Your engagement is an exciting time in your life, full of romance and lasting memories. Whether the engagement ring will be a surprise or you're shopping together for your ideal ring, there’s a lot to consider. Selecting the perfect forever ring can take time, a lot of patience, and sometimes a little bit of compromise. On the other hand, there may be an avenue you have not explored yet.
With the assistance of a skilled jeweler, you can open a world of possibilities when you consider a custom design engagement ring. We’ll share some of the top reasons our clients wish to design engagement rings, the process you can expect, and how to ensure a quality custom engagement ring.
Why Consider a Custom Design Engagement Ring?
For some women, the vision of the ideal engagement ring has always been tucked away for that special day. For others, it’s a stunning ring in a store window that captures her heart by surprise. Many brides-to-be aren’t even sure they found "the one" until they've spent countless hours trying on various styles, shapes, and metals. However, there are many reasons why a couple may consider a custom design engagement ring service instead.
Custom Engagement Rings When You Can’t Find “The One”
There may be times when you may feel so close to the perfect ring, but there’s just something missing. You can’t quite put your finger on the missing element, but your heart tells you it’s not perfect.
So, if you keep feeling a tug at your heart, with each gorgeous ring falling a bit short of what you’re searching for, a custom design engagement ring may be your answer.
Custom Engagement Rings to Incorporate Precious Heirlooms
Some couples wish to turn a family heirloom into a custom engagement ring. Whether they want to use one or all elements from a treasured piece, a highly skilled team trained to design engagement rings can help.
Custom Engagement Rings for Replicating Lost Treasures
Additionally, couples may choose a custom design engagement ring to help them replicate a piece they may not have in their possession. Creating a custom engagement ring allows them to embrace a beloved style or recreate a sentimental piece.
Custom Engagement Rings for a One-of-a-Kind Design
There’s no denying that proposing with a custom engagement ring tops the charts of romance. Just imagine proposing to her with an original creation no other woman will ever have perched upon her ring finger. A one-of-a-kind design engagement ring allows you the freedom to create a piece that will always hold extra sentimental value.
Custom Engagement Rings Hold Sentimental Value
Custom design engagement rings provide a unique opportunity to express your affection during one of the most memorable times of your life. A custom ring complements your bride-to-be’s personality, style, and individuality. The thought and affection behind a custom engagement ring shows her you notice and appreciate these qualities and strive to give her a ring as unique as she is.
The Custom Engagement Ring Journey
Customizing an engagement ring may seem a little intimidating, but we guarantee it’s an experience you will cherish. There are essential steps to the design process you should always be involved in. We want you to know the steps and decisions you should expect with a qualified custom design engagement ring jeweler and their team.
Finding a Qualified Custom Design Engagement Ring Jeweler
Finding a jeweler you can trust is vital through this process. You should feel comfortable asking questions and expressing your thoughts, ideas, and concerns with them and their team. Together, they will help you develop your ideas from concept to creation.
Quality craftsmanship and years of experience are key to a successful experience. Ask to view custom engagement ring work they have done for other clients.
Don’t be afraid to inquire about each jeweler’s experience and professional certification. National standards are set in place to ensure clients feel confident with their fine jewelry services. Ask if your jeweler’s design and repair team has a Bench Professional Certification.
When you find a skilled jeweler and design team that fits your needs, the custom design engagement ring process will bring your personal touches to life seamlessly.
Meet with a Design Team Expert
If you have been dreaming of the ideal ring or are planning a surprise, meeting with a design expert is where you’ll bring all your ideas to the table. They will guide you through the process of a custom design engagement ring, helping you fulfill your heart’s desire. Also, if you've been holding onto an heirloom piece, this will be the time to discuss your vision of incorporating it into your custom engagement ring.
Options to Consider with the Design Team
- style
- setting
- metal
- center stone
- accent stones
Deciding on the Ideal Custom Engagement Ring Metal
If you haven’t quite settled on a metal for her custom engagement ring, there are a few considerations to make. First, remember, her engagement ring will be perched upon her finger for years to come. So, selecting a metal, whether with her help or as a surprise, is an important decision.
Choosing the precious metal for her ring is usually a matter of personal preference. However, if you or your bride-to-be are unsure, we have a few questions that may spark a decision. And don't worry, gentlemen—we are here to guide you through any of these questions that may stump you along the way! Of course, you could always enlist the help of a family member or close friend.
Questions to Help You Consider a Precious Metal:
Consider the jewelry she typically wears now.
- Do you notice more accessories made of yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum?
- Does her wardrobe consist of more cool or warm tones?
- Is her skin tone warm, cool, or neutral?
Sometimes, the best metal for designing engagement rings depends on the bride-to-be’s lifestyle, including her activity level, occupation, or hobbies. For example, is she highly active or outdoors often, where metal durability should be considered?
Deciding on the Right Custom Engagement Ring Setting
Your custom design engagement ring styles are limitless. However, if this idea intimidates rather than excites you, there's no need to worry. Your design team can show you an array of settings that are sure to win her heart.
Having options doesn’t need to be overwhelming, and we genuinely believe your vision of her custom engagement ring will lead you in the right direction. You may even draw inspiration from some of the most sought-after diamond ring setting styles, including:
- The solitaire setting
- The halo ring setting
- The three-stone setting
The Solitaire Setting
The solitaire diamond ring setting is a timeless design. This classic setting highlights a single center stone on her finger for maximum performance. Drawing inspiration from this beautiful style can lead to intricate details designed in the band, or you may choose to accent with gemstones or colored diamonds.
The Halo Setting
The halo ring uses accent diamonds to surround the center stone, magnifying its beauty. The style of this setting, named for creating a halo effect, is known for its ability to make the center diamond appear larger and more brilliant.
The halo setting has been designed with various accent stones, including pink and blue sapphires. You may even spark your creativity by taking a peek at a sapphire set as a center stone, like our gorgeous Sapphire and Diamond Halo ring.
The 3-Stone Setting
Your custom design engagement ring will be the ultimate symbol of your love and bond. Perhaps the best diamond ring setting to draw inspiration from is the three-stone setting. Also called the trinity ring, the three diamonds in this setting symbolize your past, present, and future together. There are endless ways you could create a design for her that utilizes the three symbolic stones in a beautifully laid-out setting.
The Perfect Diamond for Her Custom Engagement Ring
When it comes to the selection of your diamonds, there are many crucial factors to consider. From its price to its dazzling performance, we strongly advise familiarizing yourself with the 4Cs of a diamond before selecting your stones.
Educating yourself on the quality of a diamond will help you prioritize your wants and needs in a center stone. Before making your selection, a bit of knowledge will also help to ensure you choose the best quality diamond that fits within your budget.
The 4Cs of a Diamond
We know how easy it is to fall for the first stone you lay your eyes on. So naturally, you want your stones to perform brilliantly to complete the overall look of your custom design engagement ring, and who would blame you? However, understanding the science behind what gives a diamond its dazzling appeal will help you make informed decisions throughout your design process.
Before you make any decisions, we encourage you to compare a variety of stones. Developed to set strict industry standards, the 4Cs of a diamond can be used to help make your custom design engagement ring experience a high-quality investment.
This essential information evaluates a stone based on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. But, first, let's take a closer look at what each of the 4Cs examines.
The 4Cs of a diamond include:
1. Color of a Diamond
Its lack of color determines the color of a diamond. The slightest difference in a diamond’s hue can significantly affect its assigned grade as well as price.
The diamond color grading scale ranges from D-Z. Here at Fink’s, you’ll find our diamonds are only offered from D-K, known as our Superior Quality color range.
2. Clarity of a Diamond
A diamond’s clarity refers to the presence of tiny imperfections. These blemishes are usually caused by the intense heat and pressure the stone sustains during its formation. The naked eye may see some imperfections, while others are examined and graded under 10x magnification.
3. Cut of a Diamond
It’s common for the terms diamond cut and diamond shape to be used interchangeably, yet they have their differences. The cut of a diamond includes the stone’s proportions, symmetry, and polish. The diamond’s cut plays a crucial role in determining how each stone interacts with and performs in light. The results of its cut can produce sparkle and brilliance or a dull, lifeless diamond.
4. Carat Weight of a Diamond
The carat weight refers to how much the diamond weighs rather than its physical size. Metric carat weight is equal to 200 milligrams. Each carat is then subdivided into one hundred points, determining the precise measurement of the diamond.
The 5th C of Diamonds at Fink’s
Clif has been our 5th C of diamonds for more than two decades. Not a diamond makes it to our floor without passing a rigorous inspection by Clif. Be assured, each stone considered to design engagement rings has been meticulously hand-selected by Clif.
Clif holds each stone to a higher standard than any. That includes an excellent diamond grading report. He is known to reject approximately 99% of the diamonds he inspects. Just imagine proposing with a custom engagement ring with a superior center stone of that magnitude.
Custom Engagement Rings by Finks Jewelers
At Fink’s, designing engagement rings is a passion of ours. We are honored when asked to be a part of such a memorable moment in your lives. We believe working closely with a custom design engagement ring team can help ensure you achieve your vision. We know the importance and value of providing guidance, suggestions, solutions, and education from the initial idea to the polished ring.
Our Custom Design Studio
While most custom design can be a lengthy process, our design team knows your time is precious. We’ll provide you with a quote and three-dimensional rendering of your creation as quickly as possible. You’ll be able to see your vision being transformed into reality to ensure it meets your approval.
Custom Design Without the Wait
Our Custom Design Studio utilizes state-of-the-art technology, with design software streamlining the process. Our custom services are easy, affordable, and fast. In fact, our turnaround time is quite revolutionary in the jewelry industry. Once you approve your rendered design, you can expect your one-of-a-kind creation in your hands within three weeks!
Protecting Your Ideal Custom Design Engagement Ring
The creative design process will include protecting your investment with the Fink's Lifetime Guarantee. Our Guarantee provides you with confidence in your investment, protection, and continued value.
The Fink's Lifetime Guarantee includes:
- inspections and cleanings every six months
- replacement of your diamond if lost or chipped while in the mounting, as long as inspections have been maintained
- full purchase price when trading in for a new diamond when terms are met
Caring for a Custom Engagement Ring
Your continued care for your beautifully designed engagement ring is essential. In between your bi-annual inspections and cleanings, you can care for your ring at home by using a few helpful tips.
Home Care Tips for Your Custom Engagement Ring:
- Soak and clean with gentle soap and warm water.
- Avoid chemical jewelry cleaners.
- Remove dirt, lotions, and detergents that can cause buildup.
- Store your ring in a safe, dry place when not on your finger.
- Remove your custom design engagement ring during cleaning, rigorous activity, activities prone to bumps and scratching.
Whether you have the image of your ideal ring or need help intertwining all your creative ideas, we’re here to make that dream a reality. We’ll work closely with you to design a forever ring as unique as your love.
