- Wedding Proposals:
9 Great Places to... [article] - Wedding Band
Engraving [q&a] - Saying "I Do" to a
Shoe [article] - The Scoop on
Conflict-Free... [article] - Something Old, New,
Borrowed and Blue [article]
Don't Rush
Start the process early; allow six weeks for delivery of the ring once ordered. Not only will you need time for ring research and/or to find a designer you like and trust, but finalizing the ring's specs may require some back and forth communication, not to mention the extra time it takes to hand-assemble a ring and to inscribe the inside, if desired. Look for a jewelry store with an on-site staff to save time.
Find Your Soulmate Designer
If you found a designer's work at a jewelry store, a store salesperson will work as your liaison with the designer. Otherwise, get referrals for designers or shops from friends and family or let your fingers do the walking. .
If you're cold-calling a designer, ask about their style, their professional affiliations, where you can see their work (a store or their website), and how long they've been in business. If they pass the phone test, visit the store and be sure to handle the rings. Is the ring you're considering carefully and skillfully constructed?
When you speak with the designer or salesperson, make sure you will feel comfortable and confident working with them. Stand by your ideas but heed their input: They know what doesn't work on a ring, no matter how amazing it looks in your imagination.
