Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 57
No. 562

Can I customize the width and thickness of a custom ring?

Yes, you can, and you should be thinking about it before the wax comes out. Width and thickness aren't just aesthetic decisions - they change how the ring...

No. 563

How do I choose a ring style that matches my personality?

I get this question a lot, and my first answer is usually the same: stop thinking about your personality as a noun you have to match and start thinking...

No. 564

What are the most durable materials for a custom ring?

18k yellow gold, properly alloyed, is the most durable material for a daily-wear custom ring in my experience. That's not what most people expect to hear....

No. 565

Is it possible to create a custom ring with a hidden halo?

Yes, absolutely. A hidden halo is one of the more straightforward custom details to pull off - assuming the center stone has the right proportions and your...

No. 566

How do I find a custom ring designer who specializes in vintage styles?

The short answer is: look for someone who can name the era they're working in beyond just saying "vintage." A real vintage specialist can tell you why Art...

No. 567

How do I know if a custom ring design is structurally sound?

You don't. Not unless you know what to look for. And most clients don't - which is why the ring you bought online or had made by a jeweler who didn't...

No. 568

Can I use a family heirloom diamond in a custom ring setting?

About 70% of the custom rings I build start with a stone the client already owns. Most of those are heirlooms - grandmother's engagement ring, a...

No. 569

How do I care for a custom ring with intricate filigree?

Filigree is one of those things that looks fragile but isn't-until it is. The fine wires and open spaces that make it beautiful are also what trap soap,...

No. 570

What is the difference between a CAD rendering and a wax model for a custom ring?

A CAD rendering is a promise. The wax model is proof. That's the short version, and honestly, it's the one I reach for most when I'm explaining this across...

No. 571

How do I get a custom ring appraised for insurance?

You get an appraisal the same way you get anything honest in this trade - from someone who has no financial stake in the sale. That means not the jeweler...

A letter, every other Sunday.

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