The ultimate guide to designing your own engagement ring
Wouldn’t it be nice to present a unique and special engagement ring to your significant other? Well, you can do so by having it custom-made! Here’s what you should do to get started:
Plan early.
Because custom engagement rings are not readily available in-store, expect the creation process to take a few weeks. Start at least two months before your proposal to have the piece on time.
Set a budget.
Let’s face it – having a custom engagement ring is not cheap. Setting a realistic budget will help you determine a design that won’t go over what you can afford.
Look for a reputable jeweller.
Your choice of jeweller can make or break your engagement ring. Make sure to choose a skilled and experienced jeweller to bring your design ideas to life.
Decide on the design.
Designing your engagement ring is probably the most challenging step of the process because of the various design options available.
Take the process part-by-part to come up with a tailored piece that best suits your partner’s personality and individual style.
Select a metal: Will your ring’s band be made out of white, yellow or rose gold? It will be totally up to you. Consider you partner’s skin tone when selecting a metal.
Pick out a gemstone: Although diamonds are the more popular choice for engagement rings, no one’s stopping you from choosing a sapphire, an emerald or any other gem as your centrepiece.
Choose the stone’s cut: Round, pear, cushion, princess or oval cut? Your gem’s shape can give your engagement ring a distinct personality.
Determine the setting: Whether you choose a simple solitaire or a more intricate diamond band, your engagement ring’s setting can speak a lot about your style.
Ask for a sketch or wax model.
To manage your expectations on the final product, ask for a detailed sketch, or better yet, a wax model of the engagement ring. This will give you a visual on how the ring should turn out.
Request for an agreement form.
To ensure that everything will go according to what you and your jeweller have agreed upon, request a written copy of your agreement. Ask for their return policy as well.
Check the end result.
Does your engagement ring live up to what you’ve agreed upon? If not, present your written agreement and have it customised accordingly.
--
Buying an engagement ring is no joke – even more for custom-made ones. Knowing the process takes you a step closer to having your very own engagement ring.
