An Expert’s Guide to Buying a Bespoke Engagement Ring For Your Partner

You don’t need us to tell you that buying an engagement ring is probably one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make… that’s probably why you’re here! As experienced diamond and jewellery experts - specialising in beautiful bespoke engagement rings - we’re here to walk you through a clear guide to buying a stunning, unique ring for you or your partner.

In this guide, we’ll take you through:

• Bespoke vs custom-made rings vs off the shelf rings
• Setting a budget
  • Natural diamonds vs lab-grown diamonds
• Choosing the right design
• Adding personal touches
• Choosing your jeweller

Bespoke vs Ready-Made Rings

There are tens of thousands of options for off the shelf rings, so you may find exactly what you want in store or online. At Wedstones, we have a huge collection of beautifully crafted custom made engagement rings available to browse both online and in our showroom.

Off the shelf rings are ready-made rings that you purchase as they are. We offer custom-made rings because this allows you to choose the metal and choose your centre diamond or gemstone. You can also choose between natural diamonds and lab grown diamonds. We then make the ring in your chosen metal with your chosen diamond or gemstone and in your ring size with no bespoke costs. This allows us to work to a huge variety of budgets to suit your requirements.

With over 700,000 natural and lab grown diamonds online, our online ring builder is a great way to start exploring this process.

However, buying a bespoke engagement ring offers something entirely different. Instead of choosing a finished piece or a custom made engagement ring, you’re involved in creating it from the very beginning. We help your ideas come to life. You also get to select the stone, setting, metal and finer details, resulting in a ring that is completely unique to suit you and your personality.

Off the shelf / Ready-made rings are ideal if:

• You need something quickly
• You fall in love with a specific design
• You prefer a more popular style

Custom-made rings are perfect if:

• You like a ring design but would like a bigger or smaller diamond
• You like a ring design but would like a sapphire, ruby or another gemstone
• You like a ring design and are working to a specific budget

Bespoke rings are ideal if:

• You want something one-of-a-kind or a unique design
• You have a clear vision or an idea that we can help make reality
• You want to maximise your budget
• You’d like to incorporate meaningful details such as a family heirloom
• You can’t find what you are looking for off the shelf or from our custom rings

Setting a Budget For The Perfect Ring

When buying a bespoke engagement ring, many people initially think it will be more expensive. Bespoke is slightly more expensive than custom made or off the shelf, but it doesn’t have to break the bank and we can work with you to ensure you don’t exceed your budget. We offer a free bespoke design service, meaning we will design your ring free of charge and provide you with images and pricing before you commit to ordering.

How Much Are Bespoke Engagement Rings from Wedstones?

It’s difficult to talk about an “average” bespoke price because variations and options are endless, as well as fluctuating metal and diamond prices.

Our bespoke rings in 9ct yellow gold or white gold typically start from around £1200, with platinum and 18ct gold naturally being higher due to material costs.

If you’re considering engraving, this starts from £45 per ring. We can engrave fingerprints, patterns, or fully custom designs based on your ideas.

Natural vs Lab Grown Diamonds

Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years beneath the Earth’s surface. They carry traditional appeal and tend to retain value.

Lab-grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds but are created in controlled environments. They typically offer larger sizes for the same budget.

All of our diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict free via The Kimberley Process.

Choosing the Right Design

Design is where bespoke truly comes to life. Consider your partner’s existing jewellery, lifestyle and preferences. Do they prefer minimal and classic pieces, or bold contemporary styles?

• Solitaire
• Trilogy
• Halo

Adding Personal Touches

The beauty of bespoke design is the opportunity to create something deeply personal.

• A hidden engraving inside the band
• Incorporating a family heirloom stone
• Adding a subtle birthstone detail

Choosing Your Jeweller

Choosing the right jeweller ensures experience, transparency and craftsmanship that lasts decades.

• Have fantastic reviews
• Deliver high quality workmanship
• Advise on wedding ring fit
• Offer guidance without pressure
• Provide detailed visuals before production
• Source diamonds ethically
• Explain pricing openly

At Wedstones, our bespoke process begins with a no-pressure consultation in our Evesham showroom. We guide you from initial design to final polish, ensuring the finished piece is exceptional in every way.

If you’re thinking about booking a consultation, have a look at our Facebook or Google Reviews to see what our customers say.