Designing Your Custom Engagement Ring

Crafting Your Custom Engagement Ring

A step-by-step guide to creating a one-of-a-kind ring — from first ideas to final polish. Whether you're just starting to explore or ready to begin, we’re here to make the process personal, transparent, and exciting.

Client sketch session

Getting Started – Find Your Inspiration

Not sure where to begin? Start by gathering a few reference images—Pinterest boards, saved Instagram posts, or photos of pieces you love. Think about the elements that speak to you: is it a certain stone shape, a metal colour, or a setting style? Don’t worry if you’re still figuring it out—asking questions and exploring ideas is all part of the process.

Our Instagram showcases many of our bespoke designs and is a great place to spark ideas or see what’s possible. Designing your dream engagement ring starts with a simple conversation—no prior knowledge required. Reach out to us through our website or work with us via email at info@carmenandlucyfinejewellery.com, and we’ll guide you through the process.

Emerald cut diamond

Setting Your Budget

Our custom engagement rings start from $3,500 and can exceed $50,000 depending on your choice of diamond, sapphire or coloured gemstone, precious metal, and design complexity. Wedding bands typically range from $800 to $5,000, while our fine jewellery pieces begin at $400.

As an Adelaide jeweller offering fully bespoke pieces, we work with a wide range of budgets — delivering exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design at every level. Whether you're seeking a minimalist solitaire or an heirloom-inspired trilogy ring, we’ll tailor recommendations to suit your priorities.

Establishing a budget early helps us present the most beautiful and suitable options within your comfort zone, ensuring the design process feels focused, transparent and exciting from the beginning.

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Gold ring stack on hand

Design Consultation

Our custom engagement ring consultations are available both in-person at our Adelaide jewellery studio or remotely via email. Whether you have a clear idea or need guidance, we’re here to help you design a ring that feels timeless and personal.

As an experienced Adelaide jewellery designer, Julia will walk you through styles, settings, and gemstone choices — offering thoughtful recommendations that blend aesthetics with durability. Every concept is refined with care, ensuring your engagement ring is made to last.

Planning a surprise proposal? We can discreetly guide you through the process. Noting your partner’s favourite metal, preferred stone shapes, or existing jewellery style can help us create a piece they’ll treasure forever.

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Gemstone selection tray

Choosing the Gemstone

Your centre stone sets the tone. Whether you’re choosing a diamond or a coloured gemstone, we’ll guide you through the options with a trained eye — from natural and lab-grown diamonds to sapphires, tourmalines and more.

As a certified gemmologist, Julia personally sources each stone for beauty, quality, and responsible provenance. You’re welcome to browse the Gem Vault online, or enquire for a tailored selection — many of our rarest stones are sourced privately and never listed.

Whether you’re visiting our Adelaide studio or working with us remotely, we’ll help you compare diamonds and coloured gems side by side and find the one that feels just right.

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Ring drawing with tools

From Idea to Digital Model

Once your custom engagement ring design is finalised, we create a detailed CAD (computer-aided design) model that shows multiple angles and proportions of your piece.

This stage is where we refine the details that matter most; height, profile, claw style, band width, and how the ring will feel on the hand.

This digital preview lets you visualise the design and request any refinements before production begins.

For added peace of mind, we also offer a 3D-printed resin version of your ring, available to try on in our Adelaide studio for local clients or shipped directly to interstate clients for review.

Jeweller's CAD render screen

Making the Ring

Once your deposit is received, your ring moves into production; crafted with a blend of traditional techniques and CAD precision. Each piece is handcrafted in Adelaide by our trusted local jewellers, using Responsible Jewellery Council certified gold and responsibly sourced diamonds or coloured gemstones.

Production time usually ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on design complexity. If you're working to a specific deadline — such as a proposal or special occasion — let us know early so we can tailor your timeline accordingly.

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Jeweller at workbench

Warranty, Shipping & Jewellery Care

We offer a lifetime manufacturing warranty for craftsmanship defects (excluding wear and tear or work by other jewellers). For full details, view our Lifetime Manufacturing Warranty.

Enjoy free insured shipping on orders over AU$500 within Australia. Your piece will be safely packaged with signature on delivery.

To keep your jewellery in top condition, we offer a free annual clean and professional check-up. Over time, rings can wear—yearly inspections help ensure lasting beauty and security.

Packaging and delivery

As an Adelaide jewellery designer, we’re here to bring your ideas to life with clarity, expertise and craftsmanship.

Whether you’re starting with a sketch or simply a feeling, we’ll guide you through the process and create a piece that feels entirely your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a custom engagement ring take?

Most custom engagement rings take 6–10 weeks from design sign-off to completion. Timelines vary depending on stone sourcing, complexity, and workshop scheduling. If you have a proposal date, tell us early — we’ll plan around it wherever possible.

What does a custom engagement ring cost?

Our custom engagement rings start from $3,500 and can exceed $50,000, depending on your choice of diamond, sapphire or coloured gemstone, precious metal, and design complexity. We’ll guide you through options that suit your budget while keeping the final ring balanced, durable, and made for everyday wear.

Do you offer natural and lab-grown diamonds?

Yes — we work with both natural and lab-grown diamonds. We’ll help you compare specifications and certification so you can choose what feels right.

Can you create sapphire engagement rings?

Absolutely. We source sapphires across a wide range of colours and tones, including parti sapphires and classic blues — selected for cut quality, colour, and suitability for daily wear.

Can you source a stone for me, or can I bring my own?

Both. We can source diamonds and gemstones for you, or design around a stone you already have (including heirloom pieces). If you’re supplying your own stone, we’ll confirm suitability before proceeding.

Do you offer remote consultations for interstate clients?

Yes. If you’re not based in Adelaide, we can complete consults remotely via email or video and guide you through stone selection and approvals Australia-wide.

Do you offer a warranty and aftercare?

We offer a lifetime manufacturing warranty for craftsmanship defects (excluding wear and tear or work by other jewellers). We also recommend annual inspections to keep settings secure and your ring in excellent condition.

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