Britney's engagement ring has NC connection

The four-carat diamond ring was designed by master jeweler and Forever Diamonds NY owner Roman Malayev. The company's director of marketing is Raleigh resident Angelia Murshed. The former N.C. State student's marketing businesses, Conscious Creative and Satellite Digital Marketing, are also based in Raleigh.

"We've actually been working with Sam for a few months," Murshed said via email. "I stepped out of my typical role to manage the overall project start to finish alongside Roman, allowing him to focus his energy on designing and creating Britney’s beautiful ring alongside Sam."

Murshed said the Forever Diamonds NY team was "absolutely thrilled and honored" to have been part of the couple's love story.

"The love Sam has for Britney is undeniable, and we hope this is just the beginning of a wonderful life together filled with happiness," Murshed said.

Murshed said the biggest priority has been keeping the ring and proposal confidential.

"Client privacy is always top of mind for us – for any couple we typically have knowledge of sensitive information like proposal timelines – but being that this ring was for a couple who is followed and in the news on a daily basis, we really enhanced things to do our part in protecting their moment," Murshed said, noting that the couple were referred to by code names "John and Jenna" to help keep their anonymity.

The ring also features the word "Lioness" engraved on the inside of the band. It's a nod to Sam's nickname for Britney.

"Pictures and videos don’t do Britney’s ring justice – Roman and Sam truly designed a work of art. Knowing the thought and sentimental details Sam incorporated really made everything involved a joy to work on," Murshed said.