Editors

I Tested James Allen’s Ring Studio; Here’s What I Made

EditorsMar 31, 2022

I Tested James Allen’s Ring Studio; Here’s What I Made

Associate Editor Lenore Fedow used the retailer’s online customization tools to craft her dream ring.

20220331_James Allen.jpg
Associate Editor Lenore Fedow tested out James Allen’s online engagement ring customization tool. Find out how she arrived at the final product below.
Seeing how retailers have been able to adapt and innovate throughout two years of turmoil has been a bright spot on the sometimes depressing retail beat.

From billion-dollar companies to independent jewelers, I love to see what retailers have in the works.

So, when someone from the James Allen team reached out to ask if I’d like to walk through the process of creating a ring using The Ring Studio, its online engagement ring customizer, I jumped at the chance.

The ring I created would be a reproduction, set with cubic zirconia stones rather than diamonds, but I was still excited.

This past fall, I tested out the new Vera Wang engagement ring try-on kit from Zales, which lets customers create a ring online and receive a kit of prototypes to take for a test run. I even channeled my inner influencer and filmed an unboxing video!

It was such a fun experience that I filmed another when I received this James Allen ring.


It was an enjoyable process from start to finish, so let me give you the rundown on how it works.

Signet Jewelers-owned James Allen introduced The Ring Studio in August 2021.

You choose from hundreds of setting styles and more than 200,000 diamonds. 

In the online ring creator, you can pick the setting, the metal, and the style for the head and the shank. 

For an added personal touch, you can add a hidden diamond or gemstone to the ring or engrave something special on the band.

If that sounds like a ton of options, you would be correct. For me, it was a bit overwhelming to see all the choices, but I found a way forward. 

I started by picking a setting but filtered it to show me only settings that work with a marquise-cut diamond, my favorite diamond shape.

You can also filter by style of setting, like solitaire or vintage, and/or by metal choice, including 14-karat and 18-karat white or yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum.

It’s great to have a lot of options, but I would recommend making use of the available filters or you’ll be scrolling for a while, not that it’s necessarily a bad way to spend a day!

I knew I wanted a marquise-cut diamond and a white gold band, but I wasn’t set on one specific setting style.

Even when I made use of all of the filters, I still had a long list to choose from but managed to whittle it down to seven options.

All the settings and diamonds can be viewed in 360-degree high definition, which is an added bonus for a customer who may be wary of choosing based on a two-dimensional image, or for someone who can’t decide among the final seven choices.

To choose the perfect setting, I had to determine which style elements I wanted in my ring.

I find metal-only bands to be a little boring, but I didn’t want anything too elaborate either. I also didn’t want a halo as I prefer to let a beautiful stone speak for itself.

I decided on a cathedral-style setting with a pavé crown. The pavé added a little extra sparkle without detracting from the center stone.

I didn’t need to pick a diamond, since I was just doing a test run and the ring I ultimately received was only a cubic zirconia reproduction, but I took a look anyway.

 Related stories will be right here … 

You can choose between a natural or a lab-grown diamond, or another gemstone, like ruby, emerald, or various colors of sapphire.

Considering I was choosing a less common shape, James Allen had a lot of options available.

For the size, I decided on a reasonable 1-carat diamond, though there was the chance to go as big as 5-plus carats.

I settled on a 1.01-carat, F color, IF clarity marquise diamond. I am a quality over quantity kind of woman, after all.

On the site, there is information about the diamond underneath its image, everything from its color and clarity to its symmetry and fluorescence.

The diamond I chose was GIA-graded, and you can call James Allen customer service if you would like to see a copy of the grading report.

One feature of The Ring Studio I particularly liked allows you to view diamond size on a person’s hand to get a better idea of what it looks like at scale, helping you to visualize the difference between 1 carat and 1 1/2 carats, between 1 carat and 2 carat, etc.

Engagement rings come with a sentimental attachment, unmatched by other jewelry purchases.

For that reason, someone may prefer to choose their ring in person. However, in terms of options and information available, the James Allen Ring Studio has everything someone would need to make an educated choice online.

The ring creator is especially good for someone who doesn’t have a jewelry vocabulary and may not know how to explain the look they want, as James Allen offers visual aids every step of the way.

Overall, it was a fun experience, and I would encourage everyone, whether in the market for a ring or not, to play pretend in the studio and take a look at what customers have created to get an idea of the next big thing in bridal.

The Latest

Boucheron Impermanence Boucheron Dragonfly Earrings and Wisteria Hair Piece
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s Impermanence

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

James Avery Cedar Park
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More States

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford, Couture’s new brand director and former fine jewelry buyer at Neiman Marcus
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Bench jeweler holding a ring and a tool
IndependentsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic Manufacturing

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Guzema Celestial Blue
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone Jewelry

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

Nanis Mykonos Store Exterior and Interior
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First Store

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Long’s Jewelers Summer of Love promo
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s Jewelers

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

Ethical Gem Fair
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to Seattle

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

The Edge and The Edge Retail Academy Logos
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in September

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

Miseno Arco Earrings
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ Earrings

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

James Avery Texas charm
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief Efforts

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Kelly Osbourne Engagement Ring
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as Honey

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

Penny Preville Anniversary Bangles and Penny Preville
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry Design

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Exterior shot of Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler in Bellevue, Washington
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

LVMH chairman and CEO of the Americas Michael Burke
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the Americas

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

A calligraphy sculptural ring made in 18-karat Fairtrade gold (Photo by: Jamie Trounce)
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales Director

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Mikimoto The Bows high jewelry necklace
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

1 NJ-Supplier-Bulletin-Snake-One.jpg
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show Tips

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

Cece Jewellery For the Love of Fruits Pendants
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s Sweetness

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.

 The Dash Diamond Crater of Diamonds State Park
SourcingJul 09, 2025
Florida Couple Finds 3-Carat Diamond in Arkansas

They discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.

Mikimoto Les Pétales Campaign Imagery and Les Pétales Necklace
CollectionsJul 08, 2025
Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into Petals

The “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium Pricing

Luxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.

David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers
IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79

Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.

Diamond Divas Cast
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality Series

It follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy