The price of a ring (or any piece of fine jewelry) is based on the cost of materials and labor, with a markup for the maker to cover overhead and stay in business. As with most products there is a large variance in material quality, the most obvious being gemstone quality. Most of us are aware that the price of diamonds differs due to the characteristics of the stone such as the weight, if the gem is free of inclusions, if it is colorless and the perfection of the cut all combine to give us the cost of the diamond. Colored stones have their own grading system but most of the value of a colored stone is found in the intensity of its color. Similarly, the material in the ring is also a factor of cost, 14k or 18k gold vs. platinum for example. All things being equal, there is still room for cost difference.

A ready made ring is quite possibly one of a great many exactly like it. Likely it is made in a factory in a foreign country by laborers. Moreover, these pieces may get rushed to meet production goals and suffer small imperfections as a result. Unpolished and under finished metal castings, thin prongs and shanks to keep metal cost down, uneven or loose stone setting. You may find the price is lower than a handmade custom ring, but consider the long term costs.

Cracked prong found after years of wear.

Thin prongs wear faster than nicely made prongs which could lead to stones falling out. Thin shanks crack and break prematurely, and can become very misshapen with wear also possibly leading to stones falling out. Poorly cut diamonds and gemstones simply do not have brilliance and fire that well cut stones have and is the most visible problem. Your local jeweler can easily explain and show you the difference between the two. The fact is you will pay good money to buy a ring. It makes sense to choose one that is not only beautiful but will be strong and last throughout the years. The cost of the repairs over the years may equal or exceed the difference in the initial cost of the ring in the first place. My favorite high-end stereo store had a sign by the counter that said, “Buy the best and cry once”.

Our Surfer Stripe 18k diamond channel band with hand finished gold and hand picked and set diamonds.

A custom ring may incur a design fee for a model built to your specifications. You get to add your sense of style into the piece. A good custom jeweler understands what is needed to properly structure fine jewelry using the correct size prongs, under bridges, shanks etc. They can also accommodate family gems that you want to incorporate into your design. For the cost of a fancy dinner you can have a piece exactly the way you want and wear it for a lifetime!

Custom made ring with rutialted quartz & ebony.

Certainly not all ready made rings are inferior. There are excellent quality pieces sitting in jewelers cases all over the world, and one may be exactly what you want at a price you are willing to pay. The experience of having a ring or any piece made just for you is a memorable experience. There are few times in our lives when we give such attention to a gift or a future heirloom. It should be an easy and fun process. It’s good to know that a custom ring doesn’t necessarily cost more that one off the shelf when all things are considered.

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