The Perfect Ring for the Perfect Proposal
How to Design Your Own Engagement Ring
An engagement ring is a token of love, commitment, devotion and an expression of the intent to marry the love of your life.
The ring, beyond being a sign of your love, should also embody the nature of your relationship. That’s why many people consider the option of designing a custom ring for their better half instead of buying whatever is in stock at the jeweler. However, you may have some questions about how to design your own engagement ring; after all, it isn’t something that you do every day.
It’s important to do some research beforehand to understand all the components of an engagement ring, figure out what you want, and set a realistic budget for yourself.
Understanding the Pros and Cons
First, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of designing your own engagement ring.
Pros
Infuse Symbolism into Your Ring
The circle, like the shape of a ring, has no beginning, no end, and is a symbol of wholeness, renewal and perfection. The sun, moon, and planets have a similar shape and bring together all life. Likewise, the engagement ring represents the coming together of two lives.
The opportunity to infuse other forms of symbolism in your custom ring is among the benefits of designing one yourself. The choice of stone, the shape of it, the metal, filigree patterns, and engravings can all represent meaning. You can engrave words or dates to represent an aspect of your relationship.
You Get to Take Part in the Whole Creative Process
Custom rings mean that every aspect of the ring can be relevant to your relationship, and this makes the ring special. It is because you pour out yourself, your creativity, and your affections to create something of value for someone you care about.
Cons
Time Consuming
On the flip side, the process may take longer than it would if you were to buy a generic over-the-counter ring. It takes time to source and design materials according to your preference. You should factor in time even before deciding you want to tailor your engagement ring.
Costly Process
Depending on your choice of elements, a custom ring might end up being a bit pricy. Thus, it is always important to know how much you’re willing to spend.
How to Choose Components of a Custom Ring
In order to create a ring, you’ll need to understand what all the different parts are. That way, you can pick and choose exactly what you want. These steps will help you determine what you should be looking for, and what to avoid.
Designate a Definite Budget
As stated, putting together an engagement ring can be very expensive. However, if you start with a predetermined budget range, then you’re a position to control cost. A budget also means you narrow down your options to materials you can afford, which saves you time you’d otherwise spend sifting through endless choices.
The Stone and Ring Style
Decide on a stone, and the shape you want. Consider the design of the stone which will be appropriate to the shape of the ring. Helzberg Diamonds have a list of diamond shapes to help you think through this step. Decide on one or two options and reach out to Helzberg or Shane Co., as they sell all shapes of loose diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.
Draw Up a Sketch
Next, prepare a sketch. It doesn’t have to be pro-level, but something which gives a jeweler an idea of what you want. Decide on the style of metal you want for the ring. Then, draw up two to three options you can use to shop around.
A company like Adiamor offers a free tool for creating custom rings. The tools allow you to choose from a variety of stones, ring settings, metal and then it produces a picture of your ideal ring.
What to Look for In a Jeweler
Work with a jewelry store you can trust. Use the following checklist in selecting a jeweler:
Choose a Store That’s a Member of a Professional Organization
Jewelers of America is one of the oldest jewelry association in the United States. Companies who are part of the association have a “J” logo on the company website or at their door. The benefit of working with a member of a professional body is that they receive regular education on industry best practice and the association requires them to abide to a code of ethics.
However, there are still other reputable dealers who may not be part of an association. But asking if they are is an excellent way to start a conversation on credibility. Most if not all dealers of good repute should, for example, have evidence indicating they source their diamonds conflict-free.
Choose a Store with an Established Positive Reputation
Read online reviews of jewelry stores checking out what people are saying about the service, the staff, and the ease of navigating their website. You can also see what people say about their prices and quality of their pieces.
Experienced and Certified Staff
JA certified jewelry stores only hire staff with certifications from Jewelers of America, the Gemological Institute of America, or the American Gem Society. The sales team are likely to have a relevant sales certificate to show product knowledge and customer service.
A JA Certified Management Professional and JA Certified Bench Professional mean the staff is qualified to manage and create or repair jewelry. Always ask the sort of certifications a jeweler has before making a decision.
Show Confidence in the Quality of Their Products
Jewelers with return policies and flexible warranties mean they trust their products. JA requires its members to provide after-sales services for their clients if there is need of future purchases, repairs or custom designs.
Discounts, Offers and Incentives
You cannot trust stores with enticing discounts. JA, for example, requires its license holders to maintain fair pricing throughout the year. Therefore, search for shops with modest discounts and incentives.
You can use these price guides to help determine what is realistic in terms of cost:
