“LOVED this episode!!! Can’t wait to get my first piece of Ring Concierge after this!” - Spotify Podcast Reviewer
What engagement rings are actually worth investing in through 2026? And is lab-grown worth it?
Ring Concierge founder Nicole Wegman - who built a $100M+ jewelry brand with diamonds - joins Maggie to break down the trends shaping engagement rings right now, the lab-grown vs natural diamond debate, and why “engagement season” creates so much pressure. She also shares the real founder story behind Ring Concierge: starting with $2,000, bootstrapping to $100M+ in sales, and what it takes to scale from scrappy entrepreneur to CEO without losing the aesthetic, the community, or yourself.
We also talk about the unspoken side of success - how money and reputation can change the people around you - and why Nicole built a nine-figure business without outside investment by designing around what women actually want: clarity, taste, trust, and a brand that feels like you.
Nicole discusses:
Engagement Season Pressure: Why holidays amplify timelines, comparison, and the feeling of “needing” a ring - even when the relationship isn’t ready.
Lab-Grown vs “Real” Diamonds: Why the debate is so heated, what actually separates lab from natural, and how to choose based on your values (budget, size, sentiment, and long-term value)
Bootstrapping to $100M Without Playing the Exit Game: The mindset of building profitably, reinvesting for years, and why she didn’t raise money until it supported the next chapter of growth.
Hiring & Leadership: What she looks for in every hire (grit, pivot-ability, no ego), and the hard truth that the team that got you here might not be the team that gets you there.
♡ 01. everyday sparkle ♡
I love jewelry that feels effortless but intentional. This is one of those pieces I never take off because it works with absolutely everything.
♡ 02. off-duty uniform ♡
There’s nothing better than feeling put together while staying comfortable. This is what I throw on when I want to look cool without trying.
♡ 03. subtle shine ♡
A delicate piece that adds just enough polish. It’s understated, timeless, and makes me feel instantly elevated.
♡ 04. ten-minute blowout ♡
This has completely changed my hair routine. I can get volume and smoothness fast, even on the busiest days.
♡ 05. classic studs ♡
These are my go-to earrings. Clean, simple, and the kind of staple you build your whole jewelry collection around.
♡ 06. glow at home ♡
I love treatments that fit into my routine without extra effort. This gives me consistent results from the comfort of my own space.
♡ 07. forever piece ♡
This is the definition of an investment accessory. Elegant, timeless, and something I’ll wear for years.
♡ 08. sleep upgrade ♡
Nothing impacts how I feel more than great sleep. This instantly makes my bed feel hotel-level luxurious.
♡ 09. everyday hoops ♡
Small, polished, and perfect for daily wear. These are the kind of earrings you forget you’re wearing because they’re that good.
♡ 10. wrinkle-free life ♡
This tool lives in my closet. It’s fast, simple, and makes getting dressed feel effortless.
♡ Hot, Smart, Rich Tips ♡
♡ Hot Hack ♡
When I’m getting dressed, I always think about proportion and pairing something tighter with something looser. My go-to combo: baggy jeans, a great fitted tee or tank, and a blazer. I’ll add vintage Chanel flats or cowboy boots if I’m feeling fun, and then throw my hair in a slicked-back bun. Easy, effortless, hot.
♡ Smart Hack ♡
Test your business idea before you pour all your time and energy into it. I started Ring Concierge with just an Instagram account and a landing page. That’s how I learned women were obsessed with the brand concept before I ever spent real money. I didn’t even have product photos, just stock diamonds and a voice. Proof of concept first, then build.
♡ Rich Tip ♡
Get good at saying no. I used to do everything, all the shoots, all the customer service emails, every little thing. But real growth came when I focused only on what I’m uniquely great at and hired people smarter than me to do the rest. Delegating isn’t a luxury, it’s how you scale.
♡ Favorite Part of the Conversation ♡
Sitting down with Maggie felt like catching up with a friend I didn’t know I needed. We talked business, babies, burnout, and I loved getting to show the unfiltered side of building Ring Concierge. It's easy to see the success from the outside, but the behind-the-scenes grit is where the magic happens.
♡ Something People Don’t Know About You ♡
I’m not naturally into jewelry. I didn’t even wear my engagement ring most days until I started Ring Concierge. But I became obsessed with the industry because I saw how confusing and exclusive it was for women. Now I love helping people buy their dream pieces, and I’ve even gotten more into wearing my own.
♡ About The Guest ♡
Nicole Wegman - Founder and CEO of Ring Concierge
Nicole Wegman is the founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, the New York–based fine jewelry brand that has transformed the engagement ring shopping experience for a new generation of women. With a background in fashion buying and product development, Nicole launched Ring Concierge in 2013 after noticing a gap in the market: luxury bridal and fine jewelry that was both elevated and accessible, created with women in mind.
What began as a side hustle has grown into a multimillion-dollar direct-to-consumer brand known for its customizable designs, social media-driven storytelling, and modern approach to shopping for life’s most meaningful pieces. Wegman is GIA-certified and remains deeply involved in product design and brand strategy. Under her leadership, Ring Concierge has expanded into physical showrooms and built a cult following online, redefining what it means to buy engagement rings and heirloom-quality jewelry today.