Getting engaged is an amazing experience, and it can be further enhanced if the ring you receive when you say ‘yes’ is unique.
Buying a ring that’s tailored to your tastes is not always easy, mostly because the amount of choice can be overwhelming.
To help you pick custom engagement rings, here’s a full guide of what you need to know...
Customisation
Just as with finding a wedding dress, it’s useful to know what customisation options you have when ordering an engagement ring.
There are a number of elements that can be changed to suit your preferences, including:
Size
The issue with off-the-shelf rings is that they might not fit. Make sure to take your measurement precisely and use this to inform the dimensions of your bespoke piece.
Stones
Engagement rings don’t have to stick to traditional gems, and it’s sensible to scour the market and see what stones are available. Sites like Diamondère provide all sorts of examples, from classic diamond rings to alternatives which use everything from emeralds and rubies to aquamarines and tanzanite.
Setting
This describes how the stones are configured in the ring, and again there’s ample variety here. From the solitaire setting, which has just one gem, to the cocktail setting, which boasts a bevy of brilliant stones, choosing an arrangement involves exploring what catches your eye as well as what matches your budget.
Shape
The shape of the stones matters as much as the setting, and you’ll find that a bespoke ring can be adapted with whatever combination you prefer.
Perhaps you’re content with a round or oval cut gem that dazzles while sticking with a timeless look. Perhaps you’d prefer a cut that fits your personality, perhaps a heart-shaped or pear-shaped set of stones that really pop and are a talking point at parties.
Band
The stones tend to grab all of the headlines when a bespoke engagement ring is bought, but the band is just as important. In fact, it’s not just relevant from an aesthetic perspective, but also has an impact on the comfort and convenience of the ring.
A simple court ring band is best for less showy settings, while a d-profile band which has a flat interior rather than a rounded one makes for an arguably comfier fit.
Then there’s the matter of the material from which the band is made. Engagement rings are usually silver-coloured, and this gives you a lot of leeway. Sterling silver is cost-effective and looks the part, while you can also step up to white gold or even platinum if your budget will stretch further.
Design
If you’re anticipating a proposal because you’ve discussed the possibility of getting married with your partner, it’s a good move to also have a conversation about the style of engagement ring you’d prefer. Pointing them in the direction of custom ring creators and making it clear what you want, rather than being vague, will avoid disappointment, even if it does temper the surprise of the event itself.
It’s also a good idea to be clear about your budget, because of course custom rings can be more costly than off-the-shelf equivalents as they are bespoke rather than mass produced.
Create yours now
Custom engagement rings are surprisingly attainable, so don’t write them off out of hand. Also remember that if you go this route, the ring could become a family heirloom that’s reused for generations, so it’s an investment rather than a one-off expense.
Lastly, if you’re still uncertain, remember that you can ask ring designers and retailers for advice, rather than taking a stab in the dark when choosing a band.
