You get the car home and sketch out an idea for a custom paint job: the same orange flames that adorned the hood of your first car. Granted, they looked much better on your Camaro than they will on your new SUV, but you’ve made it your own—unique, custom, a little ugly—but it’s all you.

It shouldn’t surprise you then that we feel the same way about jewelry. So if you really want to please your girl, put your creativity to paper and have something made that’s one-of-a-kind, reflects her and, most importantly, has a piece of you in it—your time, your sentimentality and your idea. You don’t want to pull up next to an identical car—and we don't want to say, “Oh . . . cool . . . we have identical engagement rings.”

Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’re wanting to use some of the stones from the heirlooms you inherited (that you never knew what to do with anyway), know that there are jewelers out there who welcome the opportunity to build your ideas.

But I’m Not Picasso
You don’t have to be. Tear up magazines and print stuff from the internet that resembles what you want. Sometimes it’s as simple as, “I want this setting, but instead of a diamond, I want the light blue stone in this picture that reminds me of her eyes.” (points!). On the other hand, if you can sketch, take one to your jeweler. Then give her the sketch along with the gift (points! points! points!). If you’re handy with illustration software, try designing with that.

Let’s Talk
A photograph or drawing is your best bet for conveying your idea. However, sometimes you’re going to have to talk through it with your jeweler, especially if your idea is more on the unusual side. A good custom jeweler is going to ask you what metal, stones, colors and styles she likes—does she like elaborate or simple, traditional or abstract?—so be ready to answer those questions. Be as detailed as possible and remember that the idea in your head can’t possibly match what’s in your jeweler’s.
You also need to let your jeweler know how much you want to spend. Custom work is almost always more expensive, but it is a great opportunity to use something old (and maybe sentimental) to create something new. Have your jeweler use a stone from an heirloom as the centerpiece of your idea for a setting and spend the money on a better metal.

Your Jeweler Cannot Perform Miracles
That cool contraption you came up with for her ring finger may require an engineer, some calculus and a few Hail Marys to make it work. There are important technical parameters like balance, structure and overall design that must be considered. Therefore, trust your jeweler to guide you a bit.

Give it a go! There’s nothing we love more than knowing that you took charge of the creation of our beloved jewelry. Next thing you know, you’ll hear the words, “You designed this for me?” Your answer? “Why yes. Yes I did.”

Click here to find a custom jeweler who can build your ideas.