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When designing your own engagement ring, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. It may be overwhelming to pick the design of the band or even decide if you want a diamond or another gemstone as the center stone. Take it all into consideration by going step by step with our tips on how to design your own custom engagement ring.
Why Choose a Custom Engagement Ring?—
You don’t want a ring that anyone else has. In the same way you don’t want to go to a party and see someone else wearing the same outfit, you don’t want your ring to be just another “on sale” special at the jewelry store. You’re unique. You want a ring that reflects your personality and style. Choosing unique engagement rings gives you total control over a ring you’ll love wearing for the rest of your life.
Get Inspired —
Inspiration is all around us. Take a look at bridal magazines and see what rings are trending right now. Go beyond the standard trends and get inspired by arts, culture and even nature. You’ll be surprised by what you find when you get inspired by something in your backyard, at the park or local museum. When in doubt, go to a jeweler you know and trust to work with you to craft your custom engagement ring.
Start Searching —
Start your search by looking at engagement rings that speak to your style. You can go to a local jewelry store and start browsing what you like. You can go online and start doing some initial research on custom engagement rings. If there are any influencers or celebrities you follow, take a look at their engagement rings for inspiration.
Work with a Highly Recommended Jeweler —
According to 1stDibs, seven out of 10 proposees were involved in the jewelry selection process. You don’t have to make the engagement ring a surprise. You can work together with a highly recommended jeweler. That way, you’ll both be working with diamond experts who know this industry inside and out. They know what’s popular. They know what isn’t in demand. An experienced jeweler will help you stay away from an engagement ring you’ll regret a few years down the line when it isn’t as trendy. They’ll know couples who are just as unique as you and your partner and can recommend something just as special for your own custom engagement ring.
Decide on the Metal —
Different metal types suit different people and lifestyles. For the person who wants a timeless classic, a gold engagement ring is the way to go. For someone who yearns for a more contemporary look, try a rose gold ring. Platinum is a very durable metal, but it’s also one of the most expensive options. Consider white gold for a look that’s similar to platinum but not nearly as expensive. Besides the engagement ring, don’t forget to look at men’s wedding bands to see how the engagement ring may complement a wedding band once you’re happily married.
Choose Your Center Stone —
All that glitters is not gold, and not every engagement ring needs to be a diamond ring. Make your own custom engagement ring with a different gemstone altogether. Popular alternative gemstones include sapphires, rubies, emeralds and more. A jeweler will be able to help you decide which metal type will go best with your center stone.
Figure Out Your Diamond Shape —
If you do decide to go with a diamond as a center stone, you’ll also need to figure out which diamond shape works best for you. Round, brilliant cut diamonds are one of the most popular shapes. Princess cuts can help you feel like a literal princess. For a regal touch with a more unique shape, opt for the marquise cut, also known as the football cut because of its shape that looks like a football.
Select the Setting —
Now that you’ve figured out what kind of shape you want for your engagement ring, you’ll need to decide what setting you want for the ring. If you’re going for the round, brilliant cut diamond, a solitaire or three-stone setting may work best. Cushion cuts work well with most modern settings even though they aren’t considered as contemporary. Pear cuts work wonderfully with bezel settings to help protect the diamond.
Sketch It Out —
An experienced jewelry designer can help sketch out your dream engagement ring. That way, you don’t have any surprises once you have the real 3D engagement ring in your hands. Some jewelers will draw the sketch by hand. Others will do digital 3D renderings. Some will even do wax models of the ring so you can hold it in your hands. No matter which way the jeweler shows you the sample, you’ll want a preview of the ring before you say, “I do!”
Have Patience —
Most importantly, have patience when you’re designing your custom engagement ring. You may go into the process thinking you want one ring. After you see the actual model, you may want something completely different. Now is the time to figure out what you want, and don’t be afraid to change your mind as you’re going through the creative process. It may take more time to get the ring you want, but it’ll be worth it.
See Also: 10 Reasons Why People Like Emerald Stone