We often speak so much about the glory of weddings that the engagement is given a last-row seat. This occasion is the first step toward enjoying the bliss of a lifetime. It marks a period when all unofficial titles shed off and the anticipated term ‘fiance’ steps in.
The feeling one gets when the million-dollar question, “Will you marry me?” is voiced out can be incomparable. Then begins the journey of thousands of special moments leading up to a final unforgettable day. Expert research considers 2024 to be the year of proposals and engagements.
Can you believe that 2.5 million couples will be engaged this year? Oh, happy day when you get to join this exciting statistic! For that, the most important aspect of the event must be settled – the engagement ring.
Do you still need clarification about what to buy? Consider investing in a custom engagement ring. This article will discuss why and how to design one that is entirely your own.
Why Invest in a Custom Engagement Ring?
We believe this question must be the first that is dealt with because some couples do sit on the fence for this simple reason. They wonder whether having a custom ring designed would make any difference. The truth is it would and would not.
What do we mean by that? The point of designing a custom engagement ring is for it to be special and unique to yourself. This may happen with a standard product on a jeweler’s catalog or you may have to do a complete one-eighty.
For instance – Princess Diana’s ever-popular sapphire engagement ring was not a custom design. It was one of the many deviations from the British Royalty associated with the Princess.
What’s interesting is that the deep blue color of the ring resonated with both the Prince and his to-be-wife. Given the connection with family roots, it made sense that the Princess stood by her choice.
The Royal family’s solution for preventing the mass purchase of a similar ring was to simply raise the price tenfold. Similarly, if a particular ring catches your eye and captivates your heart, do not hesitate because it belongs to a readymade catalog.
However, in most cases, couples prefer something entirely unique. They wish to design a new ring that may not be easily found elsewhere. If that is what you’re after, consider the slightly lengthier yet soul-satisfying route of designing an engagement ring from scratch.
When to Start the Process?
This is another good question that must be raised and answered so that you’re not scrambling for a ring last minute. Depending on the designer, a custom engagement ring may take anywhere from a few weeks to three months before it is ready.
Then, you need a week or two more in hand just in case there are any alterations needed. Today, couples prefer to participate in the process together (which can be a great bonding experience). We understand that one may wish to preserve the element of surprise.
However, it’s best to at least discuss so that no one is left feeling disappointed, especially since we’re talking about a custom ring. As for the time, start as early as possible. Pandemic-related supply chain issues persist. The Harvard Business Review states that manufacturers are reassessing their lean manufacturing strategies.
Designers may require sufficient time to source all raw materials and craft a custom piece. To put things into perspective, it may take a few weeks for a design to be finalized.
Then, the designer may require another few weeks or months to craft the final piece. So, you can go home with your custom creation in a few months, sans any changes that may be needed.
Two Easy Steps to Achieve the Desired Look
The good news about designing a custom engagement ring is that what you pay in time is more than compensated for in aesthetics. At least, the process of designing a custom engagement ring is not at all complex or tedious. According to Leibish, it simply requires two solid steps, discussed as follows.
The Setting
You must start by selecting a setting for the custom engagement ring. This refers to how gemstones are set or mounted onto a metal band. In other words, the setting of a ring would involve its entire structure without the center stone.
Some examples of engagement ring settings would include crossover split shank, hidden halo bowed shank, side-stone, and two-stone crossover halo, among others. Choosing this is important because the setting will impart a contemporary, vintage, or classic look. Besides the style, you will have to choose the metal – gold, sterling silver, platinum, etc.
The Stone
Once you’ve decided on the setting you want your ring to have, the next and fortunately, the final step is to select the stone. Keep in mind that your ring’s setting will impact the ring choice. For instance – if the setting is a side-stone solitaire, you can choose a solitaire diamond for the center along with smaller gems for the side.
Another option is to opt for other stone varieties for the center, including emerald, sapphire, or ruby. Even diamonds of different colors like orange, yellow, deep pink, etc., can be selected. Finally, decide which shape of the stone would suit best the setting – cushion, round, pear, heart, and more.
Additional Tips
The aforementioned discussion suffices to design a personalized engagement ring. In this section, we just wish to offer a few additional tips that will make the process smoother and more fulfilling.
- Choose a jeweler wisely, one with proper credentials and knowledge of the space.
- Expect some back and forth with the process because a custom ring by definition has not been made yet. Hence, it is normal to face some glitches before the vision comes to life.
- Before the initial consultation, ensure you know what you want. Your jeweler can undoubtedly inspire you but having a skeletal structure for that vision helps.
- Refrain from asking for a complete replica of some other designer’s work. You can offer it up as an inspiration but let the final piece be uniquely yours.
From what we have discussed in this article, you should be able to jump off the fence of confusion. The engagement ring market size is expected to become $22.6 billion by 2030. This growth is much called for since it’s easier than ever to design a custom engagement ring today. So, what would your unique design look like?
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