Getting engaged is one of the most memorable moments in your relationship. You can make it extra special by deciding to make your own ring. To design an engagement ring, you must work with a professional jeweller to help you create the perfect ring.
To do this, you will need to figure out what you want for your engagement ring.
You can browse online for ideas to show the designer and jeweller. They will then be able to guide you on what will be best for you.
It will also help to know what to expect from the process. It will also help to know which ring setting will suit your lifestyle. In this article, we’ll go over the dos and don’ts of ring design and the different settings out there.
Dos and don’t for ring design.
The dos
Do only use a professional jeweller for ring design.
Using a professional jeweller to help design a ring should be obvious. However, some people do overlook this step. But working with an experienced jeweller will help you design your own engagement ring.
There are a few questions you should ask yourself. These should include the following:
- Does this jeweller use eco-friendly and conflict-free diamonds?
- Does the jeweller provide diamond certifications?
- Does the jeweller offer a guarantee for their work?
Plan ahead and do research
At Malleable Jewellers, we recommend that our clients clearly understand what they want for their engagement ring’s design. You don’t have to become an expert on jewellery design but knowing about materials used to design rings and what the process involves can be useful.
You can use social media to peruse different engagement ring styles to find ideas for your engagement ring’s design.
When you design your own ring with a jeweller, communication is key. If you’re unsure about anything, you should be open about this. Any decent jeweller will be open to feedback to ensure you have the perfect set of rings. So ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.
Do make sure your rings match.
It’s important to remember that when you build your own engagement ring and wedding, you’ll want to make sure that they match. They don’t have to look exactly the same, but the rings must share a single repeated element, such as similar engraving and same-shaped stones.
The don’ts
Don’t rush
Another essential thing to remember when you make your own ring is patience. It would be best if you took the time you need to think about your decisions for your ring’s design. Taking your time is crucial when it comes to ring designs.
You should always ensure that you share what you want with the designer throughout the process. A decent jeweller will give you plenty of opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas with them. They can adjust your ring’s design to suit your vision.
Don’t over or under-spend
With ring design, you must create a budget and try to stick to it. You will (hopefully) only get engaged once. So you should only spend as much money as you’re comfortable with when making your own ring.
Don’t settle for a ring you don’t love
Your engagement is something that you and your loved one will see every day for the rest of your lives. So you mustn’t settle for a ring you don’t like or are entirely happy about.
You will need to trust the jeweller and designer during this process because there’s no way a person can be an expert in everything. So it’s essential to communicate with the designer. You should share your concerns with them if you’re unsure about anything.
It’s important to remember that both you and your partner will be looking at this ring every day. At Malleable Jewellers, we will guide you and ensure that your ring design will last a lifetime.
Don’t have an uncomfortable ring.
There are ring designs out there with corners and angles with unsupported sections. Rings with these characteristics will be at risk of getting damaged or getting snagged in your clothing.
The obtrusive and sharp edges can sometimes work, but they must be cared for and maintained. Our designers at Malleable Jewellers will ensure that you are aware of these issues and possibly guide you on how to avoid them.
You must also be open to their guidance and feedback on your design ideas. Remember, our designers will only want the best for your engagement ring.
Don’t choose a design that’s too delicate.
Aside from being wary of ring designs that will get damaged or snag your clothing, you will also need to avoid weak designs that will easily break. You can choose a ring design that’s dainty and fine but within reason.
When you make your own delicate ring, you exchange daintiness for sturdiness and strength. An ideal ring design will ensure that your engagement ring has a balance of beautiful aesthetics and quality engineering.
Remember that your engagement ring is something that you will wear every day, and you don’t want a design that will break easily. If you want to have a more delicate design or something lighter, ensure that you work with a jeweller who knows their craft.
Don’t use fragile materials.
You will want an engagement ring that will last a lifetime. So you must use only strong materials that will last for decades. You should use materials such as platinum and gold because they are durable.
You should also use stones that are crack resistant and scratch-resistant. For example, consider using diamonds and Topaz in your ring design.
You should avoid using materials such as glass, wood, copper, Brass, Silver and leather that won’t be able to survive extreme wear and tear.
Different types of ring settings
Bezel setting
The Bezel setting is famous for an engagement ring because of its contemporary and durable design. With this ring setting, the gemstone or diamond is held inside a tailor-made metal rim that encircles the outside of the stone. This metal rim ensures that the stone is protected and secure while displaying the stone’s beauty.
The Bezel setting differs from the prong setting in that the latter isn’t as sturdy, and the sides of the stone are exposed. In contrast, the Bezel setting will completely protect the stone and give it a trendy look.
Different variations on the Bezel setting can include a side-stone diamond, halo, or pavé setting. Bezel settings include complex but stunning features such as a vine-like pattern or a half-bezel setting.
You will also have the Bezel setting in various metals, including platinum, yellow gold, and white or rose gold.
The pros: The Bezel setting is perfect for anyone who has an active lifestyle, such as a doctor, nurse or someone who is a personal trainer. They’re also popular because they have a minimalist, contemporary look.
The cons: Because the Bezel setting covers the stone’s sides, you will need to spend money on a bigger stone, so it would be just as eye-catching as it would have been in a prong setting.
Halo setting
With the Halo setting, your ring will have the stone or diamond in the middle of a set of micro-pavé of round pavé diamonds. These stones will dazzle admirers with light and draw attention to the center stone.
The name “Halo setting” is because there is a central round stone encircled by a “halo” of smaller stones. While many people opt to have a gemstone at the center instead of a diamond, a diamond Halo engagement ring is still one of the most popular types of engagement ring.
The Halo engagement ring will, in some cases, resemble the heirloom engagement rings that you might find in your great-grandmother’s jewellery box. But the Halo setting is bolder and more prominent than the solitaire engagement ring.
The pros: The Halo setting is the best to get more value for your money while getting more shine for your ring. It creates the illusion of a bigger stone without you needing to spend more money.
The cons: This setting might make it challenging to find a wedding band that will sit flush against your wedding ring. To avoid this issue, you’ll need to find a ring with a higher set stone with a halo.
Pavé setting
The word Pavé (pronounced pah-vay) comes from the French word for “paving.” This setting differs from side stone settings in that the number of stones and density of the stones will make your band look like a street that’s paved with diamonds or gemstones.
This setting is also sometimes called the “bead” setting. If the stones are smaller than .01 carat, the setting will sometimes be called a micro-pavé setting. The Pavé setting refers to a setting where the main gemstone is accentuated by smaller diamonds or gemstones, which creates extra sparkle.
Typically, the stones will be set so close to each other that you won’t be able to see the metal underneath the gemstone. You can choose a white gold band for your engagement ring to avoid this issue. The white gold will ensure that you barely see the metal prongs that hold the diamond in place.
The Pavé is another setting that will make your gemstone or diamond look larger than what it actually is. So you will be able to save money by choosing a smaller middle stone when you make your own ring.
The pros: This setting will transform your simple engagement ring band into something unique. In most cases, couples will choose to update the look of their engagement ring with the Pavé setting to celebrate an anniversary or a milestone in their marriage.
The cons: Because the gemstones or diamonds are set into the engagement ring band, it will be difficult to resize the bring at a later stage. If you choose to design an engagement ring with the Pavé setting, you could end up making a few extra trips to the jeweller for cleaning and inspections in the future.
Prong or Solitaire setting
The Prong or Solitaire setting is a simple setting that has a diamond or gemstone mounted in the setting. This setting will consist of four or six metal prongs that will be used to mount the center stone in place. The prongs can be V-shaped, flat, clawed, rounded or pointed.
The pros: This setting is an ideal option for a single diamond or gemstone. The prongs will also allow for more light to hit the stone from all angles, which will give the stone maximum shine and sparkle. The Prong setting also has a clean and timeless design that will work with almost every stone shape and easily fit with a wedding.
The cons: Typically, the prongs in this setting will be elevated to display the stone, but it might not be suitable for everyday wear and for someone who leads an active lifestyle.
Three-stone or side stone setting
This setting will consist of three diamonds or three gemstones sitting closely together. These stones are meant to represent the past, present and future of a relationship.
Typically, a three-stone engagement ring will include three diamonds, but in some cases, buyers will choose coloured gemstones such as emeralds, rubies or sapphires. In most cases, a bride or groom will choose stones that have sentimental value to them, such as a birthstone.
The three-stone engagement ring isn’t as common as the solitaire engagement ring setting, but it is growing in popularity, especially with couples that want to make a personal statement with their ring design.
You can choose to have a band made from white, yellow or rose gold or platinum. You should also have the option of pairing this three-stone setting with a pavé band.
The pros: Because there are more stones in this setting will allow you to be more creative. You can combine diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires to create a beautiful multi-stone ring.
The cons: In some cases, the accent stones might take the attention away from the center stone or make it look smaller than it is in reality. Finding diamonds or gemstones that match in size, clarity, and colour will also be challenging. You might also need to choose a diamond with a higher clarity or higher colour to match the two accent stones.
Final thoughts on the engagement ring designs
When you design your own engagement ring, you will have a chance to create a significant engagement ring. But you will need to have an idea of what you want for your engagement ring before you approach a professional jeweller.
At Malleable Jewellers, our staff will work with you at each step in the process. We’ll gently help you decide which setting you should use and which will fit your lifestyle.
