What if I told you that designing a custom engagement ring wasn’t outside of your price range? There are often a slew of questions surrounding custom ring design. As a past bride who walked through this process with my partner, I’m here to point you in the right direction. Whether you’re searching for unique engagement ring designers in Seattle or are located elsewhere and curious about the process, just keep reading!
Tips for Choosing an Engagement Ring
If you’re in the phase of life where an engagement is on the horizon (YAY!), you and your partner have likely chatted about rings. For some, one partner may have had their heart set on a particular ring for as long as they can remember. For others, they might not have any idea what they want in a ring.
Wherever you and your partner land on that spectrum, I want to encourage you to head to Pinterest for inspiration. If you checked out one my latest blogs (How to Actually Have Fun Wedding Planning), you’ll know that I am a big Pinterest-lover when it comes to wedding planning. Here are some things to consider when searching for engagement ring inspiration:
- Metal — White gold, yellow gold, platinum, rose gold, tungsten, etc.
- Style — Classic, vintage-inspired, non-traditional
- Stone — Diamond, gemstone(rubies, emeralds, sapphires, etc.), moissanite
How to Choose an Engagement Ring
These considerations are just the beginning, but having a general preference in these areas will make the custom ring design process far easier. As you take the early steps in choosing an engagement ring, note what appeals to you. For example, if you’re drawn to emerald stones and yellow gold bands, take time to research each material. Consider factors like durability, maintenance, stone sourcing, and cost.
Having a general idea of what you like will give you more confidence when meeting with a jeweler. While you could head to any jewelry store, who wouldn’t want a custom ring? An engagement ring designed specifically for you, with thoughtful touches in every detail? Yes, please! If you’re still hesitant, let me bust some common myths about custom engagement rings.
Myths About Designing a Custom Engagement Ring
Myth #1: A Custom Engagement Ring Is Way Too Expensive
One of the best parts of designing a custom ring is that you call the shots. Rather than being limited to rings within your budget at a “box store,” designing a custom ring allows you to get exactly what you want. Your jewelry designer will help you understand what size stone fits your budget or suggest alternatives with a similar aesthetic and quality.
Myth #2: Custom Rings Are Only for Extravagant or Crazy Designs
Custom engagement rings are for everyone. Maybe you found a photo of a vintage 1930s ring years ago, and it’s all you can think about. Despite years of searching online, you just haven’t found “the one.” Chances are, you’ve uttered, “I’ll know it when I see it” more than once. A jewelry designer can put your vision on paper and make tweaks until the ring is perfect. So no, a custom engagement ring isn’t just for someone who wants a rock the size of a bowling ball.
Opting for a custom ring, rather than a ready-made one, is also a meaningful way to create a family heirloom. My ring, inspired by a trip my partner and I took to Jökulsárlón, Iceland, carries a story I’ll always cherish. Whether it’s on my finger or passed down to a loved one, it’s a legacy of our love story.
Myth #3: You Need to Visit a Storefront to Design a Ring
I absolutely understand the hesitation in utilizing an online jeweler. While I can’t change your opinion on that subject in particular, I do recommend utilizing reviews. My hubs and I were blessed when we found Liza Michelle Jewelry to design my engagement ring. Although we are based in Seattle, hopping on virtual consultations with Liza was a breeze. So even if you don’t have a custom jeweler locally, ask for recommendations, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to sus it out. If you don’t click with the designer when you hop on the call, don’t feel like you have to move forward with them.
Myth #4: It Ruins the Surprise
I’ve heard this concern many times as a wedding photographer. Even with ready-made engagement rings, the proposing partner often feels disappointed the ring isn’t a surprise. Rest assured—there are ways around this.
When my husband and I worked with our designer, I was involved in the initial stages, helping with the general design and picking out the blue diamond. After that, I stepped back, and my husband finished the process. The final ring and proposal were still a surprise!
Another tip: Have your partner choose a few options. With ready-made rings, they can pick 3–5 favorites, and you can choose from those to keep the element of surprise. Similarly, with a custom ring, you can add personal touches like engravings or hidden stones.
Myth #5: Custom Rings Take Forever to Make
The timeline for a custom ring depends on the jeweler and the complexity of the design. Some jewelers can complete the process in a few weeks, while others may take up to 12 weeks. When choosing a jeweler, communicate your timeline to ensure your proposal goes smoothly.
Custom Engagement Ring Designers
Liza Michelle Jewelry
I can’t kick off a list of incredible ring designers without another shout out to Liza Michelle Jewelry. Based out of Cleveland, Ohio, Liza and her team create absolute masterpieces. But beyond her artfully crafted rings, Liza Michelle Jewelry is dedicated to using certified conflict free diamonds, and sources sustainable, eco-friendly materials for each ring. All metals are 100% recycled — which still blows my mind to this day!
Additionally, Liza Michelle Jewelry reworks heirloom jewelry to fit what you love. If the idea of wearing a stone from your late grandmother’s wedding ring doesn’t make you just well up, I don’t know what would! And no, I’m not done bragging on LMJ quite yet. Liza Michelle Jewelry prides itself in being an inclusive business, and has a mission of Jewelry For All Humans — which is just beautiful. Speaking of beautiful (I might be a little bias)… Peep a little glimpse into the my own engagement ring design process below (and the finished product).
Schedule a virtual consultation here.
Seattle Custom Engagement Ring Designers
Sofie’s Gold Mine
Located in Bellingham, Sofie’s Gold Mine can guide you through designing your custom ring. With raving reviews on affordability, craftsmanship, and Sofie’s friendly personality, it’s worth the drive from Seattle.
For ring design assistance, jewelry repair, and engraving, check out Sofie’s Gold Mine here.
WEND Jewelry
With over 25 years of experience, WEND Jewelry knows how to bring your dreams to life. The design process begins with a questionnaire, followed by an in-person or virtual brainstorm session. Something really unique about WEND Jewelry is that they have a “marry me” stand-in ring for your proposal. This is a unique opportunity for you and your partner to design a unique, meaningful ring, without pushing off your engagement.
WEND Jewelery prioritizes sustainability and ethically sourced materials. They pride themselves on creating “modern heirloom handmade jewelry as unique and rugged as you”. Additionally, WEND takes a unique approach with gender neutral jewelry — ensuring that their handmade jewelry honors your humanity.
Head over to WEND to check out this incredible company, browse their nature-inspired collections, and fill out a design questionnaire.
LOLiDE
LOLiDE is a one-woman show — each piece of art thoughtfully created by the owner in a local Seattle studio. Also taking a gender neutral stance, LOLiDE’s rings are a funky combination of “organic and industrial shapes with a sculptural focus”. The clean lines and modern vibes are such a unique twist on the “norm”. I almost guarantee that you won’t find someone in a grocery store that has the same ring on their finger as you!
Environmentally speaking, the artist is committed to improving their processes to lessen negative impacts on the environment while positively contributing to the Seattle community. LOLiDE utilizes 100% recycled metals, lab-grown diamonds, and fair mined and lab-created gemstones. Additionally, LOLiDE is committed to a non-toxic jewelry fabrication process and donates a portion of all sales to various non-profits.
While LOLiDE doesn’t work directly from customers’ designs, or other artists’ original work, they are happy to create a custom ring based on anything from their current lineup.
Browse through LOLiDE’s rad designs here.
Sholdt Jewelry Design
Dating back to 1935, Sholdt Jewelry Designs began as a jewelry repair business. Flash forward to early 2014, the 4th generation of the Sholdt Family took over the business and added her own touch. Today, Kalee Sholdt and her dog Pearl uphold the values and commitments that were first forged nearly 100 years ago.
Work alongside Kalee or another team member online or in person to draft up a free sketch and quote. Whether you are looking to customize an heirloom piece, combine any of Sholdt’s current rings, or want to create something one-of-a-kind, schedule a consultation here.
Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry
Valerie’s BIPOC woman-owned brand emphasizes ethical and sustainable practices. Her luxurious designs, inspired by the PNW, showcase a stunning variety of gemstones and diamonds. Additionally, the team is committed to giving back 1% of all profits to Conservation Northwest.
Each design from Valerie Madison just screams “luxury” to me. I never knew just how many colors of gemstones and diamonds existed until I perused her website. It’s evident that she upholds the belief that all jewelry tells a story. The preservation of self-expression and commemorating life’s big moments shows in each piece she designs.
Consultations are available online or in person. Check out the process here.
Aide-Mémoire
Founded by Aran Galligan, Aide-Mémoire is inspired by the principles of modern design, and the idea that beauty lies in the mark of the hand. The company’s high-quality craftsmanship is focuses on ethical practices, utilizing lab-grown or recycled natural diamonds. Colored gemstones offered at Aide-Mémoire are either lab-grown, recycled, or fair trade.
Rather than fully-customized rings, Aide-Mémoire focuses on bespoke and modified designs. Bespoke and modified designs are still made to order, and allow for ample customization. Head over to Aide-Mémoire here to find out more about the design process.
Anueva Jewelry
Calling all nature lovers! Anueva Jewelry is an eco-friendly, antique-inspired fine jeweler located in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle. Jennifer, founder of Anueva, is committed to making new from old. From 100% recycled metals to antique gemstones and steady sourcing, the Anueva Jewelry team is dedicated to the conservation of our planet’s resources.
Head over to Anueva Jewelry and learn how to design your own custom ring.
Seattle Wedding Photographer | Wilder Photography
Designing a custom engagement ring is easier than you think. Not only are the possibilities endless, but choosing a designer who upholds ethical standards is invaluable. Now that you have a solid list of incredible ring designers, all that’s left to do is pop the question!
Don’t forget to check out the blog for inspiration and wedding planning tips. And be sure to follow along on the ‘Gram for sneak peeks and exclusive planning tips. Happy planning (and designing), friend!
