Discover the magic of custom engagement rings as you take your relationship to the next level by becoming husband & wife. With many different designers offering a stunning collection of diamond engagement rings, brides-to-be are eager to find the most unique setting for their dream ring. Many brides are opting to design their own custom engagement ring instead. Our team at Alter’s Gem Jewelry is here to walk you (or your partner) through the process of designing a custom engagement ring, from discussing your dream ring, to reviewing sketches and finally wearing the finished piece. . Continue reading to learn how we can make your dream ring a reality.
The Significance of Custom Engagement Rings
When you are ready to take that next step as a couple, it’s important to talk about how you want to show your commitment to one another. Engagement rings have been a symbol of eternal love for more than 1000 years, dating back to the Roman Empire. As traditions have evolved, personal style has moved to the forefront when choosing an engagement ring, and custom design plays a significant role in bringing your creative ideas to life. Creating a custom ring is a memorable way to shine light on your personal love story and is something that you and your partner will cherish for a lifetime. When you create your own engagement ring, you are bound by no limitations; it can be as simple and delicate or bold and glamorous as you wish.
Understanding the Basics of Custom Design
Now I bet you’re wondering what the entire custom design process entails when working with our team at Alter’s Gem Jewelry. First, it’s important for us to understand what you’re looking for in an engagement ring. Below, we will discuss ring anatomy, material choices, and stone selection to help you better understand what it takes to create custom design rings.
Discover the Importance of Engagement Ring Anatomy
The anatomy of a ring can be broken down into a few key components that are essential to all ring builds.
Center Stone Selection:
Your center stone will provide the overall feel that your engagement ring gives off when you look at it. It's the main focal point of the engagement ring. Whether you choose to go with a natural or lab-grown diamond, or a non-traditional center stone such as a sapphire, emerald or ruby, that center stone is what will help bring your dream ring to life.
And if you have an heirloom stone, or a piece of jewelry passed down through your family, we can use those stones to build out your dream ring design.
Once you’ve decided on your desired center stone, your next step is to consider what shape your center stone will be. You can choose between a classic round or a fancy shape such as a princess cut, emerald cut, pear cut, cushion cut, and more.
Elegant Ring Settings for All
Ring settings come in an array of designs that are meant to compliment the wearer on a daily basis. It’s important to choose a setting that accommodates your lifestyle and daily activities. For example, if you have an active lifestyle, you may want to select a ring with a low profile setting to avoid snagging it on clothes and other objects. Below is a list of settings to consider when thinking about your custom design inspiration. You are welcome to use these as inspiration or share your own design for your custom engagement ring.
- Solitaire : A classic band showcasing a single centerstone secured in place with either 4 or 6 prongs.
- Side Accents: A classic straight band lined with diamonds or featuring more intricate designs with diamonds cascading down the shank of your ring.
- Three Stone: A classic engagement ring setting honoring the couple’s past, present, and future, with 3 diamonds or gemstones of choice. The center stone is most often the largest of the three, but is easily customizable to fit your preferences.
- Halo: Halo engagement rings feature a line of smaller diamonds encircling the main center stone, creatingthe illusion of a larger diamond.
- Hidden Halo: A modern take on the classic halo engagement ring - the hidden halo features ring diamonds circling underneath your centerstone, providing a shimmering effect from all angles.
- Split Shank: Split shank engagement rings feature a timeless design where the band splits into two on each side of the center stone leading into prongs that seamlessly hold the center stone in place.
- Vintage: What was once old is always new again. Creating modern custom designs that feature vintage details such as milgrain, filigree, and art deco details is a lovely way to add personality to any engagement ring.
- Nature Inspired: Nature inspired rings feature floral patterns, leaf work, and colorful details for the free spirit bride-to-be.
Quality Material Choices
While designing your diamond ring, choosing your preferred metal plays a big role in the overall appearance of the ring. All engagement rings are handcrafted and can use a variety of different metals.Below, we will cover some of the metal options for engagement rings available at Alter’s Gem Jewelry.
- Platinum: Known for its durability and hypoallergenic properties, platinum is a luxurious metal option for those seeking a naturally white and lasting metal to craft their engagement ring.
- 18K Gold: 18K gold is composed of 75% pure gold and remains a popular choice for engagement rings because it balances purity and durability. 18K gold offers a luxurious and enduring option and is available in white, yellow, and rose gold.
- 14K Gold: In contrast, 14K gold, with 58.3% pure gold, provides a more affordable and durable alternative, making it a practical choice for engagement rings with excellent strength.
The Design Process
Now that you understand the anatomy of a ring and material options, it’s time to learn about the design process we’ll go through when you choose to build your own engagement ring at Alter’s Gem Jewelry. Our team enjoys working side-by-side with clients who are seeking custom design engagement and wedding rings. We truly love to provide our clients with all available options within any budget. During our first meet and greet, we will build a connection and start the design process, using your inspiration to create a piece you’ll cherish for generations.
5 Steps to Create Custom Design Engagement Rings
- Step 1: Discuss your ideas and inspirations.
- Step 2: We will create a 3D, digital CAD rendering for you to review so you can see your design from all angles
- Step 3: We can create a wax model that you can touch and try on to finalize the design details.
- Step 4: Build your custom ring by casting it in the metal of your choice, setting your selected diamonds or gemstones, and finish it with a sparking polish.
- Step 5: Enjoy your custom jewelry and show it off!
At Alter’s Gem Jewelry, we look forward to creating custom bridal rings using cutting edge technology while maintaining that traditional craftsmanship feel everyone cherishes. From start to finish, we will ensure that you’ll enjoy the design process and be head over heels admiring your new custom design engagement ring.
Contact us to learn more about how to create custom design engagement rings at Alter’s Gem Jewelry. We look forward to chatting with you and bringing your dream custom jewelry to life!