Tips for Custom Engagement Rings
April 1st, 2020
Custom bridal jewellery is one of the finest ways for a couple to express their one-of-a-kind love. When you're ready to pop the question, is there anything more special than opening the box and your partner seeing a ring that's perfectly tailored to her style and life’
Still, in some cases, customers have a desire for a custom engagement ring and a few ideas, but they're finding it difficult to make those ideas cohere. Have no fear! The GMG Jewellers design team is made up of three master goldsmiths who share 60 years of experience between them, and we've designed our fair share of engagement rings that translate our clients' dreams into reality. If you need some tips for custom ring design, let us help!
Finding Inspiration's Okay
Some people have the idea that "custom ring" is synonymous with "completely original." But that's not necessarily true. When you're coming up with a personalized design, it's okay to do some research and take notes on elements that are special to you or your partner. For instance, taking a look at vintage wedding bands or promise rings may give you inspiration for your contemporary ring. Alternatively, you can browse art related to a theme that you and your partner both have affection for.
There are plenty of books, art, and fantasy movies (Lord of the Rings springs to mind!) that can provide a cultural touchstone for your idealized engagement ring.
Understand the Science of Gems
Not all gemstones are made equal. Your partner may have her heart set on an engagement ring set with a luminous opal or pearl, but while organic gems may be a great touch for earrings, they're a terrible choice for engagement rings. Engagement rings are worn every day, and they get knocked around. Opals are a 5.5 on the Mohs scale; pearls are 2.5. For comparison, quartz, the common element in dirt and dust, is a 7. While jewellery service can fix dents and scratches in metal, they can't do anything about the scratches and dullness soft gems will accrue over time.
There's a reason why designers primarily choose diamonds, corundum gems, alexandrite, emerald, or spinel for engagement rings—they're extremely hard gems. Even if your partner wants a stone other than a diamond, it may be ideal to use a protective setting, such as channels or bezels, to use them as side stones.
Remember Wedding Bands
You may get so caught up in engagement ring design that you forget about how it'll pair with a wedding band. You may be choosing a designer wedding band from a master studio like Bleu Royale or TACORI; or aiming for a custom band. In either case, it's important to know how your custom ring will look with the other bridal jewellery that'll be worn by both bride and groom.
There are other things to keep in mind when designing your custom engagement ring, but when you contact the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan showroom of GMG Jewellers at (306) 665-8463, our team can provide more tips!