LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Loree Rodkin is a visionary, often blurring the distinction between modern and medieval in her couture collections. Her artisan handcrafted pieces have been worn by famous clients like Cher, Madonna, Sir Elton John, and Michelle Obama. Originally from Chicago herself, Rodkin was asked by the First Lady to design her inaugural jewels, pieces that marked a momentous occasion in time, and left the fashion world buzzing. A personal friend to Joe Francis, the Girls Gone Wild CEO, it was only natural for Rodkin to design his fiancee's engagement ring.

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Christina McLarty says, "I am so excited about my life with Joe, we have always been best friends and now we get to venture into a whole other chapter in our lives together. The ring is a piece of art, just breathtaking. Joe was so sweet to put so much attention on it for me."

Francis and Christina McLarty (an Entertainment News Reporter for CBS in Los Angeles), will marry at a 4- day celebration at Francis' private estate in Punta Mita, Mexico in November. The couple says the weekend will be filled with fun, good friends and tons of memories. Rodkin has created a 9 carat, custom diamond ring set in a diamond pave band, with diamonds adorned around the stone and on the shank. The ring is valued at just under a half a million dollars.

"You FEEL the love when Christina and Joe walk into a room... I wanted the ring to reflect the emotion," says Loree Rodkin.

McLarty reveals, "It was an unbelievable experience to collaborate with a jewelry genius. Loree has a sense of style about her that can only come from her world travels, exposure to different cultures, and her unbelievable spirit. She's spiritual, and soulful, even ethereal. When I told her what I wanted, she suggested a stone that sums up my relationship with Joe. The diamond glows from all angles, but from each vantage point, you see something different. She has created a ring that will last us a lifetime, and will grow in depth and in beauty just as our love will."

Rodkin's design empire encompasses jewelry, as well as fragrance, candles, and eye couture. Her collections can be found in specialty boutiques worldwide.

SOURCE Loree Rodkin