Britt’s Pick: Isabel Delgado’s Lapis Sofia Ring

By Brittany Siminitz | June 11, 2026

Inspired by the by the iconic arches of southern Spain’s Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Isabel Delgado’s Sofia collection offers a vibrant escape through color, architecture, and craftsmanship even if you won’t make it to Europe this summer.

I’m particularly drawn to the collection’s lapis lazuli ring—one of those versatile designs that feels equally compelling worn alone or stacked. Much like the collection itself blends distinct cultural influences, the ring unites two materials in a way that feels entirely natural: 14k gold alternates with hand-cut lapis lazuli, which functions almost as a design material rather than a traditional gemstone.

According to Delgado, this ring was also inspired by the blue-and-white striped umbrellas that dot the Côte d’Azur—the French Riviera—and its silhouette was the first design developed for the collection.

“The design process started with the decision to explore the use of new materials,” the Dallas-based designer says. “As we all know, gold has been on the rise [in price] and diamonds have been fluctuating in demand, so I wanted to explore the use of lapis, carnelian, and other materials.”

From there, the shape took center stage. Delgado and her team developed multiple versions to ensure the ring would be comfortable despite its substantial profile. Two styles emerged: the statement ring seen here and a slimmer stacking band, currently available in gold with no gemstone. Delgado hopes to eventually introduce a slimmer version incorporating lapis.

Bringing the Sofia design to life took months of refinement. “We went back and forth with the cutting of the stones and how we were going to connect the materials together in one piece,” Delgado says. Every lapis segment was individually hand-carved and required weeks of cutting and polishing before being assembled and set, she tells JCK.

The result is a ring that feels both ancient and contemporary, drawing on centuries of Spanish, North African, and Mediterranean design while offering a distinctly modern approach to color, material, and form with its bold proportions.

“I like to wear this ring by itself on my middle finger,” says Delgado. “I think the shape and colors are very strong, so there’s no need to add anything, but I also like the idea of stacking it with the gold thinner version.”

Top: Sofia ring in 14k yellow gold with lapis lazuli, $17,500; Isabel Delgado