When you’re thinking about designing your own engagement ring, the first question that often comes up is: “How much will it cost?” which is completely understandable!
The truth is, there isn’t a single answer. Bespoke engagement rings are tailored to you, so the cost depends on the choices you make. From the type of stones to the metal, and how intricate the design is. Some rings are built around one statement diamond or sapphire, while others use a mix of smaller stones to create a striking multi-stone look.
Here’s a clear guide to help you understand what shapes the price, and what to expect when budgeting for your bespoke ring.
What Does “Bespoke” Really Mean?
A bespoke engagement ring is made to order, not mass-produced. You’ll be part of the design journey - choosing stones, metals, and design details that feel personal.
This doesn’t always mean a single centre stone. You might choose a trilogy ring, a cluster design, or a band set with a scattering of gemstones. The beauty of bespoke is that it reflects your style, not just tradition.
If you’d like to see how the design process translates from computer image to reality, my post on CAD images vs the finished ring is a great place to start.
Key Factors That Affect the Cost of a Bespoke Engagement Ring
1. Stones (Single or Multiple)
For some, the main investment is one larger diamond or sapphire. For others, the focus is on a composition of smaller stones, such as a trilogy of diamonds, a cluster of coloured gems, or a band of alternating diamonds and sapphires.
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Single large stone: A diamond or sapphire can range from £1,000 to £50,000+ depending on size and quality.
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Multi-stone rings: Smaller stones individually cost less, but intricate layouts and additional setting work can balance the overall price.
2. Metal Choice
I only work in fine jewellery metals: platinum and 18ct gold (yellow, white, or rose). These contain a high percentage of precious metal, making them durable, hypoallergenic, and classified as fine jewellery.
While 9ct gold is cheaper, it’s only 37.5% gold, mixed with other metals that can cause skin reactions. It isn’t something I recommend or use, as 18ct gold is a more high quality metal.
The amount of metal by weight will also impact the cost of the ring. Precious metals are costly, so the chunkier the ring design the more it will cost to produce.
3. Complexity of the Design
A plain band with a solitaire stone takes less time than a detailed design with halos, engravings, or pavé-set gemstones. Multi-stone settings often involve more craftsmanship to ensure perfect balance and security.
4. Handcrafted Quality vs Mass Production
Bespoke rings are individually crafted in the UK by experienced goldsmiths. Unlike mass-produced rings, this process gives you both exceptional quality and the peace of mind that your ring is built to last. This means you benefit from the attention to detail of a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery. Each bespoke engagement ring from Poppy Elder Fine Jewellery goes through multiple stages of quality control before it reaches you.
The Stages of a bespoke engagement ring
Typical Price Ranges for Bespoke Engagement Rings
Here’s a guide to give you an idea of where most bespoke commissions sit:
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Simpler designs with fewer stones: from around £2,500 – £3,500 (18ct gold with carefully chosen diamonds or sapphires).
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Mid-range bespoke rings: £4,000 – £8,000 (platinum or 18ct gold, with larger single stones, or detailed multi-stone layouts).
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High-end bespoke rings: £10,000+ (larger carat weights, rare coloured diamonds, or exceptional one-of-a-kind sapphires).
Why Bespoke Rings Often Offer Better Value
It’s easy to assume bespoke means “more expensive.” In reality, bespoke often gives you better value.
That’s because you’re not paying for brand mark-ups or mass-retail overheads, just for the materials and skilled craftsmanship that go directly into your ring. You end up with something unique, tailored to your budget, and made to last a lifetime.
It’s your ring created to your specifications, which means you can specify the the things that are important to you, and we can ensure your budget is pushed towards the right places to ensure we achieve your perfect ring - on budget!
From Initial Idea to Finished Ring
Setting a Realistic Budget
When we chat in a consultation, I always ask about budget early on - not to limit your ideas, but to guide you towards the best stones and design options.
A few tips:
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Be clear about your priorities: do you want a single larger stone, or a design with multiple smaller gems? Is carat weight important, or the overall balance of the ring?
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Think about wearability: platinum is the most durable, but 18ct gold is a beautiful and lasting option.
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Remember that craftsmanship and quality matter just as much as size and sparkle.
Final Thoughts: An Heirloom in the Making
Whether you prefer a statement solitaire, a trilogy of stones, or a multi-gem cluster, a bespoke engagement ring is more than a piece of jewellery, it’s a future heirloom.
The cost reflects not just the materials, but the story you’re creating. Whether your budget is £3,000 or £30,000, the most important thing is that it feels like yours.
If you’re ready to start exploring your options, book a free consultation.
We’ll go through your ideas, your budget, and create a design that’s completely personal to you.