Getting engaged symbolises the start of a new chapter in life. And for such a special occasion, many people look to design their engagement ring, to create a unique piece of jewellery that will be treasured for years to come.
Here, we share some FAQs on designing your engagement ring…
How do I start? I know nothing about designing an engagement ring!
Firstly, spend a reasonable amount of time deciding on the type of ring you want.
- Do you want something delicate and intricate? Or big and bold?
- What coloured gemstones do you prefer? And how many stones?
- What is your preferred metal?
- Do you want a channel set ring? And so on…
There are so many different ring types, metals, materials and other variables that you may initially feel overwhelmed! So, do your research. Look online at various jewellery platforms and visit some physical jewellery shops to understand what appeals to you visually.
Take notes and photos of the rings you like - the ones you are really drawn to - and eventually, you will see a pattern to the style, stone and metal colour that suits your taste.
You now have your starting point!
Choosing a jeweller
The next step is to choose a jeweller that offers a bespoke engagement ring design service.
Again, look online for custom ring jewellers and visit physical shops too. Compare prices, customer reviews, etc., to find a suitable jeweller for the project.
A good custom jeweller will be very happy to discuss your design preferences, your budget and your ring options - walking you through the creative process.
Also, check what happens if you are not satisfied with your piece at the end of the process. Choosing a jeweller with a satisfaction guarantee or flexible return policy is essential to ensure you get exactly the ring you want.
How long does it take for a custom ring to be ready?
This will depend on the jeweller and how complex the design is. Custom design jewellers may provide timelines throughout the process to give you an idea of when your bespoke ring will be ready - but a wait of several weeks from the start to the finish of the process may be expected.
How much will it cost to design a custom engagement ring?
The cost of a bespoke engagement ring will vary depending on how elaborate the design is, any changes required after it has been designed, the materials and gemstone/s used, etc. Generally, custom rings range from £500 for a simple design to £10,000 or more.
Your jeweller should work with you to get the look you want for your engagement ring, within your budget.
What do I need to consider when designing an engagement ring?
As we touched on at the start of this blog, once you have a good idea of what you want your bespoke ring to look like, you will need to go a bit more in-depth and consider the following:
- style of the band
- type of metal used for the band
- the stone/s used
- the setting for the stone/s
While this may seem overwhelming, a custom jeweller can help and provide advice so that you can design a ring you love!
We’ll discuss these considerations a bit more…
What are the different styles of ring bands?
You can choose from several different styles of ring bands, from a simple, plain band to cathedral, twisted and woven bands – and many more! – meaning you can get something bespoke to you.
Rings can even be personalised by asking your jeweller to engrave something personal inside or outside the band, like a date, initials, or even a message.
What about choosing the metal for the band?
You’ll have a wide choice of metals for the band - including silver, platinum, and the three golds - yellow, rose or white.
While you will probably already know what colour band you want, discuss the various options with the jeweller based on how durable the metal is. For example, if you plan to always wear your ring, you will need a more durable metal that can withstand daily knocks and scrapes.
Get the jeweller's advice on pairing a particular metal with a specific stone - the band's colour should ideally complement any gemstone or diamond you plan to have.
Don’t forget to consider the maintenance of the ring and its metal. Some materials, like white gold, may require regular re-plating to maintain their appearance. Or, platinum, while more durable, can scratch - but on the upside often develops an attractive patina over time that some people prefer.
How do I choose an engagement ring stone?
This is the centrepiece to your design, so when choosing a diamond or gemstone, consider the 4Cs (cut, clarity, carat, and colour). Also, think about what a gemstone will represent – diamonds, for example, are said to symbolise love and faithfulness.
As with the ring band metals, gemstones have different levels of durability, so choose a stone that will fit into your lifestyle.
How do I choose the ring setting?
The ring setting can be customised to reflect your style. You may want something classic, like a solitaire setting, or something more contemporary or elaborate.
Your jeweller will be able to discuss the pros and cons of each ring setting style.
I want a ring made from sustainable materials – is this possible?
Many jewellers can provide recycled metals and ethically sourced diamonds. When choosing a jeweller, ask them for certification (e.g., are they a member of Fairtrade Certified Gold, the Responsible Jewellery Council, or one of the other recognised bodies?).
Protecting your engagement ring
We hope these engagement ring design tips help you understand the creative process and what you need to know.
Finally, once you have your beautiful, custom-designed ring, it may make sense to have it adequately insured. At Assetsure, our engagement ring insurance can give you the peace of mind that if something happens to it, your ring will be repaired or replaced on a like-for-like basis.
Further reading: The benefits of bespoke engagement rings.
