As CounterSketch users know, each design is fully customizable with a specific set of options — sometimes called sliders — located on the left side of the screen. These features let you adjust each model to meet your customer’s needs. The average CounterSketch design library has 37 sliders to choose from, and each list of sliders is unique to that specific jewelry style.

The Gemvision Development Team recently did an 18-month study screening customer-submitted designs to see which CounterSketch design options got used most frequently. The top two design options were not surprising: finger size and center gem shape. After all, almost every ring needs updating for these two attributes.

However, the next five CounterSketch design options were not as predictable as you might think. It is these five features I want to focus on these five features here. The great thing about these most-used design options is that they center on the consumer’s comfort and budget.

This list of top five CounterSketch design options includes why they could be important to your next customer:

1. Center Gem Height

The height of a center diamond can have a big impact on how the ring wears and how others perceive the diamond. The higher the stone, the more prominently it stands out because you positioned it to receive light from all angles. Conversely, the lower the diamond sits, the less likely it is to get caught on other objects, eventually requiring re-tipping. Consider the wearer’s activities and preferences when setting center gem height. If the wearer of the ring is a nurse who puts gloves on and off several times each day, for example, a lower center gem is probably the better choice.

2. Shank Profile Top Width

Shank profile top width can have a big impact on the price and the overall look of the ring. Based on the center stone size, the band may need to be wider or narrower to provide balance. In several CounterSketch design models, accent gem sizes directly correlate with top profile width to maintain proper design proportions. Increasing the width of the band could increase the size of the accent stones and possibly the cost. It is important to weigh all of these factors when designing with your customer to select the right width for their design and budget.

3. Accent Gem End Point

As accent stones reach farther around the ring, they impact price and comfort. For customers on a budget, suggest decreasing how far down the accent gems to lower the stone and setting costs. These small cost savings will also prove beneficial when ordering the wedding band, especially if it has matching accent gems. Most customers understand the benefit of spending less on diamonds that go unseen since they’re in-between fingers. For more on comfort, see point five below.

4. Shank Bottom Profile Width

In concert with shank profile top width, the bottom shank profile width allows you to taper the width of the ring to fit more comfortably on your customer’s finger. A band that maintains the same with all the way around the finger can be uncomfortable when shaking hands or making a fist. Create a smaller bottom profile width for a more comfortable fit. As in the above examples, narrowing the band’s lower width can also decrease the overall weight and lower the ring’s cost.

5. Shank Side Thickness

Side thickness also deals with the wearers’ comfort. Again, when shaking hands, people often squeeze your index and little fingers together. If the ring has a significant side thickness, it makes greetings uncomfortable. It is important to balance this concern with the overall durability of the ring. Stuller’s CAD/CAM Services recommends a minimum of 1.7mm side thickness for all rings.

You may already use these CounterSketch design options to your advantage. However, if not, consider them on your next project. Visit these design aspects and weigh the pros and cons of each with your customer. This will prove valuable to your customer and flex your expertise as a jeweler. Let CounterSketch provide an additional layer of customization and a better customer experience in both designing and wearing that special ring.