CategoriesJewelry Knowledge

5 Tips for Purchasing a Custom Engagement Ring

I used to think that custom jewelry was only for celebrities or people with unconventional tastes. However, my perspective changed when Jason, my fiancé, and I set out to find a wedding band that would complement my delicate pavé engagement ring. To my delight, Clegit Jewelers, our family jeweler, suggested creating a new, thicker setting that would seamlessly incorporate my existing center diamond and side stones. This personalized approach eliminated the need to stack several thin bands, a practice I associated more with anniversary jewelry than an everyday ring. Another option was to wear my wedding ring on a different hand than my engagement ring.

While I was happy with the second choice, my thoughtful fiancé surprised me with the thicker setting as an anniversary gift to commemorate eight years of our relationship. The joy I felt was immeasurable, and I was equally thrilled with the wedding ring I chose to complement it.

Note: The rings are actually close together, but for the photo I pushed them apart to get a better view of both. Clegit brides, do any of you secretly wear your wedding ring around the house when no one is looking? I confess, I’m guilty as charged…

If you’re considering the idea of having a custom engagement or wedding ring made, here’s what we’ve learned from our experience:

Choose a reputable jeweler.

The importance of this step cannot be overstated. Get recommendations from trusted sources such as friends, family, or brides whose style you admire. If you are buying a diamond, make sure it comes with a report from a certified institution such as the GIA (Gemological Institute of America, Inc.) or another reputable grading service. If you already own the diamond, as I do, a reputable jeweler should be able to reset it within an hour or so while you wait in the store.

Start the process early.

Allow a reasonable amount of time, as our journey involved about a month of consultation and discussion, including a revision of the original design. Here is how the process works: We met with Roy, the owner; he sketched a design based on my preferences and the existing diamond. He then created a basic mold of the ring, which I was able to preview before the final touches were applied. It’s worth noting that the mold lacks the luster and the diamond side stones, so it’s necessary to use one’s imagination to visualize the final product once everything is meticulously in place and polished to perfection.

Choose a jeweler who is committed to working with you until you are completely satisfied with the design. In my experience, Roy demonstrated remarkable patience when I requested a revision, resulting in a final product that exceeded my most optimistic expectations.

Vintage inspired engagement-ring caption 1.70ct. Oval-Diamond
Vintage inspired engagement-ring caption 1.70ct. Oval-Diamond

Factors to consider when choosing a diamond…

In the process of purchasing a diamond, I asked the experts at Clegit for insight into the four C’s (cut, clarity, color and carat weight) and their importance, which varies primarily based on budget considerations, with personal taste playing a secondary role. Surprisingly, I discovered that the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond is influenced more by its cut than any other factor. While many associate cut with the shape of the diamond (e.g., round, cushion, etc.), it encompasses the proportions, symmetry, and polish of the diamond, making it a valuable aspect to invest in.
To maximize savings, one approach is to select a diamond slightly smaller than the “magic sizes” such as one carat, one and a half carats, or two carats. Distinguishing between two diamonds that are very close in size is nearly impossible for the average consumer. For example, a 1.01 carat diamond can cost up to 20 percent more than a 0.98 carat diamond, even though they appear nearly identical to the naked eye.

Explore a variety of ring settings – don’t make a blind decision.

During our consultations, Roy presented us with specific requests, such as determining the exact width of the ring (down to the millimeter) and understanding my preference for halos with sharp angles or rounded corners. (For inspiration, check out our collection of over 70 beautiful engagement ring-wedding band combinations!) While this may seem obvious, it’s important to note that while you can share images of rings you admire with your jeweler, they cannot replicate designs from other brands; instead, they create completely unique designs.
For grooms who prefer to surprise their brides by choosing the ring themselves, exploring the jewelry collection in her closet can provide valuable insight. Consider the predominance of white gold or warmer tones, simplicity versus ornamentation, and her lifestyle, especially if she has a hands-on job or enjoys outdoor activities. In such cases, a lower setting may be a more practical choice than one with a higher stone. If grooms are unsure, Raineri recommends proposing with a classic solitaire band that the bride can change later if she wishes.

Streamline your purchase: Why buying both rings from the same source can be convenient and cost-effective.

There are advantages to choosing the same jeweler for both your engagement ring and wedding band. It allows the store associates to become familiar with your unique style, enhancing their ability to serve you effectively. With the many wedding planning obligations that brides face, the prospect of repeating the store search process isn’t particularly appealing. In addition, based on my personal experience, jewelers may be more inclined to offer pricing flexibility when customers make repeat purchases. There’s a common misconception that custom jewelry is exorbitantly expensive. While the cost varies depending on labor and embellishment, it can sometimes be surprisingly affordable.
For those purchasing an engagement ring online, it’s a good idea to do some research on the process of purchasing a wedding band. For example, a friend’s husband purchased her engagement ring online, only to discover that the company’s policy required her to return the ring in order to purchase a wedding band. Understandably, she was concerned and decided not to go through with it.

If you want more advice on custom engagement rings, please refer to this video.

Final Remarks

Clegit.com is a highly capable online store for creating and selling customized Jewelry. We offer customization services for all types of jewelry, including custom engagement rings, custom rings, custom pendant, custom earrings, custom bracelets, custom necklace, custom anklet, ect. If you have a preferred type and a specific design style in mind, please feel free to contact us. We are always ready to create a custom jewelry that fits you perfectly.

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