Off-the-shelf rings don’t always grab the eye of every customer. They are made based on passing trends, making them appear outdated within a month or two. That is why MD Diamond & Jewellers invites you to explore our wide range of custom engagement rings in London.
Your love story is unique, and your engagement ring should reflect that. And besides, it pays off to purchase a one-of-a-kind ring. How? Well, custom rings are made from scratch based on your expectations. They exhibit the wearer’s style and personality. Also, custom rings always remain in style. Their classic nature makes them an excellent heirloom for future generations.
However, buying custom rings is not that simple. There are various moving parts involved. And in this blog, we aim to simplify those for you.
Your love story is unique, and your engagement ring should reflect that. And besides, it pays off to purchase a one-of-a-kind ring. How? Well, custom rings are made from scratch based on your expectations. They exhibit the wearer’s style and personality. Also, custom rings always remain in style. Their classic nature makes them an excellent heirloom for future generations.
However, buying custom rings is not that simple. There are various moving parts involved. And in this blog, we aim to simplify those for you.
Here are things worth knowing before investing in custom rings –
1- Note the difference between handmade and custom
The word “custom” gets used quite a lot in the jewellery industry. It can mean different things to different jewellers. Some jewellers use CAD or computer-aided design to create a wax model. They then cast the model into a ring and set pre-selected gemstones into it. Others might provide premade semi-mountings that enable the fixation of gemstones of different sizes and shapes.
But in reality, custom rings are handmade using precious metals. These rings are designed for one gemstone and one unique wearer. Part of the process also involves trusting the craftsman to bring your vision to life.
Also Read: - How Can You Design Your Engagement Ring with A Bespoke Design?
2- Try the ring on!
Many people jump onto the “design your own ring” bandwagon, believing they know exactly what they want. However, by the end of the process, they leave with something completely different. Often, what looks great on photos or someone else’s hands may not feel the same when worn. The main reason behind disappointments with custom rings is not the size or quality but the lack of emotions they evoke when worn.
Hence, it is important that you try on as many styles of rings as possible. It helps you figure out what you want and what you don’t.
Also, ensure to visit the jeweller between 10 am and 2 pm to design your own ring. Plenty of light provides an accurate view of the gemstones and diamonds.
3- Work with a reliable jeweller
Diamonds are downright overwhelming. This is particularly true for those outside the jewellery business. Also, the sheer amount of information available online adds to the confusion.
For this reason, you must work with a reliable jeweller to design your engagement ring. The idea is to create a collaborative process. An expert can guide you through the 4 Cs – Cut, Colour, Carat and Clarity. They can even help you find the right size, shape and metal.
4- Spend a little more upfront and save in the long haul
We don’t blame you. Every one of us wishes to save a few dollars when designing an engagement ring. And that, too, without sacrificing on design or diamond size.
While platinum is typically 15-20% more expensive than white gold, it is the most durable metal. Also, it stays white over time. White gold, on the other hand, required regular rhodium plating to maintain its colour. This could lead to ongoing costs in the long run.
What we mean to suggest is that even though white gold seems cheaper upfront, it isn’t. Platinum can be a more cost-effective choice due to its low maintenance.
5- Be clear about your budget
While it is helpful to know your fiancé’s general preference, it is crucial to be clear about your budget, too. Clients are so focused on the ring’s style that they overlook the importance of the diamond’s quality, which should be the main focus of the budget.
Remember, if you ever wish to reset the diamond of a custom made engagement ring, you don’t want the ring’s value to drop significantly, given that most of the budget went towards the setting than the stone.
6- Go for alternative stones, if needed!
With the growing popularity of coloured gems, durability should be your main concern. While aquamarine might be a meaningful choice, sapphires and rubies are the second most popular after diamonds. This is because they are durable. Also, their rarity and beauty cannot be matched.
7- Always get an appraisal
Jewellery coverage may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you design your engagement ring. However, it should be, especially when the ring is created from scratch. This is because, compared to mass-produced pieces, custom rings can feature one-of-a-kind designs and unique gemstones or diamonds.
Insurance companies might steer you to retail partners to offer cheaper replacements, which may not match the original quality. To avoid this, make sure you fully understand your insurance coverage and the process for replacing a lost custom made engagement ring.
Wrapping up
Indeed, Custom Engagement Rings in London are all the rage, but the process involved can be daunting. This is particularly true in the case of individuals with little to zero knowledge about custom rings.
We sign off this blog with the hope that you are now clear on what to expect. Use this newly gained knowledge to your benefit and design a ring that remains a special possession for years to come!