1. Find the diamond engagement ring designer or jeweler that speaks to your style.

When you are creating a custom ring, you need to work with a designer or jeweler whose style and quality you admire. “You might pick the best diamond, but if it’s in a poor-quality setting then you won’t be happy,”  says Manny Soin – owner of Middleton Jewelers.

2. Establish a budget and prioritize what matters most to you.

Determining a budget up-front makes it easier to identify a range of diamond options. Most people have to compromise on something to stay within their budget, so it’s best to know in advance what matters most to you, whether it be a larger stone, a diamond of the highest possible quality, or a setting with side stones. Once a budget is established, Middleton Jewelers sources a range of diamonds to present to clients for comparison and consideration. While each diamond should have a GIA certificate that incorporates the 4 Cs to identify the stone’s quality, it’s important to remember that two stones with identical GIA grading reports can still appear very different.

3. Bigger is (generally) better.

“The size of the diamond is the most important factor in designing a ring,” says Manny Soin. “The average consumer won’t notice tiny inclusions or a hint of warmth, but they will notice the size of the stone from near and far.”

For that reason, Manny steers his clients away from VVS stones if they are on a limited budget saying: “I don’t believe in paying for something you can’t see. I am also not afraid of a little warmth in a stone. I don’t prescribe to the thought that only the whitest of diamonds are beautiful.”

On the other hand, Middleton Jewelers does have an incredible selection of VS quality natural and lab-created stones that can deliver an extra “pop” we coupled with a colorless factor as well. Middleton Jewelers has everything you need in every range of the highest quality products.

4. Research ring styles and stick with what you love.

We advise that you spend time researching for inspiration and trying on different rings to discover the styles you love. Find what you like, dislike, and what feels good on you. Just continue to remind yourself not to be swayed by trends; celebrity engagement rings get a lot of attention, but that doesn’t mean they are right for you.

5. Choose a diamond engagement ring for your style—and lifestyle.

Once you have chosen the diamond, the right designer or jeweler will work with you to create a diamond engagement ring that suits your lifestyle. Also, women today want more durable ring styles that they can wear from the office to the gym. (As such, Manny notes that micro pave settings are losing popularity.)

Your ring should also match your individual style, be it modern or vintage. “At the very least make sure you are buying a diamond shape you will love forever,” says Manny.  “It’s pretty inexpensive to change a diamond setting after a few years, but it’s expensive to change the stone.”

Additionally, it’s important to consider your wedding band when selecting your ring style. Perhaps you’re envisioning an engagement ring that pairs with stackable wedding bands? More and more women are going in this direction because different stackable bands easily allow for the changing-up of a look based on time of day, attire, or mood. Middleton Jewelers is known to create custom wedding bands that can integrate with engagement rings.

6. Get creative: it’s all in the details

Different metal finishes, detailing, unique side stones, and the personalization of a ring with engravings and other hidden elements are what really allow for a ring to stand apart. MJ loves to find deeper meaning, we love listening to stories and other things that are significant to individuals and their relationship. From there, we are able to figure out how to integrate symbols and characters, such as flowers, birthstones, and spiritual motifs, on the insides of the rings.

The design team always provides clients with sketches of their diamond engagement rings for approval, and then 3-D renderings are made before wax molds are carved for each design. Make sure you approve your ring every step of the way to ensure you are getting everything you want. And don’t be afraid to make modifications along the way (just make sure to do so before the wax mold is made).

7. Buy a diamond engagement ring without leaving home

Technology has made it much easier to create custom-made rings by presenting diamonds, settings, and styles in images and videos when you can’t meet directly with a jeweler, but nothing replaces the feeling of trying on a ring in person.

Once a client places an order, the GIA-certified diamond ring is made in Middleton WI, and delivered within two to three weeks. With a little research and planning, you easily design the custom diamond ring of your dreams—the ring that tells your unique story.