No sooner had Brad Pitt proposed to Angelina Jolie with a stunning diamond ring in spring 2012, than plans for the next big ring were already under way.

Jewelry designer Robert Procop, who collaborated with Pitt for one year on Jolie’s engagement ring, told PEOPLE that the stars began working on their wedding bands immediately after the proposal more than two years ago.

“This is a couple who continues to think about how to surprise each other in gifts of love that all have meaning,” Procop, a close friend, shared in 2012. “He plans way in advance. She plans way in advance,” the jewelry designer said of Pitt, 50, and Jolie, 39.

Just five days after their intimate French wedding, which is featured in this week’s PEOPLE cover story, Pitt showed off his new ring during a U.K. photo call for his upcoming film Fury.

Procop has previously paired with Jolie on her Style of Jolie jewelry line, which is a representation of her “chic and contemporary” taste. She’s worn pieces, like the emerald necklace below, on the red carpet before — and Pitt has also sported items from her collaboration with Procop.

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“She was very passionate about communicating her style,” Procop said at the time. “Their personal gifts reflect her style. They really come to life in these romantic experiences.”

“If every couple was like this,” he added, “it would be a beautiful world.”

–Michelle Tauber, reporting by Mary Green

For Brad and Angelina’s complete wedding album, all the details of their big day and more of the couple’s interview, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Wednesday!

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