Relationships, love, physics, chemistry, calculus and choosing the perfect engagement ring—these are all complicated processes. That is why having knowledge and being informed about the ins and outs of the perfect engagement ring is the key to success.
Buying and choosing an engagement ring is a far easier process than making a DIY engagement ring. However, easier does not always necessarily mean better.
There is something very romantic about receiving DIY things especially from a special someone. The love that is put into the making of something that symbolizes the sincere promise of love is all the more highlighted by the time and effort put into the process.
Whether you have just started to plan on popping the question, or you and your love have started talking about marriage and your future together, this article is here to help you widen your options and enlighten you on how to make this happen.
So sit back, grab your notebook and your trusty pen and get ready to take down notes! Here is a list we have prepared for you that will surely make you thoroughly informed and even more excited!
Tip #1: The Earlier, The Better
When deciding to customize or design your own engagement ring, you need to take into account all of the adjustments, re-polishings and customizing that will repeatedly be done on the ring.
One of the primary reasons why you are DIY-ing your ring is because you want it to be as perfect as you imagined it to be. Keeping this in mind, you must take all the time you need in order to achieve it. Remember, “All good things take time”.
Tip #2: Know The Basics And The Trends
You can do your own research on the internet to explore a wide array of classic options and new trends in jewelry and in engagement ring designs. Educate yourself on tips to buy jewelry and gemstones so that you can go into the designing process with a good bulk of knowledge.
The Basics: Traditionally, the metals used to create engagement rings are platinum and silver. For gemstones, diamonds are a classic favorite because of the way they sparkle under bright light.
The New Trends: As of the present time, more and more couples are willing to try new things in the field of engagement rings. Unique couples nowadays tend to gravitate towards using rose gold, yellow gold, and even recycled materials in making their DIY engagement rings.
Tip #3: Choosing The Gemstone And The Ring Structure
After educating yourself on the basics and the new trends on jewelry and engagement ring designs, you then need to secure the materials you are going to need in making your dream DIY engagement ring. In choosing the gemstone and ring structure, your primary consideration should be your fiancee’s personality and character. Do not be afraid to be unique!
If you opt for the classic DIAMONDS:
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created a grading chart for diamonds commonly known as the 4 Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat. Use this as your guide for when you are buying a diamond.
Color — Simply put, a diamond is more expensive and more valuable when there is little to no color in the stone. The saying “less is more” rings especially true on this one.
Clarity grades a diamond from Flawless to Included, with flawless diamonds being free from blemishes, and included diamonds having obvious external and internal imperfections.
Cut refers to the craftsmanship that went into shaping the diamond, Excellent being the highest level on the chart and Poor being the lowest.
Carat refers to the actual weight of the diamond. Naturally, the heavier the diamond, the more expensive it is.
Other options you can explore:
Opal: Opt for this gemstone if your fiancee’s personality is as colorful as an opal. This can highlight her warm and youthful soul.
Ruby: If your fiancee has a feisty and strong spirit within her, this red gemstone is a good choice to highlight her relentless personality.
Wooden Ring Structure: One of the most unique things you can use as a ring structure is wood. If your fiancee is one who has a very close relationship with nature and loves the environment, a wooden engagement ring will surely make her feel closer to Mother Earth.
Gold Ring Structure: Most engagement ring structures are either silver or platinum, but there is no rule saying that you can’t use yellow gold. Stay as the unique couple that you are and opt for a gold ring structure. Plus, gold is more traditional than platinum!
Tip #4: Find a Reliable Gemstone Seller & Skillful Jeweler
One of the best ways to find good sellers and jewelers is to ask your friends and relatives for referrals and recommendations. You can also search sellers and jewelers online for a wider range of options.
Just make sure that you are dealing with a legitimate seller. Furthermore, make sure that the diamond you buy comes with a diamond certification report from the GIA or from any other reliable gemstone authorities.
Also, be proactive in the designing process. Feel free to suggest adjustments and give honest opinions to your jeweler. If you want the diamond or the gemstone to have more cuts, say it. If you want the ring to be a little irregularly shaped, declare it. The possibilities of DIY-ing are exciting and endless!
