Bespoke Engagement Rings
If you thought the dress was the most important aspect of a wedding, you’re mistaken. Shopping for an engagement ring is equally important. You need to try out different options and figure out what you like the most. Also, if you just buy an engagement ring off the shelf, it won’t carry much emphasis and meaning. It’s important to remember that engagement rings are more than just pieces of jewellery. They hold a special meaning in every relationship. For this reason, bespoke or customised engagement rings have become immensely popular. Since you’re pursuing a jewellery design programme, it’s important for you to know what kind of engagement rings people want these days. It’s a promise of love with a storytelling value.
Designing & Creating a Bespoke Engagement Ring
Understand the 4Cs
Even before you start designing a customised ring, it’s important to understand the 4Cs of a diamond engagement ring. Most engagement rings feature a beautiful diamond or rock. The 4Cs are cut, colour, clarity and carat. This helps you understand the quality, size and style required. It’s no surprise that the budget too affects what a ring looks like. As a jewellery designer, it’s always important to ask the client upfront what they want. Another consideration to make is whether one wants a natural or lab-grown diamond.
Decide a Ring Design
Next is deciding on the design for the engagement ring. It’s best to ask the client what they want. Whether it’s a birthstone or diamond ring, these days, less conventional engagement ring designs are standing out. A few shapes include pear, marquise and oval-cut diamonds. Also, people prefer going in for rose gold or white gold instead of the traditional silver. Diamond rings also feature intricate details including filigree work and floral designs. It’s best to choose a setting that a client wants.
Choosing a Gemstone with Symbolism
Beyond diamond engagement rings, gemstone rings are also popular with youngsters these days. Since every gemstone has its own history and meaning, people prefer choosing stones with a deep significance. Though diamonds are eternal and signify strength and purity, a birthstone can also be tied to a special moment. Some popular gemstones include – emerald, sapphire, ruby and moissanite. Each stone has its own symbolism including long-lasting love, rebirth, harmony, passion and so on.
Engrave a Personal Message
These days, couples are seeking rings that tell a story, not just sparkle. A subtle way to add meaning to a ring is through engraving. A few popular things people are doing with their ring is adding a short phrase or quote related to their relationship, the date they first met, map coordinates to a special location or their initials. Doing so adds a storytelling element to the ring. It not just keeps your story close to your heart but also hidden from the outside world.
Use of Symbolic Design Elements
While a solitaire ring is the most popular design choice for a ring, people are taking customisation to a whole new level by adding symbolic design elements. A few unique ideas include creating intertwining bands, floral accents, Celtic knots and elements from the universe.
Use of Heirloom Diamonds
A wedding is an important event/milestone in one’s life. Men especially want to give their better halves rings that hold a deep connection between the past, present and future. This can make the ring even more meaningful. Instead of buying a new diamond or gemstone, they reset an old ring into a new design. This helps blend tradition with modern aesthetics. A family ring also holds emotional value and is passed on generations.
Sit with the Client during the Design & Creation Process
Custom designing an engagement ring requires a deep understanding of the creative freedom of the client. A jewellery designer’s job is to sketch, revise and bring the client’s unique vision to life. A custom engagement ring design process usually includes initial consultation, discussing ideas and inspiration, exploring different cuts and styles, and bringing personal stories to life. Design truly reflects a client’s love story.
Ending Notes
Designing a meaningful and personalised engagement ring has literally become the order of the day. Even institutes have a dedicated module for engagement rings in their jewellery design and management programme. A meaningful engagement ring isn’t about blindly following trends. Instead, it’s about telling a story.
