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
A historical look at Rick Terry Jewelry Designs showing Rick Terry at the workbench in 1986 and today.

Our Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: A Big Thank You for 2025

As we settle into 2026, the team here at Rick Terry Jewelry Designs wanted to take a second to breathe and say a massive thank you. If you’ve been coming to see Rick since he opened the doors in 1986 or you just found our Knoxville showroom this year, you are the reason we get ... Read more
A white gold pendant with a deep violet, trillion-cut Tanzanite gemstone, perfect Jewelry for Christmas gifting.

Gifting Jewelry for Christmas

When Christmas lights go up, we start searching for that perfect item, that one gift that truly captures how we feel. Jewelry, more than anything else, is a true meaningful gift. That’s why your selection needs to be made with genuine, pure intentions. We all remember the scene from Love Actually, right? The beautiful necklace ... Read more
Gold diamond ring on a reflective surface showcasing craftsmanship and shine, used to illustrate Care Tips for Your Jewelry.

Extend the Life of Your Jewelry with These Care Tips

Every piece of fine jewelry, especially an engagement ring or a treasured family heirloom, holds a unique story. These aren’t just accessories; they are significant investments in memory. You want that sparkle to last forever, right? The good news is that keeping treasured pieces brilliant and safe is much easier than you think. This instruction ... Read more