Build Your Own Engagement Ring - Is The Design Really Yours?



Posted: Tuesday, December 07, 2010

by Vasco Kirov
Kirov Jewelry Studio

To build your own ring, as you are often invited on some interactive jewelry sites have nothing to do with taking part in its design. Although it sounds very much like you are part of the creating process it is in fact a facility allowing you to choose diamond that suits better your budget and the setting you want it set in. This way of trading is usually highly cost efficient since you can place almost any design in certain budget frame. It also provides separate price for the diamond and the setting creating platform for comparing values and easier choice. Knowing that the customer is able easy to compare, the merchant is adjusting his margins to a very competitive edge.

There is a drawback however which I would like to point out. The "build your own ring" range has some design limitations clearly noticeable when you visit few of these sites. Most of these rings lack individuality and employ exactly the same, very high 4 or 6 square prong setting which I personally find impractical, especially for women with active lifestyle. Although there are pages of possible settings they look very much the same. The reason for favoring this high setting comes from the need to provide significant tolerance in the diamond diameter without a need for alteration. If the order is with 0.40ct diamond - it is set low, while 1ct.one goes right on the top. To accommodate many different sizes the setting must have significant height and the bigger the diamond the higher the setting. It is very much "one-design-fits-all" scenario. However, if your diamond is big enough the lack of personality in the setting will surely go unnoticed.

To design your own ring is completely different matter. It means that you have to create it on paper or at least convey your vision to a designer who will render it for you. Then you have to commission a manufacturer to make it and set your diamond on. The cost effective option of buying the diamond loose online is still very much applicable with all the benefits of comparing prices and getting the best deal. Here are few tips:

It is not a bad idea to check if the jeweler you commission for the manufacturing is not going to give you good deal on the diamond too on the base of your online quotation. Some jewelers don't work with customers diamonds for obvious reasons.

You will definitely need the help of professional designer or studio jeweler to finalize your design prior manufacturing. Many good bench jewelers lack designing skills and you might end up with unbalanced disproportional ring as per your rough sketch. Proper technical drawing to scale is a must.

In spite of the complicated process involved in accomplishing this task, designing your engagement ring could be rewarding and highly appreciated, especially if you know the preferred style of the receiver and include detail, color or shape she finds attractive. Personal touch and attention to detail add massive emotional impact, which often overcomes the intrinsic value of the ring. In other words, if you can`t afford large diamond put some effort to individualize you gift.

Vasco Kirov is an experienced designer and master goldsmith with vast knowledge in every aspect concerning fine jewelry. He has been awarded many prestigious design awards for excellence in diamond jewelry design. His innovative online jewelry studio has large picture library where you can find inspiration for your diamond ring and with Vasco's help have it tailored to suit your taste and budget.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Jennifer Stewart
 1 year 141 days ago.
152 fans.
I didn't realize that these sites don't provide very creative options. I think it's better to design your own.
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