If you want to design your own engagement ring, but you’re not sure how to navigate the DIY process, then this guide is for you. Below we cover everything you need to know about custom engagement rings, including how to find inspiration and get started.

At VRAI, our diamond experts will walk you through the custom design process. You can also choose from over thirty diamond shapes to create a one-of-a-kind VRAI created diamond through our Cut for You™ process.

You can also choose to engrave your ring to personalize it even more.

What Does It Mean to Design Your Own Engagement Ring?

Designing your own engagement ring means that you’re creating an engagement ring that isn’t currently offered by jewelers. This can look like updating a classic ring setting with personalized details or creating an entirely original design.

Should I Design My Own Engagement Ring?

You should design your own engagement ring if your dream ring isn’t available to buy. “Custom design is an extraordinary process where you get to partner with our jewelers to bring your unique vision to life. Custom design is ideal for people who have a specific vision of the ring they want,” explains Grace Taylor, VRAI’s Sr. Director of Sales & CX.

Custom Engagement Ring Pros and Cons

Before designing your own engagement ring, consider the following pros and cons:

Pros

• Free creative reign
• Can have sentimental meaning
• Truly bespoke
• Cost-effective, depending on the details
• Brings specific visions to life

Cons

• Requires more work and time
• Overwhelming possibilities
• Can cost more
• No returns

How Much Does It Cost to Create Your Own Engagement Ring?

The cost of creating your own engagement ring depends on the materials you choose, how complex the design is, and the diamond shape and grade.

People often ask if it’s expensive to design your own ring. Custom engagement rings with complex designs or heavy detailing can cost more than made-to-order engagement rings, but simpler designs can cost less. Ultimately, you control the cost when designing your ring since you choose the materials and design.

The retailer you choose to create a custom engagement ring will also affect the cost. They should provide transparent diamond pricing before creating the ring. Our VRAI diamond experts can help you create a custom engagement ring that suits your preferences and your budget.

Custom Engagement Ring Ideas

If you’re trying to come up with ideas for DIY rings, Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok are great places to gather design inspiration.

Some common ideas for DIY engagement rings are:

• Combining details from existing ring settings
• Recreating a family heirloom
• Using meaningful gemstones
• Adding personalized engravings
• Drawing inspiration from famous rings
• Using design details from past decades
• Choosing custom diamond shapes cut for you
• Incorporating symbolic patterns or designs

What to Consider When Designing an Engagement Ring

Utilize the following tips to smoothly navigate the DIY engagement ring process.

Know Your Why

Take the time to figure out why you want to design your own ring. Research what’s already on the market, think about your dream engagement ring, and see if there are options that catch your eye. If you can’t find a ring that you love, or you have a unique idea for your ring, then this is a good reason to create your own.

Have a Specific Vision

“With custom design, you can create virtually anything you dream of. It’s really important to explore the options out there and come to the consultation with a clear sense of what you’d like to create,” explains Taylor. “Our diamond experts will help you refine your idea and turn it into a true VRAI design, but the original inspiration has to come from you!”

Know Your Budget

Estimate a budget beforehand to alleviate any potential financial stress. If you already know your preferred metals or diamonds, get an idea of what they cost. This will help you choose design details that suit your vision and budget.

Find a Trusted Custom Jeweler

The retailer you choose is the most important part of designing your own engagement ring. A trusted, transparent retailer with experienced diamond experts, like VRAI, ensures that you end up with a beautiful, high-quality engagement ring.

Do your research, read reviews, ask to see their previous work, and check that they only use premium materials and certified diamonds.

Understand the Process

Custom design is a hands-on, creative process. It involves regular communication and potentially several rounds of back-and-forth edits to create your dream design.

Make sure that your chosen retailer has a streamlined custom design process that works for you. Designing your own engagement ring is a collaborative process that should be fun. If you don’t have time to be involved, or the timelines don’t align, custom design may not be best for you.

All Designs Are Final Sale

Take into consideration that custom-designed engagement rings can’t be returned. “Because custom-designed rings are final sale, we advise that the wearer of the ring is involved in some part of the process, or has put all of their trust in their partner to design their dream ring,” Taylor advises.

How to Design Your Own Engagement Ring Online

You can build your own engagement ring at home on VRAI’s website.

1.Book an Appointment

Book an appointment with our diamond experts for an initial consultation. You can also book in-person appointments at one of our VRAI showrooms.

2.Discuss & Design Your Dream Engagement Ring

Share your ideal engagement ring design or preferences with our diamond experts. They will help you pick out the best materials and details for your ring to bring your vision to life. During this consultation, you will receive an estimated ring cost.

3.Choose Your VRAI Created Diamond

You have two options for diamonds when creating a custom ring. You can choose a beautiful VRAI created diamond from our existing inventory or, you can create a diamond through our Cut For You™ process. This is a wonderful choice if you prefer rare diamond shapes, such as Hexagon or Heart diamonds.

Our professional diamond planners will choose a rough VRAI created diamond and create a cut plan according to your specifications. They will then cut and polish a truly one-of-a-kind, certified diamond for your bespoke, custom engagement ring.

4.Confirm the Final Design & Price

Once you’ve chosen the details and design, you’ll receive a computer-aided design (CAD) of your custom ring and the final price. If changes need to be made, our diamond experts will work with you until the final design is approved. Once the design is perfect and you approve the cost, your ring will be created within 14 business days and shipped to you.

All VRAI custom-design engagement rings come with a full lifetime warranty and annual professional cleaning. Keep in mind that these custom rings are final sale.

VRAI created diamond engagement rings, both custom and made-to-order, feature our Carbon Neutral Certified lab-grown diamonds. VRAI created diamonds are grown in the world’s first zero-emission foundry, with over thirty diamond shapes available, cut just for you.

Custom Engagement Ring FAQs

Read on for more information about DIY engagement rings.

Are Custom Engagement Rings Worth It?

Custom engagement rings are worth it if you have a specific creative vision or reason for wanting to design your own ring.

If you simply want a personalized engagement ring, you don’t have to design your own. You can customize our made-to-order rings.

“Every VRAI created diamond is unique, and every ring we make is one of a kind. Simply changing a pre-designed setting’s center stone, metal type, and ring size will make a huge difference in the appearance of the ring,” explains Taylor. “VRAI made-to-order engagement rings are designed by a team of professionals who are constantly reviewing trends, and creating rings that will stand the test of.”

How Long Does It Take to Custom Design an Engagement Ring

Two factors determine how long it takes to design your own engagement ring. Since custom design is a collaborative process, it may take several rounds of edits to settle on your final design. The more edits, the longer it will take.

Once you’ve finalized your custom VRAI design, your ring is created within 14 business days and shipped to you.

What If I Don’t Like My Custom Engagement Ring?

“Custom design is a true partnership between the customer, the diamond expert, and our jewelers. The virtual design gives you a sense of what the ring will look like once created. This is your opportunity to make tweaks to the design before the ring is cast,” says Taylor. “You should only approve the design if you’re truly happy with the outcome as custom designs are final sale.”

If you’re unable to finalize a custom design that you love, or if you’re uncomfortable buying a ring that you can’t return, we recommend purchasing a made-to-order ring instead. All made-to-order VRAI engagement rings have a 30-day return period.