How Can I Design My Own Engagement Ring? (10 Steps To Your Dream Piece)

Like weddings themselves the process of ring shopping has certainly adapted and changed over time. Nowadays, many contemporary couples embark on engagement ring shopping together. Designing a ring together can be an amazing process where both people get to experience the sentimental connection that comes from creating a future heirloom piece. It’s also a sure-fire way to make sure your partner 100% loves her ring!

But where should you start? There’s a lot that goes into creating a gorgeous engagement ring and you will without doubt need some professional guidance. But to start you off we’ve created an easy 10 step guide for designing your own engagement ring.

1. Find inspiration

Collecting images of styles and designs that you really like is a fantastic way to start the design process. Look through catalogues, magazines, wedding blogs, Instagram or Pinterest to collate a vision board of potential designs. This will give you a good foundation of what typical engagement ring designs may look like. You may not find the exact image of your ideal ring, but you’ll have an important reference list of design features that you love (and perhaps more importantly, the ones you don’t!). Save these images to a safe place and make sure to bring them along once you have booked your appointment.

2. Window shop

Now that you’re feeling inspired it might be worth stopping by a few jewellery store windows. You’ll be able to see how the designs look in person and this will quickly shortlist your ideas. See which styles you are drawn to the most and take note of the finer details such as; width of the band or the shape of the centre stone.

3. Choose your metal

Deciding on the type and colour of the metal is one of the most important choices. The colour of the metal is going to have a big impact on the overall appearance of your ring. If you already wear jewellery then it’s best to match your ring with what you already own. If you predominately wear silver jewellery then platinum or white gold may be for you. Otherwise, rose gold or yellow gold stand alone as preferred choices. Remember you will be wearing the ring every day, so you want something that is classic and fits with your personal style.

4. Set a Budget

When designing the ring of your dreams it can feel as though the sky is the limit. However, it’s important to be aligned with your partner and have realistic expectations with what can be achievable budget-wise. Although they may not want to openly discuss the dollars and cents with you, it’s important to manage your expectations. It’s no secret that diamonds are expensive, so you may want to keep an open mind when it comes to size and carat weight. If you are happy with the overall design of the ring it may be best to leave the details for your partner. If you are happy to discuss the budget together then aim to have two benchmarks before your consultation. The first one being a figure that is the ideal amount you would be comfortable spending and a slightly higher amount that you could stretch the budget to if needed. Having these two figures in mind will keep you both on the same page throughout the process.

5. Book an Appointment

Now you’re ready to consultant a professional and get the ball rolling on your dream design. Make sure to bring along those reference photos to help communicate your ideas. Try on similar styles during your visit and try to be as specific as you can. Your DX Specialist will help to guide you through the style variations and design options.

6. Have a design image created

After your showroom visit a rendered image can be created for your specific design. This will help you to visualise how your ideas will come together in a ring. With this initial image you can work with your DX Specialist to fine-tune the design and make any changes you wish.

7. Select a diamond or centre stone

Selecting the centre diamond can often be the most technical part of buying an engagement ring. If during the consultation you were able to narrow down the diamond shape you prefer and approximate carat weight, then it may be best to leave the rest up to your partner. Your DX Specialist can guide your partner through the 4C’s and make sure to choose the perfect stone that fits with the design and budget. With Diamond Exchange’s online resources available at your fingertips this process can be done with another visit to the showroom, over the phone or through virtual consultation.

8. Know your ring size

Knowing your ring size will make the design process nice and smooth for the designer and your partner. If you don’t know your ring size, then a DX Specialist can measure your finger during the consultation.

9. Trust your jeweller

Whenever something is being created from scratch there is always an element of trust needed. Your DX Specialist is here to guide you throughout this process. Their aim is to create your dream ring whilst also ensuring longevity and structural integrity of the piece.