The search for the perfect wedding Ring can be a frustrating proposition for engaged couples. If this is your situation, you might want to consider designing your own wedding ring. Working with a jewelry designer to create your own wedding ring has several benefits over buying one ready-made. You and your spouse-to-be can create a truly unique ring that symbolizes your relationship in a way no stock ring can and you will likely save money in the process.

The first step in the process is setting up an in-person or online consultation with an experienced jewelry designer. This is the time when you get to know the designer, see previous work, and  when he or she finds out what type of ring you are looking for.

Based on what you told the artist during the consultation, he or she will sketch one or two ring options each with several variations. These may be done by hand or computer generated. Most shops do not charge for these initial sketches.

Once you have determined exactly what you want the ring to look like, the artist will create a more polished hand-drawn or computer-generated sketch of your ring. Make any final changes you want at this point. Be sure you get a written estimate in writing at this point. Now is the time to ask any questions regarding financing and the shop's return policy. After you have finalized the details of your ring and are ready to commit to having the ring made, you will be asked to pay a deposit.

Next, the jewelry designer creates a wax model of your ring just to make sure it is exactly what you want. Sometimes the ring on paper may not be what you thought it would look like in real life. If it is not what you want, now is the time to make the final changes because the next step is casting the ring.

When the ring is cast, the overall shape and general look of the ring is formed from the metal you requested. Popular metals include gold, silver, platinum and stainless steel.  Some rings, such as those with a great deal of filigree, are fabricated from sheets or bars of metal or wire.

Once the ring is cast or fabricated, the artist then sets any gemstones and hand-engraves any design on the band. Then the ring is finished with textures or other details. Texture choices range from matte, highly polished, hammered, antiqued and so forth.

In about six weeks, you will go in for the final fitting. If the ring fits well, make the final payment and take your new one-of-a-kind, custom wedding ring home for safekeeping until your wedding day.

Resources:

Green Lake Jewelry Works Design Your Own Ring

Charlotte Cornelius Design Your Own Ring