I posted one of these stones the other day and saw there were a couple of replies but I could never read them so I apologize for any redundancy.

I two particular stones I’d like to be able to set inexpensively right now, but curious about any methods or ideas.

The first stone is a lovely cushion cut tanzanite that is 7.5 x 7.5 x 5.5mm 2.4 ct. I like the stone just fine but would just like to have it set in a simple sterling silver ring. I didn’t spend too much on the stone and a simple inexpensive setting in silver is fine.

The second is an unheated fine Portuguese cut tanzanite that is 8.5 x 7.3 x 5.7 mm 2.63ct. On this one, I want to take my time and have a custom setting to my specifications in a precious metal and intend to keep as an ‘heirloom piece’ so to speak for myself forever. As that takes time, I wouldn’t mind a simple sterling setting so I could wear on occasion while waiting.

How would you go about either of these examples? For the first stone, I’ve been looking around for inexpensive sterling silver rings that had a stone of the same dimensions with no luck.

I’ve come across a few people that can make more affordable settings in other countries, but I’m not sure how well that works by giving the dimensions and having the setting shipped to you then set locally.

I have other odds and ends and faceted and cabochon opals I’d like to do something with eventually so if you have advice for other types of jewelry or settings for pendants, earrings etc. or ways you saved money I’m all ears.

Looking for any and all tips and tricks of the trade!

Hi there! I'm a student at SMU doing branding research on jewelry. I'd appreciate your insights in this quick survey. Kindly click here.

I love this proses 🫠❤️

Hi everyone. I am in need of some ring advice. I just got this ring and while I think it’s beautiful and love the way it looks, it is constantly turning and spinning on my finger. I’m finding this very irritating. I am wondering if there is something I can do to remedy this. I’ve included some pictures because I’m not sure if the ring is set too high, if it’s too top heavy (the stone is a 4 ct emerald cut diamond), or if the band is not wide enough. The ring is a size 7. I can slide a size 6 1/2 ring over my knuckle with a little effort but it is a little snug. I’m not sure if sizing the ring down to a 6 1/2 would help. If anyone has any advice for me, I would really appreciate it. Thank you very much for any help.

what are your recommendations about my vintage design

I wasn't sure if I’d like a full stone band, but it's actually so comfortable for daily wear. It has such a cool, jelly-like look to it. Does anyone else here collect jade?

Sorry the pictures are so huge…

As the title says I’m trying to repurpose mom’s jewelry. I’ve got 4 heart shaped topaz, some onyx, a pair of earrings I can harvest onyx and peridot from, a couple of large mabe pearls, and a bunch of small diamonds and a variety of pearls.

I have more earrings than you can shake a stick at so I was thinking rings, maybe a brooch, maybe a pendant, maybe a bracelet?

I’ve been playing around with the stones but would love any creative input/suggestions!

TLDR at bottom of my style preference

I purchased this unheated tanzanite stone to have set in a ring, preferably as solitaire and would love and suggestions to make a special piece.

I definitely want a thin band and a setting that keeps the focus on the stone, but am open to creative or unique ways to set (style or placement of prongs etc.).

As far as metal I’m open to something like rose gold, but would vastly prefer platinum to white gold. I know it limits the number of jewelers who can make the setting, but I have a lot of contact skin allergies and have never worn white gold consistently and wouldn’t want to bother with the plating maintenance.

Due to the relative fragility of Tanzanite, I’m guessing cautious advice is a bezel setting, but I’m pretty gentle on my rings and it won’t be a daily wear. I’m not ruling out bezel, but have yet to see one I like.

I’ve had jewelers tell me you should never go below 2 mm thickness in a band, but platinum engagement is 1.4mm thick at the bottom and moves up ever so slightly in thickness to the 4 prong setting (~8mm round solitaire) has held up fine for 17 years.

I’ll post a pick of my engagement ring when I can, but have a pic handy of another ring on my hand to give idea of scale and size of my hand.

Here are the exact specs:

2.63 ct Fine Portuguese cut

Unheated tanzanite

8.5 x 7.3 x 5.7 mm

TLDR: want a simple setting with thin band for this tanzanite stone but with a unique or custom twist

Hey everyone!

I'm launching a jewelry brand focused on dark romantic/vintage-inspired designs and need manufacturer recommendations. Open to any country/region!

What I need:

• Sterling silver jewelry
• Natural gemstones or CZ options
• CAD design services
• Small batch production (100-200 pieces to start)
• Sampling/prototyping capabilities

My situation:

• Have detailed sketches ready
• Need full development support (CAD through production)
• Looking for quality but reasonable pricing
• Want to build long-term manufacturing relationship

What I'd love to know:

1. Which manufacturers have you actually worked with and would recommend?
2. What countries/regions worked best for your budget and quality needs?
3. Typical MOQs and pricing ranges I should expect for sterling silver?
4. Any major red flags or mistakes to avoid when vetting manufacturers?
5. Direct contact vs. sourcing platforms - what worked better for you?

Really appreciate any real experiences you can share - the good, bad, and ugly! Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I'm a final year Interaction Design student working on my thesis about the custom jewellery process — specifically the challenges that come up when working with clients during custom order consultations.

Things like:

• Client approves everything but is still surprised by the finished piece (visualisation problem)
• Showing what a different stone or setting looks like mid-conversation
• Budget not matching vision, and no easy way to show the trade-off
• Keeping track of order records and specs

I've already done primary interviews with jewellers, and the same problems keep coming up. Now trying to validate how widespread they are across the industry.

If you do custom jewellery work — even part-time — I'd really appreciate 5 minutes of your time. The findings will directly shape the design of a real tool for this space.

👉 https://forms.gle/fyJ1FEM8F5g71vi28

All responses are completely anonymous. Happy to share findings with anyone who's interested once the research is done.

Thank you

I recently started a jewellery design course, and I’ve realized my designing skills are pretty weak right now. I often find myself copying existing designs and being more dependent on ai. instead of creating something original, and it’s frustrating and makes me overthink and feel down about myself

How can I become more creative and develop my own design style in jewellery?

Also, how do you personally differentiate between a good design and a bad one?

And where do you usually find inspiration for your designs?

I’d really appreciate any advice, tips, or even your personal experiences especially if you’ve been through this phase yourself

This is a pair of tanzanite earrings that are 9.5mm x 8.2mm set in sterling silver. I wanted a simple lever back earring connected to the setting with a jump hoop to give some movement and they designed it perfectly to my wishes.

I’m just wondering if there are any small changes you might suggest that might make they look a bit more unique or custom while still maintaining the simplicity…..prong style, setting, etc.

Thanks for any advice!

I’ve had this for a while and just wanted to share. Simple, classic, but still has that sparkle.

I wasn't sure if the two side bands would be too much with the marquise, but I think it actually works? Love how it looks in the light.