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Where Do We Even Start?

One of the first things clients ask me is, “Where do we even start?” I get it, there’s so much to consider: style, stones, metals, timelines, budget. And when you’re looking for something meaningful and personal, the options can feel endless.

That’s exactly why I wrote this blog entry. I wanted a resource to help guide you through the engagement ring process, something to make it feel clear, informative, and fun. While this post focuses on engagement rings, the info on stones, metals, and design styles can also help guide other custom jewelry projects

Anatomy of an Engagement Ring

Before diving into design decisions, let’s cover the basic parts of a ring:

• Center Stone – The star of the show; usually the largest stone in the ring.
• Prongs – The metal arms (or sometimes a full bezel) that secure the stone by folding over its edge.
• Shoulder – The upper part of the shank that connects to the head—often a spot for additional stones or intricate metalwork.
• Gallery – Visible from the side profile; the space between the shoulder and the bridge. Great for adding hidden details.
• Bridge – The underside of the head where the prongs meet the shank. This is where an undermount setting would sit.
• Shank – The band that wraps around your finger.
• Base- The bottom of the shank, where resizing is done. This area should stay free of stones or intricate detailing for future adjustments.
• Side Stones – Smaller stones placed adjacent to the center stone. Variety of shapes available.
• Accent Stones – Tiny stones found on the shank, halo, or hidden halo. Majority of them are round brilliant cut diamonds.

 

Finding Your Engagement Ring Style

Two key questions to help define the vibe of your ring:

How many stones and in what arrangement?

• Solitaire – A single center stone

• Toi et Moi – Two stones, side by side

• Three-Stone – three stones, generally center stone is the largest

• Cluster – Multiple stones grouped together

• Halo – Center stone surrounded by smaller stones

• No Center Stone – A band-focused design; alternative to traditional rings

What overall style or design era inspires you? 

In the consultation process it is helpful to gauge where you lean design wise. Thinking about these opposing styles helps narrow your choices and guides the rest of the design process 

• Organic vs. Geometric – Nature-inspired curves OR bold, structured lines

• Minimalist vs. Embellished – Clean and modern, OR rich with details like milgrain and filigree

• Era-Inspired: Each example below has it's own distinct markers that can be used to inspire your ring design.*

  • Antique (Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian) – Ornate, romantic, full of handcrafted details

  • Vintage (Art Deco, Retro, Mid-Century) – Geometric, glamorous, and full of personality

*If you adore historical jewelry, I often recommend investing in authentic antique pieces—they’re one-of-a-kind treasures in their own right.

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Choosing a Center Stone

Most engagement rings feature a center stone, and that decision opens up more choices. Mainly, Diamond or Gemstone?

Diamonds remain the classic choice, but colorless gems like moissanite or white sapphire are also popular. Diamonds are the hardest mineral on earth, which makes them an excellent choice if you’re hard on your hands. Diamonds are graded by the four C's: cut, clarity, color and carat.

Gemstones, as you see below, come in a large spectrum of colors. Sapphires (including rubies), emeralds, and other gems over 7 on the Mohs hardness scale are ideal for daily wear. If you’re hard on jewelry, stick with sapphire/ruby or diamond. Gemstones are also graded with the four C's but with more favorability towards color over clarity and cut.  

Stone Setting Styles

• Prong – Rounded, claw, or double prongs. 

• Bezel – Full or half for a sleek look, a thin wall of metal wrapping around the stone. Bezels can actually make your stone appear larger, despite the added metal. 

• Hybrid – A mix of both for security and style. Prongs hold your stone in place but the basket extends from the underside of the stone to have a bezel look.

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Metal Choice: Karat & Finish

For engagement rings, durability matters. I recommend 14k or 18k gold (yellow, rose, or white). If budget allows, platinum is the most durable white metal and doesn’t require rhodium plating like white gold. (Silver, while pretty, is too soft for a lifetime ring.)

Different metal finishes can relate to the overall vibe of the ring. For an organic, handcrafted feel, consider a hammered texture. For a timeless classic, go with a smooth, polished finish.

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My Custom Design Experiences

Whether you want to personalize one of my existing designs, dream up something entirely original, or breathe new life into a family heirloom, there’s an option that fits your vision and your timeline.

 

The Semi-Custom Experience

Love one of my existing designs but want to make it yours? This option is perfect for thoughtful tweaks—like choosing a different metal or swapping the center stone. Because the design already exists, the process is quicker and more budget-friendly than starting from scratch. Every design is original to my studio—I do not replicate other artists’ work. Because of the highly personalized nature of this process, all custom pieces are final sale.

What’s Included:

• Selection from an existing design

• Metal and/or gemstone changes

• Exact pricing upfront

• Optional: one hand-drawn sketch for approval

Timeline: 6–8 weeks
Starting Price: Varies based on design and stone choice.

 

The Full Custom Experience – One-of-a-Kind Design

If you’ve been dreaming of a ring that’s truly yours from the ground up, this is for you. We’ll start with a video or in-person consultation, then I’ll create 3–4 original sketches and provide a price range based on your ideas. After you choose your favorite, we move into CAD rendering, sourcing your stones, and final details. Includes one free resizing in the first year. Every design is original to my studio—I do not replicate other artists’ work. Because of the highly personalized nature of this process, all custom pieces are final sale.

What’s Included:

• Consultation (video or local)

• 3–4 hand-drawn design concepts

• Stone sourcing

• CAD rendering

• Free resizing within one year

Timeline: About 6–8 weeks for designs and renders, plus 4 weeks for production
Starting Price: $4,000 for a solitaire setting

 

The Heirloom Remount – A Fresh Take on Sentimental Stones

Have a diamond, gemstone, or family piece that deserves new life? This option reimagines heirloom stones in a design that reflects your style. You’ll get everything in the Full Custom package—minus the stone sourcing (unless requested). Every design is original to my studio—I do not replicate other artists’ work. Because of the highly personalized nature of this process, all custom pieces are final sale.

What’s Included:

All features of the Full Custom experience

• Handling your heirloom stones with the upmost care

• No stone sourcing (unless requested)

Timeline: About 6–8 weeks for designs and renders, plus 4 weeks for production
Starting Price: $3,000 ($4,000 if stone sourcing is required)

 

Helpful FAQs

How do I care for my engagement ring long-term?

• For cleaning tips and long-term care, check out my other blog entry on jewelry care. For insurance, if you want a dedicated jewelry policy (not just an add-on to your renter’s or homeowner’s coverage) I recommend Jewelers Mutual.

Do I need to know my partner’s ring size before starting? 

• Not necessarily, but it’s definitely helpful. Ideally, we’ll have the size before finalizing the design to ensure the best fit. That said, I include one free resize within the first year—so we can always adjust if needed.

What if I don’t like the design after the sketch or CAD render? 

• I start by providing three hand-drawn sketches. From there, you can request changes to your favorite, and I’ll create one more sketch to finalize the design. CAD renders happen only after sketches are approved, and at that stage, only minor adjustments can be made.

What’s the payment process for a custom ring?

• A 50% deposit is required once your sketch design is finalized. Stone sourcing and CAD renders follow after the deposit. The remaining 50% is due once your ring is complete and ready for shipping or local pickup.

Can the process be rushed if I need the ring by a certain date?

• Yes—there is a $250 rush fee for projects needed within 8 weeks of the first consultation.

 

Ready to Create Your Ring?

If you’re ready to bring your vision to life—or if you just have questions. Fill out my inquiry form to get started. 

Let’s create something beautiful together!