Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 19
No. 182

How can I save money when ordering a custom ring?

About 70% of the engagement rings I make start with a stone the client already owns. Inherited diamond, family heirloom, a loose stone from an estate sale -...

No. 183

Can I create a matching custom engagement ring and wedding band set?

Yes. It's one of the most common projects I take on, and it's also one of the most often misunderstood. A matching set isn't just about making two rings...

No. 184

Is it possible to modify an heirloom ring into a custom design?

Yes, it’s possible, but whether it’s smart depends entirely on the ring. I probably reset about a dozen heirloom pieces a year. Some are straightforward - a...

No. 185

What does the CAD (computer-aided design) process involve for custom rings?

Let me walk you through what actually happens with CAD for a custom ring. I've been using it since about 2008, and I still do it a specific way. The first...

No. 186

Can I get a custom ring with a lab-grown diamond or gemstone?

Yes, absolutely. I set lab-grown diamonds and gemstones for clients every month. They're real diamonds and real gemstones. The only difference is where they...

No. 187

What is the typical timeline for ordering a custom ring during the holiday season?

Let me be blunt: if you're reading this in November and hoping for a custom ring under the tree, you're already late. Not hopelessly late, but late enough...

No. 188

How do I design a custom ring that incorporates family heirlooms or vintage elements?

Rachel came in last March with a velvet pouch. Inside was a 0.94 carat old mine cut diamond, J color, with a small feather inclusion near the girdle - her...

No. 189

Can I customize the width and thickness of a custom ring?

Yes, you can, and you should be thinking about it before the wax comes out. Width and thickness aren't just aesthetic decisions - they change how the ring...

No. 190

How do I choose a ring style that matches my personality?

I get this question a lot, and my first answer is usually the same: stop thinking about your personality as a noun you have to match and start thinking...

No. 191

What are the most durable materials for a custom ring?

18k yellow gold, properly alloyed, is the most durable material for a daily-wear custom ring in my experience. That's not what most people expect to hear....

A letter, every other Sunday.

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