Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 21
No. 202

What are some popular custom ring styles?

I get this question a lot. A client named Priya asked me last fall, and what she really wanted to know wasn't a list of trends - she wanted something that...

No. 203

What should I consider when designing a custom wedding band?

About 80% of the custom wedding bands I make start with the same problem: someone bought a beautiful engagement ring online, and now they need a band that...

No. 204

Can custom rings be made with non-traditional materials like wood or ceramic?

Short answer: yes. Practical answer: it depends on what you mean by “custom ring” and how long you want it to last. I’ve made rings with wood, ceramic,...

No. 205

How do I choose a gemstone for my custom ring?

I get this question a lot, and the honest answer is that most people start with the wrong end. They fall in love with a color first-a deep blue, a vivid...

No. 206

What are the pros and cons of ordering a custom ring?

I've made somewhere north of 1,200 custom rings at this point, and the honest answer is that the pros outweigh the cons for about 60% of clients - but the...

No. 207

What certifications should I look for in a custom ring maker?

None. Not the ones you're thinking of, anyway. Let me explain. If you walk into a jewelry store and ask "What certifications do you have?" they'll show you...

No. 208

How much does a custom ring typically cost?

About $2,800 to $12,000 for most engagement rings I make. That's the honest range. Below that and someone's cutting a corner you'll feel in five years....

No. 209

How long does it take to make a custom ring?

The honest answer, not the one the marketing site gives you: six to ten weeks. If a jeweler promises two, they're either rushing something or they're not...

No. 210

What materials are commonly used for custom rings?

When someone asks me what materials are commonly used for custom rings, I usually start with the short answer - gold, platinum, palladium, and silver - then...

No. 211

How do I find a reputable custom ring jeweler?

About fifteen years ago a client named Priya came to me after a bad experience with a jeweler who promised her "a family heirloom quality" ring in three...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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