Hi everyone! For my first blog post I thought it would be super fun to do an introduction to how I go about making your rings! It really is a neat process, and I still can't believe that this is my actual job getting to create such special pieces for you guys.
When you reach out to me regarding a custom ring, the first thing we will go over is budget and vision. Custom rings start at $2,000 and can go upwards of $10k, so it's definitely good to clarify your monetary expectations from the start.
Once we determine clear budget, I'll collect photos from you of inspiration! This can be photos of rings I have created, sketches you draw yourself, or random screenshots from Pinterest. This will give me a better idea of what your bride's taste and style is, along with what specifically you are both hoping for. Sometimes what the bride and groom want is at odds, so we can work together to find a good compromise.
Once I have your expectations and vision, I'll start sourcing your stones. Whether you are looking for natural or lab diamonds, or a specific gemstone like Ruby or Sapphire, I will find what you are looking for from one of my trusted sources. I source from reliable gemstone dealers who specialize in traceable stones and are conscious of the mines or labs that the stones are mined from or created in.
After we find your perfect stone or stones, I'll get started on your 3D rendering in my computer assisted design program (CAD). From here we can tweak small pieces of the ring until we get it exactly how you want it to be. This can be anything from prong sizes and shapes, to the width and shape of the band. The sky really is the limit when designing a custom piece, so be sure to make your preferences known!
After we finalize your design, it is sent to my caster where it is 3D printed in wax, then cast in your choice of solid gold or platinum. Once the ring is cast, it is sent to me from my caster for setting and finishing. This is my favorite part of the process. Seeing your vision come to life is just amazing! I use my microscope and a variety of different tools to set your stones.
After the stones are set, your ring is polished and finished up. I give it a super super deep cleaning, photograph it, and package it up for you! I only mail out pieces on Monday-Thursday using insured expedited UPS. This ensures that your special rings aren't sitting in some random post office over the weekend.
Don't forget to send me your proposal pictures! I love getting to see where these pieces end up. I'll always ask permission before featuring you on my page, but it is seriously such an honor to share your stories!
Drop any questions or comments below! I'd love to hear your feedback on the process or answer any questions you might have.
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