Meet Kavalri: Custom Ring Jewellers

Engagement rings with a little more you. Meet Kavalri, the Australian family-owned jeweller creating custom engagement rings that are anything but off the shelf. Founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife duo Michelle and Tom Boie, Kavalri has grown from humble beginnings into an award-winning brand, helping thousands of couples bring their vision to life with bespoke engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewellery. Think exceptional craftsmanship, beautiful diamonds and sapphires sourced through close relationships with leading merchants, advanced design technology that lets you watch your ring take shape step by step, and transparent pricing from the very start. We went behind the scenes with Michelle to hear how the custom process works, what it costs and how to shop with confidence.

First things first, tell us about Kavalri?

My husband Tom and I founded Kavalri in 2012 with the idea that choosing a ring should be a personal, creative experience, where couples can bring their perfect piece to life through custom design. We wanted to create the kind of place we’d love to shop ourselves: somewhere relaxed and welcoming, where couples could explore ideas, ask all the questions and enjoy the experience. Beautiful design and exceptional craftsmanship were essential, but so were honest advice and clear, upfront pricing. That’s the experience we set out to create, and it’s still at the heart of Kavalri today. As a family-owned business, Kavalri is incredibly personal to us. I love that we get to help couples create something they’ll wear and treasure for a lifetime. Being let in on proposal plans is a pretty lovely part of the job, too!

How would you describe Kavalri’s engagement ring design aesthetic?

I’d describe it as timeless, with personality. I love beautiful proportions, thoughtful details and settings that really let the diamond or gemstone shine. I’ll always have a soft spot for a classic solitaire, but I also love sculptural shapes, unexpected colour and romantic, petal-inspired details. For me, it’s about creating a ring that feels beautiful now and will still feel special decades down the track.

What can couples expect when they shop for an engagement ring with Kavalri?

I want people to feel comfortable from the moment they connect with us. You certainly don’t need to arrive knowing your emerald cut from your elongated cushion. That’s where our team comes in! Whether someone starts by browsing online or visiting a showroom, the first step is getting to know their style, budget and what they’re drawn to. From there, our consultants guide them through designs, diamonds and gemstones, explaining everything in everyday language.I always encourage people to keep an open mind. Sometimes “the one” is exactly what they had saved on their phone, and sometimes it’s the ring they tried on just for fun.

What makes Kavalri a little different?

For me, it’s the combination of personal service, design flexibility and transparency. I want our clients to understand what they’re choosing, feel comfortable asking questions and enjoy being part of the process. Tom and I have built close relationships with leading diamond and gemstone merchants, which allows us to offer exceptional choice and competitive pricing. I’m equally particular about the details of the finished ring, from the proportions and setting to the quality of the materials and finishing. Ultimately, I want people to leave feeling that they’ve found a beautiful ring and a jeweller they can trust.

What does the custom engagement ring design process look like?

I always say it starts with a conversation, rather than a perfectly prepared design brief. A few screenshots, a favourite stone shape or even “I know what I don’t like” gives us somewhere to begin! Our team helps bring those ideas together, exploring the centre stone, metal, setting and finer details. I also think it’s important to consider everyday wear, including how the ring will sit on the hand and pair with a future wedding band. Detailed digital designs then allow clients to visualise and refine their ring before it goes into production. I love seeing that moment when an idea they’ve been imagining becomes something they can actually put on their finger.

Where does Kavalri find inspiration for its ring designs?

I often find it starts with the gemstone itself. A sapphire’s colour or a diamond’s shape can spark an entirely different idea for a setting. I’m also drawn to soft, organic forms, vintage details and clean, contemporary lines. Sometimes it’s something quite small, like the curve of a petal or an interesting combination of shapes. Our clients bring so much inspiration, too. I love hearing their ideas and discovering the personal details that make a design feel like theirs.

How much should you spend on an engagement ring?

My first piece of advice is to forget the “three months’ salary” rule. I’d much rather someone choose a budget they feel comfortable with and enjoy the experience. The investment depends on the centre stone, its size and characteristics, the metal and the complexity of the design. With natural and lab-grown diamonds, as well as sapphires, there are different options to explore. I’m a big believer in being clear about pricing from the beginning, including both the setting and centre stone, so couples can make an informed decision about what matters most to them.

Which Kavalri engagement rings are couples loving?

I love how our oval designs capture that balance of timeless style and individual personality. The Lara Oval has a beautiful simplicity, while the Willow collection and our Peony settings offer those lovely details that invite a closer look. For something a little more unexpected, I’d point couples towards our Georgia Bezel design, which brings together a sculptured bezel design with an elegant split shank in a timeless design. One of my favourite things is seeing how different each design can feel with a change of gemstone, metal colour or a small personal detail.

What’s your best advice for shopping for an engagement ring?

Try on a variety of styles, including the one you’re convinced won’t suit you. I’ve seen plenty of people fall in love with something completely different from their original wish list! I’d also suggest setting a comfortable budget, asking plenty of questions and thinking about how the ring will fit into your everyday life. How it feels on your hand matters just as much as how it looks in a photo.

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