What to Know Before You Design Your Ring
Choosing an engagement ring or wedding band is one of the most meaningful jewelry decisions you’ll ever make. From selecting the right metal to understanding diamonds, the process can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.
At Squash Blossom, we believe the bridal experience should feel personal, thoughtful, and enjoyable from start to finish. We sat down with Jason to answer the most common questions couples have about custom bridal. From gold and platinum options to diamond basics, heirloom redesigns, and creating a ring that reflects your story, he shares expert insight to help you feel confident every step of the way.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore or ready to design your dream ring, this guide will help you understand the process and discover what’s possible when a piece is made just for you.
What makes a custom ring different from buying a ready-made one?
For bridal jewelry, I really prefer creating custom pieces. This is something that will be meaningful to the couple for the rest of their lives, so it’s worth spending extra time designing the perfect ring.
Custom design can also be more economical. Ready-made pieces often include a designer markup or a premium for inventory that has already been produced. Designing your own ring avoids that added cost and results in something more personal and unique.
Can clients incorporate heirloom diamonds or gold into a new design?
Yes—and we do this quite often. Many couples inherit jewelry from parents or grandparents. We can reuse those stones or metals by carefully disassembling the original piece and incorporating the materials into a new design that reflects their style.
When should couples start thinking about wedding bands?
This varies and really depends on the couple. Some people plan the bands at the same time as the engagement ring, while others prefer to design them after the proposal. There are no rules—we can accommodate either approach.
How do you design a band that fits perfectly with an engagement ring?
We take detailed measurements or even scan the engagement ring to ensure the band fits perfectly. Some engagement rings are designed so the band can sit flush underneath the stone, while others require a curved or contoured band to fit snugly. We simply design whatever works best for that specific ring.
Are people choosing matching bands or more individual styles?
There isn’t one trend that fits everyone. Some people prefer a wedding band that matches the engagement ring as part of a cohesive set, while others like contrast and choose a different style. It really comes down to personal preference.
What is the difference between 14K, 18K gold, and platinum?
The main metals used in bridal jewelry are 14K gold, 18K gold, and platinum. Gold does not have to be yellow—it can also be rose (pink) or white.
Platinum is a different metal and is generally more pure than 14K or 18K gold, but it has a similar look to white gold. Platinum is more durable, and I often prefer it for everyday wear because of its strength. However, it can cost more due to labor, even though the raw metal itself may be less expensive.
14K gold is about 58% gold, with the remaining portion made up of other metals.
18K gold is 75% gold, with the remaining 25% consisting of silver, copper, or other metals in the alloy..
How durable are engagement rings for everyday wear?
Durability depends on the materials and the design. Platinum and diamonds are the most durable choices for daily wear. Rings made in 18K gold or set with softer gemstones may require more care.
Design also plays a role—large stones that sit high above the band are more prone to wear and impact than lower-profile settings.
How often should rings be cleaned or checked?
We recommend having jewelry professionally checked at least once a year. If you notice any changes—such as a loose stone, rattling, or the ring catching on something—it’s best to bring it in right away. Taking care of issues early helps prevent more serious damage or the loss of stones.
Do you offer resizing or maintenance?
Yes. Squash Blossom offers resizing, repairs, maintenance, and professional cleaning. We clean jewelry on the spot and are happy to evaluate any piece, even if it wasn’t purchased here.
Over time, prongs that hold diamonds can wear down and may need to be re-tipped every 5–10 years, depending on wear and the metal. We also offer several resizing options.
What makes the custom experience at Squash Blossom special?
We start by listening—understanding your goals, your style, and any materials or stones you may already have.
Photos are a great place to begin. Looking at images helps us understand what shapes, settings, metals, or details you’re drawn to. From there, we use those ideas to design something completely unique to you.
What advice would you give someone who feels overwhelmed by the process?
It can feel intimidating to design jewelry if you’re not familiar with it—but that’s what we’re here for. We guide you through each step and help you make informed decisions.
A great starting point is simply looking at photos online and noting what you like. From there, we can bring in diamonds or other gemstones for you to see in person. For example, if someone is looking for a round or cushion-shaped diamond between one and two carats, we’ll source several options to compare. There’s no obligation—it’s just a way to explore.
Once the stone is selected, we’ll walk through settings, metals, and design details. We take the process one step at a time, and with that approach, it becomes simple and enjoyable.
