How to Build a Diamond Engagement Ring

Creating a diamond engagement ring is an exciting time in your life. You have many options to create the perfect diamond engagement ring. Whether you’re seeking a classic design or a more unique piece, working with a jeweler is the best option to create a diamond engagement ring that is meaningful and personalized.  

Selecting the Diamond for a Diamond Engagement Ring

The first step in building a diamond engagement ring is selecting the right diamond. While some diamond retailers offer limited options, a custom jeweler can obtain virtually any type of diamond you want. 

  • Natural Colorless Diamonds: Natural colorless diamonds are a classic choice in which most diamond engagement rings are designed. Mined diamonds are rarer and more valuable than their lab-grown variants. 
  • Colorless Lab-Grown Diamonds: These diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds but are created in a controlled lab environment. They are often more affordable while maintaining the same qualities as their natural counterparts.
  • Natural Colored Diamonds: These diamonds feature natural colored hues like pink, blue, and yellow. They are rarer and more expensive, but they can add a distinct look to your engagement ring. 
  • Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds: Lab-grown colored diamonds offer the same beauty as their natural counterparts but at a lower price point. Thanks to advancements in technology, these diamonds now come in an array of vivid colors.

Choosing the Shape of a Diamond Engagement Ring

The shape of the diamond can impact its durability, sparkle, and overall price. Each shape has its own characteristics, and the right choice will depend on your preferences and lifestyle.

  • Round Brilliant: The most popular shape, round diamonds are cut for maximum sparkle and brilliance. They are a versatile choice for any style.
  • Princess Cut: This square-shaped diamond is known for its contemporary look and excellent sparkle. They have the added benefit of looking larger than a round diamond engagement ring. 
  • Oval and Pear Shapes: These elongated shapes create a larger appearance and offer plenty of brilliance. Their unique designs can make fingers look slimmer. 
  • Emerald and Asscher Cuts: These step-cut diamonds emphasize clarity and elegance over sparkle. Their large, open facets require higher clarity grades to look flawless.
  • Cushion and Radiant Cuts: These cuts combine brilliance and softness, making them a romantic choice with vintage appeal.

At AW Jewelry, we offer the option to custom-cut diamonds into unique shapes that reflect your personal style. Whether you’re looking for a heart-shaped diamond, a star, or another one-of-a-kind design, we can create a custom cut that you won’t find at a traditional brick-and-mortar diamond retailer.

pear cut engagement ring on hand and emerald cut engagement ring

The 4Cs of Diamond Quality:

  • Cut: The cut of a diamond affects its brilliance. The better the cut, the more the diamond will sparkle.
  • Color: Diamonds are graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). For a traditional, timeless look, colorless diamonds (D-F) are ideal.
  • Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of any internal or external flaws. A flawless diamond is rare and more expensive, but diamonds with slight imperfections can be nearly as stunning.
  • Carat Weight: Carat weight refers to the size of the diamond. A higher carat weight generally increases the price, but a well-cut smaller diamond can look just as dazzling.

Choosing the Right Metal for a Diamond Engagement Ring

The metal used for a diamond engagement ring plays a vital role in both the style and durability of the ring. The most popular metals for a diamond engagement ring are:

  • White Gold: A sleek, modern choice, white gold offers a sophisticated look that complements diamonds. It’s durable and typically rhodium-plated for its bright white look. 
  • Yellow Gold: The classic metal choice, yellow gold has a warm, golden appeal. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a traditional, vintage-inspired engagement ring.
  • Rose Gold: Rose gold is a trendy, romantic choice. Its warm pinkish hue is gaining popularity in custom engagement ring designs.
  • Platinum: Platinum is perfect for those who want a long-lasting and luxurious ring. It’s also naturally white, so it doesn’t need rhodium plating like white gold. 

While sterling silver is an affordable option, it’s not ideal for engagement rings. It’s a softer metal that can easily scratch and tarnish over time, which means it may not withstand daily wear. For a ring that lasts a lifetime, investing in a more durable metal like white gold, platinum, or yellow gold is a better choice.

Settings and Styles for a Diamond Engagement Ring 

The setting you choose for your diamond engagement ring is crucial not only for style but also for functionality. Some settings are more practical for people with active lifestyles or jobs that require using their hands more.

  • Prong Settings: The most popular choice for diamond engagement rings, prongs lift the diamond off the band, allowing maximum light exposure. It’s perfect for showing off the diamond’s brilliance but may not be ideal for someone with an active lifestyle. Prongs can catch on clothing or objects.
  • Bezel Settings: Bezel settings surround the diamond completely with metal, offering excellent protection and a modern look. The bezel setting keeps the diamond secure and minimizes the risk of damage.
  • Tension Settings: Tension settings hold the diamond in place by applying pressure on the stone, making it appear as though it’s floating. This setting provides a unique and contemporary look.
  • Halo Settings: A halo setting surrounds the center diamond with smaller stones, adding extra sparkle. This is a great choice for those who want a more glamorous and vintage-inspired look.

Choose AW Jewelry a Create a Diamond Engagement Ring

Instead of relying on generic pre-built rings or simple ring builders for a diamond engagement ring, we offer a personalized experience. At AW Jewelry, you can collaborate with us to craft a diamond engagement ring. We are able to source all kinds of diamonds for a customized diamond engagement ring to your exact specification. Call us or book an appointment to create a unique diamond engagement ring not found in stores.