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10 Things to Keep in Mind When Designing a Custom Wedding or Engagement Ring

10 Things about Engagement Rings

Uniqueness is incredibly sought after, and the desire to stand out from the crowd
certainly applies to the wedding industry. Couples are more interested than ever in
engagement and wedding rings that match their own style and personality, rather
than choosing a cookie-cutter design that’s already on the market. If that sounds like
you, here’s what you need to know:

1. Find Your Ring Style on Online Platforms

Professional ring gurus can be incredibly helpful, but it is important to have an idea
of what you want the final product to look like before finding a designer. Explore
online platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, or browse the selection at
DiamondNet.ca to get inspired and clarify the individual style you’re looking for. The
more specific your vision for your wedding or engagement ring, the easier it will be
for the designer to make it happen.

2. Patience in Engagement Ring Creation Process

Creating the perfect ring is exciting, but if you put too much pressure on yourself or
the designer, things are sure to get ugly. Give the creative process time to unfold,
and remember that projects involving creativity and design are often gradual and
slow. Patience is a virtue!

3. Try On Different Wedding Ring Styles

Gathering an online collection of ideas – perhaps a wedding ring idea board – is a
great start, but it doesn’t replace trying on different styles and stones in person. Skin
tone and hand shape can differ greatly between people, so be sure to check out
how a certain ring looks on your finger before deciding. Take a stroll into the
DiamondNet showroom in downtown Vancouver to see and compare diamonds,
and discuss custom options.

4. Understand the business side of things

Make sure to read and understand the fine print. Some custom design studios will
require deposits up front, and these deposits are often non-refundable, even if you
decide you don’t love or want to purchase the final product. Get clear on the
designer’s T&Cs before moving forward.

5. Clarify Your Budget for Spending on Your Ring

Don’t feel pressured to spend a specific amount on your wedding or engagement
ring: Pushing yourself beyond a comfortable financial limit won’t serve you or your
fiancé in the long run. If you are absolutely set on a ring with a price tag that breaks
the bank, investigate financing options with your designer. Again, make sure there
are no hidden fees or obligations before signing on the dotted line.

6. Stay Creative in Designing Your Wedding Band

Options are endless when it comes to designing your own ring, so don’t hold back.
Be imaginative with engraving options, mixed-metals, and additional stones.
Choosing to add a partners’ birthstone can be a small but powerful way to ensure
your ring is extra unique and personal.

7. Don’t obsess over current trends

Surfing online platforms will reveal all the trending styles, but remember that
“what’s hot" and “what’s not” is always in flux. Rose gold and halo settings may be all
the rage now, but make sure you genuinely like those elements and aren’t getting
caught up in being fashionable. Stay true to you – when the next latest and greatest
style rushes in, you’ll be glad you did.

8. Get Enough Information About Diamond

Make sure to work with a diamond distributor who knows their stuff. At DiamondNet,
diamond experts can provide a gemological certificate for each diamond, and are
more than happy to educate you on the wide range of clarity, colour, cut and carat
weight available.

9. Learn About Right Metal for Wedding Ring

Learn about which metal is right for your engagement or wedding ring. You have
options when it comes to metal selection, and it is wise to remember that the
highest price point doesn’t necessary equate to quality. Typically, precious metals
are sold by weigh and as a result, heavier metals like platinum often end up costing
more, despite the fact that platinum might not be the “best” metal for a particular
ring.

10. Give Enough Time for Your Ring Creation

It’s exciting that you’ve decided to design your ring from scratch, but with originality
often comes a lengthier creation process. A typical custom ring time frame is 3-6
weeks, so make sure to give your designer ample time to design and create the ring
of your dreams.