Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 10
No. 92

Can I request a custom ring with a specific design for a fashion ring rather than an engagement ring?

Yes, and honestly, those are some of my favorite jobs to take on. An engagement ring comes with a whole set of expectations-budget, timeline, pressure from...

No. 93

What are the latest trends in custom ring design?

I get asked about trends a lot. Usually by someone who's about to drop real money on a ring and wants to be sure they're not buying something that'll look...

No. 94

How do I design a custom ring with a unique geometric or architectural shape?

Geometric and architectural rings are having a moment, and it's not just a trend - it's a return to something older. Think of mid-century modern jewelry,...

No. 95

Can I design a custom ring for a non-engagement purpose, like a promise ring or anniversary ring?

About 40% of the custom work that comes into my studio isn’t for engagements. It’s for anniversaries, promises, milestones, or just because. So yes - you...

No. 96

Can I use a family heirloom gemstone in a new custom ring setting?

Yes, you can. I do it all the time. About 70% of the engagement rings I make start with a stone the client already owns - a grandmother's diamond, an aunt's...

No. 97

What is the typical markup on custom rings compared to the cost of materials?

About 23 years ago, during my apprenticeship in Florence, I watched my master goldsmith price a custom band for a local couple. He took the material cost -...

No. 98

Can I get a 3D model or rendering of my custom ring before it's made?

Yes. If your jeweler isn't offering you a 3D model or rendering before they start cutting metal, you're working with the wrong jeweler. That said, there's a...

No. 99

Can I order a custom ring with a hidden halo or other secret details?

Absolutely. I build hidden halos and secret details into custom rings all the time. In fact, about a third of the engagement rings I make right now have...

No. 100

Can I create a custom ring using recycled metals?

Yes. And I'd argue you should, provided you're working with a jeweler who actually knows what they're doing with it. There's a difference between a jeweler...

No. 101

How do I design a custom stacking ring set?

About three years ago, a client named Priya walked in with a stack she'd bought online - three thin bands, all same width, all same finish, all sterling...

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One essay, one object, one quiet recommendation — delivered slowly, the way these things ought to be.