There are few things more special, or important, than choosing an engagement ring. It marks one of life’s biggest moments, a celebration of love and commitment, a piece of jewellery that symbolises devotion, eternity and the beginning of a shared life together. 

For those wishing to celebrate the milestone with that extra special touch and personal meaning, designing a bespoke engagement ring is the perfect gesture. A unique chance to transform personal style, shared memories and stories into a meaningful masterpiece that can be treasured forever, nothing says you put time, thought and effort into your proposal like a custom ring. 

Unlike picking a ring from a boutique’s cabinet, designing a bespoke piece invites you to be creative, original, and show that you really know your beloved’s style inside and out. From stone selection and setting style, to working with skilled jewellers to bring your vision to life, every element is thoughtfully considered.  

Of course, designing your own engagement ring can feel daunting; with endless options and decisions to make, it can be hard to know where to begin. We spoke to Sam Stirrat, founder of British B Corp jewellery brand Blackacre, to answer some of the most commonly asked questions around designing a bespoke engagement ring, from inspiration and ideation to the step-by-step process and, of course, choosing those all-important stones.

How to design a bespoke engagement ring: the step-by-step process

While the sentiment of designing a bespoke engagement ring is deeply personal and every journey is different and uniquely tailored to the client’s exact requirements, there is a series of key stages for most custom jewellery projects.

1. Researching the design

“The first, and perhaps most important, phase is building an understanding of designs you like, and also importantly, those you don’t. This is best captured visually in the form of a moodboard or collection of saved images,” Stirrat says. “If you are able to provide a selection of reference images accompanied by some notes – these might be as simple as ‘I know it must be gold and it must be an old cut diamond’ – this will put you in the best possible position to get started.”

From gathering images of rings, stones and details to looking through a jeweller’s existing portfolio, this phase is about exploration, inspiration and visual discovery, guided by your partner’s sense of style. Whether they favour classic simplicity, vintage detailing or something more modern and contemporary, understanding what will resonate and suit them best is paramount.  

2. Choosing the right jeweller

Choosing the right jeweller is one of the most important decisions in the bespoke process. While many jewellery houses offer bespoke services alongside their ready-to-wear collections, working with one that truly specialises in custom-made designs will make all the difference. 

Blackacre is a case in point. Founded in 2017, it began exclusively as a bespoke engagement ring jeweller, and although its collection has now expanded to other fine jewellery and ready-to-wear pieces, bespoke remains at the heart of the business, offering clients an exceptionally personal and thoughtful service from initial concept to final creation. 

Also be sure to think about factors beyond the design that may be important to the recipient. If ethics and the environment are paramount, look for a jeweller who has B Corp, Positive Luxury, or Responsible Jewellery Council qualifications. Traceability, transparency and provenance are key, so also be sure to ask if a potential jeweller uses recycled or Fairtrade gold and how and where they source their stones from.

“You will want to find a jeweller whose style, as well as service and values, are most aligned with your needs,” Stirrat advises. “Once in touch with a jeweller, some expert advice and inspired design suggestions will have things well on their way.”

3. Selecting the stone

Once you have chosen your jeweller and discussed your ideas, attention turns to choosing the stone: the centrepiece of the ring. This stage involves looking at different stone types, cuts and colours, guided by your jeweller’s expertise. From dazzling diamonds to colourful gemstones, stones come in an array of different cuts, from round, pear, oval, cushion and beyond – and it’s likely your intended has a favourite. Some subtle questioning (or a peek inside their jewellery box) won’t go amiss here and, as ever, it’s about balancing beauty and personal style.

4. Choosing the setting

Finalising the stone setting is where the ring really comes together. Providing the structure to hold the central stone in place, popular types include classic prong (solitaire), bezel and pavé, but there are numerous different options to complement both the stone and the wearer’s style. Lean on your jeweller’s advice as to what will be both most secure and highlight your chosen stone’s unique qualities. At this stage, jewellers will also often produce sketches and technical drawings to help visualise the design before moving into production.

“Our bespoke service is tailored to the given client’s needs, as each ring is different, and each process to get there may well be different. However, a typical journey may well be characterised by exploratory drawings, stone education and selection, technical design work and the creation itself,” says Stirrat.

5. Adding personal details

The final touch? Embedding personal details, such as engravings, symbolic motifs and even hidden initials or messages, adds extra layers of sentiment. Known only to the two of you, these thoughtful additions transform the ring into a deeply personal piece.

6. Creation

Once the design has been finessed and finalised, the creation process will begin. Jewellers will often invite clients to be part of the journey, sharing updates along the way. Stirrat says: “What is special about our approach is the way we immerse clients within the creative process. From selecting an individual stone to receiving photographic updates from inside the workshop, we want clients to share in the joy of the creation journey.”

How long does it take to design a bespoke engagement ring? 

As each engagement ring is designed and handcrafted uniquely, time frames can vary. Stirrat says: “While the physical creation of a bespoke engagement ring might take us six to eight weeks, the preparation to get to this point is essential and can take time.

“Ahead of creating a bespoke engagement ring, a couple’s preparation can vary from a matter of days to several years. Regardless of timelines, the approach and ethos should be the same. During this period, the key objective is to build an understanding of the types of designs you like – ideally aided by visual references. Equally, it is important to know what you or your partner doesn’t like. The more detail you can provide, the better.

“Assuming this as a starting point, accompanied by some sensible advice, it might be possible to start on the creation of a ring within a matter of days or weeks, subject to the design work required.”

Image: Blackacre

Image: Blackacre

How much does a bespoke engagement ring cost?

Price can vary massively when creating your own unique piece, with variables such as the type and size of stone, the number of stones and the complexity of the setting playing a part, as well as the man-hours involved. Bespoke means you set the budget but you should be prepared to spend more than off-the-shelf. 

Strirrat says: “Technically, we do not have a minimum price range as we enjoy creating all manner of pieces regardless of the cost. The most important thing to us is that we, and our clients, are proud of the pieces we create. That said, most of our bespoke creations will start from around £7,000. It all starts with a conversation where we can provide clear advice as to what might or might not be feasible within a desired price range. By discussing ideas, we support couples to find the perfect balance of original design and exceptional quality within the confines of the desired price range.”

Anything else to be aware of?

“Don’t underestimate the importance of quality, not only of the stones, but of craftsmanship and service alike. Quality craftsmanship takes years to refine and is worth its weight in gold. A bespoke engagement ring will be enjoyed through this generation, and perhaps the next, so creating something you are proud of will stand you in good stead,” says Stirrat.

He adds: “Bespoke creations aren’t easy; if it’s being created just for you, it has probably never been done before. Sometimes this can lead to things taking a little longer or not always going immediately to plan. Have patience, and with the help of an expert, everything will be okay.”

Read more: Engagement rings: The complete buyer’s guide