Custom Engagement Ring Creation: Getting it Right

The decision to go for a custom made engagement ring is not always a straightforward one. When it comes to making an engagement ring purchase people often prefer to keep things simple. Find a preferred ring design, pick the gemstone of choice, followed by the metal type and colour, settle on a budget and then pick the jeweller who can meet your expectations. Or the process of seeking and buying an engagement ring might occur in reverse: where potential buyers hone in on a jeweller of choice, which usually is determined by either personal recommendation, availability of products at competitive prices, or for the lucky jeweller who has managed to be in possession of the exact, or an engagement ring that comes closest to matching your expectations. However, this does not always play out place in practice. Hence we enter the arena of engagement ring customisation. In case the idea of custom engagement rings seems uncanny, it may surprise you to know that a sizeable percentage of engagement rings sold on the market undergo some degree of customisation. Why is this so? And what is the nature of the engagement ring customisation process? Here will outline the key points you need to know if you have made the decision to go with a custom made engagement ring.

Factors to Consider when Creating a Custom Engagement Ring

In the fine jewellery industry, it is a well-known fact that customers rarely pick an engagement ring they desire, either from a physical store, or from an online gallery and then move straight to the checkout for a purchase, with requesting some degree of change. As there is always some dialogue between the customer and the jeweller when it comes to ring expectations. Where questions arise, new or different demands are placed, and invariably changes to the engagement ring’s design are contemplated and later requested. In other words, the path to ring customisation has already begun. So as a start, we will provide a brief overview of custom engagement rings; presuming that you entertain a degree of interest in the process. This is followed by a deeper look into the process of making your custom engagement ring of choice. Here are the key factors that you need to keep in mind when it comes to the types of ring customisation.

Engagement Ring with Modifications (Minor Customisation)

The first and most notable element in the custom engagement making process is the popularity of engagement rings modifications. One could debate whether the process of making slight or incremental changes to their ring design qualifies as the making of a custom engagement ring, and one may have point in saying that is not so. However, the demands of modern customers are expansive and growing, and almost every person, even if they have laid eyes on their ‘perfect engagement ring’ are likely to request changes to the ring of their choice. Which could be the form of change in size, shape of the band, within permissible limits. Then there is the choice to change the gemstone of choice, depending on colour, carat, cut and number. Since many of the engagement rings on the shelf, or online stores can have limited offerings, changes may be required. Then we have instances where customers wish to add special markings or engravings on the band of their engagement ring. These changes, to the gemstone and metal band, whilst significant, are a customisation that is made to the existing structure of the ring, with no major modifications to the band, gemstone shape and size (since not all rings types can hold larger or extremely small, or numerous gemstones). 

Custom Engagement Rings Made from Ground Up (Created)

Next, we have custom made engagement rings proper: Engagement rings that are made from the ground up or as some may choose to describe it, engagement rings that are ‘created’. This is an interesting aspect of the process of seeking and purchasing engagement rings. A trend that has picked up in recent years. Given the growing importance that customers attach to the idea of personalisation, the growing emphasis on making a product something their own: Think here of smartphone customisation: where various parts of the phone, at the cosmetic level can be modified. Custom made engagement rings follow a similar logic. However, the key difference lies in the nature of the product and the nature of the customisation. Notable here is the kind of significance one attaches to an engagement ring, unlike say a mobile phone. The decision to purchase an engagement ring is a highly significant decision, owing to its emotional character. As a person who is considering, or is currently in the process of buying an engagement ring, there is the factor of time: your engagement ring is meant to last a lifetime. It is a token of love and commitment. And when it comes to the process of building it from the ground up, a deeper understanding of the key parts of the ring, and hence the factors associated with them, that you must consider before building it, is important. Here is a visual overview of the key parts of a ring you must consider: 

Key Components of an Engagement Ring

Gemstones

The most significant aspect of the engagement ring is the gemstone.

Centre Stone

The most notable gemstone in an engagement ring is the centre stone.

Side Stones

This is a newer term, and should not be confused with accent stones, which refers to the gemstones on the ring that is not the centre stone but are larger than accent stones and comparable in size to the centre stone.

Accent Stones

Accent stones generally refer to any gemstone on an engagement ring that is not the centre stone, or the smaller side stones; and are generally very small.

The Metal Band

The metal band is the next key part of the engagement ring. Metal bands are made from precious metals.

Head

Is the part of the ring that holds the stone. Usually the centre stone.

Gallery

The gallery is the area that lies in between the centre stone and above the shank of the ring. This area is usually exploited by ring designers to include additional designs.

Bridge

The area underneath the head of the ring rests on the wearer's finger: A great spot to add your engraving and other secretive additions of your choosing. 

Shank

The shank of the ring refers to the lower part of the band metal band. This is the area that wraps around your ring finger.

Miligrain

Miligrains are artistic modifications that are applied to the edge of the band of the engagement ring. These are minute additions and require great care and craftsmanship. 

Filigree

The term filigree comes from the artistic designs found in ornamental work, and in engagement rings, which is often associated with vintage or antique style engagement rings. 

Factors to Consider in Communicating your Engagement Ring Design Requirements

The process of creating the perfect custom made engagement ring start with a simple request. Communication is central to all aspects of the engagement ring making and buying process. When it comes to the creation of your custom made engagement ring, or if wish to make modifications to an existing engagement ring that you have chosen from the list of rings in our range, the next step is to initiate the process of communication. This could be a simple email, a call or engaging our onsite chat, accessible via pop-up. Sounds simple enough. However, expressing your interest in getting your custom engagement ring made is only the first step. Here we will outline the key steps involved in the process of making a custom made engagement ring and ways in which you could communicate your ideas for a new engagement ring. 

Knowing what you Want in a Custom Engagement Ring

A key step in the process of making the right engagement ring is getting your expectations aligned with the jeweller's capabilities. Presuming that you are a customer who is serious about having your engagement ring custom made, the first point to consider is the degree of assurance in your chosen style, design and character. For when the process unfolds, especially when if the jeweller is deep into the process, a change of heart may be problematic. Since rings in this range are specifically made to meet your particular expectations, it is key that you settle on a ring design, whilst room will be made for minor changes along the way, getting this right from the start is important.

Time Factor in Making Custom Engagement Rings

Time is always a factor in the making of and delivery of engagement rings. Most engagement rings and fine jewellery are generally made to order. So when you pick an engagement ring from a jewellery store or select one online from a jewellery website, rarely will the ring you are seeking be perfectly made and ready to go: in terms of size, comfort, and minor details that meet your specific expectations. When going for a custom made engagement ring the same principle applies, but more so depending on the level of customisation that you are seeking. As noted, custom made engagement rings fall into two main categories: set engagement ring designs that require minor modifications, and those engagement rings that require the making of an engagement ring from the ground up; both types of customisation involves a greater time factor. Whilst the making of a solid engagement ring to order usually takes between 2-4 weeks (Though much quicker with Brilliyond if your order is urgent), custom made engagement rings can take as much or longer time. And if your request is urgent and custom, then special arrangements can be made. Customer satisfaction is always our top priority! 

Provide Specific, Actionable Information on your Ring Design

When it comes to making your very own custom engagement ring, the information you can supply us with on your engagement ring of choice would aid us greatly in getting it right from the start. By specific, actionable information we are talking about information that aids the crafting of an engagement ring per your expectations. Which may involve information about existing ring designs, or information that is more abstract but yet actionable. Here are some key examples: e

Images

Images of engagement ring designs of your interest could be images from other sources, jewellers, pictures from jewellery books that you have captured, which could be submitted to us via file format. Or web links to pages with your engagement ring design, in case of designs from competitors (check to ensure the page is still active). Or even a screenshot of a potential design would do.

Inspired

Another popular method of communicating engagement ring design is to take the more indirect and potentially harder approach of ‘inspiration’. By inspiration, we are talking about ring design concepts that you may have in mind: which in practice could be a rough sketch of an engagement ring, or even a graphical representation, which you could develop with our expertise. Working closely with our customers in getting the custom engagement ring design just right is a key priority. 

Combined Designs

We take the business of custom made engagement rings seriously, and we are open to a challenge. If you wish to combine two engagement ring designs, by seeking to incorporate the styles from the two into a single ring, with enough time, we can manage a design of your choice. In practice, this may involve using designs from our existing engagement range, where you can pick elements that you like and integrate the two. An important company aim in making a perfect custom engagement ring for you is to bring the best of what we have to offer, to take your ideas and to make them concrete.

The Crafting Process

Custom engagement crafting follows a process of iteration. After you have communicated your expectations, and once the design process begins, the manufacture follows an iterative process: where the first design or first 1st iteration (can be considered a prototype) is made. Whilst this iteration is open to change, most of our customers for custom engagement rings (around 90%) are happy with the final design. If you are not fully satisfied with the first design, then we move on to the 2nd iteration in the custom engagement ring crafting process: where customers are invariably satisfied, however, this will involve further communication on part of the customer.

In Conclusion

Making a custom engagement ring is a personal process. It is not just about going to the store or clicking on a website and picking your favourite ring and then having it delivered to your home at the right time as per your expectations. Whilst that might be the simpler and ideal outcome that most customers seek (and we do our best to meet this every time), not all customers want things as simply and predictably. A lot of customers value the idea of customisation, the desire to add a personal touch and to make their future engagement ring, something that is truly their own. We at Brilliyond seek to meet this very expectation. Our dedicated customer service team and our expert jewellery crafting team are here to do just that. So drop us a call, or send us an email to learn more and to get the process of custom ring creation moving forward.