The Design a Ring Process:
Your Guide to Designing Your Custom Ring

Every unforgettable ring starts with a spark of inspiration. Maybe it’s the moment you locked eyes with one another, the first date, a place, a memory, a meme, a piece of art, or even a song lyric. Wherever your inspiration comes from, we can help you shape it into a tangible work of art.  

We’ll explore your story, your style preferences, and what symbols speak to your relationship. If you’re drawn to nature or architecture, nerdy sciences, art, or legacy pieces, our team joyfully transforms your ideas into a design direction that will feel distinctly yours.  

Would you like a sneak peek at some of our creations? Take a look at our beautiful Unique Wedding Bands page to see our enchanting designs! 

The entire adventure will begin with a personal consultation, usually via Zoom. This is where our designers excitedly dive deep into what you love—and what you don’t—and guide you through every next step.  

We love asking and answering questions, getting to know you, sharing ideas, and showing you design possibilities you may not have considered. 

You’ll never feel rushed or boxed in as you create your own ring, and it is made from scratch and never pulled from a shelf. 

Next in the design process, you’ll receive a written personalized quote, along with additional information our designers consider helpful based on your appointment. This could be a concept sketch, colorization, suggested center stones, or something else.

Every consultation is unique, and there’s no set formula, but you can expect the information you need to keep your ring concept front and center and on track for any important dates you’ve discussed with the designer. We will provide one complimentary concept after your consultation, with no deposit required. 

Need a refresher on the elements of a ring discussed during the consultation? 

Chapter 4, Ring Elements, is an in-depth look if you would love to know more. For a brief sneak peek, some of the ring elements you’ll get to choose from are:

• Metals: Platinum, 14k White Gold, 18k White Gold, 14k Rose Gold, 10k Green Gold, 14k Green Gold, 18k Green Gold, 10k Yellow Gold, 14k Yellow Gold, and 18k Yellow Gold.
•  Center & Accent Stones: Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, Fancy Colored Diamonds, Sapphires, Gemstones, and Birthstones.
• Personalization: Personal or religious symbols to include, Engraving, Secret gemstones 

Read More here: Personalized Engagement And Wedding Rings  

Once we know you are comfortable with the quote and that we’re on the right track with the design, we ask you to lock it in with a deposit. This secures your spot on our schedule and officially marks the start of the process for custom-made engagement rings or wedding bands.  

With a deposit on file, we will work together to get the final details of your ring just right. Whether it’s a detailed hand-drawn sketch, colorization, or CAD rendering, we will decide the best way to show you a rendition of your vision brought to life in as much detail as possible.

If we need to conduct a deep stone search for a one-of-a-kind colored sapphire or a uniquely shaped salt-and-pepper diamond, we’ll do it.

If stones need custom cutting, we’ll get them ordered. In short, our team will ensure we truly understand your design goals and work to achieve them. In this stage, you can review, tweak, and perfect each element before we move forward with crafting the ring in your selected precious materials.

This phase of the design process can take days or weeks—and we work as quickly as possible, while ensuring a quality result. We know that this can feel like forever, but like your relationship, perfection takes time.

Every ring we make is handcrafted with heirloom-quality, eco-conscious materials and just for you. There is no other ring like it in the world.  

With our satisfaction guarantee, you can feel confident going forward with us by your side every step of the way. Book your consultation today to experience Krikawa's approach to designing the ring of your dreams.

Casting: We start with your ring’s core structure, creating a finished wax model that we’ll use to cast your piece in precious metals using the lost-wax method, an ancient technique that produces exact metal replicas.  

Metal Work & Assembly: Next, our metalsmiths solder and shape every component, often using mixed metals or intricate inlays. Every join must meet our exacting standards, be seamless, and every line intentional.

Stone Setting: The stone you select, or the heirloom stone you bring us to work with, is then set securely by an expert setter. Precision and care are paramount here, as this step ensures decades-long durability without sacrificing elegance.

Mokume Gane (if chosen): For clients who choose this rare Japanese metalworking technique, each ring is crafted from a hand-forged billet patterned using Krikawa’s labor-intensive trademark process. The result is a stunning wood grain effect—revealing intricate lines, waves, and eddies that make every ring naturally one-of-a-kind.

Finishing Touches: Finally, the ring is polished, engraved if desired, and studiously inspected until declared perfect. The result is a family heirloom-quality piece you will be proud and enchanted to see and wear daily.

When your ring is complete, we securely pack it for shipping or in-person pickup as a rare symbol of commitment. Clients often tell us that this moment, the unboxing, is one of the most emotional of their lives, and we treasure every single tale of it. It is the culmination of your story, your life, your love, and our shared artistry together. 

We’ll still be here after delivery, too! Whether it’s resizing, care tips, or celebrating your next milestone, we’re honored to be part of your incredible journey.