The many different options for engagement rings can be a little overwhelming. And sometimes, it is too hard to decide on just one. You’ll find a diamond you love, but the setting is not the right style. Or vice versa. Maybe you like the band on this ring, the setting on that ring, and the style and color of yet another ring! If you find yourself being drawn to certain elements of engagement rings, but not the ring itself, you might want to consider designing a custom engagement ring. Custom engagement rings are an excellent way to be sure your significant other truly loves the ring and will cherish it for a lifetime. Whether you will be shopping around with your significant other or are planning a surprise engagement, we’re sure you will find these 6 custom engagement ring design tips very helpful.

Choose a reputable jeweler

Aside from your relationship with your future spouse, this is one of the most important relationships you can form! You are entrusting this person to create one of the largest and most important purchases of your entire life. You’ll also be working very closely with the jeweler you choose on something very intimate- be sure you trust their work and value their opinion. Look for the best custom engagement ring designers in your area. Ask friends and family for referrals. Do a quick search online to see which stores rank the highest, have the best reviews, and have work similar to your vision. This ring will be worn for a lifetime; you want to be sure you choose someone who has the skill and knowledge to make your dream engagement ring a reality.

Draw inspiration

Know the specifics of what you like and dislike. Not into the glitz and glam of halo designs? Maybe a classic solitaire is a better style for you. It’s very helpful to have these ideas written down somewhere to share with the jeweler you choose. If you’re a list person, try making a pros and cons list. If visuals are more your thing, print out photos or make sketches of certain ideas you have.

In today’s time, social media is actually extremely useful for this step. Pinterest, in particular, is a great source to use. Ladies, are you trying to drop hints to your man for what styles you like? Create a public Pinterest board so he can see them! Gents, this just made your job a whole lot easier, and you know you’ll be designing a ring she’ll truly adore. When designing your very own engagement ring, you can borrow ideas from anywhere.

Try on different styles

Have some fun trying on different styles before you decide on anything. A ring can look different on your (or her) hand. You might think you like a certain cut or style, but you won’t truly know until you have actually seen it on a finger. Visit different jewelry stores to test out different cuts, sizes, colors, and styles.

Do your research

This step will help you narrow down the specifics of the custom ring you will design. What size diamond does your special someone desire? Has she mentioned anything about the specific clarity she wants (VS₁, VVS₂, etc.)? What about the kind of metal for the band and setting? Should you opt for a solid color or a mixed metal style? Answering these questions beforehand will also help you figure out what fits your budget and what doesn’t. Obviously, the bigger the center stone and the less included it is, the more expensive it will be.

Similarly, the type of metal chosen will impact the total price. Platinum is a common choice for engagement rings because it is durable and hypoallergenic. But it’s also one of the most expensive precious metals. If you appreciate the shine of platinum but have to stick to a budget, a good alternative is white gold. Don’t forget about the wide array of other options too: silver,yellow gold, rose gold, palladium, and titanium.

There are many different factors that go into designing a custom engagement ring. Each one directly affects the final cost. Plan accordingly so you don’t go over budget. You’ll want to get a quote from the jeweler so you won’t be surprised by the cost of custom engagement rings.

Collaborate

After you have some idea of what you want, schedule a meeting with your chosen jeweler. Make sure to bring all of your visual inspiration; the more ideas you can show them, the easier the process will be. A jeweler is an artist, and because of this, there should be a little bit of creative freedom allowed to them. After all, they are the expert. Listen to their advice. For example, if you’re designing an engagement ring for an active woman with a hands-on job and you’ve selected a cathedral setting, your jeweler might suggest otherwise. Are they are trying to sabotage your ring? No! They just want to make sure the ring can be worn as often as possible and the center stone is protected from potential damages. Your jeweler is here to help, and your collaboration will make the whole process smoother.

Give yourself enough time

One of the most asked questions when it comes to custom design is, “How long does it take a jeweler to make a custom ring?” But there is really no straightforward answer! Custom ring design is an entire process- you’re not walking into a jewelry store, selecting a ring that is on display, and leaving with the ring the same day. The custom engagement ring timeline is much more involved than that!

Once you’ve had an in depth conversation with your jeweler about your desires, seen a wax or computer-aided design (CAD) model, made any revisions, and approved the final design, only then can the real magic happen. The time it takes for your ring to be finished depends on the number and types of stones being set, the intricacy of the design, and the type(s) of precious metals used. Your jeweler is creating a lifelong symbol of your love and commitment…you can’t rush perfection! Typically, custom engagement rings take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Give yourself enough time for the ring to be completed before you pop the big question.

Buy a Custom Engagement Ring in San Diego

Looking for the best custom jewelers in San Diego? At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, our in-house Master Jewelers have the skill and dedication to help create custom engagement rings beyond your wildest dreams. We’ll even help you customize both wedding bands for an even more personalized wedding set! Give us a call at 619-299-1500, shoot us an e-mail, or simply stop by our jewelry store on San Diego Avenue to consult with one of our experts.