Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 26
No. 252

Can I design a custom stacking ring set?

Yes, you can. And I'd honestly rather build a stacking set for a client than almost any other kind of ring. A stack is personal, changeable, and - done...

No. 253

What are the best metals for a custom ring if I have sensitive skin?

I get this question about once a week, usually from someone who's bought a cheap ring off a mall kiosk and spent the next month with a rash under the band....

No. 254

Can I incorporate a family heirloom stone into a new custom ring design?

Sarah showed up on a Tuesday with a folded Kleenex. Inside was a .86 carat old mine cut, I color, SI2 - her grandmother's engagement diamond from 1939. The...

No. 255

What are the most popular gemstone cuts for custom engagement rings?

The short answer is that round brilliant is still the sales leader by a wide margin, and it will probably stay that way. But the more interesting answer -...

No. 256

How do I find a custom ring jeweler specializing in vintage styles?

Finding a jeweler who actually knows vintage styles is harder than it sounds. Plenty of jewelers claim to do "vintage-inspired" work, but what that usually...

No. 257

Can I request a custom ring with a hidden halo or other intricate details?

Yes, you can absolutely request a hidden halo or intricate details on a custom ring. The short answer is yes, and the longer answer is: it depends on the...

No. 258

Can I mix metals in a custom ring?

Yes. You can mix metals in a custom ring. I do it all the time. But do it because you want the look, not because someone told you it's trendy. I had a...

No. 259

What is the best way to incorporate family heirloom diamonds into a custom ring?

I get this question two or three times a month, and the answer has nothing to do with settings or metals at first. The first thing I do is sit down with the...

No. 260

How do I choose between a bezel and prong setting for a custom ring?

It comes down to three questions: how rough is your life, how important is light performance to you, and are you the kind of person who feels a prong snag...

No. 261

Can I design a custom ring that converts into a pendant?

Yes, and I've done it about a dozen times. The short answer is that a ring-to-pendant conversion is absolutely possible, but it requires planning from the...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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