How To Purchase A Custom Engagement Ring online

To help navigate shopping for an engagement ring online, I asked Jacob Louis, the designer and owner of online luxury ring shop, S. Kind & CO to share his five point guide on how to purchase a one-of-a-kind engagement ring online. He offered up the same advice he gave his brother: research, choose your jeweler, customize your ring, and set your timeline, but first, figure out your budget.

Before beginning your ring hunt, step back and ask yourself, "I am giving this ring as a gift. What am I comfortable with spending on the gift?" Then, do you have enough to pay for it? An engagement ring is a one-time big purchase. Do it wholeheartedly, but don't get into financial trouble. If the budget is above your means, then simply start saving. If you would like a loan, visit creditkarma.com, the best deal you'll most likely receive is from your local bank. Any jewelry company that offers you free financing has built that into the price. Now, with your budget in mind, do your research.

Researching with a specific ring in mind is a step in the wrong direction. Research jewelers because eventually you'll be working with a jeweler, not with one particular ring. It also removes the risk of falling in love with a ring that's outside of your budget. The worst thing to do is work backwards by trying to recreate that dream ring at a different, lower end jeweler. If the ring breaks or it turns out it wasn't the right stone, fixing it will become unaffordable. So, if you love something and it's not in your budget, open yourself up to options that are within your budget, under the guiding hand of a jeweler. It's great to explore and discover what you love and don't love in a ring with the help of a jewelry professional. Start your ring search by researching which jeweler you'd like to work with.

A talented jeweler is a professional. They should have a blend of gemological knowledge, as well as on the ground training. The jeweler should be able to show their credentials. However, you don't want someone who's rigid in their gemologist training, and is selling you a stone based on things you can't personally see. Here's five do's and don'ts to finding your jeweler.

Don't work with any company that has stones featured on a website for you to choose from. You're seeing a gem that's far too zoomed in on. You're not getting an accurate representation because you're seeing aspects of the stone you'll never see with the human eye.

Do have a consultation with the designer prior to purchasing. A consultation will give you the satisfaction that you found the best ring for you, above all other options. It's a similar experience to walking into a store, looking around and talking with a knowledgeable jewelry professional. In that conversation, take the advice my Mom gives me when contacting any professional: Ask, "What is the question I should ask that nobody asks?" The answer could be something like, "If you were purchasing a ring for under $10,000, what stone would you choose?"

Do work with a jeweler who understands your budget. Your jeweler should not just look at the price of a stone, but at the ring as a whole budget.

Do be prepared to make sacrifices and compromises. After working so many years in the industry, I know how to weigh a client's priorities, and offer the best solution. For example, based on a client's budget, I may suggest a solitaire and the best stone available, as opposed to an ornate ring design.

Don't work with a jeweler that doesn't supply your gemstone with a GIA or AGL report. These reports state the origin, treatment, and other necessary information about your stone.

Do work with a jeweler to find a ring that suits your lifestyle.

Very good jewelry is, in essence, site specific, small scale architecture. The best buildings in the world are not designed and then made without any other consideration. First, a suitable site is chosen, and then an architect lets the site dictate the design. So, even if you're not getting a custom-made ring, a consultation can help connect you to the right ring. Most people don't have the language to describe what they want. Images can help remedy this situation. I produce a lot of jewelry because it helps people visualize what they love. Some clients request designs based on six of my rings, having looked at images and circled little pieces of each one. That's invaluable for me and the client. Once you get your ring idea down, set a timeline.

Set a timeline for yourself: A minimum of three months from when you actively start looking to when you have a ring in hand is realistic. That gives you 4–8 weeks to do your research and 6–8 weeks for your jeweler to craft your ring. If needed, that timeline can be rushed. But remember, sometimes there's a big snow storm and it doesn't work out, so give yourself room for unforeseen circumstances.

A custom made ring is designed for you, and no one else. Its design represents your personality. Your hopes. Your dreams. Your ring should be personal, despite external pressures that often come with engagements. From the comfort of your home, the potential to find your dream ring is endless. But remember, before falling in love with a ring or a stone, sit with your computer and begin a relationship with your dream jeweler.