9 expert tips for buying a bespoke engagement ring

How to ensure you stay on budget and on brief when buying a bespoke engagement ring

When shopping for an engagement ring, you want to make sure it’s the perfect piece of jewellery for your fiancé-to-be. One way to ensure you get it right is by creating something custom that perfectly represents their style, personality and your unique love story. But with so many styles and jewellers out there to choose from, where do you begin? We’re here to help with our expert guide to finding the ultimate bespoke engagement ring.

Know your budget

Bespoke engagement rings come in all shapes, styles and sizes, which means they also vary significantly in price. Although you may not be sure what your dream engagement ring might cost, it’s sensible to set a budget from the beginning, as this will give you a clearer understanding of what you’re looking for. When shopping for a custom ring, let your jeweller know your budget from the outset, and they’ll help you create a beautiful piece of jewellery that’s not out of your price range.

Get more for your money

Going bespoke means you have greater control over the materials used in your engagement ring, helping you get more for your budget. Whether you want to opt for gold rather than platinum, select a lower-cost lab-grown diamond or compromise on clarity, there are several ways to save money while still securing a beautiful ring.

Find a reputable jeweller

You’ll want your bespoke engagement ring to be designed by the best, so be sure to do your research. Your jeweller should specialise in custom designs and easily be able to grasp what you’re looking for or offer inspiration to help you decide. Meeting with your jeweller online or in person will help you both convey your ideas and work together to create something beautiful and truly original.

Shop with your partner

You’ll certainly be able to find a stunning bespoke engagement ring if you’re planning a surprise proposal, but you may consider shopping together to ensure you get it exactly right. An engagement ring is designed to be worn for the rest of your life, and it’s increasingly common for partners to shop together to find something they love. This is especially true when shopping for custom rings.

Search for inspiration

Although it’s the jeweller’s responsibility to share ideas and get you inspired, you may find the process easier if you spend some time searching for images and inspiration before your first appointment. You don’t need to have an exact idea of your perfect engagement ring, but this may help you figure out the kind of styles you love or want to avoid. 

Ask yourself what’s important

It will also be helpful to define your partner’s style and consider which elements are most important to them. Some bespoke rings simply have a stone swapped or the metal changed, while others are designed from scratch. Deciding which features are most crucial will help you narrow down your options.

Remember the 4 Cs

If you’re planning to buy a diamond engagement ring, you should always think about carat, colour, clarity and cut. These all-important 4Cs will help you choose a diamond that looks beautiful and perfectly complements your chosen setting while also ensuring that it’s budget-friendly. Discuss these factors with your jewellery designer, who’ll help you select the best precious stone for you.

Be as creative as you like

The beauty of bespoke engagement rings is that you have control over every aspect of their design. An engagement ring should perfectly capture its wearer’s personality, so don’t be afraid to defy convention by choosing an non-traditional style. Rather than a clear diamond ring, you may opt for a design featuring fancy coloured diamonds, salt and pepper diamonds or a different gemstone altogether.

Plan ahead

If you’ve got your heart set on a custom engagement ring, ensure that you plan ahead and leave plenty of time for it to be designed and handcrafted. Bespoke pieces typically take weeks or even months to create, depending on the time of year and how many orders your jeweller is already dealing with. Check with prospective jewellery designers for a production and delivery estimate to ensure this will work with your plans.