Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 17
No. 162

Can I get a custom ring with a comfort fit band?

Yes, absolutely. Comfort fit is standard in my studio for any band wider than about 2mm, and I'd argue it should be the default for most wedding bands and...

No. 163

Are there any design limitations for custom rings with intricate details?

Yes, but not the ones you probably think. Most people walk in expecting I'll say "no, with modern CAD we can do anything." That's not true either. The...

No. 164

Can I order a custom ring using a family heirloom stone?

Yes. I do this every week, and it's probably the most rewarding kind of custom job I take on. A client named Nicole brought me a 1.04 carat old European cut...

No. 165

How do I ensure the ethical sourcing of materials for my custom ring?

The short answer: you ask the right questions, you look at the right documents, and you pay for provenance that's verified rather than promised. I've been...

No. 166

What are the best metals for a custom ring that will be worn daily?

About 70% of the time, when a client sits down across my bench and says "daily wear, for years," the answer comes down to two metals. 18k yellow gold and...

No. 167

How do I care for a custom ring with an unusual shape or setting?

Most care advice for rings is written for a round stone in a four-prong setting. Yours is not that ring. Unusual shapes and settings - a bezel-set emerald,...

No. 168

How do I choose a ring setting that suits my lifestyle?

Start with your hands. That's the part most of the advice skips. I had a client named Daniel last spring - a carpenter. He came in wanting a tension-set...

No. 169

Are there any eco-friendly or recycled metal options for custom rings?

Yes, and the honest answer is simpler than most jewelers make it. About 90% of the metal I use in my studio is recycled, and that's not a marketing badge -...

No. 170

How do I design a custom promise ring?

Promise rings live in a strange space in the trade. They're not engagement rings, not exactly, but they're not just fashion rings either. Half the clients...

No. 171

What is the typical markup on custom rings compared to stock rings?

I get this question at least once a week, usually from someone who's just gotten their first custom quote and is trying to figure out if they're being taken...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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