The Steps to Creating a Custom Engagement Ring

Learn what you need to do to have your dream ring made.

Whether you and your sweetheart decide to design something together, or you’re hoping to surprise your beloved with something special and unique before you propose, there are steps to be taken before having a custom engagement ring made.

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Photo: Jose Villa

Although there are a plethora of premade designs for engagement rings out in the world, there is something special about knowing the ring on your finger was created just for you. Maybe you want a ring inspired by a celebrity's sparkler or a family heirloom, or perhaps the perfect design popped into your head one day but doesn’t seem to exist in reality. Whether you and your sweetheart decide to design something together, or you’re hoping to surprise your beloved with something special and unique before you propose, there are steps to be taken before having a custom engagement ring made. 

channel-set cushion-cut engagement ring with milgrain and wedding rings, steps to creating custom engagement ring

Photo by Vue Photography

First, you’ll want to find the right jewelry designer. Assuming you at least have a rough idea of what you want the ring to look like, the right jeweler is someone whose past work fits with the style you desire. Of course, you’ll also want someone who can work within your budget. When you find someone whose past designs you like, do some research and see if there are reviews from their customers online. Make sure they are happy with the work and that it has held up over time. 

Next, the designer will create a sketch. While you can make suggestions and tweaks, be sure to listen if the jeweler says a proposed aspect of the ring would make it prone to damage and be willing to adjust your expectations if necessary. After that, you will select the stones to be used, and a computer-aided design – or CAD – will be made. This gives you another opportunity to make changes to the ring, as you will see it in more detail than the sketch.

When the CAD is approved, it will be made into a wax mold so you can see a three-dimensional model of your creation. Once the wax model is approved, the ring will be made into the metal of your choice with the stones that have been selected. Now all you have to do is wait for the jeweler to alert you that the finished product is ready!

Discover the pros and cons of picking out your own engagement ring and what you need to know about getting your ring resized