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3 tips on how to buy a custom solitaire ring

Now that you have decided that you are going to pop the question, you need to find the perfect ring for your partner. Buying an engagement ring is an exciting adventure, even more so if you decide to design a custom solitaire ring. Making your own design is the best way to make sure you create a truly unique ring that will perfectly symbolise your relationship. BAUNAT lists a couple of things you need to look for when you are about to create a custom solitaire ring.

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How can you create the perfect custom solitaire engagement ring?

Planning to propose with a one-of-a-kind ring? When designing a custom solitaire engagement ring, start with thorough market research to determine if you prefer traditional or distinctive styles. Browse online galleries and vintage markets for inspiration to guide your first-time purchase.

Next, understand both your and your partner's personal style preferences. Bring inspirational images and meaningful photos to your jeweler to help them capture your relationship's essence in the design.

Consider incorporating family heirlooms into your custom piece. Using inherited gemstones or metals not only adds sentimental value but can also reduce costs while beautifully blending tradition with contemporary design.

BAUNAT offers comprehensive tailor-made services to guide you through creating a unique ring that perfectly symbolizes your relationship.

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Do some market research

Research is very important for you to identify what types of designs and styles you like. To understand whether you are leaning towards a subtle and traditional solitaire ring or if you wish something a little more flamboyant and out-of-the-ordinary. Have a look at various ring styles, browse the internet for ideas and visit vintage markets for inspiration. Doing some research is really helpful to guide you in your choices, especially if it is the first time you are buying a custom solitaire ring.

How to prioritise the 4Cs for a custom solitaire

Choosing a diamond requires tradeoffs: carat, cut, colour and clarity interact, and improving one often means adjusting another within the same budget. For a custom solitaire the key question is how you want the diamond to look and perform in daily wear  -  that determines which C to prioritise.

Prioritise cut for brilliance

The most direct way to maximise sparkle is to prioritise an excellent or ideal cut. A well-cut diamond returns light better and can make a slightly smaller stone appear more lively than a larger, poorly cut one. In a solitaire, where the stone is the focus, cut should be non-negotiable if brilliance is your main goal.

Colour and clarity: practical BAUNAT thresholds

BAUNAT recommends choosing diamonds of at least colour H or better so the stone appears neutral and bright in most settings, and at least a clarity SI1. These thresholds balance visual quality and sensible customisation: H colour keeps the look fresh without unnecessary cost, and SI1 usually provides the clarity buyers expect for a single-stone ring.

Carat considerations

Carat affects presence, photographs and perceived size, but it is the most expensive way to increase a diamond’s visual impact. If size is the priority, choose the largest carat you can afford while keeping cut high and meeting the BAUNAT thresholds above. Avoid suggesting stones below 0.50 ct for engagement solitaires, as they often lack the presence expected for a single-stone ring.

Decision scenarios

- If sparkle is the priority: choose excellent/ideal cut, colour H or better, clarity SI1 or better, and accept a slightly smaller carat for superior brilliance.

- If presence is the priority: select a larger carat while keeping cut excellent and colour at least H; clarity SI1 avoids visible inclusions.

- If you are quality-focused on a budget: prioritise cut first, aim for H colour and SI1 clarity, and reduce carat to preserve brilliance.

Buyer-type flows

- Show-statement buyer: prioritise carat and cut, choose H colour and SI1 clarity for a bold solitaire that photographs well.

- Everyday-wear buyer: prioritise cut and durability; H colour and SI1 clarity suit daily use with comfortable proportions.

- Budget-conscious buyer: set a firm maximum budget, prioritise excellent cut and H colour, accept a smaller carat to keep sparkle high.

How BAUNAT helps

During the custom process our specialists review these tradeoffs with you using CAD previews and diamond comparisons, so you can see how colour, clarity and carat interact with cut and the chosen setting. That collaborative approach ensures the final jewellery meets your aesthetic goals and BAUNAT’s quality standards while respecting material choices such as working in 18Kt and higher gold for a durable finish.

Understand your personal style

Before you start anything, you need to understand your personal style as well as that of your partner to pick the best ring that symbolises your couple. It would be helpful if you visit your jeweller with images of what inspires you and eventually photos of holidays and objects that hold a particular meaning to you. Furthermore, bringing photos of other pieces of jewellery that you have particularly liked can also be helpful for the jeweller before they start designing the ring.

See if you could use personal heirlooms

Personal heirlooms are a great idea if you wish to combine old and new by incorporating a piece of jewellery that you were gifted by your family with a new design. Using heirloom jewellery enhances the sentimental value of a piece and makes it even more special. Furthermore, whether you decide to use only the gemstones or melt the gold of the ring, using heirloom jewellery is a good idea if you are slightly on a budget as it reduces the cost of materials.

Choosing the right metal: why 18Kt and above matters

The metal defines the ring’s colour, weight and finish. BAUNAT works with 18Kt and higher gold because it gives a superior finish and long-term appearance. Below are common options and practical guidance to match metal choice to lifestyle and style.

18Kt yellow, white and red gold

18Kt gold provides a warm, rich tone in yellow or red and a strong, refined feel in white when finished correctly. It polishes to a high lustre and holds up to daily wear while allowing delicate settings without losing durability. For most custom solitaires BAUNAT prefers 18Kt+ gold because it balances colour depth with lasting finish quality.

Platinum and palladium

Platinum is naturally white and very durable, a good choice for those who want a robust, hypoallergenic metal that keeps its colour. Palladium offers a lighter alternative with a similar white look. Both suit active lifestyles; platinum develops a satin patina over time that some owners like for its character.

Practical lifestyle guidance

- If your work involves manual tasks or frequent glove use, consider platinum for its resilience and low reactivity. 

- If you want a warm, classic look, pick 18Kt yellow or red gold to emphasise warmth and vintage character.

- If you like white metal but prefer gold alloys, 18Kt white gold finished to a high polish is a good compromise.

Note on plating and finishes

White gold is often finished with rhodium plating to achieve a bright white appearance. Plating affects initial colour and shine; discuss the expected look with your jeweller so the final piece matches your preference.

BAUNAT recommendation

For bespoke solitaires BAUNAT prefers 18Kt and higher gold or high-quality white metals depending on the design and intended wear. This ensures a premium finish, a solid feel and longevity suitable for an heirloom-quality engagement ring.

Have you decided to buy a custom solitaire ring for your proposal? BAUNAT is your perfect partner for this adventure as we offer a great tailor-made service that guides you through every step of the custom process. Do not hesitate to browse through our website and to contact us should you need assistance, one of our experts will be delighted to assist you further.

  • An Van Puyvelde

  • An Van Puyvelde - Order & Administration Manager

  • An supervises BAUNAT’s order processing and logistics, working closely with the internal order team to ensure a seamless customer experience. She plays a key role in coordinating production timelines and maintaining clear communication with clients throughout the entire process. With a strong focus on precision and reliability, An is dedicated to delivering each piece on time while keeping customers fully informed, contributing to BAUNAT’s high standard of service and customer satisfaction.

An supervises BAUNAT’s order processing and logistics, working closely with the internal order team to ensure a seamless customer experience. She plays a key role in coordinating production timelines and maintaining clear communication with clients throughout the entire process. With a strong focus on precision and reliability, An is dedicated to delivering each piece on time while keeping customers fully informed, contributing to BAUNAT’s high standard of service and customer satisfaction.