Custom Engagement Rings: Designing Your Own Engagement Ring
Creating your own custom engagement ring is an exciting and personal experience. But it can feel overwhelming.
This guide takes you step by step through the process of designing a truly one-of-a-kind engagement ring.
Learn about design details that you may not be aware of to create a ring that's as spectacular, comfortable, unique, and meaningful as your love story.
The Vanessa Nicole Custom Engagement Ring Experience
Your love story is one of a kind. Shouldn't your ring be, too?
Imagine an engagement ring uniquely designed just for you, with every aspect carefully crafted to perfection.
Truly Handcrafted Engagement Rings, Vs an Online Ring Builder
The Problem: The Illusion of “Custom”
✔ Pick a setting
✔ Choose a metal
✔ Pick a diamond
Online made-to-order ring builder tools just give you options from a menu.
That's not customization. That's assembly.
We start with your vision and design everything from scratch to offer you a ring that is truly yours.
Custom Isn't Choosing. It's Creating.
Creating a custom engagement ring isn't just about creating a unique design. It means creating a ring that's designed just for you.
Working With Vanessa Nicole
Vanessa personally oversees each creation and works with you every step of the way. You don't get handed off to an assembly line with a design team or corporate in-house design consultant (salesperson) who hands you off to a team of jewelry designers.
Excellent Customer Service and 5 Star Reviews
Clients can’t stop raving about their rings, describing them as even more breathtaking than they had imagined—radiating brilliance, masterfully crafted, and designed to be treasured for a lifetime. Read more customer testimonials here.
“It's a personalized experience, not a retail experience."
~Gary & Lina O’Neil
San Diego, CA
Things To Consider During The Custom Ring Design Process
When designing a custom engagement ring, there are several factors to consider. We'll cover the most critical aspects and the process we use when creating a custom engagement ring for our clients.
Designing Your Dream Ring: The Truly Custom Design Process
Creating the perfect ring can feel overwhelming. If you've been engagement ring shopping, you know there are so many options and details to consider.
Here's how Vanessa Nicole guides you through the process of creating your dream ring.
The Design Consultation: Understanding Your Vision
The design consultation is where dreams turn to reality. Vanessa gets to know your style, tastes, and unique story. She guides you with questions and collaborates with you to suggest ideas and options to make every detail of your ring special.
Then she'll present you with a 3D CAD rendering of a ring design concept to show you what your ring would look like. She'll discuss any changes you want to make to the design before hand constructing your dream engagement ring.
Center Stone Diamond Shape: Sourcing The Perfect Center Stone
Most women have a preference for shape, so this is the best place to start. The center stone's diamond shape, or diamond cut sets the tone for the overall look and the size of the diamond dictates most of the ring cost.
Vanessa will source three options of loose diamonds that fit your 4C criteria and budget to evaluate in person. Even though diamonds might share the same specifications and look the same "on paper," they can often look quite different up close.
If your dream ring has diamonds in the setting, Vanessa will source setting stones to match the color of the center diamond. This is her secret to a seamless, sparkle-from-across-the-room effect.
Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings vs Natural Diamonds
Every couple has their own unique vision when it comes to choosing the perfect diamond, and that journey begins with selecting the highest quality center diamond within their price range.
Many are now considering lab-grown diamonds, drawn to their responsible sourcing and affordability while still offering the same dazzling brilliance as natural diamonds. Opting for a lab diamond can also mean the ability to choose a larger carat weight or a more intricate design without stretching the budget.
Take your time to search diamonds that align with your values, budget, and style.
Learn more about lab grown vs natural diamonds.
Designing the Style of Your Setting
The setting showcases the center diamond and shapes the ring's overall look.
The setting should reflect her personal style and lifestyle: modern, classic, glamorous, antique, art-deco, or sophisticated.
"The proposal went amazingly well! Andrea fell head over heels for the ring! She absolutely loves it. She still just stares at it all day. You did an amazing job with the ring and we couldn’t be happier.
Sincerely, Andrew"
Selecting the Metal Type for Your Engagement Ring Setting
The type of precious metal you select will affect the aesthetic and durability of the ring. The most common options for engagement rings are gold and platinum.
She likely has a color preference of white or yellow that she may wear frequently.
White Gold
Yellow Gold
Platinum
Platinum is a naturally white, dense, metal known for its durability and substantial weight compared to gold. It's more expensive than gold. Because it's stronger and harder than gold, it's ideal to use for prongs, especially for securing larger diamonds.
Since platinum is colorless, it doesn't interfere with the color of the diamond, whereas yellow or rose gold can reflect its color onto the diamond. It's possible to achieve this with white gold, but white gold can fade in color over time if the rhodium plating wears away.
Whereas gold is commonly available in white, yellow, and rose gold. It gives the ring a warm look.
Whereas gold is commonly available in white, yellow, and rose gold. It gives the ring a warm look.
Avoid sterling silver for engagement rings. It's a soft metal and tarnishes, so it's not ideal for securing a diamond.
If you like the look of yellow or rose gold, but want the strength of platinum, consider a two-toned ring with a gold band and platinum prongs.
Learn more about selecting the right metal for your diamond.
Two toned ring with 18K Yellow Gold Pavé Band with Platinum Prongs and Halo
Design Elements for Unique Engagement Rings
Decorative Elements And Personalization Ideas To Consider
Milgrain
Engraving
Hidden Birthstone Set Inside The Ring
Most couples that get a custom-made engagement ring might be motivated by creating a unique design or putting their personal touch into the ring.
But there are many design features you can work into a custom ring that you won't see in a mass-manufactured ring, especially if you work with someone highly skilled at ring setting.
The smallest details can transform a custom engagement ring into a true masterpiece, elevating both its beauty and comfort.
Here are a few examples of design elements and their benefits that can transform a custom jewelry piece into a true, one-of-a-kind, personal masterpiece.
Custom Design Details: True Craftsmanship
Double Edge Halo
A halo on the edge of the ring makes a ring sparkle at every angle.
Zero Gap Halo
You'll often see gaps between the center diamond and the setting. A zero gap setting makes the diamond appear larger, especially when the diamonds in the setting are carefully color matched to the main diamond.
Prong Sculpting and Allignment
The standard prongs you see on typical diamond rings are conspicuous and bulky. Vanessa hand scults and polishes each prong to allign with the facets of the diamond so they disappear into the center stone. For larger diamonds, she adds double claw prongs for added security.
Finally, she'll run a cloth through the diamond to ensure it doesn't snag.
Custom Gemstone Rings
“I sincerely could not be happier!”
"I think Vanessa is an angel from above! She and my fiancé designed my engagement ring, and I sincerely could not be happier. My ring is perfectly me; I could not have done any better. Vanessa is so sweet and completely empathetic towards budget. The quality is there ten-fold. I would recommend her to anyone! She is super helpful, knowledgeable, and a joy to encounter."
~Alicia R.
Schedule Your Virtual Appointment
Popular Custom Engagement Ring Styles
Diamond Halo
There are tricks to making that center stone diamond look more prominent. Incorporating a diamond halo style into your setting does precisely that. A halo setting is a ring setting that features a central diamond surrounded by smaller accent diamonds.
Vanessa Nicole specializes in a "Seamless Halo," meaning the gap between the center diamond and the halo is as tiny as possible.
You'll see that a diamond with a halo covers the finger with a lot of sparkles. Halos are a beautiful design element that gives more sparkle for less money invested in the center diamond. The result is a sparkling, eye-catching ring that stands out from the crowd.
Cushion Cut Halo
Oval Cut Halo
Round Cut Halo
Learn more about custom halo engagement rings here.
Micro Pavé Settings
Vanessa specializes in micro pavé settings. This technique requires experienced craftsmanship. She sources the diamonds used in the pavé setting to match the color of the diamond in the center stone. Placing them close together so it looks like a sheet of sparkling bling.
Diamond Solitaire Rings
Three Stone or Side Stone Rings
Vintage Ring and Custom Women's Wedding Bands
Vintage Inspired Custom Diamond Halo Ring
Emerald Cut Eternity Ring
Women's Wedding Rings
To learn more, read our Guide To Engagement Ring Styles
• Custom Halo Engagement Rings
• Custom Oval Engagement Rings
Meet Vanessa, Custom Ring Jeweler, Master Diamond Setter
I'm Vanessa Nicole, and I help clients create the perfect engagement ring of their dreams.
My specialty is micropavé, a highly specialized diamond-setting skill performed under a microscope. It is a popular design element for custom engagement rings.
I would hate for anything to go wrong with my engagement ring because there is SO much sentiment behind it. I'm sure you feel the same way.
Suppose you decide to go the route of designing your custom engagement ring rather than a pre-made ring. In that case, I can guide you through the FUN process with inspirational design ideas and digital renderings before we make your ring. You don't have to be a jewelry expert – I've helped thousands of clients create a unique ring to commemorate their love stories with a 100% happy client rating.
I know how important this ring is to you. She's an extraordinary woman in your life, and I take seriously the responsibility of creating an exceptional ring for her.
I promise that so much love, thought, and careful attention will be put into her one-of-a-kind ring that there will be no other like it, much like she is to you.
Let me know if you need any guidance – I'm happy to help.
Warmly,
Vanessa Nicole
Custom Design Time Frame
Creating your dream ring typically takes 4-6 weeks, from the design consultation to production time. If you need a ring sooner, we can get creative. Learn more about factors that influence how long it takes to design a custom engagement ring here.
“Vanessa has mastered her craft”
"Vanessa Nicole Jewels Vanessa was a pleasure to work with from start to finish, and her work is amazing. My ring is just stunning! I feel like she had a better understanding of what I wanted than I did. Vanessa has mastered her craft, and I'm so glad my fiancé found her company." ~Alyssa C.
Custom Engagement Ring Design Chart
| Benefit | Design Element | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Maximize Brilliance | Micro Pavé Technique | Vanessa Nicole’s specialty — diamonds are spaced so closely together that they appear as a continuous sheet of sparkle. This meticulous setting eliminates gaps, maximizing brilliance and creating a seamless, fluid look. |
| Diamonds Spaced Incredibly Close Together | Prevents dark gaps between stones, creating a seamless flow of sparkle. | |
| Seamless Halo | Minimizes gaps between the center diamond and surrounding halo, creating a fluid, sparkling appearance. | |
| Zero Gap Halo | Ensures a tight fit with no dark spaces, making the center stone appear larger and more brilliant. | |
| Double-Edge Halo | Features diamonds visible from both the top and side for maximum sparkle. | |
| Diamonds on Doughnut | Allows a wedding band to sit flush while adding additional sparkle from below the center stone. | |
| Even Scoops | Hollowed-out spaces under diamonds are shaped precisely to maximize light reflection and minimize dark areas. | |
| Hand-Polished Prongs | Meticulously sculpted and polished to ensure smooth, even, and symmetrical prong edges. | |
| Comfort & Fit | Comfort Fit Band | Rounded edges provide a smooth and comfortable feel for everyday wear. The band appears as a knife edge at the visible portion and rounds between the fingers. |
| Bridge Rounded and Comfort Fit | Ensures a seamless fit against the finger with added structural support. | |
| Low to Finger Height | Designed for practical, everyday wear while keeping the center diamond secure. | |
| Knife Edge Shank | Creates an optical illusion of a larger center stone while keeping the design lightweight. | |
| Tapered Shank | Visually elongates the center diamond while maintaining a refined band width. | |
| Sleek, Seamless Design | Sleek Claw Prongs | Designed to disappear into the diamond, ensuring a refined, luxury aesthetic. |
| Micro Split Prongs | Minimizes visible metal while securely holding diamonds, enhancing overall sparkle. | |
| Double Claw Prongs | Provides maximum security for cushion and emerald-cut diamonds while maintaining an elegant look. | |
| Prongs Lay Flat Against Diamond | Provides security without unnecessary bulk, preventing fiber catching. | |
| Snag-Tested Prongs | Tested against fabric to ensure smooth edges that don’t snag on clothing. | |
| Well-Secured Prongs | Fully fixed against the metal base, preventing movement or loosening over time. | |
| Prong Evenness | Meticulously shaped and aligned for symmetry, ensuring a balanced and refined look. | |
| Streamlined Curves of the Shank | Sculpted to blend smoothly with the ring’s overall aesthetic, avoiding sharp edges. | |
| Two-Tone Setting | Uses different metals (e.g., platinum prongs with a yellow gold shank) for contrast and durability. | |
| Enhances Diamond Appearance | Hidden Halo | Adds sparkle from the side view while keeping the top view clean and minimalist. |
| Hand-Sculpted Claw Prongs | Sleek, angular prongs that blend seamlessly with the diamond facets, reducing visible metal and enhancing sparkle. | |
| Prongs Hug Girdle of Diamond | Ensures maximum security by making full contact with the diamond’s outer edge. | |
| Color Matched Diamonds | Ensures all diamonds, including those in halos and side settings, are perfectly matched to the center stone for seamless brilliance. | |
| Hiding Inclusions | The center diamond is strategically placed in the setting to conceal imperfections, improving the diamond’s appearance. | |
| Hand-Selecting Proportional Side Stones | Carefully chosen side stones enhance the overall balance and symmetry of the ring. | |
| Open Culet | Allows light to pass through the diamond for additional brightness and easier cleaning. | |
| Polishing Non-Visible Parts of the Setting | Even hidden areas of the ring are polished to enhance overall brilliance and maintain a high-end finish. |
Worried If She'll Like It?
Some clients are apprehensive about creating a custom ring rather than purchasing a pre-made one because they fear it will look different from what they want. We have a solution for that!
Vanessa creates a computer CAD model for all custom rings that shows every angle of your ring before constructing it in metal. You can adjust your ring's CAD model until you approve the final design. We've never had anyone dislike their ring once they see it in person.
When you purchase a pre-made ring at a traditional jewelry store, tens of thousands of other women are wearing the same ring. There is undoubtedly value in overseas manufacturing, but not when it comes to engagement rings.
We don't carry an inventory of rings made months or years ago at Vanessa Nicole Jewels. Each ring is created one at a time, just for you.
Watch Christine Receive Her Custom Engagement Ring:
Working With Us If You're Outside of San Diego
80% of our engagement rings are created for clients who don’t live in San Diego where our studio is located.
There are many options when it comes to the design of your ring; we can do pretty much anything you desire! You’ll see a lot of designs to choose from, and we would be delighted to discuss the engagement ring of your DREAMS.
Contact Vanessa To Request A Consultation
*If you liked this article, you may also find the following articles extremely helpful:
Example of a Making of the Ring™ DVD for your engagement ring.
FAQs
Is it always more expensive to custom-make an engagement ring?
No! Often, creating a custom engagement ring costs about the same or less than purchasing a comparable quality ring from a retail store. How is that possible? When working with a custom jeweler like Vanessa, you avoid substantial retail markups to account for high rents, stocking inventory, and increased sales commissions. You only pay for what you want, and you have ensured the best quality.
How much does it cost to have a custom-made ring?
The price of a custom-made ring will depend on the materials used and the complexity of the design. The cost of the center stone diamond will significantly affect the price. On average, clients invest at least $10,000 for a custom-made engagement ring.
How long does it take to have a custom engagement ring made?
The entire process, from design to delivery, typically takes about six weeks, sometimes sooner, depending on the piece's complexity. Contact us so we can best coordinate with your timeline.
