May 13, 2025

Creating Your Own Unique Engagement Ring: What to Know Before You Start

So, you’re thinking about designing a custom engagement ring. First of all–congratulations! Whether you’re planning to propose or just daydreaming about the perfect ring for the future, going the custom route is one of the most meaningful ways to make your ring truly yours.

Custom engagement rings are more than just a beautiful ring–they’re about storytelling, style, and sentiment. You don’t need to be a designer to create something stunning. You just need a vision and a little guidance from a good jeweler to create your own engagement ring.

Why Go Custom?

There's something deeply special about designing a ring from scratch which is a one-of-a-kind piece. People choose to go with a custom design because they want a special ring that can incorporate details from their relationship, personal style, love story, or even family history. 

A custom engagement ring won't look like anyone else’s. You will be able to control the budget, gemstone, precious metal, and style of the ring. Your custom ring can even become a treasured heirloom.

The Step-By-Step Custom Ring Process

Set Your Budget

Before you get dazzled by diamonds, set a comfortable spending range. Custom engagement ring designs don't always equal more expensive, but prices can vary a lot. Having a clear number will help guide your decisions on gemstones, precious metal, and settings. Let your jeweler know your budget upfront. A good jeweler will help you get the best engagement ring for your budget.

Choose Your Center Gemstone

Diamonds are classic, but they aren’t your only option. You can always choose a natural diamond which is a timeless and classic choice. Understanding the importance of a good cut diamond plus some knowledge of the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) of diamonds is also a great idea so you understand the important aspects of what makes the best diamond engagement ring.

Lab-grown diamonds will have the same sparkle, but cost less. If you are concerned about sourcing and conflict-free diamonds, this might be an option for you. While lab-created diamonds have the same properties as a natural diamond, they will have a lower resale value.

Alternative gemstones like sapphires, emerald, rubies, moissanite, and morganite are all gorgeous. They are often more affordable and are a unique choice for the engagement ring of your dreams. Numerous celebrities have inspired the practice of colored gemstones with their unique colored gemstone engagement rings. Shown are emerald, ruby, moissanite, and morganite center stones in engagement rings.

Pick Your Precious Metal

There are numerous precious metals from which to choose for your engagement ring. 

  • Platinum is super durable and hypoallergenic, but will be more expensive. 

  • 18K gold has a higher gold content but is softer and more golden in color. 

  • 14K gold is more durable (than 18K gold) and slightly more budget-friendly. It is a popular precious metal choice used with jewelry. 


  • Your choice of precious metal could also be white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold to match your partner’s personal style or existing jewelry. The choice of precious metals will impact the overall look and cost of your engagement ring.

Choose the Ring Setting Style

Settings are where personality shines. Each setting varies in price depending on complexity and precious metal used. Your jeweler should also advise you on which precious metals work best with the type of setting you desire.

Prongs may seem like a small detail but they have a huge impact on both the look and function of a ring setting. Diamond shapes can influence the choice of prongs used. Round diamonds generally have 4 or 6 prongs for a classic look. Princess/Marquise/Pear shapes use V-prongs to protect the points. Double prongs have a vintage vibe. For maximum sparkle, go with thinner, more open prongs. For maximum durability go with 6 or more prongs, or even a bezel if you're very active. 

Below the marquise ring displays a V-prong, the oval ring is using a double prong, and the last ring shows a bezel around the gemstone and a French Pave enclosing the side diamonds.

Solitaire is a simple and timeless ring style that is wonderful for showcasing a beautiful gemstone. The solitaire setting is great if you don’t have a large budget. If you like the solitaire ring style, but want some extra sparkle, smaller diamonds can be added to the band.

A Halo setting adds extra sparkle and makes the center stone appear larger. The first diamond ring and the second blue sapphire ring show beautiful halos. The last ring displays a hidden halo.

The Three-Stone ring is symbolic and elegant representing the past, present and future. Three stone rings also give the opportunity for a birthstone or favorite gemstone to be featured.

A Vintage ring or a vintage-inspired ring is full of intricate details and romantic vibes. You could have the jeweler create a custom designed vintage look, or take an existing vintage ring and have it modernized.

A Modern or minimal ring style will give you a sleek, architectural, and understated look.

Work With a Jeweler

Find a well established jeweler with positive reviews who will work with you on creating a jewelry design for your one-of-a-kind engagement ring. An experienced custom design jeweler can help you through the design process and answer any questions you may have. A great jeweler will walk you through the process of custom engagement rings and make it fun, not overwhelming.

Ways to Stretch Your Budget Without Compromising Style

Go Under Major Carat Weights

Choose a diamond that is just under a major carat weight. Prices jump at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 carats, etc. A 0.9 diamond looks nearly identical to a 1.0 ct but can save you money. Generally the larger the diamond, the higher the price. Below is a 0.48 center stone and a 0.5 center stone

Prioritize a Good Diamond Cut Over Other Cs 

A well-cut stone will sparkle more even if it’s a little smaller or has slight color/clarity compromises. People will notice radiant sparkles over tiny imperfections.

Consider a Lab-Grown Diamond

Lab-created diamonds are real diamonds that are mass produced, but cost less than mined ones. You can get a bigger, higher-quality gemstone for the same price due to their accessibility.

Alternative Gemstones

Choose an alternative center stone like moissanite which is super sparkly and cheaper than diamonds. A white sapphire is both subtle and elegant. Colored gemstones like sapphire, emerald, and morganite add personality and usually cost less. Featured is a Morganite, White Sapphire and Diamond RIng in Rose Gold.

Explore Unique or Vintage Settings

A halo setting makes smaller stones appear larger. Bezel settings or floral/vintage-inspired designs can make a ring look luxe without using a huge stone. Vintage rings (or redesigned heirlooms) can be cost-effective and full of charm. 

Use Side Stones or Accents Creatively

Instead of one large center stone, try a three-stone ring with smaller diamonds. Or, you could add diamond accents to the band to boost the sparkle factor for less. Featured is a Diamond Pave Double Halo Ring and a Round Brilliant Diamond With Channel Side Stones.

Choose 14K Gold Instead of Platinum

14K gold is more affordable and is still durable. It looks almost identical to 18K or platinum, but costs significantly less.

Go With a Local or Independent Jeweler Who Provides Custom Services

Custom doesn’t always mean expensive–small jewelers often offer better prices than big chains. You can sometimes bring your own gemstone or use a family setting to reduce costs.

Start Simple and Upgrade Later

Focus on getting a solid center gemstone now and upgrade the setting or add diamonds later for an anniversary as shown in the example below.

Timeline: How Long Does it Take?

Custom rings typically take 4-8 weeks depending on the design complexity of your unique engagement ring and the jeweler’s schedule. If you have a proposal date in mind, start the process early. Custom work is best when it’s not rushed.

Final Touches

Make your own engagement ring even more special with an engraving of a special message or date inside the band. Adding hidden gems like a birthstone or accent stone under the setting.

Plan for a matching wedding band now or later like this gentleman’s and women's channel set wedding bands.

Don’t Forget the Practical Stuff

  • Get the right ring size–if you’re unsure, sneak one of their rings or ask a friend to help.

  • Ask for a certification if you’re using diamonds or gemstones.

  • Insure the ring–better safe than sorry.

  • Check the warranty or cleaning policy with your jeweler.

  • Now is also a great time to think about the whole wedding jewelry package.

Final Thoughts

Designing a custom engagement ring isn’t just about making something beautiful–it’s about creating a one of a kind piece that tells your story. Whether you keep it classic or go bold and colorful, the result is the engagement ring of your dreams that celebrates your commitment and relationship.

When you are looking for fine jewelry, shop in-store and see our professional jewelers at E.D. Marshall Jewelers. We have a wide selection of fine jewelry that can give you ideas for creating the perfect custom diamond jewelry. We can help you with diamond engagement rings and wedding rings that fit your special style.