You Dream It, We Design It: Our Custom Engagement Ring Journey

One-size-fits-all might work for some things in life — it’s freezing cold in January right now, so we’re thinking of a scarf or fuzzy hat — but when it comes to your engagement ring, there’s something extremely special about making it truly your own.

From choosing the perfect stone to crafting a unique setting, designing your ring ensures every detail reflects your style and personality. Looking for a classic, round diamond with a timeless solitaire setting? Look no further than our friendly team of experts and a family-owned diamond jewelry business, trusted in Lancaster, PA and beyond for 55 years. Want an alternative or colored stone with an ornate vintage setting? We’ve got you. At Vanscoy, Maurer and Bash Diamond Jewelers, we meet you where you are, treat you like family, and help you to feel empowered and confident on your engagement journey.

Sound exciting? We think so, too. Read on for Vanscoy, Maurer and Bash Diamond Jewelers’ guide to help you navigate the custom engagement ring journey.

Why Choose a Custom Engagement Ring?

A custom engagement ring isn’t just a piece of jewelry; it’s a one-of-a-kind expression of love. Call us romantics, but an engagement ring is more than just another accessory or fashion statement. It’s an embodiment of a promise, a future, and a love story all your own.

Here are a few reasons to go custom with our diamond jewelry store in Lancaster, PA:

• Uniqueness: Create a ring that is truly one-of-a-kind.
• Sentimental Value: Incorporate meaningful details like heirloom stones, eclectic styles, or engravings.
• Creative Control: Ensure every aspect matches your preferences, from diamond shape to metal type.
• Flexibility: Adjust the design to fit your budget without compromising on style. Yes, you can afford custom! We’re here to bust the myth that custom always means more expensive — you can, in fact, have it all!

Step 1: Selecting the Style

The first step in designing a custom engagement ring is deciding on the overall style. Bring out those Pinterest inspiration boards and celebrity engagement ring photos, and our diamond jewelry experts can take it from there! Here are a few popular options to consider:

• Classic: Timeless designs like a solitaire or a three-stone setting exude elegance and simplicity.
• Vintage: Inspired by specific eras, vintage rings often feature intricate detailing, filigree work, or milgrain accents.
• Modern: Clean lines and minimalist designs appeal to those who prefer contemporary aesthetics.
• Bohemian: Nature-inspired motifs, asymmetrical designs, and raw gemstones create a whimsical, unique look.
• Glamorous: Halo settings and pavé bands are perfect for those who love a bit of sparkle.

Step 2: Choosing the Setting

The setting of your engagement ring determines how the stone is mounted and significantly impacts its overall appearance. Our team at Vanscoy, Maurer and Bash Diamond Jewelers can also recommend certain settings based on your day-to-day activities and occupation. For example, bezel settings may be a safer option for the fiancé working in a hands-on profession, like the medical field. Here are some common setting options:

• Prong Setting: The classic choice, prongs hold the stone securely while maximizing its brilliance.
• Bezel Setting: A modern, protective option where the metal surrounds the stone’s edge.
• Halo Setting: A circle of smaller diamonds or gemstones surrounds the center stone, enhancing its sparkle.
• Pavé Setting: Tiny diamonds line the band, creating a continuous sparkle.
• Channel Setting: Diamonds are set into a channel within the band for a sleek look.
• Tension Setting: The stone appears to float as it is held by the tension of the metal.

Step 3: Picking the Perfect Metal

The metal you choose sets the tone for your ring — literally. Do you love the look of warm, yellow gold or sleek platinum with your complexion, wardrobe, and other jewelry? Are you a metal purist, or do you love the look of mixed metals? Here are a few popular choices:

• Platinum: Durable and hypoallergenic, platinum is perfect for active lifestyles.
• White Gold: Offers a sleek, modern look similar to platinum but at a lower price.
• Yellow Gold: A warm, traditional option that complements vintage styles.
• Rose Gold: A romantic choice with a blush-pink hue.
• Mixed Metals: Combine different metals for a unique, eye-catching design.

Step 4: Selecting the Stone Shape

The main event, if you will. Each shape brings its own personality to the ring, from the everyday elegance of a round or oval cut to the unique shine of a radiant or emerald cut, and everything in between:

• Round: Timeless and brilliant, the round cut is the most popular choice.
• Princess: A square shape with sharp corners for a modern look.
• Oval: Elegant and elongating, ideal for those who want a larger-looking stone.
• Emerald: A rectangular shape with step cuts, exuding vintage sophistication.
• Cushion: A square shape with rounded corners, blending classic and contemporary.
• Marquise: A dramatic shape with pointed ends, maximizing the stone’s size.
• Pear: A teardrop shape that combines classic and unique elements.
• Asscher: A square step cut with an art-deco vibe.

Step 5: Setting Your Budget

One of the biggest advantages of going custom is the flexibility to design within your budget. Here’s how to make the most of it at Vanscoy, Maurer and Bash Diamond Jewelers:

• Select a Smaller Stone: Opt for a slightly smaller carat weight to reduce costs.
• Choose Alternative Gemstones: Sapphires, morganites, and moissanites are stunning and budget-friendly alternatives to diamonds.
• Consider Lab-Grown Diamonds: These synthetic stones emulate the sparkle of natural diamonds at a fraction of the price.
• Simplify the Setting: A classic solitaire or minimalistic design can be more affordable than intricate settings.

Adding Personal Touches

Customization allows you to incorporate special details that make the ring uniquely yours. Here are some ideas

• Engravings: Add a meaningful quote, date, or initials inside the band.
• Hidden Stones: Include a small gemstone on the underside of the band for a secret detail.
• Heirloom Integration: Repurpose a family stone or metal for sentimental value.
• Unique Shapes: Create a band with a distinctive curve or design.

Get Inspired: Mickayla’s Custom Engagement Journey

To inspire your design, let’s take a look at a diamond engagement ring we custom designed here at Vanscoy, Maurer and Bash Diamond Jewelers in Lancaster, PA.

Mickayla fell in love with a Simon G. setting that we have in the store and knew that she wanted the unique sparkle of a radiant-cut natural diamond for her center stone. Our team worked with her to find the perfect center stone and recreate that Simon G. setting with Mickayla’s personal touches: a yellow gold shank and white gold head with compass rounded prongs.

Today, we’re working with Mickayla to custom-make her wedding band, also featuring radiant-cut diamonds!

So, Why Choose Custom for Your Engagement Ring?

Designing a custom engagement ring is a journey of creativity, emotion, and collaboration. By choosing your style, setting, metal, and stone shape, and working within your budget, you can create a ring that perfectly symbolizes your unique love story.

Ready to get started? Our team of friendly experts at Vanscoy, Maurer and Bash Diamond Jewelers in Lancaster, PA, is here to help! Your dream ring is just a design away.

Stop by our diamond jewelry store or contact us today to begin your custom engagement ring journey.