Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 55
No. 542

Are there any eco-friendly or recycled metal options for custom rings?

Yes, and the honest answer is simpler than most jewelers make it. About 90% of the metal I use in my studio is recycled, and that's not a marketing badge -...

No. 543

How do I design a custom promise ring?

Promise rings live in a strange space in the trade. They're not engagement rings, not exactly, but they're not just fashion rings either. Half the clients...

No. 544

What is the typical markup on custom rings compared to stock rings?

I get this question at least once a week, usually from someone who's just gotten their first custom quote and is trying to figure out if they're being taken...

No. 545

What are the advantages of 3D printing a custom ring model before casting?

I CAD-model and 3D-print a wax model on almost every custom job now. Not because I'm in love with the technology - I spent years carving wax by hand with...

No. 546

How do I know if a custom ring jeweler is trustworthy?

You don't. Not at first. Trust in this business is earned the slow way-over a bench, through a dozen small decisions, and usually after one good problem...

No. 547

What kind of warranty or guarantee should I expect on a custom ring?

Sarah brought in a 2.4 carat cushion-cut sapphire from a family trip to Ceylon, and the first thing she asked after I quoted the ring was, "What happens if...

No. 548

Can I order a custom ring with a specific engraving font?

Yes, you can. But the real answer depends on how you want that engraving done, because "engraving font" means different things to a laser machine versus a...

No. 549

What is the best way to budget for a custom ring?

About 70% of the people who email me about a custom ring have no idea what things actually cost. Not their fault. The trade is opaque by design. So here's...

No. 550

What are the ethical considerations when choosing gemstones for a custom ring?

I get this question a lot, usually from clients who've done some reading online and are trying to do the right thing. The short answer is that ethical...

No. 551

How do I verify the authenticity of a custom ring's materials?

You're asking the right question, and it's one most people don't think to ask until after they've handed over the check. Here's the honest truth: verifying...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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