Having trouble finding the perfect ring that’s as unique and beautiful as your enduring love? Creating a custom ring is a popular option that can bring you and your partner even closer together. Harling’s Jewellers has offered custom ring design since 1964, and our expertise combined with your vision will create a stunning ring you will proudly wear forever.
From contemplation to finished product, care and consideration are required to ensure your custom ring expresses your unique style and personality. Working closely with Harling’s jewellers will ensure no details get overlooked. Our expertise will guide you through the process step-by-step, so you’re guaranteed to be satisfied with the outcome.
You know that planning your wedding day is all about the details - and your ring is no exception. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Don’t Delay
Start the custom ring process early, and choose a jeweller who is happy to work with you until you're completely satisfied with the design. Harling’s Jewellers are committed to your happiness with both your design experience and with your beautiful forever ring. When you come into Harling’s downtown Vancouver location for your appointment you’re immediately seated in our luxurious viewing gallery.
Trust The Experts
At Harling’s, you can relax with a glass of wine, sit back and let our jewellery experts guide you through the process.
Don’t Feel Overwhelmed
The prospect of creating a custom ring can seem intimidating. Remember, we are here to guide you through each step of the process - from conception to final approval. Our expert staff will always answer your questions and address any concerns.
Harling’s Jewellers: The 7 Steps to Creating a Custom Ring
1. Meeting With Your Jeweller
You’re ready to take that next step and look at engagement rings. The first thing you should do is find a jeweller you’re comfortable working with. You may already have a few ideas in your head, such as colour and cut, or have images of inspirational designs saved. Bring all this information in with you so your jeweller can craft a design that incorporates everything. Alternately, you may have an existing ring you’d like to alter and personalize. Whatever your preferences, meeting with your jeweller is the first step in the process.
During your visit to Harling’s, expect your jeweller to ask you questions to get a sense of what you’re looking for, including the stones you prefer, the setting, the accents - all of these will help facilitate the process of building your perfect ring together. If you’re incorporating family heirloom gems, this is the time to bring them in so we can create a design with them in mind.
Harling’s Jewellers can educate you on the 4’C’s of diamonds and help you understand which ones are important to you based on your style, taste and budget.
2. Decide On Details
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make regarding your ring is which type of metal we’ll use, and the size of the center stone. These key details will determine the overall structure of the ring. Once this has been decided, your jeweller will be able to configure the best band width, setting type and the number of prongs that will be needed to hold your preferred gemstones in place.
3. Determine The Design
Once the above details have been decided, Harling’s will create a 3D rendered design of your ring in a variety of versions with different metals and styles. This will give you the opportunity to decide which style suits you best.
4. Wax Mould / Design Approval
Once you’re finished planning the details and design, your ring will be made into a wax mould. Because this wax mould will be used to cast the metal for your ring, it’s important to be sure everything is perfect.
The wax mould will allow you to try on the ring to ensure the style, fit and details are exactly what you want. Of course, the gems won’t be present at this stage, but it will give you a 3D template of how your ring will look and fit.
If you’re completely satisfied with the design, you can approve the design and we can move onto the next step. If you would like to make changes, you can request alterations to be made now.
5. Metal Casting
Following the approval of your 3D wax ring template, your ring will be cast into metal. This process causes the wax to melt, leaving behind a negative of your model ring.
From there, your chosen metal is heated to a melting point and poured into the negative space cavity. After complete cooling, the plaster is removed, leaving the metal form of your ring.
6. The Perfect Setting
Balance, consistency and symmetry are key when gemologists and craftsmen begin to add the center stone and accent gems to your ring. Each gem must also be the perfect cut, size and colour to ensure a consistent look throughout your ring.
7. Polishing To Perfection
After each diamond or gem has been placed, your custom ring is polished to ensure a smooth finish free of scratches, dents or air bubbles. Your ring will go through a final inspection, and finally, an ultrasonic steam cleaning. This final step removes any and all impurities and leaves you with a flawless ring.
Harling’s Jewellers 4 Custom Ring Design Tips
- Don’t wait too long! Creating a custom ring takes longer than simply choosing one from a display case, allow yourself six weeks to ensure no added stress on your wedding planning.
- Set an end budget. Designing a custom ring can mean choosing various metals, gems, settings and more - Harling’s will work within your budget to create an amazing final product.
- Don't give it away! For grooms surprising their partner, try asking friends and family for input into their style and taste. Ask friends if they have a Pinterest board she shares with them, or see if they can discreetly have a conversation about what she’s dreaming of. Another smart option is to propose with a classic solitaire band and your gem of choice. After she’s said yes, you can both come into the store and create a custom design using your original gemstone and her unique vision.
- Don’t stress! Harling’s Jewellers have been making dreams come true since 1964 and we pride ourselves on our in-depth industry knowledge. There’s no concern, question or dream that can’t be answered and fulfilled by us!
What are you waiting for? Book an appointment with us now and start the creation of your own unique one-of-a-kind jewellery piece.