What are the best tips and tricks when shopping for a custom engagement ring?

Definitely shop around! Get quotes that you can then take on to the next jeweller to see if he can better it.  You'll often find that if it comes down to it, they will better the existing quote.  Also ask for pictures or examples of their work so you can see if it is up to your standard - they should have lookbook. Go in with a picture of what you want - be specific.  You will then get a more accurate quote.  What thickness would you like the band?  How would you like the diamond cut? Do they do a discount if you and your husband have a matching wedding made made by them? Hope this helps :)

What you need to know to be prepared: 1. Terminology and style knowledge: Classic styles (cast settings= a mold was made that they can make multiples of the same type of setting) vs. Custom made are very different paths for decision making and what you need to do homework on to actually negotiate. If you go the classic route, make sure you know what direction style/design-wise you want to go in before you embark for a few reasons. Because all these styles are cast and in stock, you can negotiate pricing more between the trusted shops. For classic style knowledge, go to a few different classic engagement ring websites like De Beers, Tiffany and others- you'll notice that they all have similar designs (classic cast settings) 4-prong, 6 prong, halo, double-halo, infinity and bezel set are all classic designs that most all jewelers will have so understand that terminology. You'll also notice that most settings are in either in 14k white gold (cheapest), 18k white gold (more expensive and a bit softer so you need thicker prongs) or platinum (most expensive and durable). If you see yellow gold it's usually the band only (the prongs will be white to enhance the white of diamond) or bezel set styles and you would only do 22k gold in bezel set (not as typical of a setting) as it is too soft for prongs. So check and compare pricing for the different karat golds, platinum, etc to gauge. If they are a designer jeweler shop they will have their own variations but they are still cast settings (cheaper and easier to implement = less labor and cost). If you want a completely custom piece, again find a designer that you like their style of designs (if you think you can afford them) or by word of mouth but know what style they usually can do otherwise you'll pay more for them to create something that you could have paid a regular shop for. 2. Getting a good deal doesn't mean you'll get the best outcome. Check with friends/family as well as social media reviewer sites like yelp for highly recommended jewelers specifically that set stones well. Skill should be valued over saving $ because if they set the stone poorly, you risk losing your family heirloom! 3. Last, when you leave your diamond with a jewelry shop, make sure there is some way you know you are getting your own diamond back! I used to work at a shop where they had you look through a microscope so you yourself could mark on a piece of paper the inclusions/characteristics of your stone so that when you get it back you know it's the same stone. This is also important when you take it in for repairs or prong tightening in the future. If you take to a custom designer, I wouldn't worry as much because as a stand alone designer, swapping stones would bury your reputation and put  you out of business if you ever did such a thing. But if you think you have a stunner of an heirloom and want to be extra careful, make sure you get it appraised before and after you leave it with anyone. Hopefully I didn't overwhelm you but good luck and congratulations!! Let me know if you have more questions- happy to advise.

Honestly, since you already have a diamond you won't need many tricks and tips. The diamond selection is always the hardest part of ring making, and that's where you really need tricks and tips. That being said here are some things you can consider when you buy your mounting. 1. Metal: go for 14k yellow gold. The whiteness of white gold might wear off later resulting in a dull look. 2. Go for an infinity band if you can. It's not really a trick persay, but it is more of an eye popper. Otherwise stick to a simple prong setting. 3. If you have a lower quality diamond, clarity wise then you might want to opt for a bezel setting, if you have major inclusions on the sides of the diamond. This way, the weak portion of your diamond can be hidden away, leaving a slightly better look. Otherwise make sure price compare, assemble some pictures of what you like, and do shop around. It's best if you actually know someone from the industry, or at least know someone who knows someone. Good luck.

Some of the best tricks when shopping for a custom engagement ring are the simple and easy ways to cut down significantly on the price! What many people do not know is that by buying your ring’s diamond(s) loose, and then setting it(them) into your ideal setting, you can save considerably. This occurs because you are only paying for exactly the elements that you desire in your ring, and no extra design or stones that were not part of what you wanted. Often, when you choose an already completed ring from a jewelry retailer, it is close enough to what you envisioned and therefore you may settle on the style and price. Furthermore, once the piece is complete, the retailer will likely boost the price up. Another extremely valuable tip is to first consult with a professional who has the experience of already working on multiple designs. They will know better than anyone what color diamond suits a specific metal type and what you might want to consider in order to maximize the colors that are important to bring out. There is actually no need to settle for anything less than absolutely perfect!

Know what you want!  Nothing is harder on a jewelry designer than someone who is constantly changing designs!  Small modifications from the initial design usually is ok, but changing ideas on a wholesale basis is the fastest way to put your design on a low-priority basis!  Also, daily status checks are also a no-no!

Most jewellers don't like making just the ring mount for people. It just comes down to money, a jeweller makes all their money off of the diamond not off of the ring. That being said, because you now know that, understand that you will be paying quite a bit for your ring mount. What a jeweller wants is for you to know three things from you: Know exactly what you want. A time frame longer than two weeks and under 6 weeks. And know what you want to pay, to buy a ring mount and have diamond put in it will cost you $1,500 - $3,500 depending on the mount. To have a ring mount personally made and have the diamond put in it will cost $2,500 - $4,000. If you walk in knowing these things they will be happy to help you out. Most jewellers prefer to sell you one of their ring mounts because it is way quicker. But if you know exactly what you want, show them. You will pay about $1,000 more, but you will get exactly what you want. I hope that helped and I hope you get an absolutely amazing ring made up!!!

The best advice I can give you is to visit a jewellery store of good reputation that has been around for a long time. Though if you’re eyeing a smalltime jewellery business, just watch out for fakes and inferior craftsmanship. When shopping for custom engagement rings with fancy stones like http://www.armansfinejewellery.com/store/yellow-diamond-engagement-rings, make sure that the jeweller sourcing them is trusted. If still in doubt, do a couple of tests on their samples like lightly scratching with your fingernail or running it over your stockings to see if it won’t tear your clothing.

Shop around! Firstly, you need to set a budget and then start to look around at designs that appeal to you. There are many reputable jewelry stores that specialize in custom designs and many will provide a http://www.debebians.com/custom-engagement-rings.html to help you get started.At deBebians, all of our engagement ring settings are made to the exact dimensions of your center diamond. This makes it incredibly easy to choose a setting that we already have designed. However, we also are a true manufacturing house and can make any custom design based on your specific budget. We provide a custom CAD (computer aided design) rendering so that you can add changes to the piece until you are truly satisfied.Before ordering online, definitely check out a company’s reviews from non-biased third parties. Many customers will also share their own personal photos so that you can get a true idea of the work and craftsmanship that a company puts into their products.Congratulations and good luck!!!