Designing Your Ring: Cost Considerations for Custom Engagement Rings
Creating a custom engagement ring is an intimate process that provides for personalization and exclusivity. It allows you to create a one-of-a-kind symbol of your love.
One of the most common questions that arise during this process is, “How much should I expect to pay for a custom engagement ring?”
It’s important to understand that the price tag isn’t set in stone (pun intended). There are many factors that influence the price of a custom ring. Size and type of the main gem, the supporting accent stones, metal type, and the complexity of the design all play a role in the final value. Knowing the individual factors that contribute to the total investment can help you design a beautiful custom ring within your budget.
The size and type of stone you choose will have a the most significant impact on the final cost. If you’re designing with a limited budget, consider an alternative stone for the centre stone. Sapphires and other colored gemstones, as well as moissanites, are savvy choices to maximize beauty without compromising size or budget. Additionally, opting for specific cuts like an oval stone can create the illusion of a larger size. Love diamonds? Your options are mined or lab-created. Let’s say you are eyeing an engagement ring with a 1 carat oval, you might want to earmark around $7,000 to $10,000 for the ring with a mined diamond and the same size and cut in a lab-created diamond is a more budget-friendly range of $4,500-$6,000. If you have a family heirloom stone needing some spotlight, consider designing a new and original setting for it. This is a great way to tailor a ring to fit a budget between $2900 to $3500.
The complexity of your design is the next factor to influence the overall cost. Elaborate settings with pavé set diamonds or larger side diamonds add uniqueness and a personal touch to your ring. They also beautifully enhance your centre stone. These design elements can add an additional $900-$2000 to the total ring.
Lastly, your choice of metal holds its own significance. The color and karat you select lay the groundwork for your ring’s aesthetics and durability. Platinum, renowned for its resilience and weight, does come with a premium price tag ($450+). On the flip side, gold offers a more budget-friendly option and is less prone to losing its shine over time. Love the color of 18k gold? Go for it - the added cost is minimal.
Ultimately, it’s these choices that influence the final cost of your custom engagement ring. Each decision you make adds a unique layer to the creation. Pinpoint your priorities and start shaping that dream ring of yours.
