Photography by Christopher T Martin.
Written by Seton McGowan

Nestled in the vibrant community of Carr Mill lies Rings True, a jewelry studio owned by Karl Linger.

The space is more than a retail spot. It’s a hub for creativity and craftsmanship, where Karl and his team of goldsmiths and designers specialize in custom bridal design, reimagining heirloom pieces, and jewelry repair. The team takes pride in guiding its customers through a delightful, collaborative process of discovery and design.

An unexpected beginning

Karl never set out to become a jeweler. He studied music. He played local gigs. He drove a taxi in New York City to make rent. Then one snowy night, a passenger in his cab invited him to step inside a building on 47th Street — the heart of the Diamond District.

Karl walked through those doors and found the thing he didn’t know he’d been searching for —a craft that demanded both precision and soul. He learned on the bench, serving as an apprentice in one workshop after another, in the old-school way. He took jobs that paid less so he could learn more. He chased mastery instead of comfort.

Evolution through experience

Karl’s meticulous nature and commitment to design became evident in every piece he touched. Like many others in the field, Karl specialized in a single aspect of jewelry-making becoming a diamond and color stone setter. Karl embraced the versatility that came with working in New York’s competitive market. He delved into the artistry of stone setting and later fabrication, always seeking out the finest materials and techniques.

Time spent in esteemed shops and collaborations with renowned jewelers, Oscar Heyman and Brothers and Melina Fine Jewelers in Phoenix, AZ, expanded his horizons. Yet, for Karl, the art of jewelry design wasn’t just about the pieces. It was about the stories behind them. Karl thrived on creating meaningful pieces for his customers. Pieces that told their story —an endeavor that shaped his vision for the future.

“I didn’t grow up in the jewelry world. I walked into it by accident — and I fell in love with the craft of making something true.”

A new chapter in North Carolina

After years in the industry in New York City, Karl relocated to Arizona. There, he entered the next significant phase of his career, taking on extraordinary projects, including designing national bowl game trophies, building the setting for one of the world’s largest diamonds, and servicing jewelry from the RMS Titanic.

In 2004, Karl and his wife decided that Arizona wasn’t where they wanted to settle long-term. They started exploring other places to establish roots. While visiting a friend in North Carolina, they were drawn to the town’s charm and strong sense of community. Here, Karl and his wife, Rita, found the balance they had been looking for. Learning about the Triangle’s creative scene and entrepreneurial vibe confirmed that North Carolina was the perfect place for them.

Over the years, Karl established a base in Durham, immersing himself in the local jewelry scene. After a few years, the vision for his own studio began to take shape. He wanted to create a space where clients could witness the artistry in action. With Rita’s support and seed money from her 401K, Karl took the leap.

Rings True: Craftsmanship meets community

In 2016, Karl opened Rings True in Raleigh and moved to Carr Mill in 2019. He knew the collaborative space, home to local creative business owners and nestled in the heart of downtown Carrboro, would be the ideal place to open his jewelry atelier.  His vision was to create an open studio environment where patrons could experience the artistry of jewelry making firsthand, fostering an appreciation for the craft. With his apprentice, Zachary Schaberg, they began developing custom bridal works, focusing on quality and personalized experiences.

Today, Karl sees Rings True as more than a business. Rings True is a testament to his commitment to nurturing talent, facilitating creativity, and building lasting relationships. On a typical day in the studio, his team will be immersed in various creative endeavors, working on custom engagement rings, wedding rings, all other types of custom projects, as well as offline repair services.

“Being here, surrounded by passionate creators, has shaped my work and life in profound ways.”

Looking to the future

With over forty-five years of experience, Karl is now entering a new phase of his life. But even as he considers semi-retirement, his dedication to the craft and mentorship remains unwavering. He aspires to pass down his knowledge and foster the next generation of jewelers.

“I think the greatest thing I have accomplished in my business is the development of young careers. I don’t think there’s anything that I can do as a business that is greater than that.”

The dual excitement of his legacy being carried forward by Zachary and his team, and the potential to revisit his love for music, brings him joy as he contemplates what lies ahead.

“I have a fire for creating beauty, whether it’s in metal or melody.”

The journey from musician to jeweler has illuminated his life, allowing him to intertwine various passions grounded in creativity and craftsmanship. And now Rings True stands as a beacon of artisanal dedication, community spirit, and the indelible beauty that comes from following one’s passion.

To learn more about the latest designs from Rings True, stop by the studio or visit their website, ThisRingsTrue.com, and set up a Custom Design Consultation.