How to Make an Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is a personal expression of your love and commitment as well as style. Although there are thousands of beautiful engagement rings out there, designing and making your own ring offers you more choices and creative involvement. Whether online or on paper, here is how to make an engagement ring that will have her saying "Yes!"

Instructions

Make it Online

1. 

   Go to an online jewelry site such as A Diamond is Forever (see the second link below) that offers a free design service. See links below for other such sites, which all work in basically the same way, offering the same selections and varieties.

2. Click on the link that says "Design your Ring" and fill out the brief questionnaire to get started. The design service is free, but most sites want some demographic information that does not require any personal information such as your social security number or credit card numbers.

3. Click on the "Engagement Ring" link to begin. This will open a new window for you to begin the actual designing of your ring.

4. Choose a center stone for your diamond engagement ring. You will get an option to choose a round, marquise, teardrop, emerald, oval, princess, radiant or heart-shaped diamond. Click on the style diamond you'd like in the center of your ring.

5. 

   Select the type of band you'd like for your ring. You can choose from yellow gold, white gold or platinum. Click on your choice, and it will appear in the image in the center of the window so you can see what it may look like with your diamond choice.

6. 

   Select any side stones you'd like; simply scroll through the shape choices such as baguette or trillion to get a preview of what it would look like with your diamond and band selections. Click on your final choice to create your ring look.

7. Make adjustments. You have the options of selecting the carats of both the center diamond and the side stones to fit your design and budget.

8. 

   Check out your selections by looking on the right hand side of your designing box to see what size diamonds and cuts you have selected. You now have the option to print out your design, or click to find similar designs that are already available. You can also email your selection to your loved one to get her approval as well.

Design it on Paper

1. 

   Look at reference materials. Check out catalogs and vintage or antique jewelry stores to get an idea of what style and motifs you like and would like to use in your own design.

2. 

   Sketch it out. Start with your ideas for the center stone. Draw a circle, square or marquise style diamond, for example, of about the size you desire.

3. 

   Add some color. Now, with colored pencils add some side diamonds or gemstones to your design. Scroll work and a more ornate band are more appropriate for the wedding band, while an engagement ring should focus on the stones. Select your favorite colored gemstones or draw in some side diamonds for your ring.

4. 

   Think about the band width. Again, a plain band is appropriate for an engagement ring, so think about what color gold or metal you want to use for the band. Draw a thickness of the band alongside the diamonds and gemstones.

5. Take your design to a gold smith or jeweler and consult with him on your design. Bring any gemstones you may have that you want to use and ask the jeweler to make your design for you.

Tips & Warnings

• When working with a jeweler, be very clear about what carats you want to use and your budget for the ring.

• Work with a reputable jeweler or goldsmith and ask for recommendations or referrals before you hand over any money.

Resources

• adiamor.com
• adiamondisforever.com
• mondera.com