Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 52
No. 512

How do I ensure the custom ring is comfortable for daily wear?

Comfort in a daily-wear ring isn’t an afterthought - it’s built into the design from the first sketch. I’ve seen too many rings that look beautiful in the...

No. 513

Can I order a custom ring with a specific color of gold?

Yes, absolutely. And you should specify the karat as well as the color, because they're not the same thing. Gold sold as "yellow," "white," or "rose" isn't...

No. 514

What is the process for repairing a custom ring?

The answer depends on what's wrong. But I'll give you the honest version most jewelers won't: about 60% of the repair work that comes across my bench could...

No. 515

How do I choose a setting that protects a soft gemstone like opal?

Opal is about a 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. That's softer than quartz, softer than most garnets, and significantly softer than the sapphire or diamond...

No. 516

Can I get a custom ring with a hidden inscription or message?

Yes, absolutely. I'd say about a third of the custom rings I make have some kind of hidden inscription. It's one of those details that makes a piece feel...

No. 517

Can I get a custom ring made from recycled or eco-friendly materials?

Yes, absolutely. And I do it more often than you'd think - probably for about a third of the customs I take on last year. The short answer is that the metal...

No. 518

How do I match a custom wedding band to an existing engagement ring?

The short answer: bring the engagement ring with you. Not a photo of it on your hand, not a screenshot from the jeweler's website - the actual ring. I've...

No. 519

Can I design a custom ring with multiple gemstones in a cluster?

Yes. And you should probably have a clear idea of why before you start, because a multi-stone cluster brings a specific set of trade-offs that a...

No. 520

What is the process of designing a custom ring using online tools?

I’m going to be honest with you: “designing a custom ring using online tools” means very different things depending on which website you land on. Some of...

No. 521

How do I select the right ring style for my hand shape?

I get this question a lot, and the honest answer is that hand shape matters, but it's not the only thing that matters. A ring that fits visually and...

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