Western tradition almost demands that a successful betrothal is marked by one or both fiancés wearing an engagement ring. Many men (or women) have already bought engagement rings prior to proposing marriage, although some prefer to wait for their new fiancé to help choose or design their engagement rings. Whatever your situation, choosing and buying an engagement ring online has never been easier as you will find literally hundreds, if not thousands of online jewelers showcasing their engagement ring catalogues online. Shopping for engagement rings online is quick and easy and you can get great value for money if you shop carefully.
However, not many people realise that creating a unique engagement ring online, outside of the proffered catalogue of rings, is also possible. What’s more if you are working with a professional and reliable jeweler, it can be quicker and easier than working with a jeweler in a physical store. Designing an engagement ring means that you can create a ring unlike any other, a ring that totally suits you or your intended’s tastes and preferences.
Here are some tips on how to design an engagement ring online:
- Browse the internet using search terms such as ‘CAD engagement rings’ or ‘designing your own engagement rings’ to find those online jewelers who can offer a design your own ring service.
- If possible, select a jeweler offering a CAD program for designing rings (CAD meaning computer aided design), it generally means that as a remote customer, you can create your ring online (with the advice of the jeweler if necessary) and end up with a really good idea of what the final ring will look like due to the CAD ‘blueprint’.
- Check how your jeweler intends to work with you before you commit to the project. For example, it will be much easier and more secure to work with a jeweler who can offer you the gemstones you want in your ring.
- Make sure you are happy with the terms of business and lines of communication. Consider the following:
- Can you live chat, skype and email them?
- Can you send through revisions to your engagement ring design?
- How long will it take to create your ring?
- Will they offer advice on ring metals, band width and shape, settings and stones?
- What happens if you end up with a ring that you do not like?
- Before you start designing your ring, decide what your preferences are for:
- Budget – know what you want to spend and work with your online jeweler to work out exactly what stones, metals and designs your budget will stretch too – BEFORE YOU START!
- Ring metals – will she or he like traditional gold, practical platinum, hard-wearing titanium or budget-saving stainless steel? Consider what works with his or her lifestyle.
- Gemstones – diamonds, emeralds, rubies or sapphires? Solitaire or three-stone designs? Does he or she have a preference?
- Ring styles – traditional solitaire or three-stone engagement rings? Unique band shapes (wavy or curved), engraved rings, ethnically-inspired engagement rings (such as a puzzle rings or claddagh rings, ‘personal’ motif rings that are designed to reflect a personal or shared interest or hobby.
- Ring size – check what ring circumference and band width you need. If the ring is part of a ‘surprise’ proposal, you can check sizing against existing rings. (Choosing a ring metal that can be easilyand inexpensively reworked for a new size is always a good idea e.g. not platinum or titanium).
A good online jeweler will be able to work through your design with you and answer any questions you may have. You can also get a good idea about the pros and cons of different ring metals and ring designs through browsing online. Useful websites include.. moss agate ring