Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 56
No. 552

Can I get a custom ring made that is adjustable in size?

Technically, yes. Realistically, almost never in a way I’d recommend for a ring meant to last. Let me be specific. What most people mean by “adjustable” is...

No. 553

What is the process for designing a custom ring for a male partner?

I’ve done a lot of these, and the process usually starts the same way: someone walks in - or emails - and says, “I want a ring for my...

No. 554

How do I handle rush orders for custom rings?

I get this call about twice a month. Someone needs a custom ring in two weeks - sometimes less - and they're hoping I can wave a wand. The short answer: I...

No. 555

How can I save money when ordering a custom ring?

About 70% of the engagement rings I make start with a stone the client already owns. Inherited diamond, family heirloom, a loose stone from an estate sale -...

No. 556

Can I create a matching custom engagement ring and wedding band set?

Yes. It's one of the most common projects I take on, and it's also one of the most often misunderstood. A matching set isn't just about making two rings...

No. 557

Is it possible to modify an heirloom ring into a custom design?

Yes, it’s possible, but whether it’s smart depends entirely on the ring. I probably reset about a dozen heirloom pieces a year. Some are straightforward - a...

No. 558

What does the CAD (computer-aided design) process involve for custom rings?

Let me walk you through what actually happens with CAD for a custom ring. I've been using it since about 2008, and I still do it a specific way. The first...

No. 559

Can I get a custom ring with a lab-grown diamond or gemstone?

Yes, absolutely. I set lab-grown diamonds and gemstones for clients every month. They're real diamonds and real gemstones. The only difference is where they...

No. 560

What is the typical timeline for ordering a custom ring during the holiday season?

Let me be blunt: if you're reading this in November and hoping for a custom ring under the tree, you're already late. Not hopelessly late, but late enough...

No. 561

How do I design a custom ring that incorporates family heirlooms or vintage elements?

Rachel came in last March with a velvet pouch. Inside was a 0.94 carat old mine cut diamond, J color, with a small feather inclusion near the girdle - her...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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