Henne Jewelers designs custom engagement rings in Pittsburgh for couples who want a ring created around their style, budget, lifestyle, and story. From selecting a diamond or incorporating a family heirloom to reviewing CAD renderings and refining the final details, our team guides you through each step.
Your Vision, Brought to Life
Designing a custom engagement ring is a bit like taking in Pittsburgh’s skyline from Mount Washington. From a distance, it’s simply a collection of lights and shapes. But as you get closer, every detail comes together into something unforgettable.
Whether you already know exactly what you want or need a little guidance shaping your ideas, we’re here to help bring your vision into focus. Our custom design process is collaborative, straightforward, and often more accessible than people expect — with personalized guidance at every step.
How Does the Custom Engagement Ring Process Work?
Creating a custom engagement ring at Henne Jewelers takes you from initial inspiration through design, refinement, and final production. You’ll have opportunities to review your design along the way, so you can feel confident in every detail before your ring is crafted.
Start with Inspiration
Save photos, Pinterest boards, or screenshots of rings that catch your eye. Even a single detail you love, like a certain setting or diamond shape, is a great place to begin.
And if you’re not quite sure what you’re drawn to yet, that’s alright, too. Our team will walk you through the styles and settings in our showcases to help bring your vision into focus.
From there, we’ll help you choose the right diamond, whether that means selecting from our wide collection of loose diamonds or incorporating a stone that’s already meaningful to you, like a family heirloom.
Throughout the process, we’ll also consider how the ring will fit into your everyday life, so the final design is as durable and wearable as it is beautiful.
Bring Your Custom Ring Design to Life with CAD
Once we have a clear sense of your style, we’ll partner with one of our trusted vendors to begin turning your vision into a real design. We share detailed measurements, photos, and specifications to help ensure the details are captured accurately.
Our vendor then creates CAD (computer-aided design) images and 360-degree video renderings, giving you a detailed look at your custom engagement ring before it’s ever crafted.
Along with these visuals, you’ll receive pricing based on your choice of metal, diamond, or gemstone. Between today’s design technology and our long-standing vendor relationships, a custom ring is often far more attainable than people expect.
Refine Your Custom Engagement Ring
The design process doesn’t end with the first rendering. You’ll have an opportunity to review your CAD images closely and request adjustments before your ring goes into production.
For more intricate designs, or contoured wedding bands in particular, we may also create a wax mold of the ring. This extra step allows you to preview how the design will sit and feel before it’s made, which can be especially helpful for more complex pieces.
Once you’re fully satisfied with the CAD design and any final adjustments have been made, we’ll move forward with your approval and begin crafting your ring.
How Long Does a Custom Engagement Ring Take?
Every custom engagement ring is a little different, but the process typically includes time for CAD creation, your review and refinements, and four to six weeks of manufacturing once the design is approved. Here’s a general sense of the journey:
CAD Design Creation
1 to 2 weeks
Our vendor creates detailed CAD images and 360-degree renderings so you can see your custom engagement ring take shape.
Customer Approval & Refinements
Timeline Varies
You’ll review the design closely and let us know if any adjustments are needed. This stage moves at your pace and may vary depending on the number or complexity of refinements.
Manufacturing & Stone Setting
4 to 6 weeks after approval
Once you approve the final design, your ring is crafted, the stones are set, and the finishing touches are completed.
No two custom ring timelines look exactly alike, but you can count on us to keep you updated throughout the process — and to let you know the moment your ring is ready.
Custom Engagement Ring FAQs
Considering a custom engagement ring in Pittsburgh? Find answers to common questions about Henne Jewelers’ design process, pricing, CAD renderings, timelines, heirloom stones, and more.
Getting Started
How do I begin the custom engagement ring process?
Reach out or stop by our Shadyside store to schedule a custom design consultation. We’ll talk through your style, budget, lifestyle, and any inspiration you’ve gathered, then guide you through your options and next steps.
What if I don’t know what engagement ring style I want yet?
That’s completely normal, and it’s exactly what we’re here for. Our team can walk you through settings, metals, diamond shapes, and rings in our showcases to help you discover the details and styles that feel right for you.
Can I use a family diamond or heirloom stone in my custom engagement ring?
Yes. Many of our custom designs incorporate a meaningful diamond or gemstone that’s already part of a family’s story. We’ll help you explore how that stone can be incorporated into a new design that honors its history while making the finished ring feel distinctly yours.
Design & Pricing
Is a custom engagement ring more expensive than a ready-made ring?
Not necessarily. Thanks to modern design technology and Henne Jewelers’ established vendor relationships, custom engagement rings can be more attainable than people assume. Your final price will depend on factors such as your design, metal, diamond or gemstone, and other specifications. Custom is about creating something that’s truly yours while working within the budget you’ve established.
Will I know the price before my custom ring goes into production?
Yes. Once we’ve finalized your design details, you’ll receive pricing based on your chosen metal, diamond, gemstone, and other specifications so you can make an informed decision before production begins.
What is a CAD rendering, and why is it helpful when designing a ring?
CAD stands for computer-aided design. It’s a detailed digital model of your ring, often accompanied by a 360-degree video rendering, that allows you to see your design from different angles before it’s crafted. This gives you an opportunity to review small details and request changes before approving the final design.
Can I make changes after seeing my CAD design?
Of course. We want you to feel completely confident in your custom engagement ring before production begins. You’ll have the opportunity to review your CAD design and refine the details until they’re right.
Do you offer a wax model of my custom ring?
For more intricate designs and certain contoured wedding bands, yes. A wax mold allows you to preview the fit and feel of the design before it’s made, which can be particularly helpful for more complex pieces.
Timeline & Process
How long does the custom engagement ring process take?
Initial CAD creation generally takes one to two weeks. After you approve the final design, manufacturing and stone setting typically take an additional four to six weeks. The complete timeline can vary based on the complexity of the ring, the number of design refinements requested, and other production considerations.
Will I be updated throughout the custom design process?
Always. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process, from your first CAD rendering through final approval and production, and we’ll let you know as soon as your finished ring is ready.
Can I request a rush timeline for my custom engagement ring?
Depending on the design and our vendor’s availability, we may be able to accommodate a shorter timeline. Let us know about any important dates or timing considerations at the beginning of the process, and we’ll discuss what may be possible.
After Your Ring Is Complete
Does my custom engagement ring come with an appraisal?
Yes. All engagement rings from Henne Jewelers come with an appraisal, providing documentation you can use for insurance purposes.
What if my custom engagement ring needs adjustments?
If something doesn’t feel quite right once you have your ring in hand, bring it back to us. We’re happy to help with sizing or minor adjustments to ensure your ring feels just right.
Can I add engraving to a custom engagement ring?
Yes. Henne Jewelers offers engraving if you’d like to add another personal detail to your custom design.
Let’s Create Something Uniquely Yours
Design your custom engagement ring in Pittsburgh with Henne Jewelers.
A custom engagement ring reflects your story and the future you’re building together.
It’s an honor to be part of that journey here at Henne Jewelers. From your first inspiration to the moment you see the finished ring, our team is here to guide you with thoughtful advice, personalized service, and the care Henne customers have come to know across generations.
Ready to bring your ideas to life?
Visit us in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood to start creating something unforgettable together.