Custom engagement rings in muscatine, ia

Not all diamonds are created equal. When choosing a diamond for your custom engagement ring, there are many factors at play. Deciding and prioritizing your wishes for your ring is important to establish beforehand, as it will guide the ring design. Cut, color, clarity, and carat are all key components to consider when selecting a diamond. A smaller diamond that's priced the same as a larger diamond will be higher quality and showcase a brighter rainbow of colors. Larger diamonds are stunning from a distance but more likely to have microscopic flaws that alter their clarity and may have an undesirable color despite being a higher carat weight. Finding the right balance between quality and size will ultimately depend on your budget and your priorities, but keep in mind, there is no wrong diamond!

A Cut Above

The shape of a diamond is a key contributor to the overall design and aesthetic of your custom engagement ring. More traditional shapes include round brilliant cuts and ovals. Marquise, pear, and heart-shaped diamonds are less common but equally gorgeous when seated in a halo setting or set as the focal point in a solitaire-style ring. Older and more vintage, old miner's cut and rose cut diamonds have fallen out of modern graces but are an excellent choice for those who prefer a more antique vibe. Square diamonds, such as princess, emerald, or cushion cuts, can be both fun and quirky while maintaining elegance. Your diamond choice is the largest contribution to your custom engagement ring's overall appearance and will define the entire ring, so don't be afraid to explore!

The Setting Style

Aside from the actual diamond, choosing and designing a setting style is where the real fun begins when creating a custom engagement ring. Bezel style, halo settings, simple solitaire rings, and split shank bands can all take a round brilliant diamond and turn it into a work of art. Your band may be filigree, pave, channel, or flat, among others. The ring and the diamond inform each other; when choosing a diamond, make sure it will work in the style of setting you want, and vice versa. Your local jeweler can help you make an informed decision and walk through possible designs for your custom band before starting design sessions. At Don's Jewelry & Design in the Muscatine area, we have experienced professionals to help you choose what makes the most sense for you, your style, and your diamond.

Get Inspired

Don't like what you see in the stores but don't quite know which direction to turn when building your own custom engagement ring? Draw inspiration from your favorite historical period, going back to the elegant vintage charms of the early 1900s or choosing something retro and bold. Select an artistic style that you enjoy, such as art deco, and ask your jeweler what they can come up with to mimic that style. Spark creativity by theming your ring around your favorite character's style in a movie or TV series and meld it with your own fashion sense. Model your custom engagement ring off of a mother or grandmother's ring and create something beautiful inspired by your loved ones.