Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 41
No. 402

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. 403

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. 404

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...

No. 405

Can I get a custom ring that incorporates multiple gemstones or birthstones?

Yes, and I do it more often than people think. The key is knowing what you're asking for, because a ring with three or four stones is a different piece of...

No. 406

Can I design a custom ring that is stackable with other rings?

Yes, and you should. Stackable rings - whether a wedding band that sits flush against an engagement ring, or a set of three thin bands you mix day to day -...

No. 407

How do I care for a custom ring with delicate details?

Delicate details need a different kind of care than a plain shank or a solid bezel. I've seen too many beautiful pieces come into my shop with a broken...

No. 408

Can I design a custom ring for a non-traditional proposal?

Yes, and honestly those are my favorite jobs. Someone called Priya came in last spring with a photo of her boyfriend's silhouette taken at sunset, and we...

No. 409

What are the most popular custom ring styles for men?

About 60% of the men's custom rings I build fall into one of four styles. Not trends, not what's on Instagram - what guys actually wear after the first...

No. 410

Can I add a personal touch like fingerprints or a special motif to my custom ring?

Yes, and it's one of the few custom requests I genuinely get excited about. Fingerprints, handwriting, a child's scrawl, a specific leaf shape, a musical...

No. 411

What is the best way to insure a custom ring?

The short answer: a standalone fine-arts jewelry policy, not a rider on your homeowners or renters insurance. I've had this conversation about three dozen...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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