At Love & Promise, we believe your engagement ring should tell your one-of-a-kind love story. That’s why custom design is one of our most treasured specialties! Whether you’re dreaming of a vintage-inspired setting, a non-traditional stone, or a whimsical twist on a classic design, we’re here to bring your vision to sparkling life.
From the very first sketch to the final inspection, our process is designed to be smooth, personal, and joy-filled - just like the journey to “I do.” Let’s walk through how we make magic happen and answer the most common questions about creating your own engagement ring!
The Custom Engagement Ring Design Process
Step 1: Dream It - Your Design Consultation
It all begins with a conversation! You'll meet with one of our dedicated design consultants for a consultation to chat about your ring goals. Share your inspo photos, favorite gemstones, metal preferences, or even doodles - we’re all ears (and heart). We’ll offer creative input and start mapping out how to turn your ideas into reality!
Step 2: Design It - CAD Design
Next, we will sketch multiple design concepts tailored to you! Once we’ve landed on a favorite, we’ll translate your design into a 3D CAD rendering so you can see your future ring from every angle. (This is when things start to feel real… and really exciting!)
Step 3: Perfect It - Review & Revisions
Time to preview your custom ring in full 3D! You'll receive renderings from the top, sides, and even the romantic ¾ angle. Want to tweak something? No problem - we can make adjustments, but for an additional fee. Just note that changes may add a bit of extra time to your ring’s timeline.
Step 4: Create It - Casting, Setting & Crafting
With your final approval in hand, our team gets to work! Your ring will be cast, your stone(s) will be set, engravings added if desired, and everything will be finished and polished to perfection. This part of the process takes about three weeks, as we lovingly handcraft every detail with care and precision!
Step 5: Celebrate It - Final Review & Delivery
Once your ring is complete, we’ll send you final photos for a last review! When we get the go-ahead, we’ll ship it directly to your door - or if you're local to Chicago, you can pick it up from our studio in person. Cue the happy tears!
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Engagement Rings
How Do I Get Started On A Custom Engagement Ring?
It’s easy! Head over to our contact page and send us a message. One of our design consultants will reach out via email to begin the journey!
Can I Visit Your Studio In Person?
Absolutely! We love welcoming guests to our cozy Chicago studio! While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend booking an appointment through our online scheduler to get the most personalized experience possible.
How Long Does The Custom Design Process Take?
Custom projects typically take 4–6 weeks, depending on the complexity of your design! If you’re in a rush (hello, surprise proposal!), we offer expedited services for an additional fee. If any changes need to be made, that will require an additional fee and your project's completion date will be changed.
When Will I See The CAD Renderings Of My Ring?
You’ll receive your 3D renderings about two weeks after the initial design phase kicks off. Once you approve the renderings, we move into production mode!
How Much Does A Custom Engagement Ring Cost?
The cost depends on your chosen materials (stone type, center stone size, metal type, etc.) and the complexity of the design. We’ll provide a detailed quote and get your sign-off before anything is finalized - no surprise fees, ever!
Can I Return A Custom Ring If I Change My Mind?
Since every custom piece is made uniquely for you (and only you), custom orders are final sale and not eligible for returns. We do everything possible during the design phase to make sure your ring is exactly what you envision!
Designing a custom ring is more than just a process - it’s a celebration of your love, your story, and your style! We hope this guide gives you a clear (and sparkly!) view of what to expect. As always, be sure to follow us on our socials, check out our website and subscribe to our newsletter to see what’s new here at Love & Promise. See you next time, friends!