Custom Engagement Rings: What You Need to Know Before You Start
There’s something magical about a custom engagement ring. It’s more than just a piece of jewellery—it's a deeply personal symbol of love, commitment, and the unique story you share with your partner. At Nowlan Jewellery Co., we specialise in transforming your vision into a beautifully handcrafted ring. Before you dive into the exciting world of custom design, here’s what you need to know.
1. Start with Inspiration
Every great design begins with an idea. Whether you’re dreaming of a vintage-inspired halo setting, a modern minimalist band, or something completely out-of-the-box, it helps to gather visual references. Consider:
Pinterest boards or Instagram saves
Photos of heirloom rings
Favourite metals and gemstones
Personal style cues from fashion or décor
Having a clear direction helps us understand your aesthetic and makes the process smoother.
2. Know Your Budget
One of the first questions we’ll ask during your consultation is your budget. This doesn’t limit your creativity—it helps us recommend the right materials and design elements to suit your price range. Custom rings can be surprisingly flexible in cost depending on:
Type and quality of centre stone (diamond, sapphire, etc.)
Metal choice (platinum, white/yellow/rose gold)
Design complexity and additional accents
Being upfront about your budget ensures we design something you’ll love without the stress.
3. Choose the Right Jeweller
When designing a custom ring, your jeweller becomes your creative partner. It’s important to choose someone experienced, trustworthy, and transparent—like our team at Nowlan Jewellery Co. With an on-site workshop in Brendale, we handle every part of the process in-house, from CAD design to final setting. That means you can:
Sit in on design consultations
View gemstone options in person
Trust the quality of local, expert craftsmanship
4. Timeline Matters
Custom engagement rings aren’t built overnight. While simple designs might take a few weeks, more intricate rings could take 3–5 weeks or more, depending on gemstone sourcing and design complexity. We recommend starting the process at least 1–2 months before your ideal proposal date.
This allows time for:
Initial design consultations
Stone sourcing and approval
CAD rendering and adjustments
Final manufacturing and setting
5. Be Part of the Journey
Creating a custom engagement ring is a deeply personal process—and we love when clients are hands-on. From sketching concepts to selecting your perfect diamond or sapphire, you’re part of every step. We even offer design previews and 3D printed models so you can visualise the ring before it’s made.
6. Think Long-Term
Your engagement ring is something you'll wear every day, so it needs to suit your lifestyle. During the design process, we’ll discuss:
Daily wear and durability
Maintenance and cleaning
Wedding band compatibility
We also offer quick cleaning and inspection services to keep your ring sparkling forever.
Let’s Create Something Uniquely You
At Nowlan Jewellery Co., we believe your love story deserves more than a mass-produced ring. Our custom design process gives you a one-of-a-kind piece that speaks from the heart—and lasts a lifetime.
💍 Ready to start your custom journey? Book a design appointment today and let’s bring your dream ring to life.