Prince Harry created a bespoke engagement ring when he proposed to Meghan Markle, set with a beautiful diamond from Botswana, where the happy couple previously holidayed, and family stones from his late mothers Princess Diana’s jewellery collection.
With the latest design techniques, a bespoke engagement ring is no longer reserved for the rich and famous, so if you’re looking to create a Bespoke engagement ring as unique as your true love, follow my three simple rules:
1. Finding a jewellery designer you trust
An engagement ring is likely one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make, not to mention the most romantic.
With that in mind, it is so essential that you proceed with caution when searching for the right jewellery designer and maker for the commission of your engagement ring.
It’s crucial to start by asking friends, family and work colleagues for recommendations and then researching jewellery designers in your area, which will help you build up a picture of your options.
It would help if you visited the jewellers you are interested in working with in person to see samples of their work and ensure the business’s legitimacy, giving you complete peace of mind that you are in safe hands.
Cost of bespoke versus the high street
One-of-a-kind engagement rings do not necessarily have to cost you more than an equivalent engagement ring from the high street. However, you must define your budget from the outset and know what will be possible in design and stone options fit before any work commences.
Design your bespoke ring.
Choosing a bespoke ring allows you to be creative, have the freedom to play with ideas, create something unique and be involved in designing your bespoke ring from start to finish. You can even use existing materials, perhaps from an heirloom, which will reduce the overall cost and make the ring even more personal to you.
Confidence in the jeweller you work with
It would help if you felt entirely comfortable with the jeweller you decide to work with, as every designer has a different way of working.
Some will take your initial ideas and develop them into your finished engagement ring, like me, and will take the time to get to know the client’s likes, dislikes, and learn about the bride-to-be and style.
Your designer will then translate the ideas discussed into several hand-drawn sketches. Or if working with a jeweller like myself who combines traditional manufacturing roots with modern design techniques into a series of interactive designs for you to see and amend on screen and prototypes to wear created from the 3D printer.
Choice of materials
The bespoke ring route allows you to play with various precious metal options, stone shapes, colours, and clarities.
Adding a personal touch
You can add your personal touches to a bespoke engagement ring, perhaps a motif from where you first met, into the ring.
For example, I have recently designed engagement rings incorporating butterflies, hummingbirds and snowflakes; you could even add a birthstone or private message that would be invisible to others.
2, Be inspired
You could take to Instagram and Pinterest to look for design ideas and elements you are drawn to. For example, if you are shopping alone, you must not lose sight of your bride-to-be’s style, noting whether she wears predominantly silver, yellow, white or red, gold or platinum.
It would also be most helpful if you could bring images of existing jewellery worn to your first consultation, as it’s a perfect starting point when looking at design options, era influences, diamonds and gemstones.
3, Take your time
An engagement ring is for life, so you must take your time and research wisely.
Typically you can expect a bespoke engagement ring to be designed and made within eight weeks, with my lead time being three to four weeks.
It’s essential that before commissioning a jeweller, you have everything written down. Depending on the jeweller you work with, you know the timescale of when you will see sketches or interactive designs and wax models to wear of your ring designs and a final date for completion.
Ensure your diamond comes with a GIA certificatenge insurance cover before you pick up your ring and a valuation so you can arra.
Three simple rules to create a bespoke engagement ring
LEARN MORE
Call me on 0800 024 8940 or email me at david@davidlawjewellerf.com to start your bespoke engagement ring design journey – my discovery consultations are free and without obligation.
