While at a glance it is hard to tell the difference between handmade engagement rings and store-brought, pre-cast rings, there are a number of things that ultimately determine which ring lasts the test of time.
There is a common misconception that buying a custom-made ring is more expensive, and yet stores can easily charge a fortune for a ring that is not only mass produced, but also far harder to track in its authenticity and true value. A ring from a large chain store for example may have less-than-clear policies on where it sources its stones and metal. This means that there are fewer guarantees that the ring was not made in whole or part from ethical, conflict-free sources. As for the mass production aspect, the ring you choose is often one of thousands exactly like it… even if you are paying a small fortune to buy it.
Handmade engagement rings on the other hand offer a number of benefits that, while they might not be instantly apparent, will certainly make a difference to the wearer over the years.
Handmade vs Pre-Cast – Which is the Best Choice for Engagement Rings?
Some of the things to consider when choosing which type of engagement rings you wish to purchase include the following:
- Uniqueness. We recently shared some of the most popular diamond ring cuts and styles, while also offering some insight into other factors that influence the overall look of the ring, such as the band and setting. When buying a ring at a store, you would typically be shown a selection of rings, which you can then pick and choose from when you see one that stands out from the rest. A custom ring however is designed from scratch with your input provided at every stage, from the metal of the band to the size and cut of the stone, the carat, the stone itself and many other individual elements you wish to include. This means that the final ring is 100% unique, with no two rings every being the same.
- Value. By having full say over the ring’s specifications, you also have control over how much the final ring will cost. While you want to give your beloved a handmade ring that is as valuable as the one who wears it, you do not want to end up in debt forever after over-spending. By working with your jeweller from the initial design phase to completion, you can find a balance that is realistic and achievable. By choosing everything from the setting to the carat and the metal of the band, you will be able to plan and budget well in advance of your proposal.
- Integrity. Last but certainly not least, with a handmade ring that is made by a jeweller approved by the Kimberley Certification Scheme, you will always be completely sure that you are not buying conflict diamonds. This certification was set in 2000 by Southern African diamond sourcing countries in the mining town of Kimberly, in order to find a way to end the sale of stones used to fund war, violence and other unrest. In the same year, the United Nations adopted the resolution, applying it to the control and sale of all rough diamonds sourced from this region. Without this certification, there is simply no way of knowing whether the stones in your ring have been ethically sourced or not. Rather than focusing on sales figures and profits, as, sadly, many large-scale diamond retailers have been known to do so, smaller jewellers who craft their ware by hand are committed to upholding the principles of conflict-free.
At Cape Diamonds, we believe that you are not simply buying a piece of jewellery, but rather a symbol of your love that has been crafted into something unique and precious. And that is what makes the most important difference of all when deciding on which type of engagement rings you should choose.