Telephone: 310.820.8787
In recent years, more couples have stepped away from standard designs, opting for bespoke engagement rings instead. From the type of gemstone to the meaning behind every design detail, modern lovebirds are designing rings that reflect their unique identities.
In fact, over 40% of engagement rings now include at least one custom element. That number keeps growing, and for good reason: personalization isn’t just a luxury anymore—it’s an expectation.
What is a Bespoke Engagement Ring?
A bespoke ring isn’t just a custom order. It’s the result of a collaborative design process that begins with a conversation and ends with something no one else in the world has. Every element, from the setting and silhouette to the choice of stones, is designed around your style, your story, and your life.
Why Choose A Bespoke Engagement Ring?
There’s a common misunderstanding that custom or bespoke means complicated or expensive. That’s not always true. Bespoke jewelers work within a range of budgets, offering options that rival off-the-shelf pricing. What you get, though, is far richer in meaning.
A ring that’s tailored to your partner’s taste shows thoughtfulness that can’t be mass-produced. Maybe it includes a birthstone instead of a diamond. Maybe it features a vintage-inspired band because your partner loves Art Deco. Or, perhaps the design quietly incorporates a detail only the two of you understand, like a hidden engraving in your shared language. These touches turn a piece of jewelry into a personal artifact.
And then there’s the practical side. Standard rings don’t always fit everyone’s lifestyle. Athletes, musicians, and people who work with their hands often need custom solutions, like a lower-profile setting or a specific metal that won’t scratch or irritate the skin.
Designing Your Custom, Bespoke Engagement Ring
The idea of designing a ring from scratch might sound intimidating. But we have simplified the process to make it approachable, even fun.
It typically begins with a consultation, in person or online. This isn’t just about size and shape—it’s about personality. The goal isn’t just to design a pretty ring. It’s to capture a relationship in physical form.
From there, we can tweak the design until it feels right. We value your input. Then, the final ring is hand-crafted, often with techniques that combine old-world craftsmanship with modern precision.
Depending on the complexity, the whole process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. It’s not instant gratification, but that’s part of the charm. The wait becomes part of the story.
Choosing Peter Norman As Your Jeweler
Designing a bespoke engagement ring is not just about picking materials and shapes—it’s about finding someone you trust to interpret your story, understand your taste, and deliver a piece that’s both technically flawless and emotionally resonant.
Here’s what makes us the right partner for something this important:
-
Experience You Can See—and Feel
We’ve been designing and handcrafting fine jewelry since 1980, which means we’ve seen trends rise, fall, and circle back again. But more importantly, we’ve spent years perfecting our process to make it not only beautiful, but effortless for you. Whether your vision is crystal clear or still taking shape, we know how to guide it into something extraordinary.
Craftsmanship Isn’t a Buzzword—It’s Our Backbone
We don’t outsource design or ship your ideas off to anonymous factories. Every Peter Norman ring is crafted right here in Los Angeles, where our team works closely with master jewelers to ensure quality at every stage. From sketch to final polish, we’re involved—hands-on, and fully invested in your piece.
A Design Partnership, Not a Sales Pitch
When you work with us, it’s not about choosing from a menu of options and tweaking the side stones. It’s about collaboration. We listen to what you love, what you don’t, and the stories behind your preferences. Our job is to translate that into a ring that’s authentically yours—not just aesthetically, but emotionally.
Transparent, Ethical, and Intentionally Sourced
Whether you’re drawn to a natural diamond or lab-grown, we believe in full transparency. We’ll walk you through stone origins, cuts, and sourcing—so you can feel confident in every detail. No mystery stones. No pressure.
We’re Patient Because This Should Be Personal
Sometimes you’ll come to us with a specific stone in mind. Other times, it’s more of a mood, a memory, or just a vibe. That’s okay. We’re here to help shape that into a ring that fits your life. No rushing. No upselling. Just thoughtful design at your pace.
So on that note… choosing the Right Jeweler for Your Bespoke Engagement Ring
At Peter Norman, bespoke rings are our sole passion and have been for more than 30 years. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We believe in jewelry that means something—and in making the process just as meaningful. That focus has earned us an unbroken, five-star reputation you’ll see reflected in every review.
Bespoke Engagement Ring Design Examples
Are you unsure about how to begin designing your engagement ring? Here are some custom creations from LA master-jeweler Peter Norman for inspiration.
1. Marquise-Cut Diamond with Organic Cluster Setting
This custom engagement ring highlights just how expressive a bespoke design can be. The client wanted something romantic but not overly traditional—something with softness, movement, and asymmetry.
They began with a marquise-cut diamond and built a constellation of round brilliant side stones around it. Each diamond was chosen for size and brilliance, and placed along a sculpted platinum band to create an organic, airy feel. The result: whimsical, elegant, and completely one-of-a-kind.
2: Round Brilliant Diamond with Floral-Inspired Gallery
Sometimes, the most stunning elements are the ones you don’t see right away. This handcrafted 18k yellow gold ring features a round brilliant-cut center diamond with a six-prong setting and a gently pinched pavé band. But beneath the center stone lies a secret detail: a floral-inspired gallery accented with tiny bead-set diamonds beneath each prong.
Elegant from above and artful underneath, this ring is a perfect reflection of the client’s love for meaningful, subtle beauty. Every detail was considered, right down to the curvature of the gallery and the scale of the under-stones. It’s a design that reveals itself over time, just like a good story.
3. Oval Diamond Solitaire with Hidden Halo
Handcrafted in 18k yellow gold, this bespoke ring features a brilliant oval-cut diamond set with fine, delicate prongs atop a soft, rounded band. What appears at first glance to be a classic solitaire reveals far more up close.
Unlike most hidden halo rings, this piece is exquisitely handcrafted as one seamless structure. The gallery is encircled by an intricately sculpted halo of shimmering diamonds, adding subtle light and elegance without interrupting the ring’s clean silhouette. The result is a ring that appears to float on the finger—weightless, refined, and meticulously considered.
A Ring That Belongs Only to You
Mass-produced rings are lovely. But they belong to the masses.
Bespoke rings belong to someone.
And when that someone is your partner, the ring becomes more than jewelry. It becomes a part of your shared history—a symbol of the effort you put into celebrating them and a daily reminder of your unique story.
Whether it includes hidden flourishes only you’ll notice, a diamond flown halfway around the world, or a subtle curve that mirrors your wedding location’s coastline, what matters is that it came from you. It didn’t exist until you made it.
And that’s something no mass-market ring can claim.
Bespoke Engagement Rings FAQS
The timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the availability of stones; however, most bespoke rings typically take between 4 and 8 weeks from the initial consultation to final delivery. Some simpler designs might move a bit faster, while highly intricate pieces or those requiring unique gemstone sourcing can take longer. If you’re working toward a specific proposal date, it’s a good idea to start the process early; you’ll want time to tweak the design and enjoy the experience without rushing. There’s no single price tag for a bespoke ring. Costs typically depend on the materials (type and size of stone, metal choice), craftsmanship, and any additional features such as custom settings or hand engraving. While some people assume that custom equals expensive, that’s not always the case. Lab-grown diamonds have been a game changer. Peter Norman will work within your budget, offering options that still feel special and personal without compromising on quality. The process usually starts with a consultation. That could be in person, over video, or even via email. You’ll talk about your ideas, your partner’s style, and any inspiration you have, from heirlooms to Instagram posts. From there, the jeweler will sketch or render a few concepts. Once you approve the design, they’ll begin sourcing the stone and handcrafting the piece. You’ll likely have a chance to review a model or prototype before the final ring is completed. The best part? You’re involved every step of the way. With Peter Norman of course! All of Peter Norman’s Engagement rings are bespoke.
Sources:
- The Knot. (2022). Jewelry & Engagement Study.
- Bain & Company. (2023). The Global Diamond Industry Report.
