Before the Modern Ring FAQ: A Collector’s Guide to Rings, Sizing & Certification
Before the Modern Ring is a two-day mini digital trunk show presenting heirloom rings inspired by iconic jewellery eras, and reimagined through jade and precious colour.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about ring purpose, customisation, certification, sizing, shipping timelines, and care.
1. Why does Before the Modern Ring trunk show only feature rings?
Among heirloom jewellery categories, rings carry the greatest symbolic weight. Worn closest and most consistently, they have long marked life’s most meaningful milestones across cultures and eras. It felt only fitting to centre this collection entirely on rings.
2. How many designs are in the collection?
There are 11 ring designs in Before the Modern Ring, many of them one of a kind.
3. What gemstones are used in the collection?
Jade is the anchor, alongside gemstones such as spinels, unheated sapphires, and fancy diamonds.
4. Are these rings only engagement rings?
No. These are heirloom rings. Some may become engagement rings, while others mark personal milestones, anniversaries, or meaningful moments that do not require a public definition. They are designed to be lived with and passed down, rather than tied to a single occasion.
5. Can a ring design be made into earrings or studs?
In select cases, a design may be adapted. However, not every ring translates well into another format without compromising proportion, comfort, or intent. If you are considering an adaptation, please contact us at hello@chooyilin.com, and we will be happy to advise on what is possible.
6. Can I customise or tweak a ring design?
Each design in Before the Modern Ring is refined over an extended period — often up to 18 months — to arrive at its final proportions and details. For this reason, we do not typically recommend structural or aesthetic changes.
That said, certain requests (such as a gemstone colour adjustment, or swapping between our botanical or lattice gallery) may be possible without altering the integrity of the piece. For customisation enquiries, please visit our customisation service page.
7. How do I choose the right ring?
Choose the ring that feels beautifully inevitable. These pieces are designed to be lived with over decades, not chosen for a single moment. If this is your first time purchasing a jade or heirloom ring, we have created a detailed guide here.
8. Do the rings come with certification?
Yes. Every piece from Before the Modern Ring comes with certification from our trusted third-party gemmologist, Nanyang Gemmological Institute (NGI), documenting the materials used.
9. How do I find my correct ring size?
There are several reliable ways to determine ring size:
Method 1: Measure the internal diameter of a ring that fits comfortably, then search “X mm to US ring size”.
Method 2: Wrap a piece of string or dental floss around the finger at its widest point, mark it, then measure it with a ruler. Search “X mm to US ring size”.
Method 3: Ask a jeweller to measure your ring size using US sizing.
If the ring is intended as a surprise, you may purchase it in any size and resize it later by a competent local jeweller. Our designs allow resizing to be a straightforward process. We also offer a one-time complimentary resizing within 6 months of purchase, should minor adjustments be required.
10. When will my order ship?
All orders placed during 7 and 8 March 2026 are scheduled to ship in late May 2026. You will be notified once your piece is ready. If you require an earlier timeline, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate where possible.
11. Can I wear my ring daily?
Yes, these rings are designed for regular wear, with care. Because some designs feature delicate diamond halos, we recommend mindful wear rather than continuous daily use, particularly during strenuous activities.
12. Can I exchange or refund a ring?
We are unable to offer exchanges or refunds. We encourage you to purchase with confidence and to choose the ring that feels most aligned with the wearer’s life and sensibility.