The Rise of Bespoke Jewelry: How Couples Are Redefining the Proposal

Ring shopping in the jewelry store? Not likely.

More couples are opting to have a bespoke engagement ring made than ever before. Bespoke jewelry isn’t going away anytime soon.

As wedding trends continue to shift towards hyper personalization, the once niche market of fully custom jewelry has transitioned into a requirement.

After all…

A marriage proposal is personal. So why should the ring chosen to symbolize that commitment be anything less?

What you’ll discover:

• Why Bespoke Engagement Rings Are Everywhere You Look
• Why the 3 Carat Round Cut Diamond Is The Ultimate Choice For Custom Jewelry
• Step-By-Step: How Couples Are Building The Ring Of Their Dreams
• Technology Changes That Have Revolutionized Custom Jewelry
• And how this trend will impact proposals for generations to come.

Why Bespoke Engagement Rings Are Booming

Shopping for an engagement ring is drastically different than it was just a few years ago.

Nowadays, customers aren’t walking into jewelers asking where they can find the ‘Ice Bowl’ or ‘Halo Heaven’. Instead, they want to know how long it will take to make their vision come to life.

And guess what?

The majority of that vision includes a 3 carat round cut diamond. There’s just something about a bezel set round brilliant that catches the light buyers can’t resist. That’s why jewelers such as Leon Diamond are experiencing a rise in custom design requests as couples continue to search for that coveted 3 carat round cut diamond in a setting that fits their unique style.

While styles may come and go, one thing will always remain consistent. And that’s the love of a bespoke solitaire.

The classic engagement ring with a single center stone is still dominating the market. In fact, buyers are starting to personalize even the traditional solitaire with hidden halos, nontraditional metals, and custom engravings.

Plus, as more couples continue to lean into lab-grown diamonds, they have more budget to play with when it comes to the overall design. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost less per carat than mined diamonds which means couples can afford bigger stones.

The average center stone size today is 1.7 carats compared to 1.5 carats just two years ago.

And that number is only expected to grow. As lab-grown diamonds become more popular, shoppers are feeling more comfortable investing in larger stones like the 3 carat round cut diamond.

What’s Driving the 3 Carat Round Cut Diamond Trend?

Ever wonder why the age old round cut is so popular?

Here are a few reasons:

• It’s the most brilliant. The round cut diamond has the most facets of any cut. This allows more light to enter and exit the diamond creating more sparkle.
• It’s classic. The round cut diamond has been around for over 100 years. Forever ago. There’s a reason it’s stood the test of time.
• It goes with everything. Search “3 carat round cut diamond engagement rings” and prepare to get lost in a sea of breathtaking designs.

But here’s the real kicker…

Sales of round cut diamonds have actually dropped by nearly 15% since 2015 as diamond shapes like ovals and pears gained traction.

With that being said, the round cut diamond is still the most popular diamond shape purchased.

Going bespoke means combining the most popular diamond shape (round) with a design that fits the wearer and the wearer alone. There’s no reason to shy away from the classic when it comes to the center stone.

How Couples Are Designing Their Dream Ring

Every jeweler has a slightly different process when it comes to building a bespoke ring. But for the most part, the process looks something like this:

Step 1: The couple selects their diamond. Whether it’s a 3 carat round cut diamond or not, the diamond is chosen first and things like clarity, cut, and carat are decided.

Step 2: Setting Design. This is where the fun begins. Everything from the metal of the band to the style of prongs are decided on by the couple. Oh yeah, and the actual setting design.

Step 3: Construction. Unless the jeweler happens to handcraft every piece that comes through their doors (like Leon Diamond), the ring will be built by artisan experts.

Total time: 4-8 weeks.

How does that compare to the “ready made” jewelry previous generations got married with? That extra care and detail really shows.

Of course, celebrity proposals have also helped pave the way for custom designs. When celebs announce their engagements, it’s not uncommon to see unique takes on traditional engagement rings. As the general public digs these bold designs, they will want to emulate that for their ring.

Technology Changes That Have Revolutionized Custom Jewelry

Custom rings used to be exclusive to high-end buyers. Not anymore.

Advancements in technology have made it so that custom jewelry is more accessible than ever. Here’s how:

• 3D Renderings / CAD Design. Many companies now offer their customers the ability to see their ring come to life on a computer screen. Eliminating any guess work or potential confusion about the design and look of the ring.
• Cutting Technology. Not only are diamonds being cut better than ever, but the technology used to create intricate designs has come a long way. Say goodbye to the “banker” bezel settings of the past and hello to designer craftsmanship.
• Social Proof. Want to see custom rings before talking to a jeweler? Head on over to Instagram. Social media has provided customers with hundreds of custom designs at the click of a button. And with that data, comes big expectations when entering the ring selection process.

Point is, customers are able to see what their ring will look like way before it’s actually made. And that transparent process has made the whole experience that much better.

Ring Shopping Is Being Forever Changed By Custom Jewelry

Engagement rings are no longer one-size-fits-all.

As couples continue to personalize more aspects of their wedding timeline, the ring they choose to spend their lives with has become more about self expression and less about following the crowd.

The idea of buying a ring off the “shelf” has been replaced with tailored designs that cater to the individual’s style.

And it all starts with the diamond.

The 3 carat round cut diamond has solidified itself as the number one diamond shape for custom jewelry due to its brilliant sparkle, versatility, and timeless style.

To sum it all up:

• Bespoke / Custom jewelry continues to rise in popularity
• 3 Carat diamonds are becoming more desirable as lab grown diamonds become more popular
• Contrary to belief, the timeless round cut diamond is the most popular diamond shape when it comes to buying an engagement ring
• There are a variety of technology advancements that have changed the way people shop for custom jewelry
• Social media has also contributed to the rise of custom jewelry

At the end of the day, customers want their ring to be as unique as their relationship is. And that’s something that can’t be found at the jewelry store.