A Guide to Working with an Engagement Ring Designer

If you are thinking of creating a bespoke ring with an engagement ring designer, you should be familiar with the process to make sure you fashion the best ring possible in the most efficient manner. This article offers a step-by-step guide on how you should approach your engagement ring designer.

1. Sketch your Idea

Firstly, start by asking yourself: Do I have a distinct vision of the jewellery piece I want? Simply wanting "something unique" doesn’t necessarily warrant going the custom route, nor does it give an engagement ring designer a concrete idea to work with.

When you do have a vision, sketch it out as best you can. If it isn’t all that specific, or if you want to further articulate your desired style, start looking through jewellery stores and surfing the Internet to get more material to work with. Add the elements (filigrees, unique settings, organic lines, mixed metals) that catch your eye to your original sketch.

The more precise you can get with what you have in mind, and the more aptly you express this to your jeweller, then the more likely you’ll end up with a finished product that realizes your imagined vision.

2. Find the Right Designer

After your idea is firmly developed and supplanted in your head, you’ll need to find a jeweller who can fashion the custom design. It’s critical to have an engagement ring designer you know and trust. If you have a relationship with an established jeweller already, liaise with them to see if they know of any bespoke designers. Often your own jeweller will have someone in-house who can create custom designs or can refer you to a trusted colleague. Otherwise, turn to referrals from family and friends.

When looking for a jeweller to create a custom piece, be sure to ask to see some previous work. This will give you a sense of the technique, style, and artistic philosophy that comes through in all of their creations, and make sure that you’re okay with such elements also coming through in your custom design.

3. Collaborate

Now that you have your sketch, and now that you have found your engagement ring designer, it’s time to sit down and have a long conversation to get your project moving in the right direction. Once the construction is under way, you should review a full colour illustration, pictures made by computer-aided design, or a mock-up in wax of the final product so you can give input and shift direction if it’s not what you want or expected. Also be sure to observe all the elements (metals and gems) in person to note their quality.

4. Protect yourself

Be extra cautious with warranties and guarantees when working on a custom jewellery piece. It is wise to get everything in writing, from what materials you agreed to include in the ring to a final appraisal that notes the custom design and designer. Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to insure your ring.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose the best and the most unique engagement ring designer for them to start a journey that ends with the perfect ring. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.