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

Your Ring, Made from Scratch

Have you ever found your curiosity piqued when you begin to think about what it takes to really design a ring that is custom-built from the ground up? At Krikawa, your custom ring begins with you. It is your ideas, your vision, your inspiration, and it is being brought to life by our world-class designers and master jewelers. From your concept to your heirloom, here’s how your dream ring is made.

1. The Inspiration Phase: Where it All Begins

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!

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2. Design Consultation: Bringing Your Vision to Life

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.

FAQ We Answer in Consultation

How much will my custom ring cost?

We work with a wide range of budgets. Your quote will be based on design complexity, metal type, and the gemstone or gemstones you choose. For more in-depth information, check out our Flexible Payment Options page.

How long will the process take?

Most rings take 8-12 weeks from design approval to delivery. Need it sooner? We can always let you know what’s possible; never hesitate to ask.

Can I use my own diamond or gemstone?

Yes! We can set your heirloom stones or gems you’ve purchased elsewhere if they meet our safety standards.

What if I don’t know exactly what I want?

This is genuinely never a problem! Our designers are excellent at working with you through your ideas, styles, stone options, and more until something clicks.

Do you ship internationally or work with long-distance clients?

We do! We ship to many international locations and conduct most design consultations over Zoom. You can also get metal samples sent right to your front door.

Is my design custom, or must I choose from a catalog?

Every ring we craft is made to order. While many of our clients begin with a design from our website, each piece can be customized to suit your preferences. Think of our online collections as your inspiration catalog. Whether you are blending elements from different rings, adding personal touches to an existing design, or starting from a sketch, your final piece will be uniquely your own.

What happens if I want to change the design after the initial consultation?

Before anything is made, we offer sketch revisions and photoshop mockups to ensure we align with your vision. Your final approval is always needed before we start creation. If changes are made after CAD has started, additional charges may apply.

3. Quotes, Concepts & Colorizations

Next in the design a ring process, you’ll receive a personalized quote in writing, along with additional information that our designers consider helpful based on the appointment with you. This could be a concept sketch, colorization, suggested center stones, or something else. Every consultation is unique and there’s no set formula, but what you can expect is the information necessary to keep your ring concept front and center and on track for any important dates that you’ve discussed with the designer. We will provide one complimentary concept after your consultation without a deposit on file.

Need a refresher about the elements of a ring that are 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

18k Yellow Gold

Center and Accent Stones:

Diamonds

Rubies

Emeralds

Fancy Colored Diamonds

Sapphires

Gemstones and Birthstones

Personalization:

Personal or religious symbols to include

Engraving

Secret gemstones

And that’s not all. Bookmark our Chapter 4: Ring Elements for a deeper dive into more.

4. Order Placement: Making it Official

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 you a spot on our schedule and officially marks the custom-made engagement rings or wedding band-making process.

With a deposit on file, we will work together getting 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 & pepper diamond, we’ll do it.

If stones need custom cutting, we’ll get them ordered. In short, our team will be sure that 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.

5. The Making Of: Handcrafted by Our Masters

This is the step where your ring comes to life. After we have all of your ring details confirmed, the next 6-12 weeks can seem like an eternity, but our team is hard at work completing your piece with care and exacting detail. Every Krikawa ring is made by hand in our Tucson studio by Master jewelers using time-honored techniques merged with innovative tools.

Casting

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

Metal Work & Assembly

Next, our metalsmiths solder, and shape every component, often using mixed metals or intricate inlays. Every join must be to our exacting standards, 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 that choose this rare Japanese metalworking technique, each ring is crafted from a hand-forged billet that has been 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.

6. Delivery & Unveiling: Your Heirloom Arrives

When your ring is complete, we securely pack this rare symbol of commitment for shipping or in-person pickup. Clients often tell us that this moment—the unboxing—is one of the most emotional moments of their lives, and we treasure every single tale of that moment. 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.

7. What Comes Next? → Chapter 6: Why Krikawa?

The path toward designing a wedding ring or custom ring design doesn’t end here. In the next Chapter, we’ll discover together what makes Krikawa so different, from our values and ethics to why thousands of clients trust us to bring their dreams into reality.

Start Your Custom Ring Design with Krikawa

No one else on this earth is exactly like you or your partner. Why should you settle for a ring that looks like everyone else’s Design your rings or create your engagement ring with Krikawa, and celebrate your one-of-a-kind, enduring love.

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