You're ready to get engaged, and you're looking for a ring as special as your relationship. You've browsed countless rings online, or even in person, but while they're lovely, you haven't found the one quite yet.
A bespoke engagement ring might just be the answer. Beautifully meaningful and unique, proposing with a custom made ring can make this special moment in your relationship even more personal. Today we're breaking down everything you need to know about choosing to go for a bespoke engagement ring.
What is a bespoke engagement ring?
A bespoke engagement ring is one that has been designed and created especially for the person who will wear it, the person who wants to propose, or with input from both of them.
If you're planning to propose and want to keep it a surprise, the jeweller you choose may work with you to create something that is just as you want, or if you're ring shopping together, you might both be involved in the design process.
Opting for a bespoke ring for your engagement allows for it to be perfectly personal and completely individual. It can be tailored around both your preferences and your lifestyle, as well as reflecting your lives or relationship.
How long does it take to make a bespoke engagement ring?
The time taken to make a custom engagement ring varies depending on the design and supplier, but generally speaking can be anything from 2 to 12 weeks.
This broad range reflects the multitude of possibilities involved; if you know very clearly that you're looking for a simple but specific design and your chosen jeweller can get started straight away, you can expect it to be on the lower end. Designs that include complex elements or processes, or need particular stones to be sourced, are more likely to take longer.
It's worth remembering that in many cases, the timescale you will need to account for is not just the production of the ring - it's also any time involved for an initial consultation, to have some designs created and to agree which you will move ahead with. Depending on your availability and any back and forth, this could add a couple of weeks on to the full timescale (from contacting a jeweller to having the ring in your hands), so make sure you consider this part of the process when planning.
At Wild Fawn it takes around 4-6 weeks for the production of your ring. The initial stages are often around two weeks; we send designs within a week after your consultation and once these have been narrowed down we produce detailed 3D renders. Choosing from these and paying your balance is what puts your ring into production.
Either way, it's always a good idea to give yourself some buffer time, not just to account for extra time you hadn't anticipated, but to avoid too much stress for yourself if it feels like you're cutting it fine!
Are bespoke engagement rings more expensive?
Many people expect bespoke engagement rings to be much more expensive than ready-to-buy, but this is not necessarily the case. The price is influenced by a broad range of factors, just like the price of all engagement rings; materials, design, gemstone choice and quality, and jeweller.
If comparing exactly like-for-like rings in terms of design and materials, it would probably be fair to say that the bespoke ring is likely to cost more than the ready made equivalent. This is due in part to the time that will be allocated to design and consultations, and in part to the craftsmanship that is inherent in making something one-of-a-kind just for you.
Remember that lab-grown diamonds are largely more cost-effective than mined too, so if you're looking for a sparkling diamond to sit at the centre of your ring, going ethical pays in more ways than one!
Is it expensive to design an engagement ring?
People are often surprised at how affordable designing an engagement ring can be; we find that we are able to work within a range of budgets to end up with an engagement ring that is beautiful, ethical, and suits the tastes of the couple down to the ground.
Of course, with every detail involved in the wedding industry, the expense of a bespoke engagement ring is both relative and subjective. If having the perfect ring and keeping things personal is important to you and your partner, then it will likely be an element that you feel is especially valuable. An engagement ring will - hopefully - be kept for life, so there's every reason it should be!
How much does it cost to custom make an engagement ring?
The cost of a customer made engagement ring can vary enormously; anything from £1000 to £20000 and even upwards of that. The design, materials and supplier all play their part in impacting the price across this broad range.
At Wild Fawn, we make bespoke engagement ring commissions that tend to cost in the region of £3000 to £5000.
Can you make a new engagement ring from an old one?
In short; yes, it's very possible to make a new engagement ring from an old one!
This isn't a service that will necessarily be offered by every supplier, but there are plenty of jewellers who will be able to do this. It's important to choose someone you trust, especially if it is a sentimental or family piece.
Take some time to consider whether you are looking for the old ring to be completely reimagined anew, or whether you simply want an heirloom ring resized, strengthened or slightly refreshed, so that you can ask the right questions. Remember to look out for previous examples from the jewellers you speak to, too.
We work with heirloom pieces a lot and love to see them worn again and again as a new piece - particularly with the especially sentimental items like engagement rings. It really is a wonderful and very ethical way to make an engagement ring even more meaningful.
Can you use your own diamonds for a bespoke engagement ring?
If you have some special gemstones or diamonds that you would like to use in your bespoke engagement ring, this is usually fine to do. You will be asked to bring them along to a consultation so that the jeweller can see what they have to work with and discuss how you see them being used.
We have worked with existing stones to create bespoke rings (and other jewellery pieces) many times, and this is something we are always happy to discuss with you.
Why should you get a bespoke engagement ring?
There are many reasons that people opt for a custom made engagement ring over buying something ready-to-wear. In some cases, it will be as simple as not being able to find the exact ring they want to propose with (or want to be proposed to with!) and instead preferring to get something made that is exactly as they envision.
For others, the idea that the ring can be made to reflect their relationship is a meaningful reason to go down the bespoke route. And of course, some choose to get a bespoke engagement ring made by an ethical brand because while they can appreciate the aesthetics of the rings they have seen available from other brands, they want to be sure that the business and materials align with their own values. Having something created allows them to get exactly the design they want without compromising on ethics.
The benefits of a bespoke engagement ring
You take part in the design process
Being involved in the design of your ring doesn't just allow you to make sure it's exactly what you want, it's also enjoyable. If you're designing a ring for your partner in secret, the process is hugely exciting; if it's something you're doing together, it's a lot of fun. Either way, it's an experience to cherish.
It allows flexibility over your budget
Going bespoke has benefits for your budget too. Working with a jeweller will mean that they are able to suggest how to get the best result for what you have to spend. They may recommend certain stones, settings or processes in order to keep things within budget without needing to forfeit your preferences.
Expert advice as part of the service
Similarly, this advice from an expert as part of the design process will mean you end up with something that works perfectly for your lifestyle, or the lifestyle of the person you'll be proposing to. It may be that there are things you haven't considered before or pitfalls to avoid, and your jeweller is just the person to help you with these.
Your ring will be unique
A bespoke engagement ring is yours and only yours. It's a special feeling to know that the ring that marks your engagement is as individual as your relationship.
The ultimate in romance
Working on something especially for the person you love before you agree to spend your lives together is utterly lovely, whichever way you look at it. All engagement rings are a wonderful symbol of love, but for the dreamers amongst us, something created especially feels particularly romantic.
Where is the best place to design your own engagement ring?
When it comes to bespoke engagement rings, it's vital that you feel comfortable and confident with the people designing and making it. For this reason, the best place to design your own engagement ring is one that you feel really 'gets' you and your values.
This could be because they offer specific services such as sourcing your perfect gemstone or reworking heirloom jewellery, or as simple as them taking the time to understand the ring you want. It's worth looking through their previous work to get a sense of the styles they really excel at, as well as reading about their values and processes on their website.
Once you've contacted someone, take note of whether you feel listened to and cared for; if you get a sense that this is not the case, consider looking elsewhere. This is a special time in your life and it should be a pleasure.
At Wild Fawn, our experienced design and goldsmith team take pride in bringing your ideas and relationship to life with our bespoke engagement rings. We use recycled metals and ethically sourced stones that we can take you through at the consultation, or we can source something specific for you.
If you're looking for a beautiful ring, created as part of a collaborative design process and made in the UK, take a look at the process and our previous work on our bespoke engagement rings page, or book a consultation online or at our London studio today.
