Buyer's Guide for Custom Engagement Rings

Engagement rings symbolize the birth of a new relationship. Many couples like to celebrate the momentous occasion with a custom ring specially designed to their taste to signify the uniqueness of their bond. In designing the engagement ring, couples have a wide range of options to choose from. The metal for the band can be one of yellow gold, white gold or platinum. The ring may be a simple metallic band or may have one or more precious stones (typically diamonds) set in it. The shape, size and quality of the stones, the stone setting and the design on the band can all be customized.

When looking for a custom ring, it is important to begin with a budget limit in mind as the rings range wildly in price depending on these factors. The size and quality of the stone form the bulk of its total cost. The metal and ring setting also influence the cost. Platinum is more expensive than gold.

Diamonds are priced based on their clarity, color, carat and cut. As you would expect, flawless diamonds have the most clarity and are the most expensive while ones with internal inclusions and external blemishes are cheaper.

Diamond color ranges from white (colorless) to yellow with tint of gray or brown. White diamonds are very expensive. Some rare colors like blue and pink are also very expensive.

Carat is the unit weight of the stone. Naturally, bigger diamonds are more expensive.

The cut of a diamond refers to its polish, symmetry and finish. This affects its radiance (amount of light it can catch). Nicely cut stones are more expensive. Other precious stones have similar standards for pricing.

It is important to have knowledge of valuing a precious stone before shopping so that you can estimate a fair price for your ring. The Gemological Institute of America has more details on valuing a diamond.

Many retailers and online stores allow you to customize your engagement ring.

Tiffany & Co. is one of the most trusted jewelers for diamond engagement rings. They carry very high quality diamonds and provide a certificate of authenticity with every purchase. Their solitaire rings come with diamonds in shapes such as round, marquise, emerald, lucida, oval, pear and heart. They offer a unique 6-prong setting (unlike a common 4 or 5 prong setting) for the diamond so that it can be held securely. They also offer three-stone rings, diamond bands, rings with side stones and the bezel setting. The stones can be set in gold or platinum. The price is about $5000-$9000 for a solitaire with a 1-carat diamond. You can customize the size of ring in-store.

Blue Nile is an online store where you can customize your ring by selecting the size, shape and setting style for your ring using a design tool. The store offers diamonds in round, princess, emerald, asscher, marquise, oval, pear, heart and cushion shapes. Set in 18k gold or platinum, these rings come in solitaire and three stone settings, with sidebands and settings with matching bands. A 0.5 carat diamond costs about $1200 in this store.

Zales allows you to personalize rings by engraving designs, symbols or initials on the band. You can also select from wide range of diamonds and settings. For the budget-conscious buyer, Zales offers rings with less expensive diamonds. Expect to spend upwards of $300 at this store.

Adiamor allows you to create your own engagement ring. In addition to the common settings, they offer cathedral, trellis, ridges and knife-edges settings. They offer 14k, 18k and platinum metal bands. Both diamond and multi-gem rings are available here for customization. The rings are priced upwards of $500.

James Allen also offers a wide range of designs to customize your engagement ring. Rings cost between $500 and $5000. They have a huge selection of multiband rings with intricate design on the bands.

Shop around till you find the best price for your engagement ring. And allow about a week to a month to get it crafted.