The Ultimate Guide: How to design a storytelling engagement ring
Designing an engagement ring is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And while some may dream of a blingy traditional solitaire, YOU are looking for a ring that doesn’t adorn the hands of thousands of other people the world over.
Because let’s face it, when you go for same-same, this is what you can expect as a conversation starter: “How many carats is it?”
When all people care about is the size of your diamond (and what you paid for it), your ring is not a keepsake. It’s a commodity.
Choosing a custom made engagement ring is a great way to take the conversation from vanity metrics to love stories that mean more than diamond size and dollars.
So, without further ado, here’s how you can work with your custom jewellery designer to create an engagement ring that tells your story as a couple.
Designing an engagement ring: Where the @#$% do I start?
Right here.
We've distilled the storytelling design process into three easy steps.
Read them below or pop your answers into this form and we'll send you a personalised design idea.
These questions are phrased as if you're designing a ring for your partner, but can also be answered as if you're designing a ring for yourself.
Step 1: Identify your story
Whether you met on your local beach or exchanged glances on cobblestone streets halfway around the world, you have a story. Let’s find out what it is.
Write down your answers to these questions. Or answer them here and we'll send you a personalised design idea that's tailored to your story.
- How did you meet?
- If your partner was going to a desert island and could only bring one sentimental item, what would it be and why?
- What causes and passions do they hold closest to heart?
- If your partner could be anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?
- Name the three most significant experiences you’ve shared as a couple.
Look at your responses and highlight your favourite moments. These are the stories you may want to craft into a bespoke engagement ring.
Step 2: Identify their style
Think about your partner's dress style, hobbies and lifestyle. Make a list of the top five adjectives that best describe them. Start with a brain dump, then narrow the list to those that speak directly to the heart of who they are.
These words will help determine what their dream engagement ring might look like – whether it’s boho or minimalist, rustic or geometric, statement or low-profile.
Want personalised advice? Enter your responses here and we'll get back to you with a tailored engagement ring idea.
Bonus tip: Build an engagement ring mood board to take to your jeweller. Use the adjectives and themes from steps 1 and 2 to create search terms for Pinterest eg. “rustic ocean-themed engagement ring”.
Step 3: Brief your designer
By this stage, you may have a vague idea of what your custom ring could look like. It’s time to bring in the experts.
Send your jeweller your insights from steps 1 and 2 (as well as your Pinterest board if you have one) and let them work their magic.
Here’s a template you can use for your introductory email:
“I’m looking for a custom engagement ring for my partner, Jenny. We met in Sydney in a crowded bar and bonded over our love of craft beers and rock climbing. She doesn’t go anywhere without our dog, Buddy, and is passionate about the environment.
If she could be anywhere in the world, she would be on the beach with her closest friends and family. Our favourite memories together are roadtripping around Australia, buying a home together and adopting Buddy.
Jenny is a primary school teacher who is independent, creative, thoughtful and doesn’t wear much jewellery. I’d love to create an incredibly special engagement ring for her that incorporates our story as a couple.”
If you haven’t already, pop your responses into this form and we'll help you get crystal clear on what your perfect ring might look like.
As a jewellery designer, I specialise in deeply personal engagement rings that tell a story. What makes these pieces even more special is the immersive customer experience, including frequent updates, photos and videos of your piece coming to life.
Answer these questions to find your engagement ring story
Take five minutes to fill in the form below and we’ll send a personalised engagement ring idea to your inbox.
Designing your own engagement ring is about more than just the finished piece of jewellery. It includes working closely with your designer to create a ring that you can look down on with pride and think, “yes, this tells our story perfectly”.
Choose carefully, do your research, and most importantly, build a strong relationship with your jeweller. In addition to great craftspersonship, great customer service can make or break the experience.
Find out more about Fairina Cheng. Book a complimentary call to start the conversation and design an engagement ring that gets you that “yes”.
