Questions Couples Ask Me Every Day

The Custom Process

Do custom engagement rings cost more than pre-made or store-bought rings?

Not necessarily.

A lot of people assume “custom” automatically means dramatically more expensive, but in reality, custom design often gives you more control over your budget, not less.

One of the first things we talk about is what feels comfortable for you financially. From there, we can design around that budget and discuss the best ways to maximize it.

For example, we might adjust:
- the center stone size or type
- natural diamond vs. lab grown diamond or moissanite
- metal choice
- setting style
- design complexity
- hidden details or accent stones

In many cases, a custom ring can be comparable in price to a pre-made retail ring…and sometimes even a better value because you're deciding where the money goes instead of paying for showroom markups or features you don’t actually care about.

Custom doesn’t always mean starting from scratch, either. Sometimes we modify an existing design you love, combine ideas from several rings or refine details to create something more personal and more wearable.

The biggest difference is this: instead of trying to fit yourself into a ring that already exists, we build the ring around your style, priorities and budget.

What do most people regret not considering before designing an engagement ring?

One of the biggest things people overlook is how a ring will actually fit into everyday life.

When you’re excited about a trendy ring design, it’s easy to focus on how beautiful it looks and forget about practical details like comfort, profile height, durability, wedding band fit and how the ring will feel years down the line.

For example, people are often surprised by how much center stone height matters, whether a ring catches on sweaters or gloves or how different metal choices wear over time. These are all important considerations. Another thing people sometimes regret is focusing too heavily on trends without thinking about what genuinely feels like them.

Engagement ring trends can be fun and inspiring, but the rings people tend to love over the long-term are usually the ones that still feel personal and comfortable after the excitement of the moment passes.

I also think many couples underestimate how helpful it is to try things on in person. Two rings that look almost identical online can feel completely different once they’re actually on your hand.

My goal is never to rush the process. It’s to help you think through details you may not even know to ask about yet so you end up with something that still feels right years from now.

Can I combine ideas from different engagement rings I love?

Absolutely. In fact, this is probably one of the most common ways a custom design engagement ring begins.

Very few people walk in wanting to invent something completely from scratch. More often someone sits down and says: “I love the setting on this one, the band on this one and the center stone shape on this one.”

Perfect.

That actually gives us a great place to start.

Custom design doesn’t have to mean starting with a blank sheet of paper. Sometimes it means modifying an existing design. Sometimes it means combining details from a few rings you love. Sometimes it means taking a beautiful idea and making it more wearable, more practical or more personal.

Bring screenshots. Pinterest boards. Random saved photos on your phone. Even hand-drawn sketches (we see a fair amount of those).

Part of my job is helping you figure out what you’re responding to. Maybe it’s the proportions. Maybe it’s the feeling of the ring. Maybe it’s just one little detail you keep coming back to.

The goal isn’t to copy someone else’s ring exactly. It’s to create something that feels like your version of it.

Can I customize a ring without starting completely from scratch?

Absolutely and honestly, this is how many custom rings begin.

A lot of people hear the phrase “custom engagement ring” and imagine they need to walk in with some fully formed vision or design something completely original from the ground up.

Not at all.

Sometimes custom simply means taking an existing design you love and adjusting it to better fit your life.

Maybe you love the setting but want a different center stone shape. Maybe you want a lower profile so it’s easier to wear every day. Maybe you love two different rings and want to combine elements from both. That’s very common.

Sometimes even small changes can make a ring feel much more personal. A hidden detail. A different band width. Slightly softer proportions. A warmer gold. Tiny adjustments can make a surprisingly big difference. For me, this process is meant to feel collaborative and relaxed. You don’t need all the answers before we begin. We simply start with what you’re drawn to and go from there. Think of it as a casual form of improvisation.

Can I design a custom engagement ring with Joe if I don't live in Scottsdale?

Absolutely.

While I love meeting couples in my Scottsdale studio, it's certainly not a requirement. I've designed engagement rings for clients all over the country.

We start with a conversation about your ideas, your budget and the styles you're drawn to. From there, I'll guide you through the design process, share renderings as your ring takes shape and make sure you're comfortable with every detail before we move forward.

The experience is a little different than meeting in person, but the goal is exactly the same: creating a ring that's uniquely yours.

Whether you're across town or across the country, I'm here to make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Diamond and Gemstone Choices

Should I choose a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond?

This is probably the question I get asked more than any other.

The truth is, there isn't one right answer.

Both are technically real diamonds. Both are beautiful. Both can last a lifetime.

The decision usually comes down to what matters most to you.

Some people love the history and rarity of a natural diamond. They like knowing it formed deep within the earth billions of years ago. That story means something to them and I get it.

Other couples would rather put the same budget toward a larger diamond or a more elaborate setting. For them, a lab-grown diamond makes perfect sense. Bigger bling is possible!

Neither choice is wrong.

My advice is to stop worrying about what everyone else is doing. Social media has made this conversation much louder than it needs to be.

Instead, let's talk about your priorities, your budget and what feels right to you. Once you see natural and lab-grown diamonds side by side, the decision usually becomes much easier.

What is a lab-grown diamond?

Lab grown diamonds are diamonds through and through, chemically and optically identical to diamonds found in nature. See our Laboratory-grown diamond page for additional information.

Can people tell if my diamond is lab-grown?

No, not by looking at it.

A lab-grown diamond has the same chemical composition, the same brilliance and the same hardness as a natural diamond. Even experienced jewelers can't tell the difference just by looking. Specialized equipment is needed to identify how the diamond was created.

What people do notice is whether a ring looks beautiful, whether the gem is well-cut and how brilliantly it sparkles.

That's why I tell clients not to get caught up in what someone on the internet says they should buy. Every couple has different priorities. Some value rarity. Some value size. Some want the biggest look for their budget.

There isn't a universal "best" choice.

My job is simply to explain the differences, answer your questions honestly and help you choose the diamond that you'll be excited to wear every day.

Do lab-grown diamonds lose value?

This is one of those questions that deserves an honest answer.

Most engagement rings shouldn't be viewed as investments, whether they're natural or lab-grown.

People buy engagement rings to celebrate one of the biggest moments of their lives, not because they expect to sell them later.

If resale value is your number one concern, we can absolutely talk about that.

If your goal is creating a beautiful ring you'll love wearing every day, a lab-grown diamond can be an incredible choice.

What's the difference between moissanite and a diamond?

People often think they're almost the same.

They're actually two completely different gemstones.

A lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond are both diamonds.

Moissanite is its own gemstone with its own look.

One of the biggest differences is the sparkle. Moissanite throws off more colorful flashes of light, while diamonds tend to have a brighter white sparkle.

Neither is "better." They're simply different.

Seeing them side by side usually makes the differences much easier to understand. Learn more about moissanite.

Can I compare natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite in person?

Yes. In fact, I encourage it.

There's only so much you can learn from photos and videos online. When you see them together, hold them in your hand and compare them side by side in varying types of light and angles, the differences become much easier to understand.

Once that happens, most people know exactly which direction they want to go.

What is moissanite?

Moissanite is the best diamond alternative available. It is the next hardest gemstone to diamond and wears excellently. It refracts light very much like a diamond and does not fog or turn cloudy with wear. It is actually more brilliant than diamond, tests positive on a diamond tester and costs one-tenth the price. See our Moissanite education page for more information.

How does moissanite compare to Cubic Zirconia?

Moissanite compares more with diamond than with Cubic Zirconia. Moissanite does not cloud with wear because it refracts light similarly to diamond. Substances like dirt, lotion and oil will not cloud your moissanite like they do CZ. Moissanite will also not scratch, scuff or chip like CZ because it nearly as hard as a diamond. Most importantly, because of the durable nature of moissanite, it retains its value. You can trade your moissanite in at any time and get full credit toward a larger or more expensive gemstone. See our Trade Up Program for details.

What is a clarity-enhanced diamond?

A clarity enhanced diamond is a natural diamond mined from the earth that has been enhanced to reduce the appearance of flaws or inclusions, making it appear to be a higher quality diamond. Clarity-enhanced diamonds typically cost one-third less than a non-enhanced diamond of the same quality. See our Clarity-Enhanced Diamond Education page for more information.

How do diamonds become clarity-enhanced?

A clarity-enhanced diamond is a natural diamond that has been repaired, like fixing a ding in your car windshield. A clarity-enhanced diamond will have an inclusion, or fracture, that reaches the surface of the diamond. A glass-like substance is injected into the fracture. The result is a lower-priced diamond that appears like a high-priced one! Clarity enhancement is very common in gemstones such as emerald and sapphire and has been used for centuries. See our Clarity-Enhanced Diamond Information page for more detail.

Can any of my friends tell that I have a clarity-enhanced diamond?

It takes a trained professional with a microscope to determine whether or not a diamond has been enhanced. For disclosure purposes, all clarity-enhanced diamonds have a slight flash of color added to the mixture that fills the inclusion. In some instances, this little flash of color may be noticeable if you know what you are looking for and happen to hold it in the right light. However, it would be nearly impossible for your friends to tell that you have an enhanced diamond.

What colors, clarities and shapes are clarity-enhanced diamonds available in?

Because clarity-enhanced diamonds are natural diamonds, they are available in all of the same colors and shapes as any natural, non-enhanced diamond. They are even available in fancy colors. Clarity-enhanced diamonds are available in very slightly included (VS), slightly included (SI) and included (I) clarities. See our Clarity-Enhanced Diamonds page for additional information.

Options for Metals

What is platinum?

Platinum is a rare, pure, durable and hypoallergenic metal that has been used in jewelry production for centuries.

How does platinum wear?

Because platinum is more durable than gold, it wears much better and lasts longer. Jewelry wears most noticeably in prongs and on the underside of a ring shank. While it is very common to repair prongs and shanks of gold rings, a platinum ring will rarely need prong or shank repairs. Even an antique platinum ring may be easily refurbished to look like new.

Is platinum jewelry dull when compared with white gold?

Platinum does not oxidize or require rhodium plating like white gold does. Therefore, platinum jewelry will retain its white color at all times. However, platinum does require some maintenance to preserve its luster and shine. Even though it is very durable, platinum will need to be professionally cleaned and polished from time to time. To help keep your platinum jewelry looking bright and shiny between professional cleanings, try our durable Jewelry Cleaning Cloth.

Why is platinum so much more expensive than white gold?

Platinum costs nearly twice the price of gold per ounce. It is also about 60 percent heavier than white gold, meaning it takes more weight in platinum to make a ring. Platinum is a much purer metal than gold, so there is a higher percentage of metal in a platinum ring than in a white gold ring. At a higher price per ounce, a purer metal and a heavier weight, platinum settings cost exponentially more than comparable white gold settings.

What is the difference between 10-karat, 14-karat and 18-karat gold?

Pure gold is 24-karat gold and has a deep, rich yellow-orange color. Because it is too soft for most jewelry, it is mixed with other metals, called alloys, to make it harder.

- 10-karat gold contains 10 parts pure gold and 14 parts alloy
- 14-karat gold is 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts alloy
- 18-karat gold is 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts alloy

Because 18-karat gold contains more gold than 10- or 14-karat, it is more expensive.

Does platinum contain alloys?

Yes, but not nearly as much as gold. Platinum is 95 percent platinum and 5 percent alloy. The precious metals iridium and ruthenium are the most common alloys used in platinum.

What is white gold?

White gold is a mixture of pure gold and white alloys, which give it its strength and its white color. White gold is rated using the same karat system as yellow gold. For information, read our section on 10-karat, 14-karat and 18-karat gold.

How does white gold jewelry wear over time?

Like all jewelry, white gold will require servicing and maintenance from time to time to keep it looking bright and shiny. Most white gold jewelry is rhodium-plated and this plating will wear off over time, lessening the shine of your setting. This can happen over the course of several months or even years depending upon how the jewelry is worn. Joseph Schubach Jewelers, or any other reputable jeweler, can clean, polish and re-plate your white gold jewelry to make it look like new.

What is rhodium plating? Why is white gold rhodium-plated?

Rhodium is a white metal from the platinum family that is actually more rare and more expensive than platinum. Because white gold is made from pure yellow gold mixed with white alloys, it never reaches the full white color of platinum. Therefore, most white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium to give it the pure, white color of platinum.

What is palladium?

Palladium is a member of the platinum family and is therefore very white in color. Palladium is also 95-percent pure and hypoallergenic. However, it is much lighter than platinum. Because it is a platinum-family metal with high purity, it does not require rhodium plating to make it white in color. Currently, palladium cost is very high and we do not recommend palladium for jewelry.

Should I choose platinum or white gold?

This is probably one of the most common questions I get, and honestly, there isn't a right or wrong answer per se.

From a distance, platinum and white gold can look very similar. The biggest differences are how they wear over time, how much maintenance they require and, of course, the price.

One of the things I enjoy about meeting couples in my Scottsdale studio is that you can actually try both metals on side by side. It's amazing how often someone walks in convinced they want white gold and leaves loving platinum, or the other way around.

Seeing metals online is one thing. Wearing them and seeing them against your skin is something else entirely.

Is platinum worth the extra cost?

For some people, absolutely.

For others, not at all.

Platinum is naturally white, extremely durable and develops a soft patina over time that many people just love. White gold costs less and gives you a very similar look, although it will eventually need to be rhodium-plated to keep that bright white finish.

If you ask me whether platinum is "worth it," my answer is always the same:

It depends on what you value.

Once you hold them, feel the difference in weight and see how they look on your hand, against your skin tone, the decision often becomes much easier.

Is 14K or 18K gold better for an engagement ring?

Honestly, both are excellent choices.

Most people assume 18K is automatically better because it contains more pure gold. While that's true, 14K is a little harder and tends to hold up especially well to everyday wear.

If you wear your ring every single day, work with your hands or simply want something that's easy to live with, one option may make more sense than the other.

Should I choose white gold, yellow gold or rose gold?

Well, each has its own personality.

White gold feels bright and contemporary. Yellow gold has become incredibly popular again because it feels so warm and timeless. Rose gold has a softer, romantic look that many people fall in love with.

One thing I've learned after helping thousands of couples is that photos only tell part of the story.

In my Scottsdale studio, you can try all three metals side by side. Sometimes your favorite changes the moment you see it on your own hand.

Which metal will look best with my skin tone?

This surprises a lot of people, but your skin's undertones can make one metal look incredible while another feels just a little "off."

As a general rule, people with cooler undertones often gravitate toward white gold or platinum because those brighter white metals tend to complement pink or rosy skin.

People with warmer undertones often love yellow gold because it enhances golden or olive complexions.

Rose gold can be beautiful on almost anyone but it especially complements warmer skin tones, I find.

That said, these aren't rules. They're just a starting point.

I've had plenty of clients come in convinced they wanted one metal, only to put it on and immediately fall in love with another. Sometimes your wardrobe, hair color, eye color or even the size of the center stone changes the equation.

Whether we're working together in my Scottsdale studio or remotely, my goal is the same: to help you choose a metal that still feels like you years from now, not just one that happens to be trending today.

Which engagement ring metal is the most durable?

Platinum is generally considered the most durable precious metal used for engagement rings because when it scratches, it doesn't actually lose metal. Instead, the metal is simply displaced, creating what's known as a patina.

Gold, on the other hand, gradually loses tiny amounts of metal over many years as it wears.

That said, "most durable" doesn't automatically mean "best."

Plenty of my clients choose 14K gold because it's hard, beautiful and holds up exceptionally well to everyday life.

Others love platinum because of its weight, naturally white color and the fact that it never needs rhodium plating.

I always tell people not to get too hung up on finding the "toughest" metal…because several metals are plenty tough enough!

I'd rather help you find the metal that's going to fit your lifestyle, your budget and the look you're after. That's almost always the better decision.

Which engagement ring metal is best for an active lifestyle?

For most people with an active lifestyle, I often recommend 14K gold or platinum.

Fourteen-karat gold is harder than 18K gold because it contains more alloy metals, so it tends to resist dents and scratches better during everyday wear.

Platinum is also an excellent choice. While it will scratch, it doesn't lose metal the way gold does. Instead, the metal is displaced, creating a soft patina over time.

The metal is only part of the equation, though.

The ring's setting often makes an even bigger difference. If you're very active, a lower-profile setting that protects the center stone can be way more important than whether you choose gold or platinum.

I always ask clients how they actually live, on a daily basis. Whether you work at a desk, spend weekends hiking or work with your hands every day, your ring should fit your lifestyle, not force you to change it.

Which engagement ring metal requires the least maintenance?

For most people, platinum requires the least routine maintenance because it never needs rhodium plating to maintain its color. It will develop a soft patina over time from everyday wear, but many people actually like that look.

If you prefer a brighter finish, it can be professionally polished occasionally.

Yellow gold is also relatively low-maintenance. It keeps its natural color and only needs occasional cleaning and polishing over the years.

White gold typically requires the most maintenance because it's coated with rhodium to achieve its bright white appearance. As that plating wears away, the ring may begin to show a warmer tone and usually needs to be replated every year or two, depending on how often you wear it.

If you're looking for the least amount of upkeep, I usually recommend platinum or yellow gold. But again, the right choice ultimately comes down to whether you prefer platinum's weight and naturally white color or the warmth and classic look of yellow gold.

Does white gold turn yellow over time?

Not exactly.

White gold naturally has a slightly warmer color underneath its bright white finish. Over time, normal wear can gradually wear away the rhodium plating, allowing that warmer tone to become more noticeable.

The good news is that rhodium plating can restore that bright white appearance, making your ring look beautiful again.

How often does white gold need rhodium plating?

There's no single schedule because everyone wears their ring differently.

Some people go several years before they notice a difference. Others may want it refreshed sooner, especially if they wear their ring every day.

The important thing is knowing that it's completely normal maintenance, not a sign that anything is wrong with your ring.

Which engagement ring metal is best for sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin or a known metal allergy, a platinum engagement ring is usually the best choice. It's naturally hypoallergenic and contains very little, if any, alloy that commonly causes skin reactions.

If platinum isn't in your budget, 18K yellow gold is another excellent option because it contains a higher percentage of pure gold than 14K.

Rose gold and some white gold alloys can occasionally cause problems for people who are sensitive to metals like nickel, although many modern white gold alloys are nickel-free.

If you've ever had a reaction to earrings, watches or other jewelry, let me know before we start designing your engagement or wedding ring.

How do I choose the right metal for my engagement ring?

The right metal depends on four things: your lifestyle, your budget, your personal style and how much maintenance you're comfortable with.

There isn't one "best" choice when choosing a metal for your engagement ring. It's about finding the one that's the best fit for you.

If you're active, I may recommend 14K gold or platinum for durability. If you love a rich, warm look, yellow gold might be perfect. If you have sensitive skin, platinum is usually the safest choice.

And if keeping maintenance to a minimum is important, that's something we'll factor in too.

Most couples don't know exactly which metal they want when we first start talking…and that's completely normal. My job is to walk you through the pros and cons of each option so you can end up with an engagement or wedding ring you'll love wearing for decades.

Visiting the Studio

What if I don’t know what kind of engagement ring I want yet?

Actually, most people don’t.

One of the biggest misconceptions about designing an engagement ring is that you’re supposed to walk in already knowing exactly what you want. In reality, many couples come in with a few screenshots, a general idea or simply a feeling they’re trying to capture.

That’s completely normal. Part of my role is helping you narrow things down without making the process feel overwhelming.

Sometimes that means trying on different ring styles side by side. Sometimes it means comparing shapes you hadn’t considered. And often, it means discovering that what you thought you wanted online feels very different once it’s actually on your hand.

One thing people are often surprised by is how much proportion, finger shape, lifestyle and even personality affect what feels “right.” A ring that looks beautiful on Pinterest may not feel practical in real life, while something unexpected may suddenly feel perfect once you try it on.

In my comfortable Scottsdale studio, there are wedding rings and wedding bands all around you to explore, compare and play with. This is very different from looking at jewelry through a glass case and asking to try on a ring one at a time.

And you don’t have to have all the answers before we begin. We simply start the conversation and figure it out together. It's a fun, relaxed and creative process we go on together.

The goal is to help you create something that feels like you and still feels right years from now with as little pressure as possible.

What can I expect during my first visit to your Scottsdale studio?

Most people walk in thinking they have to know exactly what they want.

You don't.

In fact, I'd say most couples don't.

The first visit is really about exploring. We'll look at different styles, compare diamond shapes and talk about what catches your eye. You'll probably discover things you never expected to like and rule out a few ideas you were convinced were perfect.

One thing that's very different about my studio is that you're not standing at a jewelry counter asking someone to unlock one ring at a time. You can relax, take your time and compare rings side by side. Try on as many as you'd like. That's often when everything starts to click.

Some couples know within an hour what direction they want to go. Others take a little longer. There's no right or wrong pace.

Designing your engagement ring should be one of the most enjoyable parts of getting engaged. My job is to make the process easy, comfortable and even a little fun.

Book an appointment with our studio. You are under absolutely no pressure to buy a ring. Browse, chat and try on at your leisure. We love the process.

Why is your Scottsdale studio different from a traditional jewelry store?

One word:

Freedom.

Instead of standing at a jewelry counter asking someone to unlock one ring at a time, you can actually explore.

Try on different styles.

Compare shapes side by side.

See what different sizes look like on your hand.

Take your time. Explore. Play.

It's a much more interactive experience and, honestly, a lot more enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Ring

Should my engagement ring and wedding band be designed together?

Yes, because the goal is for both rings to look beautiful when worn together.

That doesn’t mean you have to purchase both rings at the same time but it’s wise to at least think about them together early in the process.

- Common points of consideration are:

- Straight or contoured
- Gap or flush
- Accent stones or plain
- Size (depth) of the accent stones
- Eternity or not
- Wearing the band separately

Things like center stone shape, stone height, basket design and ring profile can all affect what wedding bands will work later. And vice versa. The engagement ring may need to be built to accommodate a specific wedding band. Elongated center stone shapes (marquise, oval, emerald cut) often require more thoughtful planning.

I often like to discuss wedding band preferences early so there are fewer surprises down the road. Some people just love a perfectly flush fit. Others prefer a small gap or a more layered look. Neither is wrong — it just depends on your style.

A little planning now can make the whole process feel much smoother later.

Why won’t my wedding band sit flush with my engagement ring?

This is one of the most common surprises people run into. And something many couples don’t realize to think about until after the engagement ring is already finished.

Whether a wedding band sits perfectly flush against an engagement ring depends on several things, including the center stone shape, how high the stone sits, the basket or prong design and even the width of the band itself.

For example, oval, marquise, pear and elongated center stones sometimes need more thoughtful planning because of how the setting extends outward. In some cases, a straight band works beautifully. In others, a curved or contour band may create a better fit.

The good news is that there is no “right” answer.

Some people love a perfectly flush fit and want the rings to sit seamlessly together. Others actually prefer a small gap or a stacked look because it gives the rings a little more individuality.

This is one of the reasons I like to talk about wedding bands early in the process. A little planning up front can help avoid frustration later and gives you more options for creating a set that feels intentional and comfortable to wear every day.

What if I love a ring on Pinterest but it doesn’t feel right in person?

Trust me, this happens a lot!

Pinterest and Instagram can be incredibly helpful for gathering inspiration but photos don’t always tell the whole story. A ring that looks amazing online may feel very different once it’s actually on your hand.

Sometimes the proportions feel off. Sometimes a style that photographs beautifully turns out to be higher-profile than you expected, catches on clothing more than you’d like (which can get really annoying over time) or simply doesn’t feel like you in person.

That’s one reason I encourage people to bring screenshots, inspiration photos and ideas into the studio: we can look at what you’re drawn to and start narrowing down what specifically you love. Maybe it’s the shape, the setting, the bandwidth or even just the overall “vibe” of the ring.

And often, trying rings on side-by-side changes everything. You might come in convinced you want one shape and leave loving something completely unexpected.

The process isn’t about copying a Pinterest image perfectly. It’s about creating something that feels personal yet practical.

How do I know what engagement ring shape will look best on my hand?

This is such a good (and common) question because what looks beautiful online and what feels right on your human hand are not always the same thing.

A lot of people come in convinced they want one shape, let’s say maybe oval, pear or emerald cut. Then they try a few rings on and suddenly something completely different clicks.

This happens all of the time.

Part of finding the right ring is figuring out what feels balanced and natural on your hand. Finger length, hand shape, ring size, lifestyle and even personality type can all play a role.

For example, elongated shapes like oval, marquise and pear can create a longer look on the finger. Round diamonds often feel classic and timeless. Emerald cuts can feel elegant and almost architectural. But there’s no universal “best” gem shape because everyone responds differently once they see it in person.

This is one of the reasons I love having people come into our Scottsdale studio and actually try things on. You can compare shapes side by side, play around a little and quickly start seeing what feels most like you.

This feels very different from a traditional jewelry store experience where rings are often kept behind glass and you try them on one at a time. Here, you can explore, compare styles side by side and take the time to discover what actually feels right to you. You can play, basically.

And honestly, sometimes the ring you never expected becomes the one you can’t stop thinking about.

What engagement ring settings snag the least on clothing?

This is definitely one of those practical questions people are really glad they asked before the ring is finished.

A ring can be gorgeous but it simply has to fit your day-to-day life. If you’re someone who works with your hands, wears gloves often, has young kids, works in healthcare or just doesn’t want to feel like your ring is catching on sweaters all the time, this matters more than people realize.

Generally speaking, lower-profile settings tend to snag less than very high settings. Bezel settings can offer a smoother feel and extra protection while some prong styles sit lower and more securely than others.

That said, there’s always a balance between beauty and practicality and it doesn’t have to be one or the other.

Sometimes small design adjustments make a huge difference. A slightly lower profile. A different basket design. A subtle change to how the stone sits.

This is why I like talking about lifestyle early on in the process. A ring blends into your life well, just like a comfortable sweater or a pair of shoes.

You shouldn’t have to baby your engagement ring every day just to enjoy wearing it!

How do I make sure I’ll still love my engagement ring 20 years from now?

This is such a thoughtful question and honestly, one more people should ask.

When you’re choosing an engagement ring, it’s easy to get swept up in what’s hot and trending, what’s all over Instagram or what suddenly seems to be everywhere online.

Trends can be fun and inspiring but the engagement and wedding rings people tend to love most long-term are usually the ones that still feel personal after the excitement of the moment passes.

That doesn’t mean you have to choose something overly traditional or “safe.” It just means thinking about what genuinely feels like you, through and through.

Again, one thing I often encourage people to think about is lifestyle.

Are you active?

Do you use your hands a lot?

Do you tend to wear simple jewelry or more statement pieces?

A ring should feel natural in your life and comfortable to wear, not just beautiful in photos.

This is also where trying things on in person can really change your perspective. Sometimes a ring you thought you wanted doesn’t quite feel right once it’s on your hand. Other times, something unexpected suddenly feels timeless.

I think the best engagement rings are the ones where years later, you still look down at your hand and think:

“Yep. This still feels like me. It’s an extension of me now.”

That’s always the goal.

Can I try on lots of different engagement and wedding rings before deciding?

Oh yes, please do. It's one of the best parts of the process.

The ring you think you'll love isn't always the one you end up choosing.

Sometimes all it takes is putting two styles next to each other and everything becomes clear.

That's very hard to do in a traditional jewelry store.

It's easy in my studio.

Will you help me if I don't know what kind of ring or wedding band I want?

Of course.

I'd actually say that's more common than the opposite.

You don't need to know the terminology.

You don't need a Pinterest board.

You don't even need to know what shape diamond you like.

We'll figure it out together.

That's what I'm here for.

I've been helping people design engagement rings for decades. After meeting thousands of couples, I've developed a pretty good instinct for matching people with a ring that truly fits their style, personality and lifestyle.

Watching someone discover their ring is still one of my favorite parts of what I do.

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