Ever find that all rings end up looking the same? Do you have a stone you want, but not the setting? If you want a ring exactly your style that is not only unique but has features that carry personal significance, consider having a custom ring designed. Here’s our guide on how to do it.
Inspect the jewelry that your significant other currently wears to get a sense of their jewelry personality. See what catches their eye while browsing magazines, Pinterest, or when shopping. Decide if you want the ring to incorporate an element of significance. If there is a symbol or saying that has special meaning, consider having it engraved on the band.
Also, prowl jewelry stores and galleries to really focus in on what you like. Take notes and make sketches of elements that catch your eye. Research designers whose work you admire.
If you want to create a ring that is completely original, the toughest part is pinpointing what you want the ring to "say." It can be tough for a non-artist to translate emotions into words. Work with what you know. Try writing a paragraph or a list of adjectives that describes how your significant other makes you feel, or traits she or he has that inspire you. If words elude you, look for images that do the job. Reference the list or images when browsing.
The whole point of this engagement ring thing is that there will soon be a wedding band to keep it company. Either go wild and commission a ring that stands alone or design something that looks beautiful alone but truly becomes complete with the addition of a coordinating custom-designed or store-bought band.
While custom design can sometimes be more expensive than purchasing a piece out of the case, keep in mind that it is often much more affordable than you think to create a one-of-a-kind item. Custom rings are more labor and time-intensive since they are hand-assembled. A true craftsman can turn a custom design into a masterpiece.
Start the process early. Allow six weeks for delivery of the ring once the design process has begun. Not only will you need time for ring research and to find a designer you like and trust, but finalizing the ring's specifications may require some back and forth communication, not to mention the extra time it takes to hand-craft a ring and to engrave the inside, if desired.
Scope Out Style
Inspect the jewelry that your significant other currently wears to get a sense of their jewelry personality. See what catches their eye while browsing magazines, Pinterest, or when shopping. Decide if you want the ring to incorporate an element of significance. If there is a symbol or saying that has special meaning, consider having it engraved on the band.
Also, prowl jewelry stores and galleries to really focus in on what you like. Take notes and make sketches of elements that catch your eye. Research designers whose work you admire.
Envision A Masterpiece
If you want to create a ring that is completely original, the toughest part is pinpointing what you want the ring to "say." It can be tough for a non-artist to translate emotions into words. Work with what you know. Try writing a paragraph or a list of adjectives that describes how your significant other makes you feel, or traits she or he has that inspire you. If words elude you, look for images that do the job. Reference the list or images when browsing.
Don’t Forget About the Band
The whole point of this engagement ring thing is that there will soon be a wedding band to keep it company. Either go wild and commission a ring that stands alone or design something that looks beautiful alone but truly becomes complete with the addition of a coordinating custom-designed or store-bought band.
Budget Accordingly
While custom design can sometimes be more expensive than purchasing a piece out of the case, keep in mind that it is often much more affordable than you think to create a one-of-a-kind item. Custom rings are more labor and time-intensive since they are hand-assembled. A true craftsman can turn a custom design into a masterpiece.
Don’t Procrastinate
Start the process early. Allow six weeks for delivery of the ring once the design process has begun. Not only will you need time for ring research and to find a designer you like and trust, but finalizing the ring's specifications may require some back and forth communication, not to mention the extra time it takes to hand-craft a ring and to engrave the inside, if desired.