Once you decide to create your own engagement rings there is a surprising amount of help available. But let’s step back and consider how you reached the stage of requiring something unique.

Is it about you, or the rings?

By choosing a unique design – alternative gemstones, rare metals, and nontraditional designs – you can create a truly special ring that reflects your unique relationship. While designing the ring may not be as simple as picking one from a display case, the commitment to create the perfect ring can be a wonderfully fulfilling adventure, and the first step in creating the perfect marriage.

For some, the idea of buying ‘off the shelf’ is never an issue – go straight to an artist and discuss how to transform your ideas into the ultimate engagement ring. For others, the stores simply offer nothing that feels ‘right’.

Now here’s the thing. Before you decide to [tag]create your own engagement rings[/tag], figure your path to question time – did you get there because of clarity of vision, or indecision?

This is important, because if it involved indecision, you may be setting yourself up for some gut-wrenching trauma your relationship would be better off avoiding. Particularly at this time in your life!

If, however, you know the sort of ring you want, even in a general sense, then having an expert craft a custom engagement ring could be a real thrill. So let’s get to it!

Forget the chain stores for anything other than broad jewelry ideas or minor modifications. Instead, seek out the craftsman jewelers, the artists, the unique design studios. Accept that money is no object, and scour the trade and exotic media for ideas.

Start by choosing your stones, or choosing your settings. Stones are generally about appearances, settings about practicality.

Diamonds are the overwhelmingly popular choice – so does that steer you towards or away from a diamond engagement ring? Solitaire – a single stone – or multiple stones? One color, variations of one color, or accent colors?

Diamonds come in a rich variety of colours – have you seen the pinks from the Argyle Kimberley region of north Western Australia? – but other gemstones offer vibrant colors, emotional links and sacred meanings perhaps unique to your relationship.

And what about shape? Emerald, pear, round, marquee, princess, radiant? The cut can transform how a particular stone looks and interacts with the other elements of the engagement ring.

The settings may be practical, ornate or elegant. Customizable elements include height, width and style – such as contemporary, designer, or filigree. Part of this decison involves the choice of metal. White gold, platinum and 24Kt gold are the most popular metals, but silver, titanium and fused mokume gane designs can add unique features to the very foundations of your custom ring.

Engraving and relief features can be applied to any of these materials and they can embellish the fundamentals in quite a joyous way.

Whichever route you choose, have the jeweler detail it and include authenticated documents with the engagement ring. Not only does such documentation provide evidence for insurance, but it could also provide a future jewler with vital information should repairs or alterations be required.

Two things to consider when chooosing a jeweler to create your own engagement rings is the quality of their work and their work schedule.

Be sure to examine samples of their rings as well as their credentials and business standing before entrusting them to create such a significant piece of jewelry. Also check whether the person you are speaking with will be the one creating your ring, or merely a salesperson who may or may not relay your exact wishes to the artisan.

Which brings up the matter of timing. Creating your own engagement rings can take months, once you factor in your own research and thinking time, and then the jewler’s working time. You must also allow time for adjustments, resizing, and the potential delays that always seem to occur when a wedding date is set!

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Advice Christian Marriage

Filed under: Marriage

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