How-To Guide · Custom Rings
Customizing an engagement ring sounds complicated, but with the right steps it's simpler than shopping in a store. Drawing on more than 10 years of making bridal jewelry, here is the full process: the timeline, the decisions to make in order, how to add birthstones and engraving, and the mistakes to avoid.
Looking for designs and options first? See our custom lab-grown diamond engagement rings.
Plan Your Timeline
Allow 6–8 weeks from first idea to ring in hand. Production itself takes 3–5 weeks, but stone selection, design changes and international shipping to the USA, UK or Canada add time. If you plan to propose during the holidays or on Valentine's Day, start at least two months ahead.
The 6-Step Customization Process
1. Gather inspiration and set your budget
Save 3–5 photos of rings you love and note what you like about each: the shape, the band, the setting. Decide your total budget, including any taxes or import duty in your country.
2. Choose the center stone
Pick the shape, then the carat, then the color and clarity, in that order. Use our carat size guide and decide between lab-grown diamond and moissanite.
3. Choose the setting and band
Prong or bezel, solitaire or hidden halo, plain or pavé. Read bezel vs. prong settings. Want the stone turned sideways? Follow how to choose an east-west engagement ring.
4. Choose the metal
Most buyers choose 14K. See 10K vs. 14K vs. 18K gold.
5. Approve the CAD design
Your jeweler creates a 3D CAD render. Check it from the top, the side and the back. This is the stage for every change, including the setting height, band width and the gap next to the wedding band.
6. Production and delivery
The ring is cast, set, polished and quality-checked, then shipped insured with its diamond certificate.
Birthstone Accents by Month
Hidden birthstones are one of the most popular personal touches. Set them under the center stone, as side stones, or inside the band. Here are our recommendations for an engagement ring you wear every day:
| Month | Birthstone | Daily-wear recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Good as a hidden or side stone |
| February | Amethyst | Good; avoid hard knocks |
| March | Aquamarine | Very good |
| April | Diamond | Excellent: the ultimate match |
| May | Emerald | Hidden placement best; emerald can chip |
| June | Pearl / Alexandrite / Moonstone | Choose alexandrite; pearl is too soft |
| July | Ruby | Excellent |
| August | Peridot / Spinel | Choose spinel for durability |
| September | Sapphire | Excellent |
| October | Opal / Tourmaline | Choose pink tourmaline; opal is fragile |
| November | Topaz / Citrine | Very good |
| December | Tanzanite / Blue Zircon / Blue Topaz | Choose blue topaz; tanzanite is softer |
Engraving Ideas
- Your proposal date, or the date you met
- Coordinates of where you met or got engaged
- Initials joined with an infinity symbol
- A short phrase of 15–20 characters, the most that fits comfortably
- A fingerprint or handwriting engraving inside the band
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the CAD review. Changes are free in CAD and expensive after casting.
- Forgetting the wedding band. Plan both rings together.
- Buying a stone without a video. The certificate doesn't show the bow-tie or how the stone sparkles.
- Choosing soft gems for daily wear. See the birthstone table above.
- Guessing the ring size. Get sized professionally, or borrow a ring she wears on the same finger.
Before you approve a stone, read how to choose a lab-grown diamond certificate.
Start Customizing Today
Send your inspiration photos and budget. We'll reply with stone options and the next steps.
Start Your Custom RingFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to customize an engagement ring?
Plan for 6–8 weeks in total. Production is usually 3–5 weeks after you approve the CAD design.
Can I customize an engagement ring online?
Yes. Stone videos, certificates, and 3D CAD renders let you customize every detail remotely, with insured delivery to your door.
Can I add birthstones to an engagement ring?
Yes, as side stones, a hidden gallery stone, or inside the band. Choose durable stones like sapphire, ruby, spinel, or blue topaz for everyday wear.
What's the best birthstone for an engagement ring?
Diamond (April), sapphire (September), and ruby (July) are the most durable choices for a ring you wear every day.
How many characters can I engrave inside a ring?
About 15–20 characters on a standard 2 mm band. Wider bands fit more.
