Engagement Rings - Custom Design or Off the Shelf?

Engagement Rings - Custom Design or Off the Shelf?

What’s the difference between custom designed diamond engagement rings and everyday, mass market rings?

Shopping for diamond engagement rings isn’t something most of us do more than once in our lives and when it comes down to it, this can be a daunting, intimidating and confusing experience. Faced with a snooty retailer or, worse, a pushy sales assistant, who could blame you for turning on your heel and running for the door? And even if you do manage to stand your ground, there’s always the danger that the over eager sales person is going to talk you into buying the most expensive and flashy diamond ring in the shop.

The Pia diamond engagement ring - from design through to finished ring

Is this really the best way to make one of the most significant purchases of your life? Remember, you’re not simply buying a ring, you’re getting married! So, other than the high street jeweller, what other options are there when it comes to shopping for diamond engagement rings?

Consider a custom design service. A diamond engagement ring will be worn for life so it’s crucial that it suits the unique style, tastes and personality of the lady who will be wearing it.  A good designer and retailer will know exactly the right questions to ask you to make sure they tailor their design exactly to your requirements – things you may never even have considered would be important.

For example, what sort of lifestyle does your partner lead? You might ask yourself, how is this even relevant to diamond engagement rings? Well, consider someone who leads an active, outdoors lifestyle, or works with their hands – is a big, flashy ring with a diamond set high on top really going to be practical or are they going to be in constant fear of losing or damaging the diamond? In this case your partner may prefer a channel-set ring with several diamonds securely inlaid into the ring’s band.

What sort of personality does your partner have? Is she a traditionalist who would love a “classical” solitaire diamond engagement ring? Or does she have a flamboyant personality whose taste in diamond engagement rings tends more towards bold design creations?

The question of how much to spend can also be an awkward subject when it comes to shopping for diamond engagement rings. An old rule of thumb says that two months’ salary is an appropriate amount. However much you wish to spend, you want to make sure that you are getting value for money and paying for a ring that your partner truly loves. This is where a custom design service can really be of benefit. Your designer can work with you to make sure that you stick to your budget and still end up with a beautiful diamond ring that is perfectly suited to your loved one’s tastes.

It’s the small details that really make a difference. By using a custom engagement ring design service you are more likely to end up with a ring that your partner loves as opposed to being overwhelmed by huge displays of glitzy diamond rings advertised on the mass market, none of which is truly unique. A custom designed diamond engagement ring is a fantastic way to make your engagement really special.