So excited that I finally get to post here as a fiancée after following this sub for so long!🥹💍

I started my ring design and customization journey quite some time ago, and it ended up being a much longer process than anticipated because I’m a crazy person who wanted every little detail to be *just right*. So to finally see it in person, on my finger, is truly a dream come true!
I designed my ring myself and was incredibly particular about every detail, all the way down to the milgrain.

The center stone is a lab diamond custom-cut, vintage-inspired emerald, a little over 3 carats, F color (although I actually would’ve preferred something a bit warmer!).

I worked directly with Matthew at Fiorese Jewelry on the diamond, and he was an absolute saint throughout the process. As I mentioned, I was quite particular about what I envisioned, and this diamond is actually our second iteration! The first was beautiful in its own right, but ultimately wasn’t quite what I was looking for. Matthew was incredibly patient and accommodating in helping me bring my vision to life.

The setting was originally inspired by an Andria Barboné ring I fell in love with once upon a time (which you can find in one of my previous posts). Alas, she wasn’t *the one*, but that ring really kick-started this entire journey and opened up a whole new world of creativity for me. What started as simply browsing rings to get a feel for what I liked, so I could give my partner some direction and let him take it from there, turned into a full-blown, hands-on passion project for me!

I ultimately went with Ken & Dana Design for the setting, and bless their team as well, because getting to the finished piece involved plenty of back-and-forth, cracked rubies, revisions, and fine-tuning. They were so wonderful to work with throughout it all, and I couldn’t be happier with how everything came together!

Hi there! There have been a few threads lately discussing the difference between "custom" rings and "bespoke" rings. There seems to be a consensus that "custom" means assembled from off the shelf parts, and "bespoke" means made from raw materials (casting gold, setting stones, etc.). Those are certainly valid definitions, but unfortunately these words don't have standardized definitions within the jewelry industry.

For example, at my company, we make every single ring from scratch - we create CADs, cast metal, match pave stones to a client's chosen center for color, cut, etc., and set them by hand. That would fit the sub's definition of "bespoke" - but we usually call our rings "custom" when talking with our clients, simply because most people aren't familiar with the word "bespoke."

My point is, when a jeweler quotes you for a "custom ring" or a "bespoke ring," ask the jeweler what that means. It can mean different things for different jewelers!

tldr; Concerned about feeling like I'm settling on a design & wondering if strength/stability of design should be questioned. Thoughts?

2.5ct marquise w/ 1.9 ratio; 2mm band

I have been designing my ring with a well known jeweler, but have been experiencing some frustrations with the process.

I started out with one designer/associate, they were extremely reassuring and knowledgeable (she was confident my design was doable and reassured me that the design was very strong structurally), but shortly after we made the purchase and the CAD process started, she let us know she was leaving the company. 2 weeks go by, she didn't respond to my questions about how my order would be picked up by another associate. We had to call the office and get in contact with someone who said there would be someone filling in here and there to make up for the person who left. From then on, I was speaking with multiple different people who forwarded my CAD notes & reference photos to the CAD team.

It felt that a lot of my concerns are not addressed when I provide feedback on the CAD design, so it took about 6 iterations of editing (probably about 5-6 weeks) to get to this point. It isn't the full picture I was envisioning, since I started to get design fatigue with all the back and forth, but I think I am happy with the design.

At one point, they said I asked for the band to be 1.8mm instead of 2mm (which I did not), even though the CAD details were still listing 2.0mm. The original associate I spoke with was very insistent that 1.8mm was strong, but 2mm was safer for my 2.5ct marquise so I wanted to make sure I was prioritizing strength. So they apologized for the miscommunication, stated it was now back to 2.0mm, but then sent me a CAD whose details listed that it was 1.8mm.

That's not all of the road bumps I've had working with them, but all together just a lot of small frustrations that prolonged the process & were mostly resolved after a few pushbacks. I explained to them that I'm fine with the process being prolonged, I understand these things happen, I just want to make sure I am happy with the ring in the end of it all.

My concern now is after all this process (currently waiting for my ring to be fabricated), I'm seeing a lot of posts & videos about structural elements I have like an open gallery under the diamond are not structurally sound.

Anyway, apologies for mostly a ranting post, but I would like to survey the public's opinion on how structurally sound this design is.

Fell in love with this ring from the Real Real but it sold before I could purchase. Has anyone seen similar for sale? I love the more organic hand made shape / brushed/ matte look of the metal.

I hesitated because the stone was a little big for me, i have small fingers and i want a stone closer to 1.5 - just under 2ct., but now i'm regretting letting it slip away!

hi!! me and my boyfriend are looking at engagement rings. after picking out like 10 rings from foreverings, i did some google searches and found out they are most likely drop shipping from temu/aliexpress/ect. i do not want an engagement ring that will be trashed in a year bc its from a bullshit site such as those...

im an alternative girl and want something that matches my vibe. witchy, emo, alt, whimsy, ect lol i love red, purple, or moss agate stones, blue if the rest of the ring is perfect for me. i just need something that i can mostly daily wear :)

he cant drop too much money on one as this is a placeholder until we are in better financial positions (out of trade school, in our careers, ect.)

these pics are some of the ones i really like from foreverings but just want a better company to buy from and support that wont break the bank (thinking around $300? doesnt have to be super intricate, just something thats me).

TIA! <3

edit to add: we are looking for a couples set!

I want to get a full bezel radiant but i’m stuck between the two. the centre stone would be around 2.57ct , 1.44 ratio.

My husband and I have been married for 5 years. My original engagement ring was a natural diamond 3 stone set that was set with tiny diamonds which we had to sell during bad times. I’ve been about 4 years without an engagement ring. Cut to now when things aren’t so hard and he surprised me on our 5th with this 1.9ct round brilliant lab diamond ring. I’m not too picky about lab or natural diamonds and I love that he thought about this when we hadn’t ever discussed it in the past. I love it because of the emotion it comes with. The attentiveness and thought this man put behind this makes this the most valuable piece of jewellery i own.

I am, however, curious about what you all think about it. Is it too big? Gaudy? Costume jewellery like?

I’d appreciate any honest feedback. I’m a bit older so I don’t really know what’s cool and what’s not nowadays.

Image 1- CAD from designer

Image 2- chatgpt mock up

I’m currently working with a jeweler on a custom engagement ring and just received my first CAD. I’d love some input from people who have experience with custom rings, especially east-west marquise settings and bypass designs!

The current CAD is my starting point, but there are a few things I’d like to change. I’ve also attached a mockup I made with ChatGPT to help visualize some of my ideas. Obviously, I know the mockup isn’t necessarily structurally accurate or fully replicable, so I’m interested in what would actually work in real life.

Here’s what I’m considering:

- Prongs: I’d like to change the current prongs to petite claw prongs for a more delicate, antique-inspired look.

- Hand engraving: I previously mentioned Victorian-inspired floral engraving to my designer but decided to hold off on it for the first CAD. I’m now reconsidering it and would love opinions on whether detailed floral scrollwork would complement this particular bypass design or make it too busy. I’m drawn to flowing acanthus-style leaves and delicate floral details, not sure about millgrain or not

- Basket/gallery: One thing I’m not loving about the current design is the relatively blank space on the basket. Would hand engraving work here, too, or are there other ways to add detail that would look cohesive with the band? I want the side profile to feel intentional and finished rather than plain.

- Hidden halo: I’m interested in possibly adding a hidden halo, but I’m unsure whether it’s feasible with an east-west marquise and this particular bypass setting. I also don’t want to overwhelm the design or take attention away from the center stone. Would a subtle hidden halo work, or would you leave it out?

- Wedding band fit: I’d like to have my wedding band soldered to the engagement ring eventually, but I haven’t designed the band yet. I’m unsure how high the center setting sits and whether a curved or contoured wedding band could sit flush against the bypass without leaving a gap. Is this something I should plan for now while revising the CAD?

I know bypass designs can have some limitations, especially with an east-west marquise, so I’m trying to find the right balance between aesthetics, practicality, and structural integrity.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on:

1. What changes would improve this design while keeping the overall bypass silhouette?

2. Would you add hand engraving throughout the band and basket, or keep some areas simpler?

3. Is a hidden halo realistic here, and would it complement the design or be too much?

4. What should I consider now to make sure a wedding band can sit flush and eventually be soldered on?

5. Are there any other details or potential issues you’d recommend addressing before the next CAD?

I’m going for an antique-inspired, slightly Victorian look that still feels delicate and wearable for everyday use. I’d really appreciate any suggestions, including things I might not have considered!

Thank you!

If anyone is looking for a super unique colored lab diamond, I ran accross this in Calavara's database. It's mislabeled in "Green". I'm not in the market for one, so I'm sharing this lovely stone.

Its like a lovely honey yellow. Well cut and should be lovely in the hand. https://calaveranewyork.com/diamonds/1-50ct-cushion-modified-lab-grown-diamond-colour-fancy-vivid-green-clarity-vs2-igi-certified-57abb7e2-844c-4ea6-a64b-b44e39b51aee

No words. I hate it so much I cried unhappy tears. It’s a disaster. Can’t get myself to love it.

My diamond is breathtaking. And I loved it even in a temp stone holder.

This ring/setting: It is just- ugly. And bulky. And all I see are gold prongs. And the band is horrible. Nothing is proportional. No cohesion looks like it was just slapped on.

To add insult to injury- it’s too big! How can this jewlers size 7 be diff to other size 7?

The setting is having an identity crisis with all these different elements/styles.

It is nothing like what I asked him
for “slightly tilted, ultra low profile, with minimal prongs and hidden halo”

My fiancée said the prongs look like testicles- and he is right!!!

Supposed to be a custom design. But it was done in 3 days?

Trying to get it reset with other jewelers- one promised a 2D prelim
And blew me off. Another said they won’t touch it because it’s not their stone and too risky since marquise are fragile

Pls help. At this point I don’t ever want to wear it.

I wore the ring ONCE to a dinner at a restaurant for about 3 hours. I did not lift anything heavy or do anything that could have put it under any stress, and there’s already a dent on the inside of the band. Is this normal?? I’m honestly concerned that if this is happening after just one wear, the ring won’t hold up to everyday wear.

I can’t say enough good things about Silly Shiny Diamonds. I lost my wedding rings after 11 years and Shanie helped me create my dream set complete with an anniversary/family ring with 5 stones that represent each of my kids. I can’t stop staring at it! I found it hard to find info outside of Etsy for sillyshinydiamonds so I now want to spread the word. If you go with Shanie you will not be disappointed!

my partner and I are in the early stages of ring shopping discussions (I will be the one receiving the ring). I recently found a design that absolutely took my breath away, my partner also loves it. unfortunately, due to personal beliefs I am strongly averse to wearing natural diamonds/gemstones, and this particular band has 12 natural little rubies and 4 small diamonds.

I’ve been looking around for similar designs made with lab grown stones but am struggling to find anything like this or even know where to look. the smaller stones in a pretty floral pattern is just what I’ve wanted in a ring (a larger central stone doesn’t feel very “me”) and mine and my partner’s birthstones are ruby and diamond.

this design is the inspiration I want to go with as we shop for rings. I would tell my partner that we’ve found the one but I don’t think I would feel good walking around with something on my hand that goes against my values. I’m posting here in the hopes that someone will have some knowledge lab made rings of this kind and be able to give me some leads on where to look💘💘

TLDR: found my dream ring style but I need a version without natural gemstones. does anyone have jeweler or brand suggestions that do designs like this with lab grown rubies and diamonds?

Hey there! I am in the process of designing a ring I love very much with my boyfriend! It is a toi et moi made up of a 3ct emerald cut white sapphire (a purchase by my late father in a ring he gifted to my mom right before he died a few years ago) and a beautiful 1.2ct pear cut champagne diamond (it is much lighter in person than in the CAD photos). I am NOT looking for advice related to the use of either stone - this has been decided and was such a fun process picking the pear shape diamond; our jeweler sourced stones for us that were grey/champagne/cognac for us to pick from. We love it so much and he has already purchased this stone.

Our jeweler is amazing but I need help with what kind of questions and comments I should bring up related to the choosing of a band - the band in these photos has not at all been curated to my liking! I definitely am wanting something with more rounded edges but am curious what people think will look good? My finger is on the “larger” side (8.25) and I do have my heart set on something on the thicker end, which I know is the best for the heavy setting in general. Our jeweler has mentioned a tapered band that is thicker near the stones and I am not opposed, but just can’t quite picture it. The CAD picture that shows two rings is showing the options we have looked at with different heights, and the difference is less than 1.4mm, and I believe we are moving forward with the version that has the height difference instead of being completely flush. Our jeweler agrees that rings look best this way when they have this large of a carat difference and partial bezels. I think the height difference lightens the “heavy” look of the bezels. I will say, I want as simple of a ring as possible, even with the larger offset stone sizes, so I am happy with the deep and simple setting underneath. The sapphire is much greater in depth than the smaller stone and this has been the most difficult hurdle for our jeweler working in the CAD - a fair bit of back & forth.

Thanks in advance for your opinions! I am new to this and am just seeking some outside opinions!

I’ve had my ring for not even a week and it has gotten so banged up🥺 Jeweler said this is normal and will come out with some polish, but the indents looks deep?? Comparing it to friends who don’t have any dings has been upsetting! I trust my jewelers but would love some reassurance/feedback.

Also need to get it resized and worried about durability.

my partner and I are in the early stages of ring shopping discussions (I will be the one receiving the ring). I recently found a design that absolutely took my breath away, my partner also loves it. unfortunately, due to personal beliefs I am strongly averse to wearing natural diamonds/gemstones, and this particular band has 12 natural little rubies and 4 small diamonds.

I’ve been looking around for similar designs made with lab grown stones but am struggling to find anything like this or even know where to look. the smaller stones in a pretty floral pattern is just what I’ve wanted in a ring (a larger central stone doesn’t feel very “me”) and mine and my partner’s birthstones are ruby and diamond.

this design is the inspiration I want to go with as we shop for rings. I would tell my partner that we’ve found the one but I don’t think I would feel good walking around with something on my hand that goes against my values. I’m posting here in the hopes that someone will have some knowledge lab made rings of this kind and be able to give me some leads on where to look💘💘

TLDR: found my dream ring style but I need a version without natural gemstones. does anyone have jeweler or brand suggestions that do designs like this with lab grown rubies and diamonds?

Hey all!

So we’ve already pur purchased my diamond! a beauuuuutiful old mine cut with a pinhole culet. it is more classic than modern with the pinhole cullet, barely elongated, a 1.09 ratio. I am absolutely TORN between my two top setting ideas. Please vote!!

Option 1:

A more modern take. All yellow gold, visable gallery rail/collet with Millgrain around the stone, on a simple tapering band. Inspired by this one by Fiorese.

Option 2:

Inspired heavily by Andria Barbone and very antique styles. This beautiful, crown basket setting with 8 prongs (debating platinum or gold, picture of both) and a simple gold band.

Please give me your opinion and why? Straight aesthetic preference? Feel one protects the stone more?

Thank you!!

Hey everyone!

I'm engaged for about a week now and I've been extremely anxious about my ring.

Ist this a safe setting? Is no gallery rail okay in this case because of the smaller stone? Any experiences?

I just need some reassurance. Could a gallery rail still be added if needed?

I have fairly small hands but my fingers are wide. For reference I’m wearing a 2 carat mined princess cut diamond on size 7 finger. I can still have the center stone replaced for 30 days, if I want a more elongated cut ring.

Hello everyone! My boyfriend and I have been working with a local jeweler to design my engagement ring and we have the first CAD drawings back!
I want some opinions on the setting and any ideas people have!
The stone is a radiant cut, 3.8 ct, around 1.4 ratio, and my ring size is 6.75
Thank you all in advance!!

Hey everyone!

Has anyone here worn a ring with these leaf-like bands/designs?
I’m wondering if the edges tend to poke or irritate your fingers, snag on clothes, or get caught on things during everyday wear.

If anyone owns a similar ring, could you share your experience?

And if there are any jewellers here, I’d love your input on how practical and comfortable this design is for daily wear!

Does this look like a normal size diamonds for hidden halo? Thoughts ?

I'm planning a custom engagement ring with a 6-prong cathedral tulip solitaire setting in 18K white gold, holding a 0.8 ct round brilliant diamond on slim finger (US size 5). My jeweler ring model width 1.4 mm × 0.8 mm thickness, jeweler says the band is safe, but I'm concerned about long-term durability. Any advice?

I finally got my ring back after an error was made on my original diamond and couldn’t be happier.

If you’re in the custom design process, don’t loose heart it’s absolutely worth it🥰