Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 20
No. 192

Is it possible to create a custom ring with a hidden halo?

Yes, absolutely. A hidden halo is one of the more straightforward custom details to pull off - assuming the center stone has the right proportions and your...

No. 193

How do I find a custom ring designer who specializes in vintage styles?

The short answer is: look for someone who can name the era they're working in beyond just saying "vintage." A real vintage specialist can tell you why Art...

No. 194

How do I know if a custom ring design is structurally sound?

You don't. Not unless you know what to look for. And most clients don't - which is why the ring you bought online or had made by a jeweler who didn't...

No. 195

Can I use a family heirloom diamond in a custom ring setting?

About 70% of the custom rings I build start with a stone the client already owns. Most of those are heirlooms - grandmother's engagement ring, a...

No. 196

How do I care for a custom ring with intricate filigree?

Filigree is one of those things that looks fragile but isn't-until it is. The fine wires and open spaces that make it beautiful are also what trap soap,...

No. 197

What is the difference between a CAD rendering and a wax model for a custom ring?

A CAD rendering is a promise. The wax model is proof. That's the short version, and honestly, it's the one I reach for most when I'm explaining this across...

No. 198

How do I get a custom ring appraised for insurance?

You get an appraisal the same way you get anything honest in this trade - from someone who has no financial stake in the sale. That means not the jeweler...

No. 199

Can I request a specific size for a custom ring if I have large knuckles?

Short answer: yes, and you should. Long answer: it's not just about the knuckle - it's about how the ring has to get over that knuckle and then sit properly...

No. 200

What are the benefits of using a local jeweler versus an online custom ring service?

About 60% of the rings I resize started their life online - bought by a well-intentioned partner, shipped in a box, and then someone in a store like mine...

No. 201

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

Yes, absolutely, and it's one of the most fun things a client can ask for. A hidden halo is probably the most common secret detail I build, but it's far...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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