You can browse and browse a lot of jewelry stores, but it can be hard to find “the one.” Sometimes, it’s too overwhelming just to pick one. You can find a stone you like, but the setting or band is not right. Or vice versa. Or sometimes, you simply want to propose with a ring that is more symbolic and meaningful. If these are your dilemmas, try getting a customized engagement ring. Once you found a love that’s as unique as yours, it only makes sense to make a specially designed engagement ring that is just as unique.
Here are some helpful tips when designing a custom engagement ring:
1. Allow extra time
Allow some extra time for the process and any changes that may come up along the way. A custom ring needs a longer time than choosing a ring out of a jeweler’s display. It involves creating the design from scratch, and then eventually bringing it to life. So if you want a custom ring, start it as early as possible. You need to allow time for the initial design consultations, sketched designs, 3D model, computer rendering, and adjustments to the design before the actual creation of the ring. Depending on the complexity of the design, your custom ring can take two to 10 weeks.
2. Set a budget
It is always important to set a budget in mind when you start shopping for your ring. Pre-made rings have the price tags available, but when you design your own ring, you have to factor in the various materials, intricacy, and conception, so you won’t know the total price if you choose all design elements. Setting a budget limit can help prevent you from getting overboard.
A budget can also help you make decisions easier on some design elements. For instance, you may choose a slightly smaller center diamond or opt for moissanite stone to keep the project intact with your budget.
3. Research
When opting to go for a customized ring, you have to be knowledgeable about engagement ring styles – the specific clarity, the kind of metal for the band, and the settings (will expound on this later). Has she mentioned something about the specific stone that she wants? If she wants a diamond, do you know the cut and the shape that she prefers? Does she tend to have a liking on a specific type of metal?
Knowing the answers beforehand can also help you manage your budget and limit your design options. Diamonds are more expensive than most colored stones. Also, you can check out other stone options for an engagement ring (https://engagementringcalculator.com/can-an-engagement-ring-be-something-other-than-diamond/) if you want to break tradition. The type of metal you choose also has a big impact on the total price. If you want it to be as durable as possible, choose platinum. However, it’s one of the most expensive ones. An alternative to platinum is white gold. But if you don’t want the look, you can opt for yellow gold, rose gold, palladium, titanium, and silver.
4. Select a reputable jeweler
The jeweler you choose is one of the most important aspects of designing your ring. They need to be reliable and reputable. Check out reviews before committing to a jeweler. You will be entrusting them with one of your largest and most important purchases in your entire life. Remember that an engagement ring is a lifetime investment – it’s something that your partner will want to wear for life. You will also be working closely with them if you want a custom ring, so you have to be able to trust their work.
One thing to do best is to ask for referrals. You can ask your family and friends about where they bought their ring. You can also check online to see which stores rank the highest, and which have the best reviews. Also, you need to check samples of their designs to ensure that they can come up with a ring that you will adore.
5. Take your partner’s taste and lifestyle into consideration
What’s her personal style and lifestyle? These are the crucial questions you also have to take into consideration. After all, the ring is all about your sweetie. You want to wow her, not just with the way you proposed, but also with a ring that truly fits her style and personality.
You can look at her general outfit styles. Is she fond of tees and jeans, or other simple outfits? Perhaps a simple solitaire ring will be good enough for her. Is she a woman of style? Is she typically wearing urban, art-deco, or boho-style outfits? Look into a particular style she is into, then try to customize a ring that will complement it. Does she like flashy or simple things? If she’s simple, then you can settle for a small center stone.
You can also consider her job and lifestyle. Make sure that the ring can keep up with her. If her job is outdoorsy or if she is active in sports, then you might want to steer clear of large stones. If you’re a listing type of person, you consider making a pros and cons list.
6. Gather inspiration
Just because you want to build a custom ring doesn’t mean you have to make it from scratch. Take a look at ring designs online or at jewelry stores. Browsing can give you an idea of the design elements on rings that you like and what you don’t like. You can find a lot of inspiration from existing rings – some may need just a little tweaking. You can combine the best features of several rings that you want to include and merge them into one perfect design.
7. Decide on the stone cut and style
Deciding on a specific kind of stone cut and overall style for the ring is a big step in customizing an engagement ring. You can choose these different styles for an engagement ring:
- Solitaire – This features once center stone without any side stones. It’s a simple and classic engagement ring style that is still preferred by many. What makes a solitaire ring unique is the kind of stone used, the shape of stone, type of setting, and the metal used in the ring.
- Side stones – This type of ring feature a central stone with side stones to add more dazzle.
- Three-stone – It features a center stone flanked by two slightly smaller side stones. This type of ring can still have additional stones on the side as accents, or some scrolls or other detailing.
- Halo – As the name suggests, a halo style ring features a central stone surrounded completely by smaller stones that create a halo effect. The center stone doesn’t need to be round, and it can be almost any shape. Some halo rings have smaller stones running on the sides of the band.
The stone cut is also a very crucial choice. Here are some of your diamond cut choices:
- Round cut – The most popular ring shape, the round cut is round in shape (obviously), and is a classic and timeless choice.
- Princess cut – This is a popular cut shape that features a square-shaped stone with a rounded top.
- Cushion cut – This features a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners.
- Oval – Oval-cut stones are oval in shape, which elongates the fingers.
- Marquise – A marquise-cut stone has an elongated shape with pointed ends. The shape resembles a football.
- Pear – This shape is a combination of oval and marquise. It’s an elongated shape with a round side and a pointed opposite side.
- Emerald cut – Popularized by the Art Deco period, emerald-cut stones have a broad and flat plane, rectangular shape, and truncated corners looking like stair steps.
- Asscher cut – This cut is a bit similar to emerald cut, only with more facets, making it create a “hall of mirrors” effect.
- Radiant cut – Usually containing rectangular or squared edges, this cut offers depth and brilliance comparable to emerald and princess cuts.
- Heart – A heart-shaped stone looks romantic and elegant, which is perfect for a sweetheart.
8. Select the metal
The metal you choose dictates the color of the band material. Usually, the metal options come in three main colors, such as white, yellow, and rose. Engagement rings are made of metal such as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, palladium, silver, and titanium.
When deciding on a metal, consider the type of metal that is existing in her jewelry collection. You can also mix metals if you want a two-tone effect, making the ring more versatile.
9. Choose a setting
The setting you choose is important because it affects the overall style and looks of the ring you design. There are different kinds of ring settings to choose from, including prong, halo, bezel, cathedral, tiffany, flush, bar, tension, pave, channel, vintage, shank, cluster, and three-stone settings. All these offer different advantages and disadvantages, but the choice still depends on you, and what you think your partner will love. The lifestyle of your partner must also be considered in choosing a ring setting.
10. Enjoy the process
As daunting as it may seem, the process of designing a custom ring must be enjoyable for you, first and foremost. Yes, it requires many decisions, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed, but if you feel that you’re stressing about it, just go back to the reason why you are doing all this. All in all, the creation of a ring is a memorable process, as you aim to make your bride-to-be the happiest woman on earth at the moment.