Why We're Obsessed with LA Based 18Karats

Feb 2
2 min read

Updated: Feb 20

At Engagement 101, we’re constantly searching for brands that truly understand what our community wants. Our readers and viewers are looking for genuine luxury craftsmanship at price points that actually make sense for where they are in their lives.

18Karats offers both natural and lab-grown diamonds set in beautiful, impeccably made engagement settings that can be customized. You can start designing your engagement ring online and contact their customer service team with questions or to consult directly with a jewelry expert.

Let’s talk about Sofia Avetisyan, the founder. Her family has been quietly creating some of the most beautiful fine jewelry in the industry for over 20 years, the kind of pieces you’ve seen in high-end boutiques and from jewelry brands you definitely know. They built their reputation by working with some of the biggest names in the jewelry industry, establishing a standard of quality that truly speaks for itself.

Sofia recently launched 18Karats, a fine jewelry brand with a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform. Why should incredible design and master-level craftsmanship only be available through traditional retail markups? By manufacturing everything in Los Angeles and working directly with customers, 18Karats delivers the same caliber of jewelry, without the unnecessary middleman costs. Same artistry, same integrity, better access.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHc7REXNh3s

The 18Karats collection spans everything from timeless classics to sculptural, modern statements, designs that feel genuinely fresh. Think sleek solitaires, pavé halos, wavy gold bands with cushion cuts, and substantial metalwork that feels both luxurious and wearable. Every piece is designed in-house with a distinctly contemporary eye. These aren’t your grandmother’s engagement rings (unless your grandmother has impeccable taste, in which case, maybe they are).

And the best part? As we mentioned in the intro, total customization. Mix settings, adjust proportions, add or remove details, then choose from millions of diamonds, natural or lab-grown, through their portal. Their master jewelers in Los Angeles bring your exact vision to life with a level of precision that honestly can’t be rushed or replicated.

We partnered with 18Karats because they represent what we believe engagement jewelry should be: beautifully made, thoughtfully designed, and accessible across different price points without sacrificing a single detail. Whether you’re investing $3K or $30K, you’re getting the same level of craftsmanship and attention.

Your ring should feel like the best version of what you actually want, not what tradition tells you to want. That’s the 18Karats difference, and that’s why we’re here to connect you with them. Check out some of current favorites for cool girls from their engagement ring collection.