TrendsFeb 16, 2022
These Are the Top Diamond Engagement Ring Trends for 2022EditorsMar 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.
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.
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.
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.
More on Editors
The Latest
SourcingDec 02, 2022
Alrosa CEO Sergey Ivanov to Step Down, Report SaysAccording to Russian news sources, the sanctioned head of the diamond company is leaving to take a job with an investment group.
SourcingDec 02, 2022
Lucapa Sells 170-Carat Pink Diamond Unearthed This SummerSaid to be the largest pink diamond found in hundreds of years, “The Lulo Rose” was sold for an undisclosed sum.
AuctionsDec 02, 2022
Here’s How 2 Royal Jewels Performed at Auction in DenmarkA princess’s tiara fell within its pre-sale estimate while an Art Deco bracelet from a queen doubled it.
Brought to you by
Knowledge and Skills for Today’s Hot TopicsFrom laboratory-grown diamonds to design to country-of-origin, GIA's Alumni Collective™ has a seminar to suite your needs.
CollectionsDec 02, 2022
Piece of the Week: Foundrae’s Chain A closer look at the bold links reveals a subtle, surprising detail.
Weekly QuizDec 01, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
Supplier BulletinDec 01, 2022
Take Your Jewelry Design Process Digital with the GIA Alumni Collective™Sponsored by GIA Alumni Collective™
WatchesDec 01, 2022
Rolex to Certify Pre-Owned WatchesRetailers within its official distribution network will be able to sell the authenticated timepieces.
Brought to you by
Diamond Shoppers’ 2022 Holiday Wish ListGive your customers the best diamond buying experience this holiday season.
CollectionsDec 01, 2022
Kendra Scott’s New Collection is for Barbie GirlsThe capsule collection combines the brand’s classic styles with Barbie’s signature pink color.
AuctionsDec 01, 2022
13-Carat Pink Diamond Withdrawn From Christie’s Auction The auction house is not offering any details on why the fancy vivid pink stone was pulled from its upcoming “Magnificent Jewels” sale.
SourcingDec 01, 2022
Nomad’s Is Selling Its Stones to Raise Money for Ukraine AgainIn the spirit of an advent calendar, “Gems to Help Ukraine” will sell a stone a day through Dec. 24 on the Nomad’s Instagram account.
GradingDec 01, 2022
PhotoScribe Granted Patent for Method that Verifies a Stone’s IdentificationThe secure mark combines an overt mark with a covert data set to provide assurance on a gem.
SurveysNov 30, 2022
5 Things Retailers Should Know About the Start to the Holiday SeasonPlus, what a potential rail strike would mean for retailers.
WatchesNov 30, 2022
Watchfinder & Co. Will Launch a Marketplace Next Year It will provide a place for select luxury watch retailers to sell their stock.
MajorsNov 30, 2022
Pomellato Buys Into Italian GoldsmithThe brand has purchased a minority stake in Costanzo & Rizzetto.
SourcingNov 30, 2022
Firestone Restarts Operations of Lesotho Diamond MineLiqhobong has been in a care-and-maintenance period since the start of the pandemic.
MajorsNov 29, 2022
LVMH Acquires Jewelry Manufacturer Pedemonte GroupThe strategic acquisition will bolster the luxury titan’s production capacity in its watch and jewelry division.
CollectionsNov 29, 2022
Alex and Ani Founder Carolyn Rafaelian Has Launched a Fine Jewelry LineThe new brand, Metal Alchemist, focuses on unisex, classic jewelry designs.
IndependentsNov 29, 2022
Reinhold Jewelers’ Holiday Book Is an Ode to an Important Beverage The 2022 edition of the retailer’s annual publication pays homage to the coffee farms and shops of Puerto Rico.
CollectionsNov 29, 2022
Gabriel & Co.’s ‘Fashion Book’ Is OutNot a catalog, the magazine is a tool for Gabriel & Co. retailers to connect with their customers.
MajorsNov 29, 2022
Claire’s to Open Shop-in-Shops in Select U.S. Macy’s Stores The partnership brings Claire’s jewelry and accessories to 20 Macy’s locations in time for the holiday season.
MajorsNov 28, 2022
Pomellato’s New Videos Raise Awareness of Violence Against WomenStarring CEO Sabina Belli and other celebrities, the videos emphasize the importance of supporting women who have experienced abuse.
IndependentsNov 28, 2022
Bert Kalisher, an Industry Veteran Who Loved Making Connections, Dies at 97 Kalisher started out manufacturing watch bands and later got into publishing, authoring two books and serving as publisher of Chronos.
Events & AwardsNov 28, 2022
Registration Is Open for AGA’s Annual Tucson Conference Scheduled for Feb. 1, the event will feature six gemological education presentations and three hands-on sessions.
MajorsNov 28, 2022
The Kingswood Co. Is One of U.S.’s Fastest-Growing Companies AgainThe jewelry cleaner manufacturer jumped up to No. 3066 on the Inc. 5000 list.
AuctionsNov 23, 2022
This Sapphire Tiara Once Owned by a Danish Princess Is Going to AuctionThe Dec. 1 jewelry sale at Bonhams-owned Bruun Rasmussen will have several other pieces of royal jewelry on the block.
FinancialsNov 23, 2022
Movado Lowers Guidance Amid ‘Uncertain’ Retail EnvironmentIts Q3 sales dipped as inflation took its toll on shoppers in the U.S. and Europe.
