Planning on popping the question to that someone special? Or perhaps you’ve already said yes and are on the hunt for the perfect ring together? Either way, getting engaged is one of life’s most special moments, and deserves a show-stopping sparkler to mark the occasion and serve as a symbol of your commitment to your impending marriage.
When money is no object, shopping for engagement rings is all the more fun, and you can go all out on an impressive stone and setting, opting for a bespoke, custom-made piece that you can be certain is one of a kind. But even so, the cost of bespoke engagement rings can vary quite dramatically, so it’s important to have an understanding of the factors that can affect this to ensure that your final choice is worthy of its no doubt rather substantial price tag and offers the best value for your investment.
Here, we take a look at what you need to know when shopping for your dream ring.
The gemstone
Perhaps one of the most obvious factors when it comes to determining the price of a bespoke engagement ring is the gemstone you choose, and it’s also the most significant. Diamonds are the most traditional choice for this type of ring, and their price is dependent on the cut, colour, carat weight and clarity of the stone, but bigger isn’t always better; whilst a giant diamond is undoubtedly a show-stopping choice, it’s important to bear the remainder of the ‘Four Cs’ in mind when making your decision to ensure maximum beauty, quality and of course, sparkle.
Given the moral ethical dilemmas that are attached to diamonds, lab-grown alternatives are experiencing a surge in popularity at present and it might surprise you to know that they are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Despite being chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds, they also cost significantly less, which for many buyers, is a win-win.
Of course, diamonds – whether natural or lab-grown – are not the only choices available for bespoke engagement rings and a growing number of couples are now opting for alternative stones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds. The value and therefore price of these can again vary quite dramatically, and like diamonds, is dependent on their scoring across the Four Cs, taking into consideration their cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
The metal
The metal you select for the ring setting is another major factor that impacts the final price of your bespoke engagement ring. Choices include platinum and silver- which are the most traditional and also tend to be the most sought-after thanks to their durability, with the former often the most expensive metal choice.
Gold, in its various hues, is an alternative choice and the price will vary depending on the number of karats it contains – in other words, the percentage of pure gold it is made from – with higher karat gold coming in at a higher cost.
The complexity
Once your choice of gemstone and metal have been finalised, it’s time to move onto the fun bit; the design. The more intricate it is, the more you can expect to pay for your ring, as the cost of labour and craftsmanship that has gone into bringing it to life must be accounted for, and cast rings – which are made using a mold and are quicker to turn around – tend to be cheaper than hand-crafted rings, which require meticulous time and attention to detail and will therefore add more to the total
Rings with pavé or halo settings, which feature small diamonds embedded around the main central stone will again bump up the cost – not just for the stones themselves but for the added time required to set them. And any intricate metal work, engraving, or other unique custom details will make for an even heftier price tag.
Jeweller expertise and reputation
Aside from all of the physical features of your bespoke ring and the cost of the labour to bring it to fruition, you can expect the expertise and reputation of your chosen jeweller to also influence the final price. This is particularly true if you opt to have your ring made by an esteemed and globally renowned luxury jeweller such as Cartier or Tiffany & Co., but independent designers who bring their own unique flair to the table and can often offer a more flexible approach can also command some rather eye-watering amounts.
Be prepared to shop around, as if you’re already spending a small fortune on a ring then you’ll want to ensure that it is made and finished beautifully, too – and the right jeweller for the job will create a thoroughly jaw-dropping piece you’ll wear with pride for many years to come.
