Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 38
No. 372

Should I buy a diamond engagement ring or a gemstone one?

The question lands in my inbox about once a week, usually from someone who's just discovered a deep blue sapphire on Instagram and is now second-guessing...

No. 373

How do I know if a diamond is good quality?

Most people shop for diamonds backwards. They fixate on carat weight and clarity grade first, then color, and treat cut as a footnote. Cut is the only one...

No. 374

Can I order a custom ring with a specific milgrain or filigree detail?

Yes, you can. But the short answer comes with a long tail. Milgrain and filigree are two different things that often get lumped together, and each demands a...

No. 375

Can I request a specific finish like matte, high polish, or brushed?

Yes, absolutely. Finish is one of the few things you can change about a ring without touching the stone or the metal structure. I get this question a lot -...

No. 376

Are there any additional fees for shipping or insurance on custom rings?

Yes. And if a jeweler tells you shipping and insurance are free, ask a few more questions. Nothing in this trade is free - that cost is just baked in...

No. 377

What are the most popular custom ring trends for men?

About four years ago, a guy named Marco came in wanting a men's wedding band. He was dead set on tungsten - black, flat, heavy - because his buddy had one...

No. 378

Is it possible to make a custom ring that includes a hidden message or symbol?

Yes, absolutely. I've done it maybe thirty times in the last decade. The trick is making the hidden element structurally sound and invisible under normal...

No. 379

What should I consider when designing a custom ring for a man's hand?

I've made a lot of rings for men's hands over the years, and the single biggest mistake I see - from clients and from jewelers who should know better - is...

No. 380

What is the average price range for a custom ring with a simple design?

You want a ballpark. I'll give you two. For a simple custom ring - a solitaire in 14k or 18k yellow gold, standard prong setting, nothing fancy - you're...

No. 381

Can I design a ring with a specific diamond cut not commonly sold?

I get asked this about once a month, and the short answer is yes - but the long answer has some real constraints you need to know before you fall in love...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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