10-Step Custom Engagement Ring Buying Guide
It is recommended to set an engagement date 6 months before and begin designing the ring 3-4 months before. This helps account for any potential hiccups in the process while still having adequate time to plan the proposal.
2. Set your budget
Before designing your ring, it is important to set a budget that will guide the rest of the process and play a role in decisions along the way.
3. Natural or lab?
With increasing availability and popularity of lab diamonds, this has become an important decision for buyers looking for more affordable and sustainable options.
4. Gather finger ring size information & inspiration photos
Having your partner’s ring size may help determine how certain diamond carat weights will look on their finger. Photos from your partner and their friends and family can help speed up the process in narrowing down ring design specifications.
5. Choose a Ring Shape
Based on the hints your partner has given and any inspiration photos, browse appropriate shapes. Sonu Company offers an interactive ring builder that can help buyers visualize many combinations of complete rings.
6. Learn the 4C’s
After the stone shape is chosen, learn about the specifications of diamond grading: cut, color, clarity, and carat. These will guide the rest of your purchase.
7. Rank in order of most important to least important
Each diamond shape has unique characteristics that may render certain 4C aspects more important than others. For example, emerald cut stones have facets that expose inclusions (blemishes in the diamond) more easily. Therefore, when purchasing an emerald cut, clarity may rank higher on your desired list than carat. Working with experienced and educated jewelers, like those at Sonu Company, can give you the confidence you are ranking and purchasing the best diamond for your budget.
8. Choose a setting
Once you choose your diamond, Sonu Company’s jewelers can refer back to your inspiration photos and hints to select the best setting to reflect your partner’s style. Each diamond is different, so it is important to choose the proper custom setting that will showcase and protect your stone or stones.
9. Make purchase
Now the ring is completely designed and ready to be handmade. You can finally seal the deal and begin planning the proposal.
10. Protect purchase
Though not everyone, many buyers choose to protect their purchase and opt for insurance in the event anything happens to the ring.