So you’re planning to propose? Congratulations! Now it’s time to start thinking about that all-important symbol of your love and commitment — the engagement ring.
There are certainly a lot of things to consider when picking out the perfect engagement ring. And while you could of course head to a jewellery shop and pick out a pre-made ring, there are plenty of great reasons to design a bespoke engagement ring instead.
We’d all love that unique, one-of-a-kind ring, and the knowledge that no one else in the world has one, right? Having one designed specifically to suit your very personal set of preferences and sense of style is the dream for many.
We’re not the only ones who think so. As reported in Harper’s Bazaar, there is a “growing need for custom engagement rings, especially those that were not necessarily made in the conventional materials, like platinum or diamond”.
So if you’re on the hunt for a ring and wondering if a bespoke engagement ring is the right choice, then this guide is for you.
What Is A Bespoke Engagement Ring?
Bespoke engagement rings are all the rage these days. If you’re considering popping the question, you may wonder if a customised ring is right for you and your significant other.
A bespoke engagement ring is a custom-made ring specifically designed for the person you are proposing to. Unlike a traditional engagement ring, which is mass-produced, a custom ring is made to order according to your specifications.
This means you can choose everything from the metal, to the stones, to the ring’s overall design. The end product is a unique engagement ring that perfectly symbolises your love.
Reasons to Choose a Bespoke Engagement Ring
It’s Unique
Who says your engagement ring has to look like everyone else’s? When you design an engagement ring, you get the opportunity to let your creativity shine and create a one-of-a-kind symbol of love for you and your partner.
This level of personalised design allows for endless possibilities, whether incorporating a family heirloom or selecting stones that hold special meaning for the two of you.
Plus, with a custom-designed ring, there’s no chance of seeing another identical one on someone else’s hand. So why settle for cookie-cutter when you can have something truly unique?
It Tells Your Love Story
A bespoke engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewellery; it represents your love story, too. When you work with a professional jeweller to design the perfect ring, they’ll help you incorporate elements that are significant to you as a couple.
You may want to include each other’s birthstones, for example, or another gemstone with meaning in the design, or maybe you want to use diamonds from your grandmother’s old ring or another heirloom piece of jewellery.
Having a customised ring is more special, as you’ll know it’s unique to your partner and your love story, and also that no one else has the same ring on their finger anywhere in the world.
You Can Make It Eco-friendly
When buying jewellery, there’s more to consider than just the design and price. The materials and processes used can harm the environment and even contribute to human rights violations. Fortunately, designing your own engagement ring gives you the power to make sustainable choices.
You can choose recycled gold or opt for conflict-free, lab-grown diamonds that are just as beautiful as mined ones. Should you be going for a traditional diamond, it’s absolutely essential that you ensure your diamond is KPCS certified. The Kimberley Process (KP) and their Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is an international certification scheme that regulates trade in rough diamonds. The organisation are doing fantastic work in making sure the diamond trade is as ethical as possible.
By taking the time to find eco-friendly materials, you’re making a responsible decision for the planet and your future as a couple.
You Can Stay Within Your Budget
One of the biggest questions around engagement rings is how much you spend on the ring. This can make shopping for an engagement ring a daunting experience, as the cost of diamonds and other materials can quickly add up.
However, designing your ring can give you better control over costs. Working with a skilled jeweller, you can choose high-quality materials that fit within your budget.
You’ll Enjoy The Experience
Designing an engagement ring can be a lot of fun — especially if you experience it with your partner. You’ll get to bond over making choosing the ring together, try on different prototypes, and ultimately walk away with a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery you love.
Things To Consider Before Designing A Bespoke Engagement Ring
Now that you know more about bespoke engagement rings and some of the advantages of choosing one, it’s time to start thinking about whether or not this type of ring is right for you and your partner. Here are some things to keep in mind as you make your decision:
Your partner’s style — Is your partner someone who prefers unique and one-of-a-kind pieces? Or do they like classic and timeless jewellery? Understanding your partner’s style should give you a good indication of whether or not they would appreciate a bespoke ring.
Your budget — As we mentioned earlier, bespoke engagement rings can be pretty expensive, depending on your choice of jeweller. Make sure you know how much you’re willing to spend before starting the design process so that you don’t get in over your head financially.
Your timeframe — Bespoke rings can take several weeks or even months to create. If you’re hoping for a last-minute proposal, you might consider going with a traditional engagement ring instead.
The Bottom Line
Not only is a bespoke engagement ring unique and special, but it can also be eco-friendly .If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend finding an experienced jeweller in your area who can help guide you through the process from start to finish.