Close-up profile view of a custom three-stone gold ring featuring an oval purple gemstone in a scalloped bezel setting flanked by two round diamonds.

5 Signs You Need a Professional Jewelry Repair in Knoxville (And What to Do Next)

A ring slips off at the wrong moment. A necklace clasp keeps failing. A prong on your grandmother’s engagement ring looks a little bent and you keep telling yourself you will get it checked. These small moments tend to become expensive ones when they go unaddressed. Jewelry does not self-diagnose, and most people wait far ... Read more
A vibrant alexandrite and multi-gemstone halo pendant necklace from Rick Terry Jewelry Designs, highlighting expert jewelry stone replacement in Knoxville.

Jewelry Stone Replacement in Knoxville: How to Restore a Beloved Piece of Jewelry

A stone falls out. Maybe you noticed the empty setting right away, or maybe you looked down an hour later and found the gap. Either way, a missing stone does not mean the piece is gone. Stone replacement is one of the most satisfying repairs in jewelry because the result is a piece that looks ... Read more
Alt Text: Close-up of a three-stone diamond engagement ring in Knoxville TN showing secure prong settings and brilliant cut diamonds.

How to Care for Your Engagement Ring So It Lasts a Lifetime

An engagement ring is one of the only pieces of jewelry most people wear every single day. It goes through workouts, dish washing, yard work, morning showers, and everything else daily life involves. That kind of consistent exposure makes routine care more important than most people realize when they first put it on.   At ... Read more
Custom white gold diamond cluster ring with princess cut center stone and marquise accent diamonds handcrafted at Rick Terry Jewelry Designs in Knoxville TN

Local Jeweler vs. Chain Store in Knoxville: Which Is Better for a Custom Engagement Ring?

You walk into a well-known jewelry chain at the mall. The cases are spotless, the lighting is doing a lot of work, and the selection fills wall-to-wall display cases. A salesperson greets you before you’ve taken three steps inside. You spend an hour looking at pre-set rings, each one polished and pretty. You leave with ... Read more
Radiant-Cut Diamond Custom Engagement Ring with Geometric Bezel Setting in Yellow Gold by Rick Terry Jewelry Designs

Custom Engagement Ring vs. Pre-Made: Which One Is Actually Right for You?

You’ve decided to propose. Now comes the part nobody warns you about: figuring out where to buy the ring. Walk into any chain jewelry store and you’ll find rows of pre-made rings, polished and ready to go. Browse online and you’ll find thousands more. It feels efficient. Then someone mentions custom, and suddenly you’re wondering ... Read more
Close-up of a custom engagement ring featuring a princess-cut diamond center stone surrounded by mixed-cut diamonds set in 18k yellow gold, designed by Rick Terry Jewelry Designs in Knoxville, TN.

How to Design a Custom Engagement Ring From Scratch 

You know exactly how you want the moment to feel. The setting, the nerves, the look on their face. What you’re less sure about is the ring. You want something that feels them, not pulled from a glass case alongside fifty identical options. You want something made for this person, this relationship, this moment. But ... Read more
Old family ring redesigned into a modern gold diamond engagement ring

I Have an Old Family Ring — Can It Be Redesigned Into Something New?

It often begins with a small box and a meaningful piece of jewelry inside, your grandmother’s ring, your mother’s engagement ring, or another family heirloom. The diamond may still be stunning. The history is real. But the style may not reflect who you are. So the question comes up: can an old family ring be ... Read more

Jewelry Repair: Restoring Treasured Pieces

Jewelry repair is not just about fixing metal. It’s about protecting memories and preserving the pieces that mark your biggest milestones. Engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary gifts, and inherited jewelry all carry meaning. Taking care of them properly allows them to last for generations.   What Jewelry Repair Really Means Many people think jewelry repair ... Read more
Custom pendant necklace with orange gemstone and diamond halo in gold setting

How to Choose the Perfect Pendant for Your Custom Necklace

Choosing a pendant for your necklace should feel exciting, not overwhelming. You’ve found the perfect chain, and now comes the fun part: selecting a pendant that tells your unique story. Many people struggle with this decision. They want something that matches their style, fits their budget, and holds personal meaning. The right pendant transforms a ... Read more
A close-up of a custom gold ring and jewelry components from Rick Terry Jewelry Designs, highlighting Jewelry Trends for 2026.

Take a Look at These Jewelry Trends for 2026

The whir of the polishing machine always takes me back. It is a rhythmic hum that has not changed since 1986. I was a young man in Knoxville then. I had one bench and a handful of tools. My sons, Blake and Chris, work right next to me. We have seen styles come and go ... Read more