Designing your own engagement ring is one of the most meaningful things you can do. It’s not just about creating a beautiful piece of jewelry—it’s about capturing a story, your story, in a way that no mass-produced ring ever could. Whether you’ve got a clear vision or are starting with a blank slate, designing your own ring puts love, creativity, and personal connection at the heart of the process.
At Mark Katzeff, we specialize in bringing those one-of-a-kind ideas to life with expert guidance, stunning materials, and decades of craftsmanship. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to design your own engagement ring, from choosing the perfect diamond to finalizing every last detail.
Why Design Your Own Engagement Ring?
Because it’s personal.
No two love stories are alike—so why should your ring be? Designing your own ring lets you incorporate unique details that reflect your relationship. Maybe it’s a birthstone tucked into the setting, a special engraving, or a design that nods to how you met.
Because you want quality and meaning.
Custom rings aren’t just beautiful—they’re built to last. At Mark Katzeff, every ring is handcrafted with the highest standards in mind. From ethically sourced diamonds to hand-finished milgrain work, your ring will stand the test of time.
Because you’ll be part of the process.
From the first sketch to the final polish, you’re in the driver’s seat. And don’t worry—we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Step 1: Start With Inspiration
Designing your own ring doesn’t mean you have to know exactly what you want from the start. The process begins with exploration.
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Do you love vintage-style rings with filigree details?
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Are you into sleek, modern settings?
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Have you saved photos on Pinterest or Instagram?
Bring them all to your consultation. We’ll take a look and start identifying patterns in what you like. If you're not sure where to begin, no problem—we have plenty of samples in our Edmonton studio to help spark ideas.
[sora: couple browsing engagement ring styles together in a jewelry studio]
Alt text: custom engagement ring consultation at Mark Katzeff’s Edmonton studio
Step 2: Choose the Right Metal for Your Ring
The metal you choose will affect the look, feel, and durability of your ring. At Mark Katzeff, we work with a variety of precious metals:
Yellow Gold
Warm, classic, and timeless. A great choice for vintage-style rings or skin tones with warm undertones.
White Gold
Modern and sleek. It pairs beautifully with diamonds and cool-colored gemstones.
Rose Gold
Soft and romantic. Rose gold offers a unique and trendy aesthetic.
Platinum
Hypoallergenic and incredibly durable. Platinum is ideal for those who want a long-lasting, bright white look.
We’ll help you choose the metal that matches your style, lifestyle, and budget.
Step 3: Pick Your Stone(s)
Diamonds: The Classic Choice
If you’re going the traditional route, diamonds are a timeless favorite. At Mark Katzeff, we guide you through the 4Cs—Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat—to make sure your diamond sparkles with perfection.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: Ethically Stunning
Want all the sparkle with a lighter environmental footprint? Lab-grown diamonds offer beauty, value, and sustainability—and yes, they’re real diamonds.
Gemstones: Add a Personal Touch
Birthstones, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are all popular choices for custom engagement rings. They can be used as accents or the main stone for a pop of color and individuality.
[sora: close-up of different gemstone options laid out on a tray]
Alt text: gemstone options for custom engagement rings at Mark Katzeff in Edmonton
Step 4: Select the Diamond Shape
The shape of your diamond or center stone dramatically affects the overall style of your ring. Popular choices include:
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Round Brilliant: The most popular cut—timeless and full of sparkle.
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Oval: Elegant and elongating.
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Cushion Cut: Romantic and soft.
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Emerald Cut: Sleek and sophisticated.
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Pear or Marquise: Unique, vintage flair.
You can also incorporate more than one shape for a three-stone design or halo setting.
Step 5: Design the Setting
Here’s where things really get personal. The setting holds your stone and sets the tone for the ring’s overall style.
Solitaire
A single diamond takes center stage. Clean, classic, and elegant.
Halo
A ring of smaller stones encircles the center stone for extra sparkle.
Three-Stone
Symbolizing past, present, and future—perfect for sentimental designs.
Vintage-Inspired
Featuring filigree, milgrain, and intricate detailing.
Bezel
The stone is set within a metal rim—modern, secure, and great for active lifestyles.
Not sure what works best for your chosen stone or hand shape? We’ll sketch options based on your preferences and walk you through the pros and cons of each.
[sora: sketchbook with hand-drawn ring design options on a jeweler’s desk]
Alt text: custom ring design sketches by Mark Katzeff, Edmonton goldsmith
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Personal details make custom rings unforgettable. Consider:
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Engravings: A date, initials, or special phrase.
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Hidden Gemstones: A secret sapphire or diamond tucked into the band.
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Mixed Metals: Combine gold tones for a one-of-a-kind look.
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Textures: Matte finishes, brushed bands, or hammered effects.
At Mark Katzeff, we encourage clients to explore the tiny design elements that make their ring unlike any other.
Step 7: See It in 3D Before It’s Made
Before we start crafting, we’ll present you with a wax model or 3D rendering of your ring. This gives you a chance to visualize proportions, make adjustments, and ensure every detail feels right.
Pro Tip: Seeing your ring come to life in 3D is often one of the most exciting parts of the process!
Step 8: Crafting Begins
Once you approve the final design, our expert artisans get to work. Every ring at Mark Katzeff is handcrafted right here in our Edmonton studio. From casting and stone setting to polishing and final inspection, your ring is made with precision, passion, and care.
[sora: goldsmith setting a diamond into a custom ring under magnification]
Alt text: diamond setting by custom jeweler in Edmonton – Mark Katzeff
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
From initial consultation to the final ring, the process typically takes 4–8 weeks. Need it faster? Let us know—rush orders may be available depending on the complexity of the design.
Real Story: “He Designed the Ring of My Dreams”
When Sarah and Jason visited our studio, Jason had a general idea—he wanted something classic, but with a twist. Together, we sketched a solitaire oval diamond ring with a hidden halo and rose gold band. Jason added a surprise: a small sapphire set inside the band to match Sarah’s birthstone.
When he proposed, Sarah said, “It’s the most thoughtful, beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
That’s what custom design is all about.
Why Choose Mark Katzeff?
Designing your own engagement ring is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. At Mark Katzeff, we make the process enjoyable, transparent, and deeply personal. With over 30 years of experience as a custom jeweler and goldsmith in Edmonton, Mark’s reputation is built on trust, artistry, and exceptional craftsmanship.
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Expert guidance every step of the way
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Ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones
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Handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces
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Collaborative, transparent process
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In-house goldsmithing for complete quality control
What’s Next? Let’s Start Designing
If you're ready to bring your vision to life—or even if you’re just curious—reach out to us for a complimentary design consultation. Whether you want a ring that's sleek and minimal or rich in symbolism and detail, we’re here to help you design something truly meaningful.
Let’s create something beautiful—together.
We also offer an extensive collection of custom and stock rings:
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Engagements Rings
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Wedding Rings
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Ladies wedding rings
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Men's wedding bands
Let Mark Katzeff help you find what you want that not only inspires you but meets your budget. Call for a free consultation today!
Out Of Town Custom Jewellery Store Customers
Mark Katzeff attracts clients from all over the world to visit his unique jewellery store in Edmonton, here are some of his top links in staying here when meeting with our team, try some of the other attractions!!