Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 68
No. 672

What are the pros and cons of ordering a custom ring?

I've made somewhere north of 1,200 custom rings at this point, and the honest answer is that the pros outweigh the cons for about 60% of clients - but the...

No. 673

What certifications should I look for in a custom ring maker?

None. Not the ones you're thinking of, anyway. Let me explain. If you walk into a jewelry store and ask "What certifications do you have?" they'll show you...

No. 674

How much does a custom ring typically cost?

About $2,800 to $12,000 for most engagement rings I make. That's the honest range. Below that and someone's cutting a corner you'll feel in five years....

No. 675

How long does it take to make a custom ring?

The honest answer, not the one the marketing site gives you: six to ten weeks. If a jeweler promises two, they're either rushing something or they're not...

No. 676

What materials are commonly used for custom rings?

When someone asks me what materials are commonly used for custom rings, I usually start with the short answer - gold, platinum, palladium, and silver - then...

No. 677

How do I find a reputable custom ring jeweler?

About fifteen years ago a client named Priya came to me after a bad experience with a jeweler who promised her "a family heirloom quality" ring in three...

No. 678

Can I customize an existing ring design?

Yes. About six times a week, someone emails me a screenshot of a ring from a big brand's website or a Pinterest board and says, "I want this, but." The...

No. 679

How do I get a custom ring resized?

It depends on the ring. A lot depends on the ring. I've sized thousands of them over 22 years, and the first thing I tell a client is that resizing is not...

No. 680

Can I use my own gemstone in a custom ring?

Short answer: yes. Longer answer: yes, but there are things you need to know before you hand over that stone. I see this a lot - someone walks in with a...

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