<\/h2>\nWhat to Do Before You Purchase a Custom Engagement Ring<\/span><\/h2>\nI know you\u2019re excited about designing your ring, but before you rush off to the jewelers, you need to have these in order first.<\/p>\n
1. Don\u2019t Wait! Get Started Early<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nBuilding a custom engagement ring from concept to creation can take several months at the very least, even more so if you decided to alter the design halfway through.<\/p>\n
A rushed ring is a\u00a0poor investment and that money could have been spent better elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Schedule the meeting with your jeweler several months in advance to give yourself plenty of time and enjoy the process.<\/p>\n
2. Set a Budget and Be Smart About It![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/www.titaniumstyle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Diamon-Titanium-Rings-With-V-Cut-Channel-Setting-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nThe next step in the process is defining your budget.<\/p>\n
Forget the two month’s salary rule.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t let decades of the diamond industry\u2019s cultural marketing dictate what you should spend.<\/p>\n
Especially since diamonds aren\u2019t even that rare, it\u2019s a myth<\/a>.<\/p>\nBase your budget off of what you can afford before you go look at rings.<\/p>\n
That way, you won\u2019t be tempted to build a budget around a ring you like.<\/p>\n
Like we stated earlier, with increasing financial debts becoming more and more common, the last thing you\u2019d want to do is bring in even more<\/em> debt into your new life and place that cost on the person you love the most.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t forget, there\u2019s still a wedding that needs to be paid for<\/a>.<\/p>\nBonus Tip<\/strong>: While taking out a loan or using credit cards to fund your ring is an option, it\u2019s not the smartest, as high interest rates can end up being far costlier in the long-run.<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n3. Research for Your Custom Engagement Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNow that you have your budget, there are several things you need to research to get the best understanding of your options.<\/p>\n
What You Need to Know About Vendors<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\nYou can save a lot of money just by going to the right vendor.\u00a0Here’s what you need to know before making a choice.<\/p>\n
Compare Prices from Different Vendors<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\nYour best bet for buying your custom engagement ring is through traditional brick-and-mortar stores and online stores.<\/p>\n
Research them both and weight them against each other to find the one that\u2019s the best fit for you.<\/p>\n
While brand name jewelers are better known, a local, reputable jeweler, can often offer you a more affordable price while providing better quality for your custom design.<\/p>\n
The same goes for online Jewelers, who usually have even better deals.<\/p>\n
Online stores are safe to buy from<\/a>, but never buy a stone you haven\u2019t met in person.<\/p>\nKnow the Warranty & Return Policy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nCustom or engraved engagement rings<\/a> don\u2019t always have a return policy, which is something you\u2019ll want to know before you start designing a ring.<\/p>\nIf there are return or exchange policies be mindful of them when choosing a proposal date.<\/p>\n
The last thing you want is to find out your ring doesn\u2019t fit after the end date, or worse, be left with the ring if they say no.<\/p>\n
\nBonus Tip:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>All titanium, tungsten carbide and ceramic jewelry, purchased from Avant-Garde Jewelry inc<\/a>. are covered by a lifetime repair o<\/a>r replacement gaurentee<\/a>\u00a0for any defect, such as, but not limited to breakage, noticeable deformation, bending and denting that might occur with normal wear.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/blockquote>\n
What You Need to Know About Your Partner<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nHere\u2019s the Truth.<\/p>\n
The easiest way to create a custom engagement ring that you and your partner will love is to build it together<\/a>.<\/p>\nWith both of you involved you can build the ring exactly to your liking, and won’t spend more money making alterations and resizing.<\/p>\n
However, if you want the ring to be a surprise, here\u2019s what you can do to find references for a design that works for both of you.<\/p>\n
Bring in Their Favorite Rings![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/www.titaniumstyle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Subtle-Cross-Design-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nThe best references for your custom engagement ring are your partner\u2019s favorite existing rings.<\/p>\n
These will help determine the correct size<\/a> and style of your ring.<\/p>\nBring a few of their favorites, and your jeweler can use them to help guide your design.<\/p>\n
Ask Their Friends and Family<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nYou might not know it, but there\u2019s a chance your partner has discussed engagement rings with their family and friends.<\/p>\n
Asking these people if they have any ideas can prove a valuable resource (as long as they won’t spoil the surprise).<\/p>\n
Check Their Best Kept Secret [Pinterest]<\/strong><\/p>\nDo they have a Pinterest?<\/p>\n
Do they have a board for Jewelry, specifically for rings?<\/p>\n
Then congratulations!<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve landed on a goldmine (Diamond mine?) of engagement ring references, and a valuable resource for finding gifts for your partner fall shapes and sizes.<\/p>\n
Bring all these elements together and work with your jeweler to fashion your custom design.<\/p>\n
Bonus Tip<\/strong>: If you\u2019re not sure they\u2019ll like your design; you can make the ring a partial surprise by building a setting with a temporary ring. This gives you a diamond to propose with, but the option to build the rest of the ring together.<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\nWhat You Need to Know About The\u00a0Four C’s<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nThe four C\u2019s (Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity) are the standards by which diamonds are priced.<\/p>\n
The more perfect the diamond is in each of these categories, the greater the cost.<\/p>\n
When designing your custom engagement ring, you\u2019ll have to decide which criteria you care the most about and how you want to distribute your budget (More on that later).<\/p>\n
How to Save Money Designing Your Engagement Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nNow that you\u2019ve found a jeweler you like and you\u2019ve collected your ring references, you\u2019re ready to design your custom engagement ring.<\/p>\n
Keep these in mind when trying to build around your budget.<\/p>\n
Budgeting Around The Diamond<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nCarat<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\nWhen it comes to Carat, the best way to save money is to buy just under whole and half numbers.<\/p>\n
Buying a 1.8-carat diamond will be much more affordable than a full 2 Carats, and no one but the jeweler will know the difference.<\/p>\n
![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/www.titaniumstyle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/tension-set-titanium-ring-512-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Cut<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\nWhile the cut can equal up to 50% of the price, taking shortcuts here will mean the diamond is more susceptible to dirt and will lose some of its shine as a result.<\/p>\n
However, you can save money through specific diamond shapes.<\/p>\n
For example, an emerald cut is much cheaper than the traditional cut.<\/p>\n
Another economic strategy is to avoid popular shapes.<\/p>\n
Round-cut engagement rings are super popular right now, and therefore super expensive.<\/p>\n
Color<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nDiamonds have a color scale<\/a> that represents how much yellow color they show, with D (colorless) being the lowest, and Z showing the most color.<\/p>\nThe same philosophy for the Carat applies here as well.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re considering an I, try a J. The difference will be unnoticeable, especially with a contrasting band.<\/p>\n
\nBonus Tip:<\/strong> Why should a scale dictate your ring? Go for a colored diamond instead and save money without sacrificing elegance and beauty.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nClarity<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nAs long as the ring is eye clean, a diamond with slightly lower clarity is more affordable and completely flawless to the untrained eye. (Starting to get the idea here?)<\/p>\n
Furthermore, buying a diamond with a micro-blemish or two will continue to lower the cost, and with the right setting, you can hide them completely.<\/p>\n
Budgeting Around the Band<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/www.titaniumstyle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/titanium-tension-set-rings-300x228.jpg\")
<\/a>Choose A Less Expensive Metal<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nA simple way to save money on a custom engagement is to make the band out of a more affordable metal<\/a>.<\/p>\nBy avoiding platinum, you’re already heading in the right direction.<\/p>\n
Gold is the most popular option for a more affordable engagement ring, but by choosing a comparably priced metal like titanium<\/a>, you stand to gain more than reduced costs.<\/p>\nUnlike gold, titanium is extremely durable, scratch-resistant, lightweight, allergen-free<\/a>, and available in a variety of styles and colors.<\/p>\n\nBonus Tip<\/strong>: Titanium\u2019s extreme durability makes it difficult to resize. Know your ring size cold<\/a> or build a setting that can easily swap the diamond to a different ring when using this material.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nSaving On The Setting with:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/www.titaniumstyle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/High-Rise-Tension-Set-Titanium-Ring-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a>A Simple Design<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nGoing for a simple prong setting will be the most cost-effective, as less material means lower cost.<\/p>\n
Not only will a simple setting be more affordable, but it\u2019s also easier to clean<\/a>, and prominently shows off the diamond<\/a>.<\/p>\nA Halo or Mosaic Design<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nAnother way to save money on your custom engagement ring without sacrificing brilliance is to surround a smaller diamond with pav\u00e9 (tiny accent diamonds) in a halo or mosaic setting.<\/p>\n
This gives the appearance of a larger diamond without actually paying for one.<\/p>\n
However, adding too many smaller stones to your ring can end up costing more than a single large diamond. (So don\u2019t get carried away.)<\/p>\n
Save With a Diamond Alternative<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nLab-Grown Diamonds<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nWhile diamonds may be bright and clean, the diamond industry often\u00a0isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Many natural diamonds are mined using processes that exploit workers, and despite regulations, even \u201cconflict-free\u201d diamonds can still get away with some questionable practices.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re struggling to justify a diamond for ethical reasons, then a lab-grown diamond might be a good fit for you.<\/p>\n
Indistinguishable from their natural cousins, lab diamonds can cost up to 50% less and are guilt-free.<\/p>\n
Other Precious Stones![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/www.titaniumstyle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Gemstones2-300x300.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nWho says you even need a diamond?<\/p>\n
You can build a beautiful engagement ring out of sapphires, emeralds, pearls, and much more, for a more affordable cost.<\/p>\n
What Stone?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nWhile we\u2019re at it, forget the rock.<\/p>\n
Create a stone-less engagement ring and invest in a gorgeous band design, saving money without sacrificing beauty.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nThings to Keep in Mind<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nYou Control The Customization<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nIt\u2019s your money being spent on the engagement ring, so you decide where it goes.<\/p>\n
If you’re more invested in the diamond then in the band, delegate more of the budget to that part of the ring (and vice versa.)<\/p>\n
Buying Rings and Bands Together![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/www.titaniumstyle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Double-Milgrain-Titanium-Wedding-Bands-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nIdeally, your engagement ring and wedding bands will match<\/a>.<\/p>\nFortunately, jewelers often have deals for buying rings and bands together.<\/p>\n
If the wedding is a no-brainer, and you\u2019re looking to save money in the long-run, then buying these rings together can be an incredible value.<\/p>\n
Make Sure Your Vender is CIA or AGS Certified<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nTo ensure that you\u2019re getting the best value, make sure that your diamond is graded from an independent lab.<\/p>\n
Each lab grades slightly differently but GIA and AGS are regarded as the most consistent by retailers.<\/p>\n
Always review the diamond with your own eyes, and if you\u2019re still unsure about the price, talk to a diamond expert before purchasing.<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nWhat to Do After Purchasing Your Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nSo, you\u2019ve finally purchased your custom engagement ring.<\/p>\n
Congratulations!<\/p>\n
There are just two more things you need to do.<\/p>\n
Insure Your Custom Engagement Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nAfter purchasing the ring, get it insured, and get everything in writing.<\/p>\n
Presumably, you just spend a lot of money on that ring, and the last thing you\u2019d want is for something to happen to it.<\/p>\n
Strive for a 100%, money-back guarantee, ideally with at least 30 days from when your ring is delivered.<\/p>\n
I know you\u2019re excited about designing your ring, but before you rush off to the jewelers, you need to have these in order first.<\/p>\n
1. Don\u2019t Wait! Get Started Early<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nBuilding a custom engagement ring from concept to creation can take several months at the very least, even more so if you decided to alter the design halfway through.<\/p>\n
A rushed ring is a\u00a0poor investment and that money could have been spent better elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Schedule the meeting with your jeweler several months in advance to give yourself plenty of time and enjoy the process.<\/p>\n
2. Set a Budget and Be Smart About It<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nThe next step in the process is defining your budget.<\/p>\n
Forget the two month’s salary rule.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t let decades of the diamond industry\u2019s cultural marketing dictate what you should spend.<\/p>\n
Especially since diamonds aren\u2019t even that rare, it\u2019s a myth<\/a>.<\/p>\nBase your budget off of what you can afford before you go look at rings.<\/p>\n
That way, you won\u2019t be tempted to build a budget around a ring you like.<\/p>\n
Like we stated earlier, with increasing financial debts becoming more and more common, the last thing you\u2019d want to do is bring in even more<\/em> debt into your new life and place that cost on the person you love the most.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t forget, there\u2019s still a wedding that needs to be paid for<\/a>.<\/p>\nBonus Tip<\/strong>: While taking out a loan or using credit cards to fund your ring is an option, it\u2019s not the smartest, as high interest rates can end up being far costlier in the long-run.<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n3. Research for Your Custom Engagement Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNow that you have your budget, there are several things you need to research to get the best understanding of your options.<\/p>\n
What You Need to Know About Vendors<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\nYou can save a lot of money just by going to the right vendor.\u00a0Here’s what you need to know before making a choice.<\/p>\n
Compare Prices from Different Vendors<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\nYour best bet for buying your custom engagement ring is through traditional brick-and-mortar stores and online stores.<\/p>\n
Research them both and weight them against each other to find the one that\u2019s the best fit for you.<\/p>\n
While brand name jewelers are better known, a local, reputable jeweler, can often offer you a more affordable price while providing better quality for your custom design.<\/p>\n
The same goes for online Jewelers, who usually have even better deals.<\/p>\n
Online stores are safe to buy from<\/a>, but never buy a stone you haven\u2019t met in person.<\/p>\nKnow the Warranty & Return Policy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nCustom or engraved engagement rings<\/a> don\u2019t always have a return policy, which is something you\u2019ll want to know before you start designing a ring.<\/p>\nIf there are return or exchange policies be mindful of them when choosing a proposal date.<\/p>\n
The last thing you want is to find out your ring doesn\u2019t fit after the end date, or worse, be left with the ring if they say no.<\/p>\n
\nBonus Tip:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>All titanium, tungsten carbide and ceramic jewelry, purchased from Avant-Garde Jewelry inc<\/a>. are covered by a lifetime repair o<\/a>r replacement gaurentee<\/a>\u00a0for any defect, such as, but not limited to breakage, noticeable deformation, bending and denting that might occur with normal wear.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/blockquote>\n
What You Need to Know About Your Partner<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nHere\u2019s the Truth.<\/p>\n
The easiest way to create a custom engagement ring that you and your partner will love is to build it together<\/a>.<\/p>\nWith both of you involved you can build the ring exactly to your liking, and won’t spend more money making alterations and resizing.<\/p>\n
However, if you want the ring to be a surprise, here\u2019s what you can do to find references for a design that works for both of you.<\/p>\n
Bring in Their Favorite Rings<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nThe best references for your custom engagement ring are your partner\u2019s favorite existing rings.<\/p>\n
These will help determine the correct size<\/a> and style of your ring.<\/p>\nBring a few of their favorites, and your jeweler can use them to help guide your design.<\/p>\n
Ask Their Friends and Family<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nYou might not know it, but there\u2019s a chance your partner has discussed engagement rings with their family and friends.<\/p>\n
Asking these people if they have any ideas can prove a valuable resource (as long as they won’t spoil the surprise).<\/p>\n
Check Their Best Kept Secret [Pinterest]<\/strong><\/p>\nDo they have a Pinterest?<\/p>\n
Do they have a board for Jewelry, specifically for rings?<\/p>\n
Then congratulations!<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve landed on a goldmine (Diamond mine?) of engagement ring references, and a valuable resource for finding gifts for your partner fall shapes and sizes.<\/p>\n
Bring all these elements together and work with your jeweler to fashion your custom design.<\/p>\n
Bonus Tip<\/strong>: If you\u2019re not sure they\u2019ll like your design; you can make the ring a partial surprise by building a setting with a temporary ring. This gives you a diamond to propose with, but the option to build the rest of the ring together.<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\nWhat You Need to Know About The\u00a0Four C’s<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nThe four C\u2019s (Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity) are the standards by which diamonds are priced.<\/p>\n
The more perfect the diamond is in each of these categories, the greater the cost.<\/p>\n
When designing your custom engagement ring, you\u2019ll have to decide which criteria you care the most about and how you want to distribute your budget (More on that later).<\/p>\n
How to Save Money Designing Your Engagement Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nNow that you\u2019ve found a jeweler you like and you\u2019ve collected your ring references, you\u2019re ready to design your custom engagement ring.<\/p>\n
Keep these in mind when trying to build around your budget.<\/p>\n
Budgeting Around The Diamond<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nCarat<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\nWhen it comes to Carat, the best way to save money is to buy just under whole and half numbers.<\/p>\n
Buying a 1.8-carat diamond will be much more affordable than a full 2 Carats, and no one but the jeweler will know the difference.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Cut<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\nWhile the cut can equal up to 50% of the price, taking shortcuts here will mean the diamond is more susceptible to dirt and will lose some of its shine as a result.<\/p>\n
However, you can save money through specific diamond shapes.<\/p>\n
For example, an emerald cut is much cheaper than the traditional cut.<\/p>\n
Another economic strategy is to avoid popular shapes.<\/p>\n
Round-cut engagement rings are super popular right now, and therefore super expensive.<\/p>\n
Color<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nDiamonds have a color scale<\/a> that represents how much yellow color they show, with D (colorless) being the lowest, and Z showing the most color.<\/p>\nThe same philosophy for the Carat applies here as well.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re considering an I, try a J. The difference will be unnoticeable, especially with a contrasting band.<\/p>\n
\nBonus Tip:<\/strong> Why should a scale dictate your ring? Go for a colored diamond instead and save money without sacrificing elegance and beauty.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nClarity<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nAs long as the ring is eye clean, a diamond with slightly lower clarity is more affordable and completely flawless to the untrained eye. (Starting to get the idea here?)<\/p>\n
Furthermore, buying a diamond with a micro-blemish or two will continue to lower the cost, and with the right setting, you can hide them completely.<\/p>\n
Budgeting Around the Band<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Choose A Less Expensive Metal<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nA simple way to save money on a custom engagement is to make the band out of a more affordable metal<\/a>.<\/p>\nBy avoiding platinum, you’re already heading in the right direction.<\/p>\n
Gold is the most popular option for a more affordable engagement ring, but by choosing a comparably priced metal like titanium<\/a>, you stand to gain more than reduced costs.<\/p>\nUnlike gold, titanium is extremely durable, scratch-resistant, lightweight, allergen-free<\/a>, and available in a variety of styles and colors.<\/p>\n\nBonus Tip<\/strong>: Titanium\u2019s extreme durability makes it difficult to resize. Know your ring size cold<\/a> or build a setting that can easily swap the diamond to a different ring when using this material.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nSaving On The Setting with:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>A Simple Design<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nGoing for a simple prong setting will be the most cost-effective, as less material means lower cost.<\/p>\n
Not only will a simple setting be more affordable, but it\u2019s also easier to clean<\/a>, and prominently shows off the diamond<\/a>.<\/p>\nA Halo or Mosaic Design<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nAnother way to save money on your custom engagement ring without sacrificing brilliance is to surround a smaller diamond with pav\u00e9 (tiny accent diamonds) in a halo or mosaic setting.<\/p>\n
This gives the appearance of a larger diamond without actually paying for one.<\/p>\n
However, adding too many smaller stones to your ring can end up costing more than a single large diamond. (So don\u2019t get carried away.)<\/p>\n
Save With a Diamond Alternative<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nLab-Grown Diamonds<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nWhile diamonds may be bright and clean, the diamond industry often\u00a0isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Many natural diamonds are mined using processes that exploit workers, and despite regulations, even \u201cconflict-free\u201d diamonds can still get away with some questionable practices.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re struggling to justify a diamond for ethical reasons, then a lab-grown diamond might be a good fit for you.<\/p>\n
Indistinguishable from their natural cousins, lab diamonds can cost up to 50% less and are guilt-free.<\/p>\n
Other Precious Stones<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nWho says you even need a diamond?<\/p>\n
You can build a beautiful engagement ring out of sapphires, emeralds, pearls, and much more, for a more affordable cost.<\/p>\n
What Stone?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nWhile we\u2019re at it, forget the rock.<\/p>\n
Create a stone-less engagement ring and invest in a gorgeous band design, saving money without sacrificing beauty.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nThings to Keep in Mind<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nYou Control The Customization<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nIt\u2019s your money being spent on the engagement ring, so you decide where it goes.<\/p>\n
If you’re more invested in the diamond then in the band, delegate more of the budget to that part of the ring (and vice versa.)<\/p>\n
Buying Rings and Bands Together<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nIdeally, your engagement ring and wedding bands will match<\/a>.<\/p>\nFortunately, jewelers often have deals for buying rings and bands together.<\/p>\n
If the wedding is a no-brainer, and you\u2019re looking to save money in the long-run, then buying these rings together can be an incredible value.<\/p>\n
Make Sure Your Vender is CIA or AGS Certified<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nTo ensure that you\u2019re getting the best value, make sure that your diamond is graded from an independent lab.<\/p>\n
Each lab grades slightly differently but GIA and AGS are regarded as the most consistent by retailers.<\/p>\n
Always review the diamond with your own eyes, and if you\u2019re still unsure about the price, talk to a diamond expert before purchasing.<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nWhat to Do After Purchasing Your Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nSo, you\u2019ve finally purchased your custom engagement ring.<\/p>\n
Congratulations!<\/p>\n
There are just two more things you need to do.<\/p>\n
Insure Your Custom Engagement Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nAfter purchasing the ring, get it insured, and get everything in writing.<\/p>\n
Presumably, you just spend a lot of money on that ring, and the last thing you\u2019d want is for something to happen to it.<\/p>\n
Strive for a 100%, money-back guarantee, ideally with at least 30 days from when your ring is delivered.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nThe next step in the process is defining your budget.<\/p>\n
Forget the two month’s salary rule.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t let decades of the diamond industry\u2019s cultural marketing dictate what you should spend.<\/p>\n
Especially since diamonds aren\u2019t even that rare, it\u2019s a myth<\/a>.<\/p>\n Base your budget off of what you can afford before you go look at rings.<\/p>\n That way, you won\u2019t be tempted to build a budget around a ring you like.<\/p>\n Like we stated earlier, with increasing financial debts becoming more and more common, the last thing you\u2019d want to do is bring in even more<\/em> debt into your new life and place that cost on the person you love the most.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget, there\u2019s still a wedding that needs to be paid for<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bonus Tip<\/strong>: While taking out a loan or using credit cards to fund your ring is an option, it\u2019s not the smartest, as high interest rates can end up being far costlier in the long-run.<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Now that you have your budget, there are several things you need to research to get the best understanding of your options.<\/p>\n You can save a lot of money just by going to the right vendor.\u00a0Here’s what you need to know before making a choice.<\/p>\n Your best bet for buying your custom engagement ring is through traditional brick-and-mortar stores and online stores.<\/p>\n Research them both and weight them against each other to find the one that\u2019s the best fit for you.<\/p>\n While brand name jewelers are better known, a local, reputable jeweler, can often offer you a more affordable price while providing better quality for your custom design.<\/p>\n The same goes for online Jewelers, who usually have even better deals.<\/p>\n Online stores are safe to buy from<\/a>, but never buy a stone you haven\u2019t met in person.<\/p>\n Know the Warranty & Return Policy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Custom or engraved engagement rings<\/a> don\u2019t always have a return policy, which is something you\u2019ll want to know before you start designing a ring.<\/p>\n If there are return or exchange policies be mindful of them when choosing a proposal date.<\/p>\n The last thing you want is to find out your ring doesn\u2019t fit after the end date, or worse, be left with the ring if they say no.<\/p>\n Bonus Tip:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>All titanium, tungsten carbide and ceramic jewelry, purchased from Avant-Garde Jewelry inc<\/a>. are covered by a lifetime repair o<\/a>r replacement gaurentee<\/a>\u00a0for any defect, such as, but not limited to breakage, noticeable deformation, bending and denting that might occur with normal wear.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \n<\/blockquote>\n Here\u2019s the Truth.<\/p>\n The easiest way to create a custom engagement ring that you and your partner will love is to build it together<\/a>.<\/p>\n With both of you involved you can build the ring exactly to your liking, and won’t spend more money making alterations and resizing.<\/p>\n However, if you want the ring to be a surprise, here\u2019s what you can do to find references for a design that works for both of you.<\/p>\n Bring in Their Favorite Rings The best references for your custom engagement ring are your partner\u2019s favorite existing rings.<\/p>\n These will help determine the correct size<\/a> and style of your ring.<\/p>\n Bring a few of their favorites, and your jeweler can use them to help guide your design.<\/p>\n Ask Their Friends and Family<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n You might not know it, but there\u2019s a chance your partner has discussed engagement rings with their family and friends.<\/p>\n Asking these people if they have any ideas can prove a valuable resource (as long as they won’t spoil the surprise).<\/p>\n Check Their Best Kept Secret [Pinterest]<\/strong><\/p>\n Do they have a Pinterest?<\/p>\n Do they have a board for Jewelry, specifically for rings?<\/p>\n Then congratulations!<\/p>\n You\u2019ve landed on a goldmine (Diamond mine?) of engagement ring references, and a valuable resource for finding gifts for your partner fall shapes and sizes.<\/p>\n Bring all these elements together and work with your jeweler to fashion your custom design.<\/p>\n Bonus Tip<\/strong>: If you\u2019re not sure they\u2019ll like your design; you can make the ring a partial surprise by building a setting with a temporary ring. This gives you a diamond to propose with, but the option to build the rest of the ring together.<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The four C\u2019s (Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity) are the standards by which diamonds are priced.<\/p>\n The more perfect the diamond is in each of these categories, the greater the cost.<\/p>\n When designing your custom engagement ring, you\u2019ll have to decide which criteria you care the most about and how you want to distribute your budget (More on that later).<\/p>\n Now that you\u2019ve found a jeweler you like and you\u2019ve collected your ring references, you\u2019re ready to design your custom engagement ring.<\/p>\n Keep these in mind when trying to build around your budget.<\/p>\n When it comes to Carat, the best way to save money is to buy just under whole and half numbers.<\/p>\n Buying a 1.8-carat diamond will be much more affordable than a full 2 Carats, and no one but the jeweler will know the difference.<\/p>\n While the cut can equal up to 50% of the price, taking shortcuts here will mean the diamond is more susceptible to dirt and will lose some of its shine as a result.<\/p>\n However, you can save money through specific diamond shapes.<\/p>\n For example, an emerald cut is much cheaper than the traditional cut.<\/p>\n Another economic strategy is to avoid popular shapes.<\/p>\n Round-cut engagement rings are super popular right now, and therefore super expensive.<\/p>\n Diamonds have a color scale<\/a> that represents how much yellow color they show, with D (colorless) being the lowest, and Z showing the most color.<\/p>\n The same philosophy for the Carat applies here as well.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re considering an I, try a J. The difference will be unnoticeable, especially with a contrasting band.<\/p>\n Bonus Tip:<\/strong> Why should a scale dictate your ring? Go for a colored diamond instead and save money without sacrificing elegance and beauty.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n As long as the ring is eye clean, a diamond with slightly lower clarity is more affordable and completely flawless to the untrained eye. (Starting to get the idea here?)<\/p>\n Furthermore, buying a diamond with a micro-blemish or two will continue to lower the cost, and with the right setting, you can hide them completely.<\/p>\n A simple way to save money on a custom engagement is to make the band out of a more affordable metal<\/a>.<\/p>\n By avoiding platinum, you’re already heading in the right direction.<\/p>\n Gold is the most popular option for a more affordable engagement ring, but by choosing a comparably priced metal like titanium<\/a>, you stand to gain more than reduced costs.<\/p>\n Unlike gold, titanium is extremely durable, scratch-resistant, lightweight, allergen-free<\/a>, and available in a variety of styles and colors.<\/p>\n Bonus Tip<\/strong>: Titanium\u2019s extreme durability makes it difficult to resize. Know your ring size cold<\/a> or build a setting that can easily swap the diamond to a different ring when using this material.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Going for a simple prong setting will be the most cost-effective, as less material means lower cost.<\/p>\n Not only will a simple setting be more affordable, but it\u2019s also easier to clean<\/a>, and prominently shows off the diamond<\/a>.<\/p>\n Another way to save money on your custom engagement ring without sacrificing brilliance is to surround a smaller diamond with pav\u00e9 (tiny accent diamonds) in a halo or mosaic setting.<\/p>\n This gives the appearance of a larger diamond without actually paying for one.<\/p>\n However, adding too many smaller stones to your ring can end up costing more than a single large diamond. (So don\u2019t get carried away.)<\/p>\n While diamonds may be bright and clean, the diamond industry often\u00a0isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Many natural diamonds are mined using processes that exploit workers, and despite regulations, even \u201cconflict-free\u201d diamonds can still get away with some questionable practices.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re struggling to justify a diamond for ethical reasons, then a lab-grown diamond might be a good fit for you.<\/p>\n Indistinguishable from their natural cousins, lab diamonds can cost up to 50% less and are guilt-free.<\/p>\n Who says you even need a diamond?<\/p>\n You can build a beautiful engagement ring out of sapphires, emeralds, pearls, and much more, for a more affordable cost.<\/p>\n While we\u2019re at it, forget the rock.<\/p>\n Create a stone-less engagement ring and invest in a gorgeous band design, saving money without sacrificing beauty.<\/p>\n It\u2019s your money being spent on the engagement ring, so you decide where it goes.<\/p>\n If you’re more invested in the diamond then in the band, delegate more of the budget to that part of the ring (and vice versa.)<\/p>\n Buying Rings and Bands Together Ideally, your engagement ring and wedding bands will match<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fortunately, jewelers often have deals for buying rings and bands together.<\/p>\n If the wedding is a no-brainer, and you\u2019re looking to save money in the long-run, then buying these rings together can be an incredible value.<\/p>\n Make Sure Your Vender is CIA or AGS Certified<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n To ensure that you\u2019re getting the best value, make sure that your diamond is graded from an independent lab.<\/p>\n Each lab grades slightly differently but GIA and AGS are regarded as the most consistent by retailers.<\/p>\n Always review the diamond with your own eyes, and if you\u2019re still unsure about the price, talk to a diamond expert before purchasing.<\/p>\n So, you\u2019ve finally purchased your custom engagement ring.<\/p>\n Congratulations!<\/p>\n There are just two more things you need to do.<\/p>\n After purchasing the ring, get it insured, and get everything in writing.<\/p>\n Presumably, you just spend a lot of money on that ring, and the last thing you\u2019d want is for something to happen to it.<\/p>\n Strive for a 100%, money-back guarantee, ideally with at least 30 days from when your ring is delivered.<\/p>\n3. Research for Your Custom Engagement Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
What You Need to Know About Vendors<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n
Compare Prices from Different Vendors<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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What You Need to Know About Your Partner<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nWhat You Need to Know About The\u00a0Four C’s<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
How to Save Money Designing Your Engagement Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Budgeting Around The Diamond<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Carat<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a>Cut<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\nColor<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Clarity<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
Budgeting Around the Band<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Choose A Less Expensive Metal<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n
Saving On The Setting with:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>A Simple Design<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nA Halo or Mosaic Design<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
Save With a Diamond Alternative<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Lab-Grown Diamonds<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
Other Precious Stones
<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nWhat Stone?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
<\/h3>\n
Things to Keep in Mind<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
You Control The Customization<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
What to Do After Purchasing Your Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Insure Your Custom Engagement Ring<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/www.titaniumstyle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Domed-Stone-Set-Titanium-Ring-with-Thin-Grooves2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n