How to Design an Engagement Ring for your Girlfriend
by Anna Marion
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This is probably the first time you’ve had to think about designing jewelry for someone, let alone something that holds so much meaning. That’s what I’m here for, ask me all the questions! I like to give lots of detail so you understand how everything works, allowing you to make considered and informed decisions, so you can enjoy this wonderful and exciting process!
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Consultation
We discuss where you’re at in the process, and I can go into more detail about each of the steps mentioned below, as well as the choices you’ll be expected to make in this process.
For this meeting, I encourage people to have a rough idea of budget, and have some photos of their partner to get an idea of what fashion and jewelry she typically likes to ensure we are designing a ring that reflect her style and tastes.
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Design ideation
I’ll offer some design options as images or sketches, and we can narrow down a style to pursue.
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Stone selection - diamonds and gemstones
We look at some stones, mostly online but can also be in person. Once we select this, we can move forward with designs. If you have some heirloom jewelry, we can also give the stones and metal a new lease of life as your engagement ring!
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CAD model
I’ll create one or two CAD models in my 3D modeling software, and we can revise these until we feel it aligns with what she’ll love.
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3D Printing
If you’d like to see how the model looks, we can have a plastic 3D print created. Some people like to propose with this model and the gemstone(s), to allow your partner to make the final design choices.
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Casting
To create the final ring a 3D printed wax model is created, this is then used to create a mold that the metal is later poured into, using a method called lost wax casting.
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Finishing
When the metal is cast it has a rough matte texture, so it is filed, sanded and polished by hand.
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Stone Setting
The polished ring is given to the stone setter, who pushes metal over the edges of the gemstone (i.e. diamond or sapphire).
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Rhodium plating
14K white gold rings are typically finished with a layer of bright white rhodium plating, this is because white gold has a slightly warm tone to it. This can also be left unplated as a design choice, or used under stones on yellow gold to enhance their color.
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Choose your box
There is a wide variety of ring boxes styles to choose from, such as wooden, velvet, vintage or one of my favorites - the mini slim box - ideal if you need to subtly carry the box on you for the proposal!
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Plan your proposal
Well done! You’ve done all the hard work of creating a ring, now to find the perfect moment to ask the question…
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