QUICK LINKS: 1 Where you can customise an engagement ring in your preferred metal | 2 Metals that can be considered for a custom engagement ring | 3 Choosing the purity of the gold | 4 Combining different metals in one engagement ring | 5 Using heirloom or sentimental metal | 6 How the metal can affect the price | 7 Questions to ask before choosing a custom jeweller | 8 Custom engagement rings at Bell & Brunt | 9 Frequently asked questions | 10 Safeguarding Your Diamond Engagement Ring Explore your custom engagement ring options
Bespoke jewellers and some made-to-order jewellery stores allow customers to choose the metal for an engagement ring. Options may include platinum, yellow gold, white gold and rose gold, subject to the jeweller’s range and the technical requirements of the design.
At Bell & Brunt Jewellers in Adelaide, you can work with a designer to explore suitable precious-metal options for your custom engagement ring. Recommendations are made after considering your preferred design, lifestyle, budget and how you intend to wear the ring.
Where you can customise an engagement ring in your preferred metal
Metal-selection options generally differ between bespoke jewellers, made-to-order stores and jewellery retailers.
Bespoke or custom jewellers
A bespoke jeweller develops the ring around the individual client rather than limiting them to an existing finished design. Depending on the jeweller’s capabilities and the suitability of the proposed design, clients may be able to personalise:
- The type and colour of the metal
- Metal purity (18ct or 9ct)
- Diamond or gemstone selection
- Setting style
- Band width and profile
- Ring size
- Design details with personal meaning
At Bell & Brunt, custom engagement rings are individually designed in consultation with each client and handcrafted by our jewellers in our Adelaide workshop.
Made-to-order jewellery stores
Some made-to-order stores allow customers to select a metal for an existing ring design. Available choices and the extent to which the original design can be changed will vary between businesses.
Jewellery retailers
Some jewellery retailers offer selected designs in more than one metal or colour. This may provide a degree of personalisation, although the available combinations will depend on the individual retailer and product range.
Metals that can be considered for a custom engagement ring
Options offered by a jeweller may include:
Metal | Points to discuss with your jeweller |
Platinum | Weight, wear characteristics, maintenance and price |
White gold | Gold purity, alloy composition and possible rhodium-plating maintenance |
Yellow gold | Gold purity, wear and compatibility with the design |
Rose gold | Alloy composition and design suitability |
Mixed metals | Construction, compatibility and how the metals will wear together |
Metal appearance can vary according to purity, alloy composition, finish and lighting. Your jeweller should explain the characteristics and care requirements of the specific option being recommended.
Choosing the purity of the gold
Some custom jewellers offer more than one gold purity, such as 9-carat, 14-carat or 18-carat gold. Options vary between jewellers, and not every purity will necessarily be recommended or available for every design.
The choice should consider:
- The proposed design
- The desired colour
- Wear and maintenance
- Lifestyle
- Budget
- Any relevant metal sensitivities
At Bell & Brunt, your designer can explain the available options and recommend an appropriate metal for your particular ring.
Combining different metals in one engagement ring
In many cases, different metals can be combined. A two-tone ring might pair a yellow-gold band with a white-metal setting, for example. Whether a particular combination is appropriate will depend on the design, construction and metals involved. The jeweller should confirm suitability before the design is finalised.
Using heirloom or sentimental metal
A custom jeweller may be able to assess metal from an inherited or sentimental piece. Reuse cannot be guaranteed before it has been inspected. Factors that may affect whether the metal can be incorporated include:
- Metal type and purity
- Condition
- Quantity available
- Previous soldering or repairs
- The requirements of the new design
If direct reuse is not recommended, there may be other ways to preserve the piece’s meaning, such as incorporating suitable gemstones or drawing inspiration from its original design.
How the metal can affect the price
The price of a custom ring may be influenced by:
- Metal type and purity
- Quantity and weight of metal required
- Ring dimensions
- Design and setting complexity
- Diamond or gemstone selection
- Labour involved
- Precious-metal prices at the time of quoting
A final price can only be confirmed after the design, materials and other relevant details have been established. Any quote should clearly explain what is included and how long it remains valid.
Questions to ask before choosing a custom jeweller
- Which metals and purities do you currently offer?
- Will my ring be individually designed or adapted from an existing model?
- Where will the ring be designed and made?
- Who will make it?
- Can I see examples of your previous work?
- Can you assess my heirloom metal or gemstones?
- What maintenance might the recommended metal require?
- Can the ring be designed alongside a future wedding band?
- What is included in the quoted price?
- What is the estimated timeframe, and could it change?
Custom engagement rings at Bell & Brunt
Bell & Brunt is a fifth-generation family jeweller located in Adelaide, South Australia.
Our designers take the time to understand your preferences, story, lifestyle and budget before discussing the options available for your ring. From precious-metal selection and gemstones to setting style and finishing details, each recommendation is considered as part of the complete design.
Our custom engagement rings are designed and handcrafted by our team in our Adelaide workshop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best metal for an engagement ring?
There is no single metal that is best for everyone. The right choice depends on the design, preferred appearance, lifestyle, budget and maintenance expectations.
Is platinum better than white gold?
Platinum and white gold have different compositions, weights, appearances, wear characteristics and care requirements. One may be more suitable than the other depending on the wearer and the proposed ring design.
Can I have a yellow-gold band with a white-metal setting?
This may be possible, subject to the design and the jeweller’s technical recommendation.
Can my engagement ring complement my existing jewellery?
Yes. During a custom consultation, the designer can consider the styles of the jewellery you regularly wear. An exact match cannot always be guaranteed because metal colour can vary by purity, alloy, finish, age and manufacturer.
How long does a custom engagement ring take to create?
Timeframes depend on design complexity, material and gemstone availability, and the jeweller’s workshop schedule. At Bell & Brunt, we take about 4 weeks for custom ring making after the design has been finalised. Ask for a current estimate before proceeding, and discuss any fixed proposal or wedding date.
Explore your custom engagement ring options
Meet with a Bell & Brunt designer in our Adelaide studio to discuss suitable precious metals, gemstones and design possibilities for your engagement ring, and book a custom engagement ring consultation when you are ready to begin.
