As a jewelry designer, I’m always looking for ways to create jewelry for everyone’s budget. Men and/or women who are shopping for engagement rings usually have a price threshold they are not willing or unable to cross. This can present challenges and opportunities depending on how you shop. Many people assume that buying any type of custom jewelry will be an expensive and time consuming endeavor. Although the later may some be true in some instances, all custom jewelry is not expensive. In fact, when it comes to engagement rings, customers who shop at stores like G3 Jewelry save a significant amount of money compared buying at traditional jewelry stores with fixed products and pricing.

The key is working with a designer that can provide you with the following:

• An accurate drawing or representation of the engagement ring you are looking to have made.

• Various options in metals (gold, platinum, silver, etc.), diamond sizes, and diamond qualities.

• Ways you can come in under, right at, or slightly above your budget.

Once you have these things nailed down, you will find the process will be well worth the extra work and wait involved. Remember, it is very important to carefully select the metal you choose for your engagement ring. Many people are using gold instead of platinum because they think there is a significant cost savings, but this may not be true. Gold prices have skyrocketed recently and platinum prices have come down. Unless you are using a 14k or lower gold quality, you may be surprised at how little difference there is in platinum prices when compared to gold. Be sure to ask the designer you are working with for details. Also, it is always a good idea to buy a certified stone if it is 1 carat or larger, but be prepared to spend more money to obtain this type of diamond. An alternative would be to go with a diamond certified by EGL or IGI as opposed to GIA, because the mark-up that retailers place on GIA stones can be hefty. These are just a few things you will want to decide on before any design work is done.

It’s a special time in your life and you want your engagement ring to represent the level of commitment in your relationship. The same way you take time to shop for the best car you can afford, should be the same way you shop for the best engagement ring you can afford. The only difference is, cars eventually expire, but diamonds are forever!