Custom Engagement Rings Vs. Ready-Made: Which One is Right for You?

‘Ellis’ 1.38ct Teal Australian Sapphire & Diamond Rose gold Ring

One of the most meaningful decisions you'll ever make is choosing an engagement ring. With so many options available, it’s worth considering if a custom engagement ring or a ready-made ring is right for you and your partner.

Whether you prefer the convenience of ready-made designs, or the journey and craftsmanship of a bespoke piece, this blog will explore how to select a ring that best reflects your story,  and take you through the process we use to design custom-made rings at Jason Ree.

What are custom engagement rings, and how do they differ from ready-made?

A custom engagement ring is designed from scratch with a jeweller, allowing you to choose every element – from the gemstone and metal to finer details like the setting, style and engravings. Adding these personal touches makes the ring uniquely yours, a truly special memento to represent your love and commitment.

On the other hand, ready-made rings are ideal for those who prefer a quicker and simpler process. If you find a design that matches your style, a ready-made ring can be a convenient choice for your engagement. Take the ‘Zipporah’ 1.30ct Teal Australian Sapphire Halo Ring (shown below) as an example. 

This elegant gold band is engraved with feather details under the setting, supporting the 1.30ct round brilliant-cut teal sapphire. Surrounded by a halo of 19 round diamonds, the sapphire colours shift from blue/green to deep teal blue in natural daylight. But for something truly distinctive, a custom ring really provides a level of unparalleled uniqueness and sentimentality.

Zipporah’ 1.30ct Teal Australian Sapphire Halo Ring

Why choose a custom engagement ring over a ready-made ring?

Opting to design a custom engagement means you’re part of every step of the design process. At Jason Ree, we guide you through selecting the perfect stone, choosing the setting that best enhances its beauty, and fine tuning the details to match your vision. Our bespoke experience includes:

• One on one design consultation with Jason to ensure a personal & unique experience to refine your vision so that the final ring is right for you. As part of the process, we’ll draft some initial sketches to capture the finer design points and visualise the ring from every angle.

• Hand-selecting your gemstone, with a choice of over 200 responsibly sourced Australian sapphires and other precious stones. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the way different stones glow against different light sources and textures, including metal bases.

• Personalised jewellery where each piece is tailor-made to fit your story. We also offer a wide range of metals and engraving options to ensure every detail of your ring feels meaningful and special.

Crafting an heirloom is a true joy for us, but the time it will take to bring a custom engagement ring to life will depend on the design complexity, gemstone selection, and crafting process. You should aim to start the process at least 2-3 months in advance, with as wide a window as you can, with the process depending on the design requested and leaving space between each step for approvals and discussion.

What factors should you consider when choosing between custom and ready-made?

When deciding between a custom or ready-made engagement ring, consider the following questions in guiding your choice:

• Do you want a ring that tells a unique story, or simply a ring for style?

• Do you want a ring quickly, or are you happy to work through the bespoke design process?

• Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind piece, with choice over the carat of the stone, metal used and style?

• Would you like the hands-on support of designing a ring with an experienced craftsman?

Begin your engagement journey with Jason Ree

For those seeking a truly bespoke experience, Jason Ree offers one of the most detailed and personalised custom engagement ring services in Australia. We aim to guide you through every step of the process, whether you prefer an exquisite ready-made ring or something more bespoke.

Explore our range of hand-crafted engagement rings or book a design consultation today to create a ring to make your proposal extra special.