Steps to Build Your Engagement Ring

Before you pop the question, you need to select a ring. While you can choose a ring already made or a family heirloom, you can also build your engagement ring. Building your own engagement ring can help you get one perfectly customized to your loved one. Couples are even going through the process together to ensure the perfect look. The exact process will vary from jeweler to jeweler but there are basic steps to know.
Consultation
The first step to build your engagement ring is meeting with a designer to nail down the budget, as well as the design. Here, you will fine tune some ideas and set a timeline.
Stone Selection
Depending on what you are hoping for, it can take about one to two days to order a stone. The jeweler may already have a variety of diamonds within your budget and you can look at ones that will be perfect for your ring. It’s best to select the stones firsthand since buying a stone unseen can be risky. If you choose a diamond, work with a jeweler and pay attention to the 4Cs (Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut) to choose the right diamond for you. You don’t need to just go with a diamond and there are plenty of other stones to choose from, including amethyst, sapphire, and ruby, depending on taste.
CAD Model
A computer aided design will take about two to five business days and then, once completed, it is emailed to you. After you have chosen the center stone, the rendering will be created in order to give you an idea of how the finished ring will look. At this point in the process, you have the ability to change the design, make any tweaks you see fit, or go ahead to the next step.
Wax
This may not be a step for everyone but if you choose, the jeweler can set up for you to see a wax model of the ring design.
Ring Is Cast
You can choose whatever material you like when you build a customized engagement ring. Some of the metals include white, yellow, or rose gold, palladium, or platinum.
Clean Up
In this step, a team of jewelers puts the finishing touches on the ring and the true beauty of your design starts to come to life. This can take anywhere from two to seven business days depending on the design of your ring.
Pick Up
Now you get to pick up your ring and finalize your steps of proposing. At the appointment for pick up, you will usually have an appraisal, the jeweler goes over warranty information, and you finalize payment.
After your engagement, you can usually visit the jeweler again for any sizing changes, along with cleaning and maintenance.