Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 31
No. 302

How do I design a custom engagement ring that is also a surprise?

You don't. I'm going to say that flat up front, because I've seen the aftermath of too many surprise engagement rings that went wrong - the ring the partner...

No. 303

Can I customize a ring for a man, like a custom signet or band?

Absolutely. I'd say about a third of my bench time these days is for men's rings, and that number keeps climbing. The question usually isn't whether it's...

No. 304

How do I choose the right width for my custom ring band?

This is the question I get more often than almost any other, and it's one most people get wrong because they're thinking about it from a photo, not from a...

No. 305

What is the difference between a custom ring and a semi-mount?

The difference is simpler than most people think, and it's the kind of thing I end up explaining at least twice a week across the bench. A custom ring is...

No. 306

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. 307

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. 308

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. 309

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. 310

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. 311

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...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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