The Pros and Cons of Custom Wedding Bands
Here are the cold, hard facts. There are no cons to customizing your wedding bands at Minter + Richter Designs. That sounds like a sales pitch, but it isn't. The CONS of customizing factory-made wedding rings (i.e. rings NOT made by us) are that they jack up the price, extend your wait time, reduce the scope of your warranty, and limit your customization options. If you purchase from a soul-less factory, that is what you get. The difference here is that Scott and I (the husband/wife team that owns Minter + Richter Designs) are real people, not a factory. We have souls, so we don't add to the price just because you used your imagination to design your ring. We don't extend the wait time just because you used pieces of your house as inlay in your rings, and we don't reduce the offerings of our Lifetime Care just because you came up with the design or format, or materials for your ring.
Here's a graphic to make it double-clear.
pros cons custom wedding band
pros cons custom wedding band
Once you accept those beautiful facts, you are well on your way.
You want to design your own rings, and we want to help you do just that! Depending upon how involved you want to get, we have FIVE ways you can.
Type 1 - Email Minter!
My name is Polly Minter Richter and I am the owner of the company Minter + Richter Designs. If you email me at sales@minterandrichterdesigns.com , you will receive a reply from ME. Not from some giant room full of customer service representatives. This is me. This is what I look like when my hair is blown out.
Minter knows all the pros cons of custom wedding band designing
If you email me, I will generally hit you back with a few questions about what you are looking for, what materials you would like to use, etc. I may ask if there is a particular ring on the website you like the most. This can help me ascertain what you are looking for and what other options may be similar.
I will also most likely email you a form like the below. This is just general info that will help me put a quote together for you. At the bottom of the form is information about Sizing and our wonderful Lifetime Care Options. 99% of all our customers get both of those so I generally include it in my initial email response.
Ring A - ____________________________ (name or description of ring – or name of ring on website you are basing your design upon))
apx. size - __________ (we would base your sizers around this size. Custom Sizers are highly recommended, see below in signature for info.)
width - __________ mm
Finish on metal - _______________________ (satin? Sandblasted? Mirror?)
Shape of edges - __________________________ (rounded? Flat? Pinstriped?)
Any interior anodizing? If so, what color? - ___________________ (blue, green, bronze, sunset, pink, purple)
engraving phrase - _____________________________________________ (if desired)
Ring B - _________________________________ (description of ring – or NAME OF RING on our website you are basing your design upon))))
apx. size – _____________ (we would base your sizers around this size. Custom Sizers are highly recommended, see below in signature for info.)
width – _____________mm
Finish on metal - _______________________ (satin? Sandblasted? Mirror?)
Shape of edges - __________________________ (rounded? Flat? Pinstriped?)
Any interior anodizing? If so, what color? - ___________________ (blue, green, bronze, sunset, pink, purple)
engraving phrase - __________________________________________ (if desired)
Instagram Handle - ______________________ (Do you want to get tagged with a pic of the ring while we are making it?)
Wedding hashtag - ___________________________
wedding date - _________________________
latest must have by date - __________________
Do you want a Lifetime Care Option? If so, which level? _________________ (STANDARD Level, PREMIUM Level – see below in signature for info.)
Full STREET shipping address - ______________________________________________
Choose either STANDARD or PREMIUM LEVEL of Lifetime Care Options: PURCHASE ONCE AND YOUR RING IS COVERED FOR LIFE!
PREMIUM LIFETIME CARE ($275) - WE WILL MAKE YOU A NEW ONE FOR FREE IF YOU LOSE IT!!!
Covers all damage for life
Covers a one-time free re-make should you ever lose your ring.
Not available for Meteorite Rings
Unless waived for special circumstances, must be purchased as part of the original transaction.
Includes return shipping
STANDARD LEVEL OF LIFETIME CARE ($200)
Covers all damage for life
Does not cover loss of ring
Includes return shipping
FAQs
Q: How do I get sized?
A: WE STRONGLY SUGGEST PURCHASING MINTER & RICHTER CUSTOM SIZERS to guarantee you get the absolute perfect fit for your ring. The industry-wide standard for ring size carries many variables (different measuring tools, ring widths, ring materials, and design). Factory-made bands are sized LESS accurately than our handmade bands. Therefore, getting sized at a factory jewelry store does not guarantee that the size will be correct. We offer Sizing Exchanges for life for half price. But getting Custom Sizers ensures that you will not need a sizing exchange. A sizing exchange is 50% of the cost of the original if you were not sized on our custom sizers.
- Minter & Richter Custom Aluminum Sizers ($45 for a set of 3 sizers): If you have a general idea of what your ring size might be, we can make you a set of custom aluminum sizers (plain aluminum bands) in three different sizes at your preferred width. This allows you to spend time wearing each sizer for a day or two and finding out which one offers the most comfortable fit. Finger size can fluctuate slightly throughout the day due to water intake, temperature, etc. so this is an excellent way to get an accurate representation of exactly how your final ring will fit. We request that customers purchase their final ring(s) at the same time as the sizers. We will ship you the sizers along with a SASE for convenient return (domestic only – international must pay for return shipping). Once you confirm your ring size we begin making your rings!
(**Please note that sizers can add approximately 2 weeks to order processing.)
Most people can easily finish the entire ring design process via email. Still others prefer Type 2.
Type 2 - Tell Minter You Want to Talk on the Phone or Zoom
If you want to hear my beautiful voice, I'm fine with that! You can call me anytime at 617-326-6671. That is a landline in my studio, not a cell. If I don't answer, that only means I am in a Ring Consultation or it is after hours. If you leave your name and number, I promise, I will call you back. Please speak clearly and slowly, voicemail sucks. If you leave me your email address, slowly and clearly, I will email you my upcoming open time slots for zoom or phone coversation.
If we zoom together, I will share my screen and go over all the options with you. In the end, I will still be filling out that form from Type 1. But it is fun to get to chat and really look at the website with my knowledge of all the materials in your pocket to use.
Type 3 - Design and Go!
If you want to dive a little deeper into the Ring Design Process and you are local enough to get to Boston, why not book an In Person Ring Consultation with me? All our In-Person Ring Consultations start at our Minter + Richter Mini-Mansion in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, just minutes from downtown. We will provide non-alcoholic drinks, but if you would like to bring some beer, wine or celebratory champagne, you are welcome!
Our Design and Go Ring Consultations are free of charge and generally last about an hour, but how long it lasts is up to you. We will never rush you, but will spend all the time you need helping you figure out the perfect design for your ring or set of rings. Once you arrive for your appointment, we will discuss your design ideas, look over hundreds of samples of rings as well as raw inlay materials, figure out your perfect size and width,
and generally, just keep hashing it out until we land on the very perfect wedding ring for you! Your rings will be ready to ship one month later . . . or in less time if you need a Rush Order!
Type 4 - Design, Tour the Shop and
Meet Your Maker!
$60pp
Happily, this is one time when "meet your maker" doesn't mean you die. This pumped-up Ring Design Session takes about 3 hours and is for the person who is interested not only in designing but also in touring our machine shop where we make the rings as well as getting to meet Scott Richter, who is the sole artist and maker of all our rings. Also, he is my husband! Unlike many ring-making companies, we are not a factory filled with shop-workers. Instead, each and every ring is made by Master Craftsman, Scott Richter. After we design the rings together in the Minter + Richter Mini Mansion (see Type 3 above for details), you will head over to our shop, which is in the Old Rum Distillery in South Boston, 3 miles away. Scott will be there waiting for you and will take you in to show you how your rings will be made and to answer any other in-depth questions you may have about the process. On top of all that, Scott will make one ring (not of your design, as that would take too long) for one of you to keep as a souvenir at your custom size and width. This way, you can really get an understanding of the making process and leave with a gift to boot.
Scott Richter in our Ring Making Shop in South Boston, MA
Fun Couples in the shop!
Type 5 - Design, Tour the Shop, and Crash!
($60pp plus seasonal price of room)
Our 5th type of Ring Consultation is for the couple that wants it all! It is a combination of 3 and 4, plus a bed to rest your weary head after a day of designing. Boston is such a fun town that you may decide you want to make a romantic overnight or weekend out of it. Most people do. This is by far our most popular combo. And we have three gorgeous bedrooms in our Minter + Richter Mini Mansion to choose from! Our Front Room, Our Back Room and our 3rd Floor Suite!
We look forward to hearing from you! Give us a call at 617-326-6671 or email us at sales@minterandrichterdesigns.com to set up an In-Person Ring Consultation as soon as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ring Sizing
Q. How do I get sized?
A. The only accurate and guaranteed way to figure out the perfect size and width for your ring is to take part in our Custom Sizer Program. We will make you a range of three sizes around your approximate size and at your chosen width for you to wear around until you are sure. Walk in factory jewelry stores do not size accurately as they do not accommodate for width or size fluctuation. Read about our Custom Sizer Program.
Q. What are possible widths?
A. Since numbers are infinite, so are widths. But our most popular widths are:
Q. What if my ring doesn't fit?
A. All of our rings come with a lifetime sizing exchange guarantee. So if the ring doesn't fit, or your size changes down the road, we can offer to make a new ring at 50% the cost of the original. The original ring will need to be returned to us in exchange for the new one.
If you got Custom Sizers from us, you can get a free sizing exchange within the first 30 days after purchase.
Q. How can I surprise my partner with a ring?
A. Here are 6 helpful tips for ring sizing without your partner knowing.
Ring Services
Q. When will I get my ring?
A. For a standard NON rush order, we ship three to four weeks after purchase. Our fastest service SHOTGUN rush order ships 10-14 business days after purchase. All we need from you is your wedding date and latest-must-have-by-date and we will meet it. We have NEVER missed a date and will not start with yours! Read more about our various shipping options here.
FEDEX DOMESTIC SHIPPING: $25 Ground. OVERNIGHT $35. All packages are sent FEDEX Signature NOT required. If you would like Signature Required, there is an additional $10 charge. Once we send you your tracking number, it is your responsibility to call 1-800-GO-FEDEX and instruct them whether you would like your package left on your porch or if you would like to pick it up at your local FEDEX facility. If your package is stolen off your porch, we are not responsible. We are happy to make you a new ring, but it will be at full cost.
INTERNATIONAL FEDEX SHIPPING: $50. All packages are sent FEDEX Signature NOT required. If you would like Signature Required, there is an additional $10 charge. Once we send you your tracking number, it is your responsibility to call 1-800-GO-FEDEX and instruct them whether you would like your package left on your porch or if you would like to pick it up at your local FEDEX facility. If your package is stolen off your porch, we are not responsible. We are happy to make you a new ring, but it will be at full cost.
Please note that international buyers (outside of the USA) may experience longer shipping times due to customs and may be charged additional fees. Most countries charge import duties and VAT taxes based on the declared value of the merchandise. These duties are generally randomly assigned and do not occur that often. If it does happen, however, all additional charges are the sole responsibility of the buyer and Minter & Richter Designs shall not be obliged to pay for it.
We ONLY use FedEx for the shipment of our rings. FedEx cannot deliver to a PO Box. Therefore, we can only accept Full Street addresses with your order.
Q. Can I get my titanium band engraved?
A. Absolutely! Engraving is $45 for up to 30 characters. You can add engraving to any band during the checkout process. Learn more about our engraving services here.
All About Titanium
Q. Will my titanium band last?
Titanium bands are jewelry without compromise - strong, impermeable and lightweight, they offer the best of both worlds: beauty and durability. Each of our rings are carefully handcrafted from a single billet of pure titanium and all of our inlays are securely stabilized to preserve their natural durability. With a unique ability to take on a variety of finishes as well as its glorious color and shine, titanium is the perfect material for the perfect ring!
We have sold our rings to professional chefs, firemen, surfers, and trapeze artists, and have only heard back from them how thrilled they are with their choice and how amazed they are that their ring can withstand their lifestyle. Having said all of this, we back all our rings 100% and will always fix or replace an inlay should it need it. Titanium absolutely can scratch. The only material on earth that really doesn’t scratch is a diamond, which will shatter instead. If you are particularly concerned about how rough you are on your hands, you may want to be sure to opt for one of our Lifetime Care Options at checkout.
Q. How waterproof are the inlays?
A. When we choose an inlay material, we do so with two things in mind: durability and beauty. Many of the woods we use for our wood inlays are ultra stabilized under a patented high pressure process, making them as impermeable to water as humanly possible and incredibly resistant to scratches. Having said all this, wood is definitely less durable than, say, stone or resin or mokume gane, etc. If you are particularly concerned about your lifestyle and wood inlays, you may want to be sure to also get our fabulous Band Balm. If wax can protect your car, it can also protect your ring. Our most durable inlays are M3, Resin and Stone.
Q. Can titanium be cut if I’m in an accident?
A. Absolutely. This urban folklore was started by the greedy gold industry to scare you away from buying Titanium. Never in the history of mankind has an EMT or hospital amputated someone’s finger just because they were too lazy or unable to cut off their Titanium ring. Titanium can be easily cut. After all, we do it all day long every day just to make the rings!
Check out what Snopes has to say about this crazy rumor!
Q. What is Anodization?
A. One of the most magical things about Titanium is that it can be anodized a variety of colors.
Anodization is the process that produces those fabulous accent colors you see on our bands. By passing electricity through titanium in a conductive bath, a transparent titanium-oxide layer is formed on the band’s surface. The amount of voltage in the bath determines the thickness of the oxide and color produced. Each iridescent color is seen through the refraction of light on the transparent oxide layer. Because the colors are optically created, they may look different depending on the time of day, viewing angle and light source. Anodization is not permanent, and will eventually fade and wear over time. This is why we only anodize on the interior and protected groove of our bands.
How Is My Ring Made?
Learn about all the parts of the ring here.
pros cons custom wedding band
