A Complete Guide to Creating Something Truly Personal
Designing your own engagement ring is one of the most meaningful ways to mark the start of your next chapter. Whether you have a clear vision or just a few loose ideas, working with an experienced engagement ring designer gives you the freedom to create something that truly reflects your partner and your relationship.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect when creating your own engagement ring and how to make the process as smooth, enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
Why Design Your Own Engagement Ring?
Choosing a ring straight from a display might seem easy, but for many couples, it lacks that personal connection. Designing your own engagement ring gives you the chance to create something thoughtful and completely one of a kind. It allows you to tailor every detail – from the stone shape and setting style to personal touches like engraving or hidden gems – so it’s full of meaning right from the start.
Working with an engagement ring designer also means you’re guided at every step, helping you feel confident in your choices and ensuring the finished ring is perfect in both look and feel.
How to Start: Inspiration, Style and What to Look For
You don’t need to know exactly what you want to begin the process. A great place to start is simply by gathering inspiration. Look at Pinterest, save Instagram posts, or notice the jewellery your partner already wears. Are they drawn to warm yellow gold or cooler white metals? Do they prefer delicate, timeless designs or something bolder and more modern?
These clues help shape the vision, and from there, a skilled designer can guide you through the rest.
What Makes a Ring Truly Bespoke?
When I talk about bespoke engagement rings, I don’t just mean choosing a stone and a setting from a menu. I mean starting with you – your ideas, your story, and what feels right for the person you love.
You might come to me with a completely blank slate, or maybe you already have a diamond you’d like to reuse or a Pinterest board full of inspiration. Some people bring heirloom pieces they want to remodel, others have a vision they’ve been dreaming about for years. Whatever stage you’re at, I’ll guide you through the whole process and help bring that idea to life.
My role isn’t just about the technical side – it’s about understanding the emotion behind what you’re creating. I’ll work closely with you to design something that’s not only beautifully made but deeply personal, right down to the final detail.
Choosing the Perfect Centre Stone – Diamonds & Alternatives
The 4 Cs Made Simple
If you're choosing a diamond, you'll probably hear about the 4 Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. These are used to grade diamonds and can affect both their look and price. Cut is arguably the most important as it affects how much the diamond sparkles. Colour and clarity are more subtle to the naked eye, especially in mid ranges, so you don’t always need top grades to get a beautiful stone. Carat refers to the size, but a smaller well-cut stone will often have more presence than a bigger one that lacks brilliance.
Diamond Shapes and What They Say
One of my favourite parts of the design process is helping you choose a centre stone that feels completely right. I specialise in unique, unusually shaped natural diamonds – think antique cuts, elongated shapes, and stones with real character – the kind you won’t see everywhere.
If you love that vintage elegance, you might be drawn to emerald cuts or Asscher cuts. For something classic but with a bit of softness, oval or cushion shapes are beautiful. Pear and marquise cuts can be really flattering on the hand, while heart-shaped stones add a romantic twist. Of course, round brilliants are a timeless choice – all sparkle and symmetry.
There’s no one “best” shape – it’s about what speaks to you and suits the person who’ll wear it every day. I’ll talk you through the pros and cons of each and help you choose something that feels right for your design and your budget.
Coloured Gemstones and Unique Options
If you're looking for something a little different, coloured gemstones are such a lovely way to make your engagement ring truly personal. I work with a range of beautiful, ethically sourced stones - including vivid sapphires, rich emeralds and glowing rubies -and I have a real soft spot for parti sapphires. These are naturally bi-coloured sapphires with swirls of green, blue, yellow or teal, and no two are ever the same. They make incredibly special centre stones.
Whether you want something bold and colourful or a softer pastel tone, I’ll help you choose a gemstone that not only suits your style but also stands up to everyday wear. If you’re not sure where to begin, I can show you options and explain what to look for so you feel confident in your choice.
A Parti Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring - Classic yet unique
Picking the Right Metal and Setting Style
Choosing the Right Setting and Metal for Your Ring
The setting plays such a big role in how your ring looks and feels. It’s not just there to hold the stone in place – it’s the part that frames your chosen gem and shapes the overall style. I’ll help you explore different setting styles, from classic prongs that let the light in and really show off the stone’s sparkle, to bezel settings that give a sleek, modern finish and a little extra protection.
If you love a bit of detail, pavé bands or hidden halos can add texture and sparkle without overwhelming the centre stone. We can also look at styles that feel vintage or architectural – it all depends on your taste and how you’ll wear the ring day to day.
When we’re designing together, I’ll ask the right questions to make sure the setting suits your lifestyle as well as your aesthetic. If you’re someone who’s active or works with your hands, I’ll help you choose something that’s both beautiful and practical.
Metal Choices and What Suits Your Style
Picking the metal is another important decision, and one that can really change the overall look of the ring. Platinum is a popular choice for engagement rings in the UK because it’s strong, naturally white and doesn’t need plating. It has a lovely weight to it too, which always feels luxurious.
Yellow gold brings warmth and a more traditional feel – it works beautifully with antique-style settings and looks stunning against certain skin tones. Rose gold is a softer, more romantic option that’s become really popular in recent years. And then there’s white gold, which gives a bright, clean look – though it does need re-plating from time to time to keep that bright white shine.
If you’re not sure what to choose, I’ll help you figure out what suits your partner best based on their existing jewellery and overall style. Sometimes just trying on a few options can make everything click into place.
Personalising Your Engagement Ring Design
This is where we can really make the ring yours. It’s often the little details that carry the most meaning – and I love helping couples add those personal touches that make their engagement ring feel truly one of a kind.
We might engrave a meaningful date, initials, or a short message on the inside of the band – something only the two of you will see. Or we could hide a tiny birthstone or diamond underneath the setting, like a secret detail that adds a bit of magic to the design. I’ve even created rings with subtle motifs that tell part of the couple’s story – something quiet and personal that turns it from a beautiful ring into something deeply sentimental.
These kinds of touches don’t have to cost the earth, but they do add something lasting. It’s those small, thoughtful elements that take a ring from being just custom-made to being your story in jewellery form.
Designing Your Engagement Ring Online – With Personal Service Every Step of the Way
More and more couples are choosing to design their engagement ring online, and it's easy to see why. It gives you the freedom to explore your ideas in your own time, without the pressure of walking into a shop – and you still get expert, one-to-one guidance throughout the whole journey.
When you book an online consultation with me, it’s relaxed, friendly and completely tailored to you. We’ll talk through your ideas, your partner’s style, and anything you’ve seen and liked. I’ll help you understand what’s possible within your budget, show you options for stones and settings, and guide you through each decision so you feel confident every step of the way. It’s the same personal service you’d get in a studio, just from the comfort of your own home.
As an independent engagement ring designer, I’m here to help you create something that isn’t based on trends or mass-produced styles – but something truly individual. I’ll take the time to understand what matters to you, and help bring that vision to life through thoughtful design and beautiful craftsmanship.
You won’t be passed from person to person or left to figure things out on your own – I’ll be your single point of contact from our first chat to the moment your finished ring is in your hands.
If you’re looking for a custom experience that feels personal, transparent and genuinely enjoyable, you’re in the right place.
Ready to Start?
If you’re thinking about designing a custom engagement ring and want to chat through your ideas, I offer free, no-obligation online consultations. It’s a relaxed way to explore your options, ask questions, and start shaping your perfect ring together.
Book your free consultation here – I’d love to hear your story.