Getting engaged is one of the most exciting days in any relationship, and when your big day arrives, you want everything to be just right. In addition to finding the right time and place, it's important to have the perfect ring when the moment is right. The best way to ensure that you find a beautiful ring is to design your own. Whether you're designing a ring for your future partner or yourself, by creating a custom ring you can make sure you get a stunning ring that dazzles everyone who sees it.
1) The Sooner You Start the Better
The look of your engagement ring is a major decision and you don't want to do it in a rush. This is particularly important if you plan to save up for your ring, as an early start means you can spread out savings so that they're smaller and easier to manage. By preparing ahead, you know you'll be ready when the time comes and you're ready to make your purchase.
2) Keep Your Eyes Open
One of the best ways to get a sense for what you like in an engagement ring is to look at other rings. By paying attention to friends and family who get engaged, and even other rings that aren't for engagements, you can identify looks that call out to you. Sometimes the right look for you is one that you wouldn't have thought of at all if you didn't see something similar with your own eyes.
3) Do Your Research
In addition to finding examples of beautiful rings in your daily life, take some time to check out engagement rings online. Engagement hashtags on social media sites are an excellent way to find inspiration for your ring by looking at pictures of other rings and finding elements that you love and want to use in your design.
4) Don't Be Afraid To Ask
Communication is important in any relationship, and the same goes for finding the right ring. If you're picking out a ring for your partner, consider asking them about what their ideal ring would be. If you have concerns about keeping your proposal a surprise, consider friends or family of your partner who you trust to keep the secret.
If you're going to be receiving the ring, creating an online interest board about rings you like, or even showing your partner your preferences, can help them find the right ring for you when the time comes. If surprise is not a priority, you and your partner can even work together to get it just right.
5) Set a Budget
One of the most critical considerations when designing an engagement ring is your budget. Knowing how much you are able to spend on the ring can help to shape your decisions and give you a narrower field when choosing between engagement ring options. Setting your budget prior to beginning your search keeps you focused and avoids the potential of overspending or falling in love with a design only to realize it is outside of your budget.
6) Find a Jeweler You Can Trust
Not every decision you will make when creating an engagement ring has to do with the ring itself. Choosing a jeweler you trust allows you to shop confidently, with the knowledge that you're getting a great deal on a ring made with craftsmanship that withstands the test of time.
7) Design Your Ring
With your research done, budget set, and jeweler found, it's time to get to work on designing your perfect engagement ring. There are three key elements to decide on when creating your ring:
- Stone type: The first decision when creating your engagement ring is the type of stone to use for your primary setting. While diamonds are traditional, some couples opt for designs that feature other stones for reasons ranging from purely aesthetic to choosing a stone with meaning, such as a birthstone.
- Cut and setting: Once you have selected the type of stone that will be the feature piece of your ring design, you need to select the right cut, as well as the setting. A single stone setting allows the feature to pop, while a setting with smaller accenting jewels can add flair to your ring design.
- Band: Finding the right band for your ring is more than just choosing what metal you want to use, although that's important, too. You should also consider different band styles and whether or not you want to include any settings within the band.
8) Get a Mock-Up
If you're unsure about the look of your newly designed ring, ask your jeweler about seeing a mock-up. They may be able to provide you with a sketch, computer rendering, or even an in-person demonstration using bands and stones already in the store that approximate the ring you have designed. These can help give you a better understanding of how your final ring will look.
9) Allow Time Before the Big Day
Creating a stunning ring that's just right takes a lot of work, so you should try to give your jeweler ample time before you plan to pop the question. This allows your jeweler to take the time they need to find just the right stones for your ring, get them set, and deliver you the ring you need for that special day. By providing your jeweler with a few weeks to prepare your ring before you need it, you ensure that you get the best possible results with your design.
If you're ready to start designing your engagement ring, the expert jewelers at Martin Busch Jewelers are here to help. Get in touch today to see how we can help you design your ring and make your engagement every bit as special as you and your partner deserve!