Whether you’ve got an idea for a stunning diamond ring you want to add to your jewelry collection, or you want to design your own engagement ring instead of buying something off the shelf, there are many different ways you can customize your own ring design.

So, no matter if you’ve got an idea in mind or if you don’t have a clue where to start, we’ve written a guide to help you step-by-step through the design process. We’ve also included some of our favorite custom ring design ideas to help you decide which designs are right for you.

Choose Your Metal

Before you get started with your ring design and gemstones, you need to know which metal you want for your jewelry. Traditionally, most jewelry designs use yellow gold, white gold, or silver. However, you can create your own custom jewelry from Diamondere in rose gold or platinum as well.

When you’re choosing a metal, make sure you keep in mind the lifestyle of the wearer. While 18K gold is more valuable than 14K gold, 18K tends to be a bit softer comparatively, so we’d recommend going with 14K if the wearer regularly works with their hands.

If you’re working within a budget, then sterling silver is often significantly more affordable.

Platinum is the most expensive option, but it’s also amongst the most durable alternatives and is often chosen for diamond rings because it doesn’t reflect any color into the stone.

Design Inspiration: Princess Beatrice of York

Image: Diantha from Diamondere

Princess Beatrice of York’s stunning diamond and platinum ring is simple, yet elegant and refined. The platinum setting enhances the natural beauty of the diamond. As she’s part of the royal family, platinum is a great choice to be wearing frequently for its stress-resistant properties.

Choose Your Gemstone

Diamond is often the traditional choice for rings, and it’s chosen by many of our customers for its timeless sparkle. However, there have never been more options available not only for diamonds, but also precious, and semi-precious gemstones.

If you’re working on a budget, then precious or semi-precious gemstones are a fantastic choice. Colored gemstones are currently making a comeback in ring designs, and are often chosen by brides for engagement and wedding rings instead of diamonds.

However, as with metals, you need to take into consideration how durable your chosen gemstones are. Diamonds are the hardiest choice, so if the ring is to be worn frequently, then this may be the best choice for the wearer. Gemstones like ruby and sapphire are hard stones, so they’re also a good choice if you need something durable. Softer stones like emerald or pearl are easier to damage comparatively, making them more suited to rings that are worn with care.

Design Inspiration: Birthstones

Gemstones are often chosen for rings because of their sentimental value and association with the birth month of a loved one. Birthstone rings are also a great way to remember a lost loved one.

Choose Your Ring Style

Before you look at what style of ring you want, it’s important to know whether you want a modern design or something that has a vintage feel. While most ring designs usually can have a modern or vintage look depending on the gemstone, setting, and metal choice, some look less traditional than others.

The most recognizable ring styles are the solitaire, side stone, halo, or three-stone, and these are the most popular choices. However, if you want a statement piece, cocktail rings often feature larger gems with a chunkier band and are fantastic for introducing a pop of color to your outfits.

If you’re looking for an engagement ring, these also tend to be larger than other fashion rings. We also offer custom bridal ring sets, which are a great choice if you want to have two rings that work together as one.

The ring design you decide upon is more often than not up to personal preference, however many people prefer to have more subtle ring designs like a solitaire or side stone for day-to-day wear. The ring design may also influence the gemstone settings you can use.

Design Inspiration: Wearer’s Preference

When you’re choosing a ring style, you always need to bear in mind the wearer’s jewelry preferences.

As you know people with smaller hands often prefer styles like solitaire or three-stone because the gems are smaller and more subtle. However, the same people also like to wear rings with larger gemstone settings for parties and gatherings because they make a fantastic centerpiece in their outfit.

If you’re not sure what the wearer likes, and you’re designing a ring as a surprise gift, then don’t be afraid to sneak through their jewelry box or ask their loved ones for information. This can also be a great way to find out their ring size at the same time!