How to Design the Perfect Custom Engagement Ring

Designing the ideal engagement ring is one of the most personal and meaningful parts of your jewellery journey. At Tom’s Diamonds, we believe your ring should reflect your unique story, style, and spirit. When you work with us to design your custom engagement ring—after selecting the perfect diamond—we’ll help you gather inspiration, translate it into a CAD design, and scale that inspiration perfectly to your stone and setting.

Here’s how to get started, what to consider, and how to ensure the result is truly the perfect custom engagement ring.

Start with Inspiration: Gather Your Favorite Designs

Before diving into CAD drawings or metal types, begin with visuals. Browse engagement ring galleries, Pinterest boards, and designer portfolios to collect reference photos. Look for:

• Ring styles that catch your eye (solitaire, halo, three-stone, vintage filigree, or modern minimalist)

• Specific features you love (band shape, side-stone arrangement, metal finish, under-gallery detail)

• Elements you don’t like (so you can avoid them)

• Inspiration beyond rings—architecture, art, nature, or heirloom pieces

At Tom’s Diamonds, once you’ve selected your diamond, we’ll ask you to supply your inspiration photos and identify which specific details you love most: the band curve, the halo shape, the prong style, or even the hidden details. From there, we’ll adapt and scale those features to your chosen diamond using a CAD (computer-aided design) model.

Select Your Diamond — The Heart of the Ring

While design inspiration sets the aesthetic direction, your diamond anchors everything. This gem sits front and centre, so selecting the right stone is key.

When choosing your diamond, consider the Four Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat.

Ask yourself:

• Which shape do you love most? Round, oval, cushion, emerald, pear, or princess cuts all give distinct looks.

• What quality matters most? A brilliant cut maximizes sparkle. Balancing clarity and colour can also help you find the best value.

• Does it suit your lifestyle? For those with active lifestyles or hands-on work, certain settings (like bezels or lower profiles) are more durable.

Once you’ve selected your diamond with Tom’s Diamonds, the creative part truly begins.

Translate Your Inspiration into a Custom Setting

With inspiration gathered and your diamond selected, it’s time to bring everything together in a cohesive, personalized design.

Choose the Setting Style

Some of the most popular options include:

• Solitaire – A timeless single-stone design that lets the diamond shine.

• Halo – A circle of smaller diamonds that enhances size and sparkle.

• Three-Stone – Represents your past, present, and future together.

• Bezel, Pavé, Vintage, or Mixed Metal – Each adds character and individuality to your ring.

Select the Metal Type and Finish

The metal you choose affects both aesthetics and durability:

• White Gold or Platinum – Sleek, modern, and brightens the diamond.

• Yellow Gold – Warm and classic; ideal for vintage-inspired designs.

• Rose Gold – Romantic and contemporary.

• Platinum – Extremely durable and hypoallergenic.

You can also personalize your ring with finishes such as brushed metal, milgrain edges, hand engraving, or hidden halos.

Scale the Design with CAD Precision

This is where Tom’s Diamonds brings your vision to life. We’ll take your inspiration photos and:

• Identify your favorite details (band shape, under-gallery, side-stones).

• Create a CAD rendering that scales those details perfectly to your diamond’s size and shape.

• Provide digital previews so you can see how the design will look from every angle.

You can request tweaks to the design before production begins. Small refinements—like adjusting band width, prong size, or engraving details—are easy to make at this stage.

Match the Design to Your Lifestyle

Consider how your engagement ring will fit your everyday routine:

• Band width: Thinner bands are delicate, while wider bands offer more durability.

• Setting height: Low-profile settings resist catching on clothing.

• Wedding band pairing: Ensure the engagement ring will sit flush with your future wedding band.

Approve, Produce, and Receive Your Perfect Ring

Once you approve the CAD design, we move to production.

• The metal is cast and polished.

• Your diamond is precisely set and inspected for security.

• The ring is finished and hand-polished to perfection.

The custom engagement ring process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on design complexity. We keep you informed at every stage so you always know how your ring is progressing.

When your ring arrives, inspect it carefully for comfort, fit, and brilliance. Your custom piece will be unlike any other—crafted to tell your story.

Why Choose a Custom Engagement Ring from Tom’s Diamonds

• Unique Expression: Your ring is designed exclusively for you, not mass-produced.

• Precision Craftsmanship: Our CAD process ensures every detail fits your diamond perfectly.

• Collaborative Design: You’re involved at every stage—from inspiration to completion.

• Exceptional Value: You control every design choice and budget decision.

• Lifetime Quality: Each ring is built to last and designed to be passed down for generations.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Design Process

• Start Early: Allow at least two to three months before your proposal date.

• Save Your Inspirations: Collect photos and sketches that represent your dream design.

• Know Your Budget: Custom doesn’t always mean expensive—planning helps you prioritize what matters most.

• Try On Styles: Visit a showroom or try similar settings to gauge comfort and proportion.

• Plan for Stacking: Ensure your engagement ring complements a future wedding band.

• Think Timeless: Choose a design that will stay beautiful and meaningful for decades.

Typical Timeline Overview

• Inspiration & Budget: Gather reference photos and outline your vision.

• Diamond Selection: Choose your perfect stone with Tom’s Diamonds.

• Design Phase: Review CAD renderings and suggest refinements.

• Production: Casting, setting, and finishing (4–8 weeks).

• Delivery: Receive your ring, inspect it, and celebrate.

• Care: Schedule regular cleanings and inspections to maintain brilliance.

Start Your Design Today

Designing a custom engagement ring is more than a creative process—it’s a personal story captured in metal and stone. By gathering inspiration, selecting your perfect diamond, and collaborating through the CAD design process, you can create a ring that’s as unique as your relationship.

At Tom’s Diamonds, we’re here to make that vision a reality, guiding you through every step with expertise and care. Simply fill out our Contact Us form and we’ll be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How long does it take to design and build a custom engagement ring?

  The full custom engagement ring process at Tom’s Diamonds typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from design approval to completion. The timeline depends on design complexity, metal choice, and revisions. We recommend starting the process 2–3 months before your proposal date for peace of mind.

• Q: How much does a custom engagement ring cost compared with an off-the-shelf ring?

  Custom engagement rings at Tom’s Diamonds usually start around $3,000–$4,000, depending on your diamond size, metal type, and design complexity.

  Because you’re directly involved in choosing materials and design details, a custom ring often offers better value and higher quality than a mass-produced retail ring.

• Q: Can I bring my own inspiration photos and have them adapted to my diamond?

  Yes! We encourage clients to bring their own inspiration photos or sketches. Once your diamond is selected, our designers create CAD renderings that scale those design elements perfectly to your stone. You’ll review and approve the design before production begins.

• Q: Can I use a family diamond or heirloom stone in my custom design?

  Absolutely. Many clients choose to repurpose family diamonds or gemstones. We’ll inspect your stone for suitability and then create a custom design that fits its exact dimensions and enhances its beauty.

• Q: What happens if I want changes after seeing the CAD renderings?

  That’s completely normal! Most clients request small adjustments such as prong style, band width, or adding side stones. You’ll receive CAD images (and in some cases, a 3D rendering) to review, and we’ll make revisions until you’re fully satisfied before we begin production.

• Q: Do you offer warranties or ring maintenance after purchase?

  Yes. Every custom engagement ring from Tom’s Diamonds includes lifetime cleaning, inspection, and prong tightening. We also offer resizing and repair services to ensure your ring continues to shine and fit perfectly for years to come.