A man on a mission. Ryan Lochte was inspired to create a custom engagement ring ahead of his proposal to Kayla Rae Reid. The Olympian enlisted the help of Bridal Rings Company in L.A., and The Knot catches up with the brand’s proprietor, Jay Hariz.
“[Ryan] came to our showroom in the diamond district because we specialize in handcrafted diamond engagement rings and loose diamonds,” the jeweler tells The Knot. “He had a very good idea of what ring style she likes, and he knew what shape and size diamond he wanted.”
The world-renowned swimmer, 32, chose an 18-carat, white-gold ring with a 5-carat, rectangular-shaped, radiant-cut, center stone. The sparkler was set over full-cut micro pave round diamonds. Ned at Bridal Rings Company had the customized ring ready for Lochte in just a week.
Ryan Lochte’s engagement ring for Kayla Rae Reid. (Photo courtesy of Bridal Rings Company)
Ryan Lochte’s engagement ring for Kayla Rae Reid. (Photo courtesy of Bridal Rings Company)
Ryan Lochte’s engagement ring for Kayla Rae Reid. (Photo courtesy of Bridal Rings Company)
Hariz says the unique and elegant design exceeded the athlete’s expectations. With the quick turnaround, the jeweler knew it wouldn’t be long before Lochte set his proposal plan in motion.
The Olympian chose Malibu Canyon to ask the former Playboy model, 25, to become his bride. “Memories forever!!! #thelochtes #LA,” he wrote on Instagram, along with a post-proposal shot of the couple kissing. His fiancee posted an equally memorable photo and the message, “Speechless. Absolutely beautiful. So in love with YOU.”
Speechless. Absolutely beautiful. So in love with YOU. ❤️
A photo posted by KAYLA RAE REID (@kaylaraereid) on
Lochte met Reid at the VIP room of Bootsy Bellows in Hollywood back in January. The duo made an instant connection, and the swimmer later found the blonde beauty on Instagram.
Ryan Lochte’s engagement ring for Kayla Rae Reid. (Photo courtesy of Bridal Rings Company)
“From the very first time I met her, everything has, like, clicked,’’ the Dancing With the Stars contestant told USA Today just days before proposing to his love. “That’s why I know I can propose to her because everything that’s happened and she’s been keeping me so positive. She doesn’t care about my fame. She doesn’t care about anything. All she cares about is me being happy.”
