Design Your Own Engagement Ring From Scratch
So you want to design your own engagement ring from scratch. Wondering how to get started?
Here’s expert advice on what you can expect, tips on getting through the process, and answers to the most common questions people have when designing, so whether you’re making a ring with us or another jewelry designer, you’ll quickly figure out if designing your own ring is the right choice for you.
What Really Happens When You Decide To Make A Ring From Scratch
You’ll meet with a custom jewelry designer either in-person, over the phone or through video chat to talk about what you want your ring to be like. We make everything from simple solitaires to over-the-top alternative rings, so trust that we’ve heard everything when it comes to what you’re thinking of–nothing is “too basic” or “too weird.” As much as you’re feeling out if you want to work with us, we’re feeling out if we’re a good fit for the type of ring you want to make.
What Won’t Work
- Unconventional materials. We won’t work with any materials that we know are not going to hold up in the long run. Here, we make future heirlooms that are crafted to last a lifetime. That means we don’t work with pearls, turquoise, moonstone, sterling silver…the list goes on. And that goes for really unconventional things like wood, plastic, antler, and dinosaur bone. If you’re dead set on these materials, we’re not a fit for you.
- An unrealistic budget. Our rings start at $5,000, non-negotiable. Your one ring will require hours of design and sketching, stone sourcing, 3D modeling, engineering, casting in metal and handcrafting. This is because we’re a small, independent business that pays our small team a living wage and we only use materials (metal, diamonds and gemstones) that are responsibly sourced. You can certainly find mass-produced jewelry with cheaper materials elsewhere, but that’s not what we do here.
- Mystery stones from the internet. Some people try to save some money by buying a loose diamond on the internet. Unfortunately, we won’t work with it. If you have heirloom family jewelry, we may be able to salvage the stones and use them in your new ring if they’re in good quality and if you have proper documentation.
If We Are A Fit, Here Are Some Tips For A Smooth Design Experience
- Figure out what you like and don’t like. Look at our engagement ring portfolio, instagram, and Pinterest to see what you’re drawn to. We also recommend going to a few jewelry stores to try on different styles. You’ll be surprised at some of the things that you don’t like as much in person, or that just don’t feel right when you try them on.
- Think about involving your partner. Many people want or think that a proposal needs to be a total surprise, but the majority of our clients work together on the ring. Not only does it guarantee you’re both happy with the ring, it’s also a really fun experience.
- Get informed about what it costs for the kind of ring you want. The national average hovers right around $6,000. Our custom rings start at $5,000 and go up from there, some being in the $100,000’s. The price depends on a number of things including the type and carat weight of diamonds and gemstones, their rarity, what metal you use and the overall design complexity. You should spend what makes sense for your budget and what it realistically costs for what you want.
- Make sure you have enough time. It typically takes 8-10 weeks from your first meeting to the final ring. Things that can make it shorter or longer: how quickly you make decisions, how difficult/rare your stones are and how long it takes to source them, how complex your design is, and paying in a timely manner.
The Fun Part
Once you’ve made the decision to make a ring from scratch, and you’re prepared for the amount of time and cost, you’ll get to the best part–your designer will guide you through all of your options and advise you on the best choices for what you like and for your unique lifestyle. Here are just some of the things you’ll talk about.
What type of stone(s) do you want?
And which stone cut is your fave?
How about carat size?
What type of metal do you like?
…and those are just the basics. When it comes to style, this is where your research into what you like and what you don’t will come in handy. Luckily, even if you’re not quite sure (and most people aren’t) you can trust your designer to help you figure it out and design the best style for you. The best part about designing an engagement ring from scratch is that you get to dream big, get exactly what you want and leave out what you don’t! When you’re ready to start designing your own ring, book an appointment here.
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