How to Design a Custom Engagement Ring

Here at Ballard & Ballard Jewelers, more than 70% of our engagement rings today are semi or fully custom-made. That's because no two relationships are the same and your ring should be as unique as your love.  With today's technology, it's easy, fun and affordable to design a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.   

                   

Engagement rings are a symbol of love and commitment, and they can be a very personal and meaningful purchase. If you're looking for a truly unique and special ring, consider designing your own custom engagement ring.

There are many benefits to designing your own engagement ring. First, you'll have complete control over the design. You can choose the shape, size, and color of the diamond, as well as the style of the setting. You can also add personal touches, such as engraving or a unique design element. Custom engagement rings can be made to fit your partner's unique finger size and shape. This ensures that the ring will be comfortable to wear and will look its best.




If you're interested in designing your own custom engagement ring, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Start by setting a budget. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.

Talk to your partner. It's important to get your partner's input on the design of the ring. They may have specific preferences that you'll want to take into account. How involved do they want to be in the process?

Designing your own custom engagement ring is a great way to create a truly unique and special ring that your partner will cherish for a lifetime.

Consider your partner's lifestyle. If your partner is active, you may want to choose a ring with a durable setting that can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Think about your partner's style. What kind of jewelry does your partner like to wear? What are their favorite colors?

Don't be afraid to get creative. The sky's the limit when it comes to custom engagement ring design. If you have a unique idea, don't be afraid to share it with us.

With a little planning and creativity, you can design the perfect custom engagement ring for your partner.

                                                                                                  

Our Custom Process: 

                                                                                                      

1. Consultation: Every custom-made piece begins with an in-person meeting with one of our experienced designers. Please come to your consultation prepared to answer questions about your vision for the project, as well as what you are hoping to achieve with the finished piece. 

2. Sketches: After your consultation, your designer will show you several sketches, which serve as the first step in bringing your dream piece to life. 

3. CAD rendering: When you’ve approved a sketch, we will then use our computer-aided design software to help you visualize what your finished creation will look like. During the CAD rendering process, you can request modifications that help you compare what different stone sizes and other factors would look like. 

4. Wax modeling: As requested. Once you give us the green light to proceed, we use the CAD rendering to create a 3D wax model, which is a life-sized replica of your custom design. This model will give you an accurate idea of the precise dimensions of your finished piece. During this phase, you can still request final changes if needed.

5. Manufacturing: After you’ve approved your wax model, we will create it for you. Please allow us three to four weeks for this final step. We’ll contact you as soon as your custom jewelry is ready for you to pick up. Then, all you’ll have left to do is enjoy the compliments on your stunning new piece!

         


Custom Design FAQs

How much does it cost to have custom jewelry made?

The cost to make a custom piece of jewelry depends on several factors such as the karat gold, the weight of the piece, the gemstones or diamonds used in the design, and the labor to produce the piece.  A $500 refundable initial design deposit starts the process, When you approve the design the $500 will be used toward the cost of the piece, changes to the design along the way will be at no additional cost. If we are unable to create your vision, the $500 is refunded.

Can I design my own piece of jewelry?

Yes!  We can make anything you can dream of whether you want to sketch a design on a piece of paper, or use inspirational pictures from the internet, or share your ideas with us and let us sketch out your design.  

What is considered customized jewelry?

Customized jewelry can be anything from changing or modifying a stock item to creating a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry from scratch.  At Ballard & Ballard Jewelers, we can do everything from adding engraving or gemstones to an in-stock item to helping you design a piece of jewelry from beginning to end.  

How long does it take to design a piece of custom jewelry?

The design process just takes a few days at most and the production process takes 3-5 weeks depending on the intricacy of your design.  But we always do our best to meet your specified deadline so make sure to let us know when you need the item by.  We can sometimes speed up the process if needed but it's best to allow yourself 6-8 weeks for the entire process to allow for design revisions and wax mold fittings.

Can I use my existing jewelry to make something new?

Absolutely!  We do this all the time actually.  We can remove diamonds or gemstones and melt down your gold to use in the new design.  Or we can simply trade-in your unwanted jewelry to help pay for the new piece if the stones don't work into the new design. 

How do I start designing a custom piece of jewelry?

You can start you custom design by either coming in-store to either of our locations or submitting an project request through our website.  We are happy to assist you in-person or 100% remote with your custom project.  Click here to start your custom project.