How to Create and Design Your Own Custom Engagement Ring

How to Create and Design Your Own Custom Engagement Ring : Millennial consumers in America are spending about $3,000 on engagement rings. This is a big investment for many couples, so choosing the right ring is essential.

Some brides or grooms-to-be decide to get creative and design their own ring. This offers a way to select all the special details of your engagement ring. It also allows you to build a one-of-a-kind piece to celebrate your commitment to your partner.

You don’t need a background in jewelry design to do this. Yet, there are a few techniques to make for a smoother process. Here are the top tips for creating and designing a custom engagement ring.

Get Inspired

With custom engagement rings, you can be as creative as your imagination allows. Yet, it helps to start the process by finding certain styles that you like. This way you can determine if you want a vintage vibe or a more modern look or, if you have a zeal of rocker or a biker, you can even look at these crazy skull rings for some inspiration!

Find inspiration through social media, using channels like Instagram and Pinterest. Wedding magazines and blogs are other great sources for browsing ring designs.

Make a gallery of your favorite ring designs. This should relate to stone type, size, cut, and color. This helps narrow down your choices so you won’t be so overwhelmed by all the engagement ring options.

Be sure your ring design also reflects your personality and style. Start this process early as it can take a few months to have a custom ring built.

Determine Your Ring Style and Budget

Next, you’ll want to determine your ring style, including the stone, setting, and band. These details help you to set a budget to design your own engagement ring. Be prepared for a custom ring design to cost more than a store-bought ring.

Stone

It’s easiest to begin by picking the style of stone you want. Determine if the ring will consist of one single stone or if it will also include side stones. Consider a traditional clear diamond or something more unique.

Colored gemstones also work well for creating a custom engagement ring. This includes bespoke sapphire, emerald, or amethyst rings.

If going with a diamond, be sure to learn about the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Diamonds with less color will sparkle more as they allow a greater amount of light in.

Think about whether you have a preference on where the stone is sourced from. Some jewelers will work with you on this while others have a list of diamond suppliers to go through.

You can even choose between earth-mined or lab-grown diamonds. About 23% of ring shoppers prefer a lab-grown stone nowadays.

Cut

A stone’s cut is more than the shape of the stone. It influences the reflective properties of the stone and how it interacts with light. Cut choices include:

Princess
Cushion
Round
Oval
Pear
Emerald
Radiant
Heart
Asscher
Marquise

Round diamonds remain the most popular choice of cut. This cut style makes up about 60% of engagement rings.

Setting

The stone’s setting is how it is placed on the ring’s band. This includes the following options:

Prong
Cathedral
Tiffany
Halo
Bar
Flush
Bezel
Channel
Eternity
Suspension
Cluster
Vintage
Shank
Pavé
Infinity
Three-stone
Tension style

Prong, Bezel, Halo, and Pavé are some of the most popular setting choices. Most couples go with a setting that secures the ring well in place so it does not get damaged or dislodged.

Band

The band is another key consideration when you design a ring. Common ring band choices include gold, white gold, silver, and platinum.

Some couples even opt for recycled materials for a more sustainable jewelry piece. Rose gold is a trending color that works well for bands. You can also go with a mix of gold and white gold for a two-toned effect.

You want to keep your wedding band in mind while designing your engagement ring. This should work to complement your ring style and blend with its unique design elements. It’s smart to design both rings at the same time by the same jeweler.

Select the Perfect Jeweler for Your Project

The right jeweler is the most important aspect when you design an engagement ring. You’re looking for a high-quality designer that is reputable and well-trusted. This should be a company or person with vast experience in making custom rings.

You want to make sure their style matches your own. So, ask to see plenty of examples of their previous custom-made rings.

Be sure the jeweler is someone who respects your unique design vision. Yet, they should also offer helpful suggestions when needed.

It helps to narrow it down to 5 different jewelers that you like. Then compare them and their costs to find the best one for your needs.

You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, and work colleagues. Research jeweler websites and read their online reviews. Another tip is to ask for testimonials and interview the jeweler before hiring them.

Review Renderings and Provide Feedback

A good jeweler will work closely with you to create your own engagement ring. The first step is for them to present you with a draft of the ring design. This is often a drawing, digital version, or even video footage.

This rendering should depict the design details based on what you have requested. It’s important to be honest with the jeweler during the feedback process. This ensures you are getting the exact ring you have in mind.

Most jewelers go on to then create a wax model or replica of the ring. After final approval, the ring is made through a casting process. Then the stone is set into the ring and it undergoes a final cleaning.

Be sure to also let the designer know if you want any special engravings. This could be your wedding date or a short message on the interior of the band.

Creating the Perfect Custom Engagement Ring

A custom engagement ring makes a unique statement that is sure to wow any future fiancée. These special ring characteristics also work to match the style of the bride-to-be.

Looking for more tips on proposals and wedding planning? Check out the love and sex section of our blog for all the latest.