Designing an engagement ring: Where the !@#$ do I start!

So you’ve decided to buy an engagement ring and propose. But when it comes to next steps, there seem to be too many to count!

You could check out stock standard rings at a mass market chain store while a sales person recites their spiel. You could trawl through thousands of diamonds online (that all, in truth, look exactly the same to you).

But not everyone is looking to flaunt a generic, traditional, off-the-shelf engagement ring.

Here’s how you can break the rules and create something that was designed by you, for no one else but your partner.

Write down your answers to these questions. The more detail you can provide, the better. Better yet, click here to answer them online and we’ll email you a personalised engagement ring idea within 48 hours.

1. How did you meet?
2. If your partner was going to live on a desert island and could only bring one sentimental item with them, what would it be and why?
3. What causes and passions do they hold closest to heart?
4. If your partner could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
5. Name the 3 most significant and exciting 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 your engagement ring.

Think of how your partner dresses, their hobbies and lifestyle.

Make a list of the top 5 adjectives that describe them.

These words will help determine what the ring might look like. If your partner is bold and loves colour, it might be a vibrant ring with a brightly coloured sapphire. If they’re nostalgic and love collecting antiques, it might a ring in a vintage style. Or it might be a low profile design for someone who is active and loves the outdoors.

Start with a brain dump, then narrow them to those that speak directly to the heart of who they are.

This is the time to bring in the experts.

If you already have a jeweller in mind, send them your insights from Step 1 and Step 2 and let them work their magic. Here’s what you might say:

“Hello, I’m looking to design a meaningful custom engagement ring that really captures our personal story as a couple. We met in <how you met>. She is <top 5 adjectives> and absolutely loves <favourite sentimental items, causes, passions and places>. Our favourite memory together is <significant and exciting experience you’ve shared as a couple>. I would love to chat about how we can incorporate some of these elements into our ring.”

If you don’t already have a jeweller, here are a few things to keep in mind. Different jewellers work in different ways and have different styles. A traditional manufacturing jeweller may come up with a completely different design to a contemporary jeweller, even with the same brief.

Check out your preferred jeweller’s website, social media and reviews. Send them an email, give them a call or head in and chat to them directly. Often these are the best ways to determine if you like their design style and their customer service approach.

If you haven’t already, pop your responses into this form and we’ll help you get crystal clear on what your partner’s perfect ring might look like. You’ll receive a customised engagement ring idea within 48 hours.

As a jewellery designer myself, I take an unconventional approach. 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 and photos.

Take a moment to answer the 10 short questions in the form below and you’ll receive your engagement ring idea within 48 hours.