Where does the bespoke ring process begin?

The bespoke process does not begin with drawing the ring, but with understanding what you are looking for. This includes the type of jewellery, your preferred style, your available budget and the characteristics of the diamond or gemstone.

Some clients know exactly what they want and have already collected examples. Others simply know that they are looking for a classic, understated or perhaps more striking engagement ring. Both are perfectly good starting points.

During the initial consultation, factors such as diamond shape, carat weight, colour, clarity, precious metal and any side stones are therefore discussed.

Step 1: Choosing the right diamond

With a diamond ring, the centre stone often determines much of both the overall appearance and the budget. For this reason, it makes sense to choose the diamond before finalising the design.

Diamond House Jewellery buys directly from diamond cutters in Antwerp and selects diamonds based on factors including Cut, Carat, Colour and Clarity. Diamonds from 0.35 carats upwards are supplied with an independent grading report from organisations such as GIA, HRD or IGI.

One advantage is that you can compare different stones. A diamond with a higher clarity grade, for example, may be better on paper, but that does not necessarily make it the best choice for you. In some cases, choosing slightly lower clarity combined with a better cut can produce more visible brilliance within the same budget.

Step 2: Deciding on the design

Once the centre diamond or gemstone has been selected, the ring can be designed around it. This could be a classic solitaire, but also a halo, three-stone ring, pavé design or a completely unique piece.

You do not need to be able to produce a technical drawing yourself. Photographs of rings, details you like or different examples you would like to combine can be enough to establish the desired direction.

Diamond House Jewellery has its own design team and works with experienced goldsmiths and platinumsmiths in Antwerp for production. If you are unsure about the design, a realistic 3D rendering can be created, giving you a clearer idea of what the finished ring will look like before production begins.

Step 3: The ring is made by hand

Once the design has been approved, it is passed to the goldsmith. This is the point at which the design becomes an actual piece of jewellery.

At Diamond House Jewellery, the production time for a custom-made ring is generally around two to four weeks, although this can vary depending on the design. A simple solitaire naturally requires a different amount and type of work from an intricate design featuring multiple stones and delicate pavé setting.

After production, elements including the finish, stone setting and overall appearance are checked before the ring is delivered.

Why have a ring made in Antwerp?

The main advantage is not simply Antwerp’s reputation as a diamond centre. For the buyer, it is the combination that makes the city particularly interesting: access to loose diamonds, gemmological expertise and specialist craftsmanship, all in one place.

With a standard ring, the design has already been determined and you look for the version that best matches your preferences. With a bespoke ring, the opposite happens: the diamond, proportions, materials and details are selected around your individual preferences.

A bespoke ring does not have to be extravagant either. Even a simple solitaire can be made personal by combining the right diamond, setting, band width and proportions.

The result is not a ring that simply happened to be available in the right size, but a piece of jewellery created from the outset for one person.