Custom engagement rings are a unique and meaningful way to symbolize the love and commitment between two people. They allow couples to express their creativity and individuality in a meaningful way that they can't achieve with a standard off-the-shelf ring.
Things To Consider During The Custom Ring Design Process
When designing a custom engagement ring, there are several factors to consider. We'll cover the most critical aspects and the process we use when creating a custom engagement ring for our clients.
Step 1: Select the Style of Your Setting
Solitaire engagement ring setting
Halo engagement ring
Three Stone Setting
These are the three styles Vanessa Nicole specializes in – each has variations based on the center diamond shape. Please read our guide with videos and image inspiration on these variouscustom ring design options.
Step 2: Select the Center Stone Diamond Shape
Diamonds come in many shapes and are not limited solely to the six most popular listed below. The term "cut" refers to the shape that the diamond has been cut into, which is not to be confused with the 4C's 'Cut' grade. You can read our complete guide with videos on thevarious diamond cuts or shapesfor an engagement ring center stone.
Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant cut is the most popular choice for an engagement ring – timeless and classic.
Cushion Cut
A cushion-cut diamond may be a perfect choice if you're looking for a vintage-inspired ring or something that stands out. This shape has been around for over 100 years and was once the most popular diamond shape before being replaced by the brilliant round cut.
Oval Cut
The oval cut diamond is a beautiful alternative to the traditional round brilliant. This elongated shape can make your finger appear longer and slender. You can find them in varying ratios of length and width.
Learn more about custom oval engagement rings here.
Emerald Cut
The emerald cut is a classic rectangular shape with angled corners. The linear facets make this one known for its elegant and sophisticated look. This diamond cut can be traced back to the Art Deco period when it was first introduced and looks more modern than other cuts.
Radiant Cut
The radiant cut diamond is similar in shape to the emerald cut with angled corners. However, the faceting on the radiant cut emulates the scintillating sparkle of a round brilliant vs. the modern, linear facets of an emerald cut.
Learn more about custom radiant engagement rings here.
Princess Cut
The princess-cut diamond is a traditional square with pointed corners. However, you can find them in rectangular shapes as well.
"The proposal went amazingly well! Andrea fell head over heels for the ring! She absolutely loves it. She still just stares at it all day. You did an amazing job with the ring and we couldn’t be happier.
Sincerely, Andrew"
Step 3: Select the Material for Your Setting
White Gold
Yellow Gold
Platinum
Ring setters make settings from gold or platinum, depending on the hardness and color of the metal you desire. Gold settings offer more variety in color: white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. Yellow gold is popular because it is flattering on many skin types. White gold and platinum are also good choices for complementing the whiteness of the center diamond.
What is the difference between white gold and platinum?
Platinum is softer, so it can more easily bend, but it doesn't have to be rhodium-plated like white gold. It is also more expensive than gold because it is a rarer metal and takes more effort to extract from the ground.
Decorative Elements And Personalization Ideas To Consider
Milgrain
Engraving
Hidden Birthstone Set Inside The Ring
Milgrain
Milgrain is a jewelry design technique that features a row of tiny beads around the edge of the band. Setters make the beads out of metal, spaced evenly around the ring's circumference. Milgrain settings add a touch of elegance and vintage flair.
Engraving
Engraving a message inside the band of your ring is a great way to add a personal touch. Not only will it be a constant reminder of your love for each other, but it will also serve as a unique identifier if your ring is ever lost or stolen. When choosing what to engrave, keep it simple and concise. A date or initials are always popular choices. Still, you can also choose something that reflects your shared interests or inside jokes.
Hidden Gemstone(s) Set Inside The Ring
Most people know their birthstone - the gemstone traditionally associated with the month they were born. But did you know there can also be a hidden gemstone inside your wedding ring? Whether you choose a diamond, sapphire, emerald, or ruby, a hidden gem inside your wedding ring will serve as a secret only you two will know. Aside from your birthstone, if she's traditional, it can also be a blue sapphire representing her "something blue."
“I sincerely could not be happier!”
"I think Vanessa is an angel from above! She and my fiancé designed my engagement ring, and I sincerely could not be happier. My ring is perfectly me; I could not have done any better. Vanessa is so sweet and completely empathetic towards budget. The quality is there ten-fold. I would recommend her to anyone! She is super helpful, knowledgeable, and a joy to encounter."
~Alicia R.
What Size Diamond Should You Choose???
When picking the perfect diamond size, it is essential to keep in mind that the size of the diamond is not the only factor determiningits quality. Thecut, color, clarity, and carat weightare all critical factors to consider. Nonetheless, clients often wonder how a particular size and shape will look. This guide outlinesDiamond Price Secretsthat many of our clients find very insightful.
And as valuable as the diamond is, the ring setting is the "house," which keeps it safe, so it's vital to ensure that it is high quality. Hence, it lasts a lifetime and beyond.
We've heard so many horror stories from women who purchased their ring setting online, from a big box store, or a mall jeweler, only to find that the craftsmanship is poor. Most engagement rings are made on an overseas assembly line, creating the ring from a mold with the metal as thin as possible. This process keeps the cost low, but you must continually visit the store again and again for repairs. Working one-on-one with an artist can ensure you will have an heirloom piece.
Below is an example of the type of diamond video we create for clients showing gorgeous diamond options for them to consider for their custom engagement ring.
Diamond Halo
There are tricks to making that center stone diamond look more prominent. Incorporating a diamond halo style into your setting does precisely that. A halo setting is a ring setting that features a central diamond surrounded by smaller accent diamonds.
Vanessa Nicole specializes in a "Seamless Halo," meaning the gap between the center diamond and the halo is as tiny as possible.
You'll see that a diamond with a halo covers the finger witha lotof sparkles. Halos are a beautiful design element that allows you to get more sparkle for less money invested in the center diamond. The result is a sparkling, eye-catching ring that stands out from the crowd.
Cushion Cut Halo
Oval Cut Halo
Round Cut Halo
Learn more about custom halo engagement rings here.
How is Vanessa Nicole Different from Other Jewelry Stores for Custom Engagement Rings?
1. You get to work one-on-one with the artist making your ring rather than buying a pre-made ring from a salesperson or jewelry consultant. It allows for your custom engagement ring to be significantly more meaningful. It will show you put extra thought into making it spectacular. (Bonus points for you!)By working one-on-one with Vanessa, the company's owner, you can be sure that her reputation is highly valued. Therefore it brings high accountability to make sure you have an AMAZING experience.
2. Vanessa is an international diamond setting consultant who teaches other jewelers and jewelry experts worldwide how to create custom engagement rings. She apprenticed with a 3rd generation Russian master jeweler to become an expert diamond setter specializing in micropavé. With millions of Youtube views, Vanessa guides future brides & grooms on the best ways to design their unique rings.
3. A Making of the Ring™ DVD service is available with every engagement ring, which documents the entire design process of creating her custom,one-of-a-kind engagement ringup close. Vanessa interviews each person about what they love about their future fiancé and what they're looking forward to in their marriage. Then she layers the voiceover on top of the footage showcasing how her one-of-a-kind ring is made exclusively for her.
Example of a Making of the Ring™ DVD for your engagement ring.
Meet Vanessa, Custom Ring Jeweler, Master Diamond Setter
I'm Vanessa Nicole, and I help clients create the perfect engagement ring of their dreams.
My specialty is micropavé, a highly specialized diamond-setting skill performed under a microscope. It is a popular design element for custom engagement rings.
I would hate for anything to go wrong with my engagement ring because there is SO much sentiment behind it. I'm sure you feel the same way.
Suppose you decide to go the route of designing your custom engagement ring rather than a pre-made ring. In that case, I can guide you through the FUN process with inspirational design ideas and digital renderings before we make your ring. You don't have to be a jewelry expert – I've helped thousands of clients create a unique ring to commemorate their love stories with a 100% happy client rating.
I know how important this ring is to you. She's an extraordinary woman in your life, and I take seriously the responsibility of creating an exceptional ring for her.
I promise that so much love, thought, and careful attention will be put into her one-of-a-kind ring that there will be no other like it, much like she is to you.
Let me know if you need any guidance –I'm happy to help.
Warmly,
Vanessa Nicole
“Vanessa has mastered her craft”
"Vanessa Nicole Jewels Vanessa was a pleasure to work with from start to finish, and her work is amazing. My ring is just stunning! I feel like she had a better understanding of what I wanted than I did. Vanessa has mastered her craft, and I'm so glad my fiancé found her company." ~Alyssa C.
Worried If She'll Like It?
Some clients are apprehensive about creating a custom ring rather than purchasing a pre-made one because they fear it will look different from what they want.We have a solution for that!
Vanessa creates a computer CAD model for all custom rings that shows every angle of your ring before constructing it in metal. You can adjust your ring's CAD model until you approve the final design.We've never had anyone dislike their ring once they see it in person.
When you purchase a pre-made ring at a traditional jewelry store, tens of thousands of other women are wearing the same ring. There is undoubtedly value in overseas manufacturing, but not when it comes to engagement rings.
We don't carry an inventory of rings made months or years ago at Vanessa Nicole Jewels. Each ring is created one at a time, just for you.
Watch Christine Receive Her Custom Engagement Ring:
Working With Us If You're Outside of San Diego
80% of our engagement rings are created for clients who don’t live in San Diego where our studio is located.
There are many options when it comes to the design of your ring; we can do pretty much anything you desire! You’ll see a lot of designs to choose from, and we would be delighted to discuss the engagement ring of your DREAMS.
Contact Vanessa To Request A Consultation
Click HERE to view our custom engagement ring gallery.
*If you liked this article, you may also find the following articles extremely helpful:
How Much Does An Engagement Ring Cost >>
Everything You Need To Know To Get An Amazing Custom Ring >>
FAQs
Is it always more expensive to custom-make an engagement ring?
No! Often, creating a custom engagement ring costs about the same orlessthan purchasing acomparable qualityring from a retail store. How is that possible? When working with a custom jeweler like Vanessa, you avoid substantial retail markups to account for high rents, stocking inventory, and increased sales commissions. You only pay for what you want, and you have ensured the best quality.
How much does it cost to have a custom-made ring?
The price of a custom-made ring will depend on the materials used and the complexity of the design. The cost of the center stone diamond will significantly affect the price. On average, clients invest at least $10,000 for a custom-made engagement ring.
How long does it take to have a custom engagement ring made?
The entire process, from design to delivery, typically takes about six weeks, sometimes sooner, depending on the piece's complexity. Contact us so we can best coordinate with your timeline.
