The Diamond for You

Not all diamonds are created equal. When choosing a diamond for your custom engagement ring, there are many factors at play. Deciding and prioritizing your wishes for your ring is important to establish beforehand, as it will guide the ring design. Cut, color, clarity, and carat are all key components to consider when selecting a diamond. A smaller diamond that's priced the same as a larger diamond will be higher quality and showcase a brighter rainbow of colors. Larger diamonds are stunning from a distance but more likely to have microscopic flaws that alter their clarity and may have an undesirable color despite being a higher carat weight. Finding the right balance between quality and size will ultimately depend on your budget and your priorities, but keep in mind, there is no wrong diamond!

The Setting Style

Aside from the actual diamond, choosing and designing a setting style is where the real fun begins when creating a custom engagement ring. Bezel style, halo settings, simple solitaire rings, and split shank bands can all take a round brilliant diamond and turn it into a work of art. Your band may be filigree, pave, channel, or flat, among others. The ring and the diamond inform each other; when choosing a diamond, make sure it will work in the style of setting you want, and vice versa. Your local jeweler can help you make an informed decision and walk through possible designs for your custom band before starting design sessions. At Parker's Karat Patch Jewelers in the Woodfin area, we have experienced professionals to help you choose what makes the most sense for you, your style, and your diamond.

The Gold Standard

Part of choosing a band when designing a custom engagement ring is choosing a metal to set your stone in. Rose gold is trendy, romantic, and pairs well with those with neutral or slightly red undertones in their skin. White gold is sterling silver's big brother and is highly sophisticated. Pair white gold with those who have cool undertones to keep a sleek appearance. Yellow gold is classic and classy; it accentuates warm undertones and helps make diamonds with less pure color stand out brighter. Though most rings are made from gold, platinum and titanium are more durable and may be viable options depending on the setting style.

A Gemstone Rainbow

Your custom engagement ring doesn't need to only include diamonds. Play with color by incorporating other precious or semi-precious gemstones in all colors of the rainbow. Use your birthstone as an accent stone in a three-stone engagement ring, or if either of you has children, use their birthstones as a symbolic way of adding them into the ring and into your new family. Rubies, sapphires, and alexandrite are durable stones that will do well in an engagement ring built for lifelong wear, but topaz, which is available in a variety of hues, follows them as a slightly less tough but economical choice. Enjoy the many options that building a custom ring gives you, and have fun exploring the world of color!