How to Design a Gemstone Engagement Ring

With planning, you can have a beautiful piece of jewelry

By Yu Qing

Photo by iStockphoto.com

The engagement ring is a meaningful piece of jewelry that represents the betrothal between you and your fiance. There is no better way to honor the occasion than to design your own gemstone engagement ring. Designing jewelry is an elaborate task; seek a professional jeweler or designer for their expertise and you can avoid costly mistakes. With planning, care and time you can design a beautiful piece that you will cherish for a lifetime.

• What You Need to Know
• Have the stone selected before you start designing your ring. The stone might suggest its own design if it is unique and special.
• Plan your budget, taking into account the wedding ring too.

Step 1:

Look at fashion magazine websites and browse jewelry stores to find ideas for your ring. Jot down notes or save pictures of what you like about each design to make it easier for you to consult with your jeweler.

Step 2:

Select a suitable metal. You have a few options to choose from: yellow gold, white gold, platinum and sterling silver. Yellow gold is a warm-colored metal that's a favorite for engagement rings. Choose 14- or 18-karat gold because it is stronger than 24-karat gold. Platinum is a strong metal: it is most resistant to damage and most suitable for setting diamonds. It is the most expensive metal, however, and may be unaffordable for many couples. White gold is a less expensive alternative to platinum. Sterling silver is a white metal that's darker than platinum or white gold and more affordable. If you can't decide on metal colors, you can choose to mix the metals.

Step 3:

Design a setting. The right setting can highlight the gemstone in an appealing way. There are several popular options to choose from: the prong, cluster, bezel, gypsy and channel. The prong has claws that surround the stone and raises it to capture light. The cluster includes smaller stones surrounding a large stone centerpiece. The bezel setting is a rim of metal that surrounds the stone. The gypsy has small stones set around the ring that don't protrude from the band. The channel setting has gemstones that sit next to each other between metal bars.

Step 4:

Choose the type of gemstone. There are lost of options for the unconventional bride. For example, the ruby is a red gemstone that symbolizes love and passion. Garnet ranges in reds, greens and yellows and represents fidelity and faith. Consider the durability of the stones and pearls and how well they'll work with your lifestyle. If you like to remodel homes and work with hand tools, pearls and emeralds may not be the stones for you.

Step 5:

Choose a personal statement to engrave on the inside of the band. This makes the piece more meaningful. Use a stanza from a poem or lyric from a song that reminds you of your relationship. Or you can engrave a thoughtful message from husband to wife.

Step 6:

Make an appointment for the final ring sizing. This is one of the most important appointments; an ill-fitted ring renders your previous design efforts futile. Set the appointment time when your fingers aren't swollen to get the perfect fit.

• Tips & Warnings
• Give yourself time for this project. It will take several months to finalize the design, meet with the jeweler and wait for the mold prototype for the ring.