in collaboration with Micheal Trio
Customising an engagement ring is a unique journey that’s about bringing your vision to life, not just about choosing any ring off the shelf. Many couples are drawn to the idea of a bespoke ring but hesitate, fearing it may be more costly and complex than purchasing a ready-made one. We spoke to experts at Michael Trio, Singapore based jeweller that specialises in crafting personalised engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewellery to help demystify the process, explore the pros and cons, and outline a clear path to creating your dream ring.
Introduction to Custom Engagement Rings: Pros and Cons
The primary role of a good jeweller isn’t to convince you to choose a custom design but to help make your bespoke ring dreams a reality. Customisation allows for a personal touch that ready-made rings simply cannot match, ensuring the final piece is exactly what you envisioned.
Pros | Cons |
Personalisation: Every aspect of the ring, from design to stone selection, is chosen by you, ensuring it perfectly matches your taste and values | Time-Consuming: The process can take longer than buying a ready-made ring |
Exclusivity: Your ring will be one-of-a-kind, crafted specifically for you | Overwhelming Choices: The myriad of options can be daunting without the right guidance |
Quality Control: You are involved in every step, which often means higher standards and satisfaction | Decision Fatigue: For those who aren’t decisively inclined, making many detailed decisions can be stressful |
Price Transparency: You can adjust components to fit your budget without compromising on quality |
Custom Ring Costs
It’s a common myth that custom rings are always more expensive than off-the-shelf options. In reality, customisation allows for flexibility in materials and design, potentially aligning closely with your budget without the markup often associated with branded or designer ready-made rings.
LEARN MORE: How Much To Spend on an Engagement Ring?
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Establish Your Budget
Start by defining how much you are willing to spend. This foundational step guides the entire customization process, ensuring that your dream ring aligns with your financial comfort zone. “On average, couples in Malaysia spend approximately RM 6,000 on an engagement ring.” shares Amanda from Michael Trio.
2. Window Shopping and Exploration
Before you commit to a specific design, spend some time exploring. Visit various jewellers, try on different styles, and take note of what you love and what you don’t. This isn’t just about seeing different rings; it’s about refining your own vision and understanding the vast possibilities. Ensure you have a clear idea of what you want and understand the typical costs associated with these preferences before approaching a designer.
3. Choose a Jeweller
Select a jeweller who specialises in custom designs. Look for someone with a strong portfolio and positive testimonials, someone who listens and is keen to bring your vision to life without pushing their own agenda.
4. Design Consultation
This is where your groundwork pays off. During the consultation:
Discuss your budget openly. Ensure the jeweller understands your limits and is comfortable working within them. Be candid about what you are willing to spend and ask about different options within your price range.
Talk about the timeline. Understanding how long the process will take helps manage expectations and plan your proposal accordingly.
Share your inspiration. Bring examples of the styles you’ve liked during your window shopping phase.
5. Selecting Materials
Decide on the materials that will bring your ring to life. This includes choosing the metal for the band and the type and quality of the gemstone.
6. Review and Modify the Design
The jeweller will likely provide sketches or digital renderings. This is your opportunity to make tweaks and ensure the ring looks exactly how you envisioned it. “ Most clients that approach us are aware of our brand’s specialisation in customisation.” Amanda adds. “They tend to reach a decision within their initial one or two visits to a physical store”.
7. Approval and Creation
Once you approve the design, the jeweller will begin sourcing the gemstone and crafting the ring. This stage can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the design. And at Michael Trio, it takes roughly 3-8 weeks to complete a customised engagement ring.
8. Final Fitting
If the ring is a surprise, skip this step. Otherwise, ensure a final fitting to confirm that the ring fits perfectly and make any necessary adjustments.
9. Ring Size Adjustments and Wedding Band Shopping
Post-proposal, you may need to adjust the size of the ring. This is also an excellent time to start looking for wedding bands.
This comprehensive guide not only equips you with the knowledge to navigate the ring customisation process but also ensures that the journey is as rewarding as the outcome.