If you’re getting ready to propose and you want to make the occasion and the person you want to propose to feel special, going with a bespoke engagement ring could be a good idea. You’ll have the chance to choose the type of material, style, colour, gems you want on the ring, etc. But bespoke rings are not for everyone, and you have to know some of their drawbacks before you decide to go that route. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of buying a bespoke engagement ring.
Pro – Create a One-of-a-Kind Piece
Anyone who has shopped for an engagement ring probably knows how boring they can look. The last thing you want is to underwhelm the person you are going to give the ring to with something generic. You might think that getting something expensive will impress them, but you could impress them a lot more by getting something that represents their personality.
If you know that they love a certain colour, then you could go for gems in that colour or find a metal that has a similar tone for the band if possible. Or you could go with something more eccentric like a flower or animal-inspired band. You get to let your imagination run free when choosing a bespoke ring and the person you’re going to give it to will be blown away.
Con – Bad Jewellers
Working with the right jeweller when having a bespoke ring made is of paramount importance. Mistakes can get extremely costly, and if you go with a bad jeweller that is opposed to making multiple modifications, you might end up with a piece you’ll regret buying and not even want to use it.
Instead, pick a jeweller that is known for working on pieces like the one you’re looking for and has a solid track record to show for. Jewellers like Chapter 79 could be a great option. Jewellers who specialise in bespoke pieces will be more open with designs and adjustments, so take the time to interview a few jewellers before you make your final decision and go for someone with a good reputation and who you feel comfortable with.
Pro – It Could Actually Be Cheaper
Many people are surprised when they hear this, but working with an independent bespoke jeweller could save you money. This is because they won’t always mark up the price as major retailers will. If the jeweller decides to sell the piece with no markup, then you can expect to pay around 20% less than you would for a ring of comparable quality at a big brand jeweller.
Con – You Might Kill the Surprise
You will need to get some intel before you start the ring creation process, and you might ruin the surprise while doing so. For instance, you’ll have to find out what her ring size is and what type of ring they would or wouldn’t like.
Getting their ring size without their knowledge will be difficult, but you could bring one of their rings to the jeweller. However, since it’s a ring they have to have worn recently, there’s a chance that they’ll notice if it’s missing, so be extra careful.
These are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of bespoke rings. Take the time to learn as much as you can about them – and jewellery in general – before you part with any money, as mistakes will come with serious implications.
