Custom Engagement Rings Are Trending: Here’s How to Get Yours
There’s been a real shift in how people shop for engagement rings.
Instead of asking, “What do you have in the case?” more couples are asking, “Can we make something that actually feels like us?” They want a ring that fits their life. Their style. Their hands. Not something that’s close enough.
An engagement ring is something you’ll wear every day, it should feel right the moment you put it on, not like something you’re trying to get used to. That’s why custom engagement rings aren’t just trending, they’re becoming the norm.
What “Custom” Means at Croft & Stern
“To us, custom means not having any “what ifs” once your ring is finished.”
Not wondering if it should have been lower, not wishing the band was a little thicker, not second-guessing the metal choice.
When you’re wearing your ring, it should feel settled. Like, “Yes. This is it.” That confidence comes from a thoughtful process and from slowing things down enough to do it right.
Where Every Custom Ring Really Begins
Before we ever open CAD software, we start with a conversation. We talk about your style. Your lifestyle. What you’re drawn to. What you love. What you absolutely don’t want.
From that first meeting, we begin sketching and/or digitally rendering a series of early design concepts. Think of these as blueprints.
This phase is meant to explore possibilities, test proportions, and show different directions we could go. At this stage, everything is flexible. Nothing is locked in. We’re shaping ideas together. Once we narrow in on the right direction, we provide a clear estimate and secure pricing. You know exactly what the project looks like before we move forward.
From Ideas to Precision: Moving Into CAD
Once the design direction and pricing are approved, we to require a deposit, then move into CAD.
This is where creativity meets engineering.
Every curve, thickness, and angle is modeled with intention. Our CAD designers aren’t just technicians. They’re artists and jewelers. They understand how rings are actually made and how they actually wear. A ring isn’t just supposed to look good, it has to last. It has to be comfortable and to hold gems securely for years.
At Croft & Stern, we balancing form, function, and beauty. All three matter.
Working With Your Gems (or Ours)
If you’re using your own gemstones — heirloom diamonds, family stones, or something meaningful — we carefully remove them in-house.
Each gem is inspected, precisely measured, and then digitally imported into the CAD model. Your actual gemstones become part of the design file. We’re not guessing. We’re designing around what you truly have.
If we’re sourcing gems, we bring the primary gems in for you to see and approve first. You get to compare them, ask questions, and choose what feels right. Once selected, we secure them on your behalf and design the ring specifically around those gems.
Before & After
The jewelry to the left was brought in to be combined into this new ring on the right. Click to see more Before & After stories.
Seeing It Before It’s Permanent
After CAD is complete, your ring goes through two important approval stages. First, you’ll review detailed renderings that show proportions, structure, and layout. Then, we create a full-scale 3D printed model.
You can hold it.
Try it on.
See how it feels on your hand.
This is where so much confidence comes from. You’re not just imagining your ring anymore. You’re experiencing it.
And if something doesn’t feel quite right? We adjust it.
Your design stays fluid until you approve both stages.
“Will Seeing It First Ruin the Surprise?”
We get this question all the time. And the answer is always no.
Even when you’ve seen the design and tried on the model, nothing compares to seeing your finished ring in gold or platinum with real gemstones set by hand.
The weight is different, the sparkle is different, the craftsmanship comes alive.
Seeing it ahead of time doesn’t take anything away. It makes the final moment even better.
Why We Involve the Person Who Will Wear It
Whenever possible, we encourage the person who will wear the ring to be part of the design process.
We learn how you use your hands.
What feels comfortable.
What feels distracting.
What feels natural.
That information directly affects the design.
After the renderings and 3D model are approved in person, many clients choose to step back so the final ring can still be a surprise. From there, we work closely with the proposing partner on the final presentation.
Some couples design everything together from start to finish. Both approaches are welcome. There’s no right or wrong way. Just what fits you.
Understanding Your Style and “Vibe”
Custom doesn’t start with software. It starts with understanding you.
We ask you to gather inspiration images. Jewelry, fashion, architecture — anything that reflects what you’re drawn to.
We’re looking for patterns.
Do you like clean lines?
Soft curves?
Bold details?
Vintage elements?
Our job is to take those clues and translate them into proportion, texture, stone layout, and metal choices that work together.
We’re not copying pictures, we’re building something that feels like you.
Designed and Built In-House
One of the biggest differences at Croft & Stern is that everything is designed in-house.
Our CAD designers, jewelers, and craftspeople work together under one roof. There’s no disconnect between design and production.
The people who design your ring understand how it will be cast, set, finished, and maintained.
That consistency is how we create jewelry that is beautiful, durable, and comfortable all at once.
The Step-by-Step Custom Process
Schedule your consultation
Discuss ideas, style, and budget
Review early concepts and pricing
Move into CAD design
Approve renderings and 3D model
Begin in-house production
Final inspection and presentation
Most custom projects take about 4–6 weeks once production begins.
Why Custom Rings Are Becoming the Standard
People don’t want “I guess I like it”, or “it’s fine”, or “it’s what the store had” anymore. They want rings that fit their lives, that reflect who they are, that they’ll still love years from now.
They want to understand what they’re investing in, they want craftsmanship they can trust, and they want something that feels personal, not mass-produced.
That’s what custom jewelry at Croft & Stern provides.
Ready to Begin?
Whether you’re just starting to explore ideas or already have inspiration saved, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Custom doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
With the right process and the right team, it becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the journey.
