Why you should consider custom-made jewellery:
Contrary to popular belief, choosing to go with a custom engagement ring can actually save you money as private consultants do not have the high overheads of retail jewellers, and therefore are likely to charge you a lot less.
In addition, having your engagement ring custom made allows you to explore creative avenues in partnership with your consultant as appose to conforming to certain criteria.
Lastly, a custom made engagement ring is always more personal, it has a story and a soul to it. Each ring is unique and specially made for every individual.





How the Custom Ring Design Process Works
After this first consultation, you will then be likely to have a second consultation to view the appropriate stone/stones for your ring. Set up consultations well in advance as it may take time to source the perfect stone/stones and goldsmith’s schedules need to be considered too.
Images from House of Kallie
4 Things to Consider when Getting a Custom Ring Made:
1. Your Budget:
Rosette Jewellery always strives to give their clients more for their money as well as offer our clients industry insider tips. For example sizing of diamonds, the difference isn’t obvious to the eye, and yet it can make a huge price difference.
2. Your Ring Style & Design:
Ring size can be tricky if your proposal is going to be a surprise. If your partner has an existing ring which you could ‘borrow’ and give to your jeweller to measure that would be first prize. Remember this ring would need to fit the ring finger. Failing this, you could ask a family member or friend who would possibly know.
3. Diamonds vs Alternative Gemstones:
An alternative gemstone is often more budget friendly too, although there are exceptions to this rule. Just like diamonds, gemstones have various factors which affect their price. These include colour, clarity, cut, brilliance and finish. When choosing a gemstone, you should only buy from someone who has a considerable knowledge of gemstones.
Like diamonds, for any gemstone, you should receive a laboratory certificate. Especially when buying rubies or sapphires as the market is flooded with synthetics. The average jeweller generally doesn’t know the difference between a synthetic sapphire versus a natural sapphire.
Rosette Jewellery’s owner, Amber has multiple years of experience working with both diamonds and gemstones and has a substantial gemmological knowledge.
4. The Metal of the Ring:
Gold:
In South Africa, 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold is commonly used. You will also need to decide on what colour, yellow, rose or white gold, your soon-to-be fiancé prefers. Remember that white gold would need to be rhodium plated annually to keep it’s shiny, white appearance.
Platinum:
Platinum is becoming a very popular metal for engagement rings for various reasons. For instance, it won’t tarnish, though it will show some wear over time. It does not require plating, all it requires is a good polish to bring back its shine. Platinum also compliments the beauty of diamonds.
Images from Rosette Jewellery
The Design & Manufacturing
Once your jeweller has all your specifications for the ring including the size they will be able to give you a quote on the price for your custom ring. When all parties have agreed on the quote, it’s time to start the process of making the ring.
If your design has been created using CAD (computer-aided design) then the wax model of the ring will be cast. If not, a goldsmith will make the ring according to the specifications of your design. Once this process is finished, we then move on to the setting of the stone(s), any plating necessary and polishing.
The process of manufacturing the ring will vary depending on material availability and production capacity of your jeweller. Confirm the lead time to make sure you get your ring on time if you have a set date you want to propose.
Finally, when the ring is complete it is time for delivery. The rest is up to you to plan your perfect proposal and pop the question. Good luck!
Article Written by Amber from Rosette Jewellery