Custom engagement rings aren’t about spending more—they’re about getting exactly what you want. Whether your budget’s $2,500 or $15K+, a custom ring means everything is chosen just for you—stone, setting, and every juicy detail in between. It’s all flavor, no filler.
We’re breaking down what goes into the cost of a custom engagement ring, what different budgets can get you (spoiler: a lot!), and real-life Gem Breakfast creations that prove custom is always on the menu.
Craving inspo? Head to our Custom Rings Galleryto browse the buffet.
What’s the Average Price of a Custom Engagement Ring?
Most of our custom rings land between $3,000 and $12,000, but we’ve cooked up incredible pieces anywhere from $2,500 to $20K+. It all comes down to your wishlist.
Here’s a taste of what different budgets can serve up:
Custom Engagement Rings Under $3,000
Think sleek solitaires with a 1.0–1.25 lab diamond or sapphire, or vibrant colored gemstones like spinel, tourmaline, garnet, or zircon. Minimalist but magical.
Custom Engagement Rings Under $5,000
The sweet spot for personality-packed stones—salt and pepper diamonds, champagne diamonds, rose cuts, and sapphires in every shade. Lab diamonds shine here too if you want max size for your spend.
Custom Engagement Rings $5,000–$8,000
More carat weight, rare sapphires and colored gems, and a wider range of natural diamond options. This is also where custom details—like side stones or hand-engraved detailing —start to play a starring role. (For a deeper dive, check out our guide to what $7,000 gets you).
Want more inspo across all budgets? See our Top 20 Custom Engagement Rings of All Time—our most-loved custom creations, from minimal to maximal.
Custom Engagement Rings Over $8,000
With this budget, you’re looking at standout center stones like antique diamonds or incredible bi-color sapphires, multi-stone designs, and layers of hand-engraving or extra-special details. Basically, the boldest flavors on the menu.
More on timelines? Read: How Long Does it Take to Make a Custom Engagement Ring.
Curious about the full custom journey? Don’t miss our Custom Process Overview.
What Affects the Cost of a Custom Engagement Ring?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pricing—your total depends on the ingredients you choose. Here’s what stirs the pot (and the price tag):
1. The Center Stone
The star of the dish. Natural white diamonds usually top the price menu, but lab diamonds, champagne diamonds, salt + pepper diamonds, and sapphires give you more size and sparkle for your spend.
2. Carat + Cut
Size matters—but cut matters more. A well-cut stone will look significantly larger (and sparklier) than a poorly cut one. Cut style plays a role too: a 1.0 ct rose cut can look like a 1.5 ct brilliant, and elongated shapes (like ovals, pears, and marquises) serve up more finger coverage with fewer carats.
→See our Diamond Carat Size Guide to compare styles and get pro tips for maximizing visual size.
3. Setting Style
Think of the setting as the plating—it shapes the whole dish. Sleek solitaires (like our Bella or Stella, starting at $1,025) keep it classic and clean. Add halos, side stones, or engraving, and you’re layering on sparkle and cost. Ultra-ornate styles—like asymmetrical clusters, mixed metals, or custom carving—bring even more flavor (and price), depending on complexity.
4. Metal Type
The metal is like the finishing sauce—it sets the tone. 14k yellow gold is the most budget-friendly, while 18k yellow, peach, or white gold adds a little extra, and platinum is the priciest option. Keep in mind: thickness and style of the band (delicate prong vs. bold bezel) often affect cost more than karat alone.
5. Custom Details
These are your flavor bombs. Think hand-engraving, milgrain edges, hidden halos, constellation motifs, or custom prong work. Tiny touches, huge personality—and yes, they add to the bill, depending on how wild you go.For inspo, see our Engraving Ideas Guide.
6. Timeline
Like any good meal, custom takes time. Our standard turnaround is 6–10 weeks, but rush orders may be possible depending on the design and schedule.
→ Not sure when to start? Book a consult and we’ll help you time it perfectly.
REAL CUSTOM ENGAGEMENT RING EXAMPLES (WITH PRICING)
Custom Engagement Rings Under $3,000
Yep, custom under $3K is totally on the menu—and it’s delicious. In this range, lab grown diamonds and colorful gems like sapphires, spinel, zircon, tourmaline, and garnet are your secret ingredients for maximum sparkle on a smaller tab. Here are a few real-life recipes we’ve cooked up.
1.52 Carat White Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire
1.36 Carat Kite Cut Blue-Green Sapphire Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
1.36 Carat Emerald Cut Lab Grown Diamond Ring in 14 Yellow Gold
Custom Engagement Rings Under $5,000
This is the sweet spot—where character meets creativity. Think champagne diamonds, salt and pepper sparkle, and sapphires in shades you didn’t know existed. Add in halos, half-halos, or a sprinkle of hand-engraving, and you’ve got a ring that feels one-of-a-kind without tipping past your budget.
2.17 Carat Icy Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring in 18k Peach Gold
2.26 Carat Emerald Cut Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring with Fan Cut Diamonds
1.00 Carat Light Champagne Oval Diamond Ring in 18k Peach Gold
Custom Engagement Rings from $5,000–$8,000
This is where things get extra flavorful. Expect larger stones, rare (and sizeable) sapphires, and plenty of natural diamond choices. Side stones, custom baskets, and even more intricate detailing starts to shine here—giving you more dimension and drama without straying from your budget.
1.01 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Ring in 18k Peach Gold
Emerald Cut Green Sapphire Engagement Ring in 18k Peach Gold
2.55 Carat Moval Lab Grown Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Custom Engagement Rings Over $8,000
Here’s where the rarest ingredients come into play—antique diamonds with soul, bi-color sapphires that shift with the light, and hand-engraved settings layered with story. You’ll see bolder stones, more intricate craftsmanship, and room for all the extras. Like every Gem Breakfast custom, the result is one-of-a-kind—just with even more room to play.
Emerald Cut Blue Bi-Color Sapphire Ring with Sapphire Baguettes
Antique Asscher Cut Diamond Ring with Double Claw Prongs
Emerald Cut Diamond Custom Engagement Ring with Baguette Diamonds
The Custom Ring Menu: Cost by Budget Tier
Like any great meal, your custom ring is all about the ingredients you choose. Here’s a quick cheat sheet of what’s typically on the menu at each budget level. (Remember: prices are rough estimates—your exact dish depends on the stone, setting, and details you pick.)
Custom vs. Traditional Retail Pricing
Going custom at Gem Breakfast doesn’t mean spending more—it means spending smarter. Traditional jewelry stores? You’re paying for layer after layer of markup (wholesaler → distributor → retailer), plus you’re usually stuck choosing from a tray of cookie-cutter designs.
With us, there are no middlemen. No mass-produced rings. Just your budget, your dream stone, and a custom design cooked up by our in-house chefs. That’s why a $5K–$7K budget with us often gets you what would cost $10K+ at a traditional retailer.
Why settle for store-bought when you could have it baked just for you? ;)
Is Custom More Expensive Than Ready-to-Ship?
Not at Gem Breakfast. Custom doesn’t come with a markup here—we price your ring based on the stone and design you choose, the same way we do with our ready-to-ship collection.
Ready-to-Ship: Perfect if you want instant gratification or stumble across the one in our one-of-a-kind collection. No wait, no wondering—just the ring on your finger, fast.
Custom: Best if you want full creative control and a ring tailored to your budget, style, and story. It’s your chance to design something that exists nowhere else.
Still deciding? Take a peek at our Custom vs. Ready-to-Ship Breakdown for the full scoop.
TL;DR: Custom Ring Cost FAQs
Do custom engagement rings hold their value?
Unlike mass-produced rings with big retail markups, custom rings are built with unique stones and hand-crafted details—making them feel timeless from day one. While resale values vary for all fine jewelry, the real value of a custom piece is that it was designed just for you. It’s a forever heirloom in meaning and in make.
Are custom engagement rings more expensive than pre-made rings?
Not at Gem Breakfast. Because we price based on your chosen stones and design, custom can often be the same price—or even less—than comparable retail rings. You’re paying for craftsmanship, not middlemen.
Can I return or exchange a custom engagement ring?
Since custom rings are made just for you, they’re not returnable or exchangeable. But don’t worry—we collaborate every step of the way with photos, CADs, and approvals to make sure you’re thoroughly obsessed with your ring.
What’s the cheapest way to get a custom engagement ring?
Focus on alternative stones (like sapphires, spinel, or salt and pepper diamonds), lab grown diamonds, or minimalist solitaire settings. Peek our Under $3K section to see what’s possible.
Can I get a custom ring for under $5K
Absolutely, we do it all the time! Salt and pepper diamonds, sapphires, rose cuts, champagne diamonds, and lab grown diamonds are all deliciously doable. Browse our full gallery to see what’s possible.
What impacts custom ring cost the most?
Your center stone, setting style, and whether you go wild with the details. (No shame if you do—we love extra.)
Do I have to know exactly what I want?
Not at all. That’s what our free consults are for. Bring your Pinterest board or just your vibes—we’ll help you translate them into reality.
What’s the custom engagement ring process like?
From stone sourcing to sketches to final sparkle, we guide you every step of the way. Learn more in our Custom Engagement Rings Process blog.
Can I do payment plans?
For custom rings, we keep it simple (and stress-free):
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$200 project deposit to kick things off—this is applied to your final cost.
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75% deposit once you’ve chosen your stone and approved the design. This gets your ring into production.
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Final 25% is due before shipping, once your ring is finished.
For ready-to-ship rings, you can use Affirm at checkout to split payments over time.
Either way, we make sure your dream ring feels totally doable for your budget—with no surprise costs and a clear timeline from day one.
Let’s Cook Something Custom
Think of this as your open kitchen invite. Whether you’re working with $2,500 or a limit that doesn't exist, we’ll help you whip up a ring that’s true to your taste—crafted to order, with your ingredients, your flavor, your way.
Got a vision? A Pinterest board? Just a vibe? We’re ready when you are.
Book a free virtual consult with Catherine Cason, GIA Diamonds Graduate to get started, or browse the Custom Ring Gallery to see what’s already been cooking.