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.

Design Consultation FAQ→

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. 

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

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. 

What will be in your Krikawa box?

The center stone is the heart of your ring, and choosing it is about far more than beauty. It is about finding the perfect balance of brilliance, durability, rarity, and personal meaning. Whether you're searching for a one-of-a-kind teal sapphire, a uniquely shaped salt-and-pepper diamond, or another exceptional gemstone, our team will conduct an extensive search to find the right options for you. If your vision requires a custom-cut gemstone, we'll coordinate that process as well.

Once we understand your ideal center stone, we'll carefully source options that match your specifications and present them through photos or a video so you can compare them side by side. If you're local to Tucson, you're also welcome to view and select your stone in person.

Our goal is simple: to understand exactly what you're looking for and help you find the center stone that feels unmistakably yours.

Selecting the perfect precious metal is an exciting part of the custom design process. The metal you choose shapes the overall look and character of your ring while also influencing its durability, maintenance, and everyday wear. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of platinum, the warmth of yellow or rose gold, the distinctive beauty of mokume gane, or a unique combination of metals, our design consultants will help you explore the options and determine which best complements your style, lifestyle, and vision.

Throughout the design process, we'll guide you through the advantages of each metal, discuss color and finish options, and help you visualize how different choices will transform your design. We can even mail you metal samples, so you can select which metal you love most in person. Together, we'll select the perfect metal to create a ring that is as enduring as it is beautiful.

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.

With the design direction established, our artists and designers begin refining every detail of your custom ring. Proportions are perfected, decorative elements are polished, and every feature is carefully evaluated to ensure the design is both beautiful and practical for everyday wear. At this stage, we create detailed, full-color previews that accurately represent your finished ring, giving you a clear vision of the final piece before it enters production.

This is your opportunity to review every aspect of the design and request any final adjustments. Once you give your approval, your custom ring is ready to move from concept to craftsmanship as our master jewelers begin bringing your one-of-a-kind design to life.

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.

Quality Control: Before your ring is approved for delivery, it undergoes a comprehensive quality control process. Our team carefully examines the craftsmanship, stone setting security, finish, polish, engraving, sizing, and overall structural integrity to ensure every detail is flawless. Each ring must meet Krikawa's uncompromising standards for beauty, durability, and comfort before it is packaged and prepared for its journey to its new home.

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.