answers were. I'm like, "How are you doing this? Like, how did you know that was my answer?" Then on the very last piece of paper, it said, "Will you marry me?" I immediately covered my mouth, and I was just in awe! I couldn't believe it! I was kind of shocked. But, you know, happily so. I just started to cry a little bit because it was an emotional moment, and I was so happy for what it meant. 

Gerry Turner and Lana Sutton taking a selfie at the beach.

Q: Would you recommend the custom design process to other couples?

Gerry Turner:
I would absolutely recommend doing custom design for anyone who's planning an engagement. I think it creates a very personal and a close attachment, not just to the piece of jewelry, but to the person you're presenting it to. It means more than something that is just chosen out of the case. When Lana occasionally takes the ring off and puts it on a night chest for the evening, I still want to look at it because I think it's truly a thing of beauty. 

Q: Have you set a wedding date yet?

Lana Sutton:
Not yet. We’re in no rush. There are a few things we want to line up first, so we’re just enjoying this time being engaged.

Q: Anything else you would like to share about working with the Reis-Nichols team?

Lana Sutton:
It was such a wonderful experience! The first time Gerry and I visited the store together, Nicole Williams showed me a lot of different styles - trying to hone in on what I liked and what my preferences were. After that, I was pretty much hands off since Gerry wanted to customize my ring, and he didn't want me to know anything about it, which I thought was very special. Nicole handled us with such great care and was very calming. 

It was a really nice experience from the start. When I received the ring and I saw the outcome, I am still in awe every day I look at it. It's just such a beautiful ring! The setting is perfect. It fits my finger really well. It's just such a sparkler and has the "WOW" factor. I only tried on rings just to get an idea of what style I might like. I had no idea until the day Gerry proposed. I can't tell you how pleased I am with the outcome - it is beautiful. It's gorgeous!
Gerry Turner and Nicole Williams
BJ Nichols and Gerry Turner shaking hands.
Gerry Turner and Nicole reviewing the engagement ring casting.
Nicole Williams holding the engagement ring cast with the diamond.
Nicole Williams and Ashley Harman listening to Gerry Turners feedback.
Gerry Turner and Nicole Williams looking at the engagement ring rendering.
Gerry Turner smiling at consultation desk.
Lana Sutton getting her finger ring size from Nicole Williams.
Gerry Turner:
Every single time that I was in your store, everyone made me feel very welcome. I felt a sense of appreciation being there. I think the staff does a great job making customers happy. In today's environment, you don't always find that, so it's very refreshing.
Gerry Turner and Nicole Williams
BJ Nichols and Gerry Turner shaking hands.
Gerry Turner and Nicole reviewing the engagement ring casting.
Nicole Williams holding the engagement ring cast with the diamond.
Gerry Turner and Nicole Williams looking at the engagement ring rendering.
Gerry Turner smiling at consultation desk.
Lana Sutton getting her finger ring size from Nicole Williams.
Gerry Turner and Lana Sutton wearing shades and taking a selfie at the beach.

We’re grateful to be a part of Gerry and Lana’s engagement and excited to see their next chapter unfold. Designing their custom engagement ring was a true reflection of their love—unique, thoughtful, and full of meaning. It’s always an honor to help bring a couple’s vision to life, and we’re thrilled that this ring will be part of their love story forever. Congratulations, Gerry and Lana!