Pros vs Cons of Custom Lab-Diamond Engagement Rings

There are few things facing a to-be-betrothed couple that can feel as daunting as picking out engagement rings. 

Economic pressures, time constraints, and limited availability of stock at local jewelers, (and other problems) can turn the search for the right symbolic-romantic-knot into a stomach-churning, head-aching, months-long slog through jewelry store after jewelry store, online and in person, searching, searching, searching, for that perfect ring- in all likelihood a brilliant, scintillating and fiery diamond engagement ring. 

Most couples assume, for a variety of reasons, that getting a custom engagement ring is out of the question. 

Here are a few statements about custom engagement rings that many people believe:

1. Custom and fully bespoke engagement rings are more expensive than off-the-shelf/ pre-made items.
2. Jewelers who make custom pieces are few and far between, and not located near me. 
3. It will take too much time and effort to design, make and then receive a piece of custom fine jewelry. 

Well, if you haven’t already guessed, those are all erroneous assumptions. 

In this Michael Gabriels article we are going to uncover the truth about custom engagement rings, their advantages and disadvantages, and why you should go for a custom or fully bespoke ring over one that you find in a case behind the glass. 

In this article we’ll answer the following questions:

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages (pros and cons) of custom engagement rings?
2. How much should a custom ring cost?
3. How long does it take to make a custom engagement ring?
4. What is the process for making a custom engagement ring?
5. How can you get a custom or bespoke engagement ring if you live in the middle of nowhere?

Why buy a custom engagement ring 

It shows a very sincere and imaginative level of commitment.

To put it simply, there is nothing quite as romantic as proposing with a one-of-a-kind, unique in the world engagement ring, made specifically for your special person. Their eyes, rich with immeasurable happiness, will rival the scintillation, fire and brilliance of the center diamond (chosen specifically for them.) 

If that isn’t enough of a reason, then the fact that custom engagement rings tend to be less expensive and save time while giving you something personalized and intimate, should at least get you interested. 

And a custom engagement ring will be exactly what you (or your partner) want. 

Let's elaborate on these reasons and some others…

9 Pros and Cons: Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

1)Pro: Unlimited freedom of expression! 

The sheer range of possibilities when it comes to a custom ring presents one of the most appealing reasons to get one. You have choices for just about everything: from the center stone or side stones you want, to the ring settings that hold them, the metal or metals you want, as well as the overall shape and whatever detailing you can imagine. 

Diamonds

When buying diamonds, you’ll have many, many possibilities in front of you, not only for stone shapes or the 4Cs- cut, carat, clarity, and color - but also the origin. Do you want an earth-mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond?

Did you know that lab diamonds and mined diamonds are both physically, chemically, and optically the same?

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Aside from their origin, the only other substantial difference between the two is the price you’ll pay. 

Lab-created diamonds are also regularly more ethical and environmentally friendly since they do not have the same degree of environmental impact caused by the massive amounts of land and water pollution, and use, that is associated with mining. The process generally produces less greenhouse gas emissions, especially as more and more labs switch to renewable energy. 

More importantly, lab-diamonds are conflict free: they not part of the global trade in conflict diamonds and blood diamonds, and are easy to trace back to their birth facility. 

There are ways to make sure a specific mined diamond was not dug up by an enslaved child, so if you are set on one, make sure your jeweler can provide you with the proper paperwork to prove it’s clean origin. 

Lab-diamonds and mined diamonds are both graded with the same scale of 4Cs, Cut, Carat, Clarity and Color. 

At Michael Gabriels we get all of our diamonds certified by IGI and GIA to ensure that not only are they graded by the best in the industry, but also to ensure their ethical prowess. 

Metals

When choosing a custom ring, keep in mind that you aren’t limited to a single metal. Not only can you choose what metal to use, you can mix and match different metals together in one ring to give it tonal differences that add personality and character. 

At Michael Gabriels, in a further effort to reduce our carbon footprint and to serve our ethical philosophy, we use only recycled metals. 

Detailing 

The details you add to a ring not only add to its beauty but add personality and character to it- your personality and character. 

With custom engagement rings, you have the opportunity to put whatever kinds of details you want- from engraving in specific scripts, to motifs recalling cherished shared experiences, culture or taste. The ring is your oyster, so to speak. 

Symbolic reasoning 

Your freedom of expression goes farther than simply choosing the details of the ring. With the control you have, you can give symbolism to the very nature of the ring itself. You might have it made from more sustainable and ethical materials, or materials sourced from your homeland or from heirlooms that connect you with other loved ones. 

2) Con: Unlimited choice can be a bit of a bother…

While in America we tend to think that having more options is always better, there is no scientific consensus that agrees such is the case. In fact, while choice deprivation- not having enough choices- is certainly an unwanted situation, there is growing evidence that too many options not only hinders the ability to choose from them, but can lead to increased emotional struggles, including anxiety and depression. 

But don’t let the fear of this prevent you from enjoying a custom ring. The best way to combat this is some good old fashioned due-diligence. Take some time to research what’s out there that you like, and figure out why you like it. Sometimes answering the question of “why” you like something will tell you a lot more about what you want than the “what,” it is about it that you admire. 

For example, you might like two rings that are very different, one that's a highly decorated Victorian piece and the other a super-chic modern solitaire. While you enjoy the details on the first one, you already know that it's going to snag on your favorite sweater and get all gunked up when you knead your sourdough. The solitaire will better serve your lifestyle, but it lacks some of the personality you want to shine from the ring. 

You enjoy one because of the stylistic nature of the details, and the other for its ease of wearability. 

You can take both to the jeweler and say: “I’d like to have this kind of level of detailing, with similar designs, but made to be more easily wearable, like this one is.” A good jeweler will show you how that is possible, and work with you until you are presented with a design that fits your needs and desires. 

3) Pro: Generally will be less expensive

While the price for any custom engagement ring will depend on the jeweler, you can easily find one for less than $2,000. For more information, please read the section later on “How much should it cost?”

4) Con: Usually no returns

Most bespoke and custom pieces of fine jewelry cannot be returned. 

5) Pro: Takes less time than you think 

Most bespoke and custom fine jewelry, such as wedding bands and engagement rings, can be produced from the start to your (or your partner's) finger in as little as three to four weeks, during which you may only need to spend a few hours actually involved. 

6) Con: You still have to wait for it to be made…

Custom and bespoke pieces take time to design and build. Time may be needed to acquire the necessary materials. The adage “measure twice, cut once,” applies to the design and production phase of ring production. 

If you are looking for something in a shorter time frame, the fastest we at Michael Gabriels can produce an item with minimal customization is two to three days. However, that is assuming that there are absolutely no problems at any point during the design or production. 

7) Pro: Higher Quality

Custom and bespoke jewelry is an art form that goes back thousands of years, made by skilled artisans who relish the opportunity to use their expertise to produce something unique and beautiful. They have more time and resources at their disposal to make use of their greater knowledge and experience in crafting your ring. 

Moreover, when you get a bespoke or custom engagement ring made by a jeweler, they generally are going to give you options for the quality of material you would like to use. This allows you to have a ring made in exceptionally high quality materials, if you so choose. 

None of this is possible for industrially produced jewelry, and pre-made artisanal jewelry does not generally meet the same standard either. 

8) Con: Heirloom recycling may not be on the table:

You may not always be able to use or reuse parts or pieces from other jewelry. So if you ask your jeweler to take your grandmother’s ring and turn it into something, be prepared for the possibility that they will not be able to do it. 

9) Pro: Matching and stacking rings is easier:

It’s easier to get you and your partner’s engagement and wedding rings to match. This is especially true if you have the same jeweler make both. That also means you’ll have no problems stacking your rings. 

Moreover, you’ll have the best opportunity to match, or mix it up, producing the style you want the most. Some jewelers also offer to bundle the items. 

How much should it cost?

That depends on the jeweler, the labor involved, and the cost of the materials. Truthfully it will probably not be less than a thousand, though you can certainly get one at under $2,000. 

If you choose lab diamonds, which are real diamonds, you can easily stay under 2k and have a decent-sized center stone. Mined diamonds at equivalent prices will be smaller and of lesser quality. 

How long does it take to make a custom ring?

It takes much less time to design and make a ring than it does to go through the hundreds, and potentially thousands of rings you might have to view in stores and online before finding one you (and/or your partner) like. 

Technically, how much time it takes to design and make the ring depends on the jeweler, but generally, it's somewhere between a week and two weeks. However, that does depend on the intricacy of the job, and finding the right stones and materials. A simple solitaire may only take an hour to design, and a few days to make. On the other hand, a replica of Caligula’s Sapphire intaglio ring may take several weeks to finish due to the intricacies of its design and the rarity of materials involved. 

What is the process for getting a bespoke engagement ring? 

Most jewelers who produce custom and bespoke items will have a number of steps involved in the process. 

In general, these steps tend to include:

1. Designing the ring
2. Producing a mockup 
3. Select the center stone or stones and other diamonds or gems. 
4. Casting the metal components of the ring
5. Setting the stones
6. Additional details 
7. Polishing 
8. Final adjustments
9. Boxing and shipping

Where can I buy a custom diamond engagement ring? 

If you live near a major urban center, then chances are that a jeweler in your area will be able to make something custom or bespoke for you. 

Moreover, there are plenty of online retailers that also produce custom and bespoke items, that are able to ship to your location, such as Michael Gabriels. 

Of course, we need to plug ourselves in here, since Michael Gabriels specializes not only in producing custom and bespoke fine jewelry and engagement rings, but also in working with you, wherever you are in the world, to bring you the custom or bespoke piece of your dreams. If you are worried that you are too far away, please check our shipping information or contact us to find out how we can deliver to you in a timely manner. 

Please feel free to peruse our online collection of customizable lab-grown diamond engagement rings, or contact us to find out more about how we can help you from a distance. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that the advantages of purchasing a customized or fully bespoke engagement ring far outweigh the disadvantages. In most cases you will end up spending less for an item that you enjoy more and that you can have the satisfaction of having a hand in creating.