Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 14
No. 132

What does it mean if a diamond has a strong blue fluorescence?

Strong blue fluorescence is the diamond trade's most misunderstood line on a lab report, and I've watched too many clients walk away from a better stone...

No. 133

How do I match an engagement ring to a wedding band set?

Start with metal, not the silhouette. The easiest way to match an engagement ring to a wedding band set is to stop worrying about whether the patterns look...

No. 134

Can I use a gemstone that isn't a diamond as the center stone?

Yes. You can use nearly any gemstone that isn't a diamond as a center stone, provided you understand what that stone is signing you up for. A sapphire will...

No. 135

What's a good ring style for someone with a very active job?

Most active-job ring failures I see aren't about the stone. They're about height and prongs. A tall six-prong solitaire looks great in a display case. On...

No. 136

Should I tell my family before buying the ring?

No. The person who needs to know before you buy a ring is your partner, and even they mostly need to be asked about preferences, not told about the...

No. 137

How do I pick a ring that won't go out of fashion fast?

The fastest way to get a ring that looks dated in four years is to buy the exact setting that's blowing up on Instagram right now. I'd rather you pick...

No. 138

Can I design an engagement ring using a sketch?

A sketch is one of the best things you can bring to a first consultation. You can design an engagement ring using a sketch, though the sketch itself is...

No. 139

How do I include a birthstone in an engagement ring?

Last March a woman named Rachel walked in wanting to know how to include a birthstone in an engagement ring without making the whole thing look like a class...

No. 140

Should I buy a ring with a warranty or protection plan?

Most ring warranties and protection plans are not warranties. They're a repair subscription with exclusions, and the exclusions are where the money is. I've...

No. 141

How do I propose if she already suspects it's coming?

Last September a client named Jordan sat at my bench with his phone open and said, “She found the receipt for the diamond.” He had the look of a man whose...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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