Designing Forever: Crafting Your Unique Love Story with Custom Wedding Rings

Would you ever consider a custom wedding or a personalized wedding ring? We all know that wedding rings are more than mere accessories; they are enduring symbols of love and commitment, capturing the eternal bond between partners. But more than that, they are an expression of a unique and sacred promise between two individuals. Custom wedding rings take this symbolism to new heights, offering couples the opportunity to infuse their rings with personal significance and unique flair.

In this guide, weʹll delve into the profound significance of wedding rings, the value of custom and personalized designs, and a step-by-step walkthrough on crafting your one-of-a-kind symbol of love led by two people who have been there and done that.

Symbolic History of Wedding Rings:

For centuries, wedding rings have served as tangible symbols of love, unity, and commitment. The tradition of exchanging rings dates back to ancient Egypt, where circles were seen as symbols of eternity, representing the eternal bond between couples. Egyptians believed that a vein, known as the ʺvena amorisʺ or ʺvein of loveʺ ran directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. This belief influenced the custom of wearing wedding rings on this particular finger as a symbolic gesture of love and devotion. The circular shape of the ring, with no beginning or end, signified the everlasting nature of marriage.

Throughout history, various cultures have adopted the practice of exchanging rings as part of wedding ceremonies, each infusing their own customs and symbolism into the tradition. In ancient Rome, rings were often made from durable materials like iron or gold, symbolizing the strength and permanence of the marital union. They also often include the symbol of clasped hands, the ʺfedeʺ ring, which carries all the way down to modern Irish traditions as the Claddagh ring. The tradition of engraving rings with names or messages also dates back to this era, adding a personal touch to the symbolism of the rings.

In medieval Europe, wedding rings became more ornate and elaborate, often featuring intricate designs and gemstone embellishments. These rings were not only symbols of love but also status symbols, reflecting the wealth and social standing of the couple. Over time, the tradition of exchanging rings evolved and spread across continents, transcending cultural boundaries to become a universal symbol of love and commitment.

Understanding the Basics of Custom Wedding Rings:

Custom wedding rings are bespoke creations tailored to reflect the individuality and shared journey of the couple. Unlike mass-produced options, custom designs offer unparalleled flexibility in materials, styles, and symbolism. By collaborating with skilled artisans or jewelers, couples can bring their vision to life, ensuring that their rings tell a story as unique as their love.

Choosing a custom design over off-the-shelf options provides numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows couples to create rings that perfectly suit their preferences and lifestyle. Whether it’s incorporating sustainable materials, unconventional gemstones, or intricate details, custom rings offer limitless possibilities. Additionally, custom designs often boast superior craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring that each ring is a true masterpiece.

Adding Personal Touches:

Personalizing your wedding rings elevates them from mere adornments to cherished keepsakes imbued with memories and sentiment. Here are some ideas for embellishing your rings with personal touches:

Engravings: Engrave meaningful dates, initials, or heartfelt messages on the inside or outside of the ring band. These subtle inscriptions serve as intimate reminders of your love story.

Special Finishes: Explore unique finishes like hammered, matte, or brushed textures to add depth and character to your rings. Each finish can impart a distinct personality, reflecting your individual styles.

Unique Gemstone Settings: Consider incorporating unconventional gemstones or birthstones into your rings for a pop of color and personal significance. From vibrant sapphires to delicate pearls, the options are endless.

Symbols and Motifs: Infuse your rings with symbols, patterns, or motifs that hold special meaning to your relationship. Whether it’s a significant symbol, like a heart or infinity loop, a nod to nature, or a motif inspired by your shared interests or heritage, these elements add layers of significance to your rings.

A Tale of Two Custom Wedding Rings

We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to interview two people who went the custom route in creating their rings, using several of the unique touches above. Each person seeking a custom ring is going to have their own special needs and wants when it comes to designing a symbol of commitment. Some just can’t find an off-the-shelf option that suits their lifestyle. Some have something so specific in mind that they are unable to find anything resembling the idea in their head that is ready to purchase off-the-shelf. And some come into the whole situation with something they want used or remade that must be built into the final design.

Jodi’s Ring

When Jodi Rhelander had her custom ring created, she had very clear specifications on its look and construction based on her active lifestyle. ʺI bang my stuff around all the time, so I wanted a bezel setting to better protect my stone. I looked at a lot of stock designs, but it quickly became clear that bezel mounts were 1. not common and 2. not done in styles I liked.ʺ

With that in mind, and her alternative gemstone, a 1 carat aquamarine, Jodi did her own research and came to the jeweler with a design firmly in mind. ʺI googled a ton of ʺbezel ringʺ and ʺalternative stone settingsʺ and similar keyword searches. The jeweler suggested adding accent stones and a yellow gold connector between the bezel and the band. ʺ

But going custom sometimes means you need to punt on other things.  Jodi didn’t have her ʺrealʺ ring in time for the wedding. ʺWe went and got 10K gold temporary bands and we saved up for something fancy and permanent.ʺ

Jood’s Ring

When Jood Singer got married, they had a bit of a ring dowry to bring to the party.

ʺWe decided to go for a custom piece partly because it would be less expensive than mine new, partly because I already had a family diamond to put into a new setting, and partly because I’d fallen in love with a designer setting that we couldn’t possibly afford at retail price.

ʺI brought a picture of that setting to a jeweler who had been recommended by a friend, and together we worked on a sketch that used the best parts of the setting I’d been admiring and then made it more my style. I have a particular fondness for art deco, and I’m also a huge klutz, so I absolutely wanted a bezel set center stone, and when I mentioned the art deco concept to the jeweler, he suggested hand engraving, which I thought would be too expensive, but it ended up being quite affordable.

ʺHe had an excellent engraver who went above and beyond to add on an art deco fan on the sides of the bezel cup, and all the way around the shank. It was absolutely exquisite. My mother gave me her gold Sweet Sixteen charm bracelet and the jeweler melted it down. In addition to the center stone, which had come from my maternal grandmother’s first engagement ring, we realized that the shoulders of the ring needed little 5-point diamonds, and my mother found a pair of cufflinks that had belonged to my grandfather, so they went in there as well. With all of the elements of the ring being essentially recycled, all we were paying for was the labor. The ring has a lot of meaning to me, aside from being, of course, the ring my sweetheart gave me. It also includes elements from four different family members, most of whom are no longer with us.ʺ

Both Jood and Jodi worked with their jeweler from images they’d sourced. 

Jood goes on to explain, ʺIf anybody’s interested in the process of how you go from sketch to finished ring, from the customer’s perspective, you start with a sketch, and then usually the jeweler will make a model of that ring in wax, which you can then review and suggest any modifications. They finalize that wax model, cast it in plaster, put that into a kiln, which evaporates off the wax. They then melt down the gold and pour that into the mold. That whole hot mold with the gold poured into it goes into a bucket of cold water, which cracks the plaster and reveals the rough gold cast, which they then polish and add settings for the stones.

The additional step for my ring was that the finished ring (sans stones) went to the engraver.

And the ʺUn Wedding Ringʺ

Rena’s Ring

While we all love the symbolism of the wedding ring, it is also the truth that sometimes relationships don’t last for whatever reason. And sometimes you’re left with a beautiful, physical reminder of your lost love that you can’t wear any more.

So, when Rena Bell found herself in this situation back in the 1950s, she took the sparkling lemons life had left her and met with a jeweler to have them custom-made into lemonade. Or at least a fabulous Mid-Century Art-Deco-inspired cocktail ring using the gold and diamonds from her engagement and wedding bands.

No reason to let those diamonds and all that gold or platinum languish in a drawer when a custom option is affordably in reach.

Affordable Customization

That was something else that both Jodi and Jood stressed, the affordability of crafting your own custom ring. Jodi says, ʺCompare pricing for a custom ring with website prices for custom rings. They should be pretty similar. People should absolutely consider a custom ring. It’s usually way cheaper than you think especially if you aren’t set on a diamond.ʺ

Both Jood and Jodi also said to be realistic about lead times.  Custom work requires planning, like anything else for a wedding. You can expect crafting your custom ring to take 2-6 months depending on the jeweler so if it matters to you to have it ready for the ceremony, get started at least 6 months in advance.

A Simple Touch of Personalization – Engraving

Engraving personalized messages on wedding and engagement rings adds an intimate touch to these timeless symbols of love. Couples often choose to inscribe meaningful words, phrases, or dates onto the inner or outer surface of the ring bands, creating a lasting reminder of their special bond. These engraved personalizations can range from romantic declarations of love to inside jokes that hold significance only to the couple. Whether it’s a heartfelt ʺForever and Alwaysʺ or a whimsical ʺI Choose You,ʺ the words etched into the metal serve as a private communication between partners, strengthening the emotional connection between them.

Moreover, personalized engravings allow couples to infuse their rings with sentiments that reflect their unique love story. From the coordinates of where they first met, to a date that is meaningful to them, to lyrics from their favorite song, the possibilities are endless. Some couples opt for engravings in their native language or incorporate cultural symbols that hold personal significance. By choosing to personalize their rings with engraved messages, couples not only add depth and individuality to their jewelry but also create cherished heirlooms that will be passed down through generations, preserving their love story for years to come.

Step By Step

1.         Plan Ahead – A custom ring can take up to 6 months. If you want it for the wedding, be certain to get the wheels in motion plenty of time in advance.

2.         Do Your Research – Have an idea of what you’re looking for and get photographic examples to show to your jeweler. Don’t forget to include images of the sides and interior.

3.         Find a Custom Jeweler – Look online. Get recommendations from friends and family who have had custom work done.  Check the jeweler’s ratings and reputable sources like the Better Business Bureau.

4.         Refine Your Design – Work with your jeweler to create the unique design you’re looking for.

5.         Create an Heirloom –If you have historic jewelry in your family, considering using a stone, setting or other treasures that add more meaning to your special ring.

6.         Add Meaning and Personalize – Consider engraving a special message inside or outside your ring.

A Final Thought

By thoughtfully selecting among personalized elements, from unique settings to custom designs and messages, you can create wedding rings that not only symbolize your love but also express your unique journey as a couple. Alternative stones, art-inspired designs, unique looks and engraved symbols allow couples endless possibilities for celebrating their one-of-a-kind relationship.

Custom or personalized wedding rings offer couples a very special opportunity to express their love and commitment in a deeply personal, lasting and meaningful way that can even be handed down the generations. By understanding the basics of custom design, personalization and adding personal touches that reflect their unique bond, couples can create timeless symbols of their enduring love story.

The Bradford Exchange is proud to be a resource for couples who wish to add personalization or customization to their wedding rings at an affordable price. We offer a wide variety of designs in a range of styles, stones, and personalization options. You can see what we have to offer at the Weddings and Engagements portion of our website.

Thank you for reading and we hope you have learned a bit more about what is involved in creating a custom or personalized wedding ring.