The Pros And Cons Of A Custom Engagement Ring
Thinking about opting for a custom engagement ring? These rings can have many benefits compared to off-the-shelf rings, but there are also drawbacks to consider. This post weighs up the pros and cons so that you can decide whether or not a custom engagement ring is a good idea.
Pro: Personalization
When choosing a custom engagement ring, you get to handpick the individual features that you want. This includes the properties of the stone, the ring size and the setting. There are sites that can help you to shop for GIA certified loose diamonds. You can then customize a ring to fit this specific diamond. This prevents you having to settle for a ring that has a stone or setting that isn’t to your liking.
Con: Research
Buying a custom ring typically requires doing some swotting up. Understanding diamond properties such as cut, carat, clarity and colour is necessary to choosing the right stone. You may also want to look into the names of different settings. If you don’t know anything about engagement rings and don’t really want to have to do this research, you may find it easier to stick to off-the-shelf rings.
Pro: Uniqueness
Opting for a custom ring allows you to design a ring that is totally unique. If you want to explore more unique cuts and settings, then you can do. There’s even the option of personalised engraving to provide a bespoke message. All in all, you can be certain that no-one else will have the same ring, which you cannot always guarantee when buying an off-the-shelf ring.
If you’re looking for inspiration for engagement ring designs, check out the stunning collection at Love Isabelle Jewellery.
Con: Less chance of return
When you buy an off-the-shelf ring from a jeweler, you generally have the option of returning or swapping it if the recipient doesn’t like it. With a custom ring, returns are not likely to be possible (especially those with personalised engravings). This means more pressure to get it right if you’re buying for someone else as a surprise.
Pro: Cost
Many people assume that a custom ring is more expensive, however it can actually be cheaper. The markup on custom engagement rings generally isn’t as high, which makes it possible to explore many styles at a cheaper price. Of course, if you’re opting for a more complex style or looking for a rare stone, you can expect to pay more. Options like personalised engravings will also push the price up.
Con: Time to manufacture
Custom engagement rings take a few weeks to manufacture. A popular company will often have a queue of orders to fulfil and certain stones or metals may need to be ordered in. If you’ve got a proposal date set, it could be important to order your ring at least a month in advance in order to ensure that your ring is manufactured in time. Some people end up leaving it too late to order a custom ring, which can mean having to propose without a ring or delay the proposal until it arrives.
Should you opt for a custom engagement ring?
Custom engagement rings are ideal for those that have specific desires as to what they want their ring to look like. Instead of searching long and hard for an existing ring, it’s possible to design it from scratch – and you could save money.
If there’s a chance you may have to return the ring or you’re planning to propose very soon, you may want to avoid a custom ring. Off-the-shelf rings are easier to swap and you can shop for one the day before you need it.
