Understanding engagement rings starts with understanding the people wearing them. As a Chicago engagement ring designer, our process is built around collaboration, craftsmanship, and giving you a voice in every detail, from the first sketch to the final polish.
So, how are engagement rings made when they’re truly custom? Here’s what that process might be like.
Step One: The Consultation (Yes, There’s Champagne)
Every custom engagement ring begins the same way: with a private appointment in our Chicago showroom. This isn’t a quick stop in or just a sales pitch, it’s a dedicated design session where you sit down with one of our experts and talk through what you actually want.
We’ll walk through things like:
-
Stone shapes and proportions
-
Metal options like platinum, yellow gold, or white gold
-
Setting styles and structural considerations
-
Lifestyle factors that affect durability and wear
-
Who you are, your story, and what this ring means to you.
This first meeting is less about having all the answers and more about asking the right questions. Many clients come in with screenshots or loose ideas; others come in with nothing at all. Both are perfectly fine. This step lays the foundation for the entire custom engagement ring process.
Step Two: Designing the Ring Together
Once your vision starts to take shape, our team translates it into a detailed digital design or a CAD (Computer Aided Design). This is where creativity meets precision.
Using advanced design tools, we create a realistic rendering of your ring so you can see proportions, angles, and details before anything is made. This step is essential to understanding engagement rings beyond just aesthetics.
Nothing moves forward without your approval. Changes are encouraged. Questions are welcome. We want to make sure your ring is exactly what you want.
Step Three: From Digital Design to Physical Form
After the design is finalized, the ring is brought into the physical world through a carefully controlled casting process. A wax model is created first, allowing us to confirm scale and structure before working with precious metal.
The final ring is then cast in your chosen metal and refined by skilled craftsmen right here in Chicago.
This stage is where clients really begin to appreciate how engagement rings are made at a technical level. It’s also where custom design separates itself from mass produced jewelry.
Step Four: Stone Setting & Finishing Touches
Once the ring is cast, the stones are set by hand. Prongs, bezels, or custom settings are adjusted with precision to ensure both security and visual harmony.
The ring is then polished, detailed, and inspected. The goal is a ring that looks beautiful on day one and still feels right decades later. And with our guaranteed free maintenance forever, we can really make sure that happens!
This attention to detail is what defines a truly thoughtful custom engagement ring process.
Why Custom Matters
Choosing a custom engagement ring isn’t about being trendy or extravagant. It’s about intention. It’s about knowing where your ring came from, who helped make it, and why every detail exists.
As a trusted Chicago engagement ring designer, Ethan Lord Jewelers offers an appointment-based experience where you’re involved every step of the way. No pressure. No guessing. Just honest guidance and craftsmanship rooted in quality.
If you’ve ever wondered how engagement rings are made, the answer is simple: carefully, collaboratively, and with purpose. Contact us to learn more about our process or to get started!