How Long Would It Take to Make a Custom Engagement Ring?

How Long Does It Take to Make a Custom Engagement Ring in Chicago? A Complete Timeline

If you're searching for “custom engagement ring Chicago” or “custom jewelers near me,” one of the first questions you likely have is:
How long does it take to create a fully custom engagement ring?

At Wedding Bands & Co., we’ve designed more than 10,000 custom engagement rings over the last 25+ years, and we’ve perfected a process that is both efficient and transparent. Below is the complete timeline so you know exactly what to expect.

How Long Does a Custom Engagement Ring Take to Make?

Most custom engagement rings take 4–8 weeks from your first consultation to the moment the finished ring is in your hands.

Your exact timeline depends on:

• The complexity of your design
• Diamond availability
• How quickly you make decisions
• Seasonal demand (holidays and proposal season)

Understanding this timeline helps you plan your proposal confidently and avoid last-minute stress.

Why Chicago Couples Choose Custom Engagement Rings

More couples today prefer custom jewelry over mass-produced rings because custom design allows you to:

• Incorporate meaningful elements
  (family stones, engravings, personal motifs)
• Tell your story with a design that reflects your relationship
• Stay within your budget while choosing quality over branding
• Control every detail — metal, diamond, proportions, setting style

Custom rings often provide better value than many expect.

Your Complete Custom Engagement Ring Timeline

Below is the step-by-step process we follow at Wedding Bands & Co.

WEEK 1 – Initial Consultation (30–60 minutes)

At our Gold Coast studio, you’ll meet with a diamond consultant to review:

• Design preferences
• Diamond shapes
• Metals
• Budget expectations

This is where your vision begins to take shape.

WEEKS 1–2 – Diamond Selection (3–7 days)

Our gemologist curates a selection based on your criteria.

Standard diamonds: 3–5 days
Unique or rare stones: 1–2+ weeks (fancy colors, uncommon shapes, specialty certs)

You’ll also learn about:

• The 4 Cs
• Cut proportions
• Certification
• Price vs. quality balance

WEEKS 2–3 – Design + CAD Rendering (5–10 days)

Our designers create a full 3D CAD model with exact measurements and multiple views.

Timeline:

• Initial CAD: 3–5 days
• Your review: 1–2 days
• Revisions: 2–3 days per round

Most clients approve their design within one or two rounds.

WEEK 3–4 – Optional Wax Model (5–7 days)

A wax model lets you see the exact proportions before production begins.
This is especially helpful for:

• Intricate designs
• Unique proportions
• Custom matching bands

WEEKS 4–6 – Manufacturing & Stone Setting (2–4 weeks)

Your ring is handcrafted in our in-house workshop:

Week 1:
Metal casting, structural refinement, preparation for stone setting

Week 2–3:
Precise center-stone setting, accent diamond placement, structural checks

Week 4:
Final polishing, finishing, rhodium plating (for white gold), full quality inspection

Design complexity affects timing:

• Simple solitaire: 2–3 weeks
• Halo / pavé: 3–4 weeks
• Multi-stone or custom engraving: 4–5+ weeks

WEEKS 6–8 – Final Inspection & Delivery (3–5 days)

Your ring undergoes:

• Stone-security verification
• Cleaning and polish
• Professional photography
• Appraisal for insurance
• Elegant packaging

The timeline may be shorter or longer depending on the design.

How Design Complexity Affects Your Timeline

1. Design Complexity

• Simple solitaire → Faster
• Vintage + hand engraving → Longer
• Custom gallery, hidden halo, special metalwork → Additional weeks

2. Diamond Availability

• Common shapes (round, oval, 1ct sizes)
• Rare stones (fancy colors, elongated shapes, large carats)

3. Seasonal Demand

• Peak season: Nov–Feb and May–June
• Expect timelines: to increase by 1–2 weeks.
• Quieter months: March–April, July–Oct

4. Your Responsiveness

Fast approvals keep your project on pace.

Proposal Planning Guide

1. Holiday or Special-Date Proposals

Example: For a December 24 proposal, start your project by mid-October.

2. “Soon but Flexible” Proposals

Great for clients who want the process to start now and choose a date later.
We recommend keeping a 2-week buffer.

3. Last-Minute Situations

Two options:

Rush Service

• 2–3 week timeline
• Simplified designs
• No wax model

Semi-Custom – 1 week

• Choose from existing settings
• Add your diamond
• Minimal customization

Why Chicago Couples Choose Wedding Bands & Co.

We stand out because we offer:

✔ 25+ years of experience
✔ Over 10,000 custom rings created
✔ In-house manufacturing for complete quality control
✔ GIA Graduate Gemologist on staff
✔ Transparent pricing and communication
✔ Lifetime cleaning, inspection & minor repairs
✔ Convenient Gold Coast location

You’ll always know exactly where your ring is in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start?
Begin 8–12 weeks before your proposal date.

Do you offer rush options?
Yes — 2–3 week rush service for an additional charge.

Can I track progress?
Absolutely. We update you throughout the process, and you're welcome to visit the studio.

How long does diamond sourcing take?
3–5 days for common stones, 1–3+ weeks for rare diamonds.

Can you make a matching wedding band?
Yes — we recommend designing both together for a perfect fit.

Start Your Custom Engagement Ring Journey

Wedding Bands & Co.

43 East Oak Street, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60611
+13129200726
info@weddingbandscompany.com

Schedule your free consultation to explore designs, review diamonds, and receive a personalized timeline.

Whether you need your ring in three weeks or three months, our team will guide you every step of the way and deliver a piece that represents your love beautifully.

We'll help you to design your dream engagement ring without stress and spending countless hours searching for your perfect ring. All you need to do is click on "Free Consultation" to get started.

By: Koorosh Daneshgar CEO/Design Chief