Are you planning to pop the question anytime soon? If so, then perhaps congratulations are in order! Of course, the proposal needs to be as perfect as you and your significant other would hope it to be.
If you’ve already picked a venue, chosen a theme, invited significant people to be there, and prepared your outfit for the engagement party, you’re good to go. But wait, you might be forgetting something. Oh, right—the ring. It won’t be called a wedding proposal if you don’t have the perfect engagement ring to hold as you go down on your knees and ask the most awaited question of all.
The road to finding the perfect custom engagement ring
Ring shopping can be pretty tricky because there are endless options to choose from. If you find yourself at a loss or confused by many choices in front of you, maybe it’s time to consider another alternative. You might want to go for a custom engagement ring for your special someone. 
SEE MORE: 7 Dazzling Wedding Rings That Match Your Style
If you’re not sure how to get started on that, the tips and tricks listed below might be of help:
1. Do your research
Whether it’s your first time or not, doing your research on diamonds goes a long way before you go scouting for jewelry shops in your area. It’ll be helpful to know the right questions to ask and what factors to consider when shopping for the ring. Because you’re looking at customizing, it means you’ll be more involved in the process, from designing to picking the materials and stones for the ring.
Do you know the difference between lab grown diamonds and mined ones? Having such information can give you an edge when choosing, especially if you’re hoping to save money while at it. Lab-created diamonds are relatively cheaper but come with the same brilliance and sparkle as natural diamonds. If budget’s not an issue, then you may very well pick natural diamonds for your engagement ring.
Other essential information you should know include the band metal you prefer, carat size, and the 4Cs that refer to carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. Being familiar with these terminologies and other ring-related aspects can help you describe your preferences more accurately.
2. Take your time
Unless you plan on just popping the question out of the blue, it’s best to start your preparations early to ensure everything will go as planned. The best approach is to give yourself enough time to shop without pressure. That way, you can look around as you please and decide at your own pace.
You can’t expect to walk into a jewelry store one day and go out with a ring in your pocket. It’ll take a few back-and-forth trips before you can finally pick the custom piece that you want, at the very least. Besides, a custom design typically takes a few days or weeks before the final product is finished. 
3. Consider your partner’s personal style and taste
You might think that the round brilliant or princess cut will look divine on your future wife’s delicate finger, but what if her personality screams more of emerald cut diamonds? There’s no easy way to tell unless, of course, you’ve both discussed that information in the past. Perhaps the best workaround to such a dilemma is to ask your partner’s closest friends or family secretly, so you’ll have a clearer idea.
Aside from the stone shape, you also need to think of your partner’s ring style. Will she like a solitaire, halo, double halo, cluster, asymmetrical, or three-stone design? Also, try to consider an engagement ring that’ll complement most wedding ring styles so both rings will look good together. You can be as creative as you want to ensure the ring will feature a unique appeal, but don’t forget that it’s not you who’ll be wearing it at the end of the day.
4. Look for a reputable jeweler
On top of all your research, design ideas, and sketches, keep in mind that your vision won’t turn into a reality if you don’t work with a reputable jeweler. Ideally, you need someone who’ll listen to your ideas, consider your suggestions, and trust your judgment. If you’re ordering online, check the website thoroughly and read reviews from past customers.
You can also ask to see photos or actual items of their previous work to have an idea of the quality of rings the jeweler produces. If you have friends or family who just got engaged or married, ask if they can recommend a trusted shop or online jeweler that you can check. Once you’ve found a trustworthy jeweler, you may also consider buying your wedding rings from them to get a discount.
The bottom line
Buying a custom engagement ring isn’t the same as getting ready-made ones. You’ll have to invest more time and effort if you want to ensure you’ll end up getting the ring you want for your loved one. Start early, do your research, consider your partner’s personal style and taste, and, lastly, go for a jeweler you can trust and be confident in. 
