Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 3
No. 22

What is the typical turnaround time for a custom ring with an overseas jeweler?

I'd answer that question with a question: which part of "overseas" are we talking about, and have you ever actually needed to return a ring to an overseas...

No. 23

How do I ensure the ethical sourcing of the gemstone in my custom ring?

Start by asking your jeweler, "Where did this stone come from, and what documentation do you have?" The answer you get tells you almost everything. A few...

No. 24

Can I design a custom ring that is adjustable or has a sizing mechanism?

Yes-but the honest answer is narrower than most people hope. I get this question about once a month, usually from someone who wants to propose with a ring...

No. 25

What are the advantages of using a CAD (computer-aided design) for a custom ring?

I'll be honest with you - I resisted CAD for years. I learned to make rings by hand in Florence, cutting shanks from sheet stock, soldering everything from...

No. 26

What are the options for custom men's wedding rings?

About sixty percent of the men who come into my studio have the same starting point: a plain flat band in platinum or palladium, maybe a brushed finish....

No. 27

Can I design a custom ring with my own gemstone, like an heirloom diamond?

Yes. Every week, someone walks into my studio with a stone in a pouch, a box, or once, a sock. The short answer is yes, you can design a custom ring around...

No. 28

Can I get a custom ring that matches an existing piece of jewelry?

Short answer: yes. Longer answer: yes, but the word "match" does more work than most people realize. I've done this about a dozen times in the last two...

No. 29

What are the best gemstones for durability in an everyday custom ring?

Let me be plain about this upfront: there is no single best gemstone for daily wear. The right stone depends on how you live, what you do with your hands,...

No. 30

How do I resize a custom ring if it doesn't fit perfectly?

The short answer is: it depends on the ring. But the honest answer is that most custom rings can be resized - just not all of them, and not without some...

No. 31

Are there any limitations on design complexity for custom rings?

Yes, there are limitations-but probably not the ones you're imagining. The real constraints aren't usually about what can be made . A skilled jeweler with a...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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