An engagement ring is a symbol of love and commitment for you and your partner. While you could purchase a ring off the shelf, designing a custom ring will allow you to make a truly unique piece that represents your love. Here are a few things to consider when designing an engagement ring.
Prior to your first appointment
Before you go out and book an appointment with a jeweller, here are a few initial ideas to factor into your planning.
Consider your budget
Your budget will ultimately determine the finer details of the ring including the size and quality of the centre stone. For a lot of custom jewellery showrooms, having a client that is 100% sure on a budget helps to guide the design process and eliminates any shock when it comes to buying an engagement ring.
Bring your partner to the appointment!
A lot of our clients book appointments as a couple to discuss engagement ring options. If you think your partner would appreciate being looped into the planning process, many jewellers can factor that into their consultation.
When a potential client books an initial consultation with their partner, we often ask whether they would like the pricing of the ring to be discussed in front of them and tailor the appointment to suit their preferences.
Bring a close friend or family member
If you’d like additional input but still want to keep the ring a surprise, some of our clients will bring in a close friend or family member of their partners. They can act as a sounding board while we design the overall look and style of the engagement ring.
Designing the ring
Whether you’ve decided to bring your partner or go at it alone, here are some things to think about when designing an engagement ring.
Consider Your Partner's Style
Before you start designing the ring, take some time to consider your partner's style.
Look at the jewellery they currently wear and pay attention to their taste in fashion. Do they prefer simple and classic designs, or do they like more intricate and unique pieces? Are they mostly wearing gold jewellery or do they tend to stick with silver or white gold?
All of these points can factor into the final ring design and your jeweller can use this information when drafting up CAD (computer assisted design) drawings.
Choose the Right Centre Stone
The stone is the centrepiece of the ring and it is the only thing that is not customisable after a decision has been made, so it's important to choose the right one. Diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, but you can also consider other options like sapphires, emeralds, or rubies.
In your initial appointment, your jeweller will explain all the diamond classifications so you can make an informed decision.
Natural Vs Lab Grown Diamonds
A choice that vastly impacts the final price of the centre stone is choosing between a lab grown or natural diamond.
Lab grown diamonds offer greater flexibility in terms of size and quality, as they can be grown to larger sizes and with fewer impurities compared to natural diamonds. This means that you can get a bigger and better quality diamond for the same price as a smaller, lower quality natural diamond.
There is no discernible difference between lab grown and natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are created by taking a tiny piece of carbon and placing it in an environment that replicates the high pressure and high temperature conditions that cause diamonds to form naturally.
In Summary
Designing the perfect engagement ring requires careful consideration of your partner's style, budget, and the type of centre stone and band you want to use. Bringing your partner or a close friend or family member to the appointment can also be helpful in ensuring you create a ring that they will love.
By understanding the key factors that go into designing an engagement ring and getting multiple quotes, you can ensure that you create a truly unique and special piece that represents your love and commitment.
Click here to book an appointment with one of our specialists to start your journey with us today!
