Custom and off-the-shelf engagement and wedding rings are purchased through two distinct processes. An off-the-shelf ring uses an existing design that is typically mass produced, while a custom ring is developed with the client from their personal vision and preferences. In the custom process, the client is involved in stone selection, and setting choices. The more suitable route depends on how much input you want and what the ring needs to accommodate.
At Alexis Gallery, we specialize in custom engagement rings and wedding bands made in Toronto. We created this guide to give you a clear comparison before you commit to either process, so that you can make a more informed decision.
Custom isn’t for everyone. It requires time, collaboration and trust. For clients who struggle with visualization, get overwhelmed with making decisions or have a very short timeline, an off-the-shelf ring may be the best option. Some people need to hold the finished piece in their hand in order to visualize it and feel comfortable with their choice. The price and finished appearance are available upfront, and delivery is faster.
At Alexis Gallery, we meet clients where they are in terms of research. Seeing live engagement rings in person can be very helpful to help direct their vision and rule out elements that don’t suit them. A visit to a big box store or one of our Sip & Sparkle events can be a meaningful part of the research.
If you have a vision, but have never found everything you want in one ring – custom can be a perfect fit. It’s also a meaningful decision for those who want to add more meaning to their forever piece. Custom clients often reflect that every time they see their ring, they feel proud that they played a role in its creation vs. just picking something in a display case.
With custom design, every detail starts from scratch. Using your inspiration and a collaborative process, we bring your vision to life. Every step makes your ring truly one of a kind, like the fact that we build your setting around the exact centre stone instead of adapting a standard setting after the fact.
There’s no compromising on a stone size, shape or colour because ‘that’s what’s in stock’. You get to decide every detail with the help of a designer. Along with the aesthetics, we’ll dig into daily routines and wearability to help guide important decisions about setting height and stone protection. We also discuss the wedding band early so both rings can be planned as a pair and fit together properly.
In this process, you will work directly with our designers from start to finish. We curate centre stones within your budget and examine the options with you during the design meeting. Our diamond curation process explains how we narrow the selection before you arrive.
After the centre stone and setting details are confirmed, we prepare custom 3D renderings for your approval. These renderings give you the opportunity to review the ring before production begins. The approved design is then handcrafted in Toronto. Production takes approximately five to six weeks, and we recommend contacting us at least 12 weeks before your proposal date.
The price of a custom ring always reflects the fully finished piece, inclusive of all details, materials and labour. Pavé, hand engraving and other detailed finishes require additional bench time. Metal choice also affects the final quote.
Sharing your complete budget helps us curate the best centre stone options to keep you on budget for your fully finished ring. If your budget and vision are not aligned, we’ll be able to make recommendations of how to adjust the design details or centre stone specs to stay on budget. For example, once a diamond is eye-clean, paying for a higher clarity grade may create little noticeable difference. That amount could be directed toward cut quality or a setting detail that contributes more to the finished ring. We explain these trade-offs clearly before you make a decision.
Lab-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds, according to the Gemological Institute of America. Their origin and pricing differ. For clients interested in maximizing visible size within a set budget, a lab-grown diamond can be a strong option.
Earth-mined diamonds appeal to clients who value natural origin and geological rarity. Canadian-mined diamonds are also available for those who prefer a stone with geographic provenance.
We also have a large variety of gemstones for those who want something other than a diamond. Moissanite has more pronounced rainbow-coloured fire than a diamond and a Mohs hardness of 9.25. Sapphire ranks 9 and is also suitable for regular wear. We work with natural and lab-grown sapphires and gemstones in a broad range of colours.
Viewing these materials together in ordinary light makes it easier to compare their individual character.
We use the 4Cs as a framework for comparing diamonds. Cut has a major influence on how a diamond sparkles. Clarity helps us identify stones with inclusions that remain unobtrusive, while colour is speaks to the warmth.
Carat measures weight, but it does not provide a complete picture of visible size. Millimetre dimensions show the stone’s footprint from above. Fancy shapes also require attention to their outline and length-to-width ratio.
Our diamond shape guide explains how popular shapes behave once set. Our guide to judging visible diamond size provides additional context when comparing carat weights and dimensions.
At Alexis Gallery, we discuss sourcing through clear material choices. Lab-grown diamond production uses energy, while mined diamonds raise questions about land use and supply-chain oversight. We offer lab-grown stones alongside Canadian or international mined diamond options and explain the available information about each source.
All gold used in our custom rings is recycled. For heirloom redesigns, we can often work with structurally sound diamonds measuring more than 3 mm after assessing the stone. Reusing an eligible diamond allows its history to continue in a ring created for the person who will wear it now.
Fine jewellery changes through regular wear. Residue can dull a stone temporarily, and an impact may affect the setting. Annual servicing gives us an opportunity to identify movement early and care for the ring based on its original construction.
Alexis Gallery rings include a lifetime warranty covering production defects. Our care package provides complimentary annual cleaning and polishing, with a gem-tension check completed during the same appointment. Qualifying untextured gold rings also receive one complimentary resize within the first year. Engagement rings are accompanied by an appraisal from a third-party gemologist.
Accidental damage and daily wear fall outside the production warranty. If a ring we made needs attention, we are happy to assess the repair and explain the available options.
The right choice depends on what feels right for you. If you know you and your partner would feel most comfortable seeing a finished piece before making a decision – a traditional retailer may be the right choice. If you’ve never quite found exactly what you’re looking for all in one ring – custom may be calling to you.
Alexis Gallery provides a guided custom process from the first phone consultation through final approval. Clients work directly with a designer who curates lab-grown or earth-mined diamond options or gemstones within the stated budget. Once the details are confirmed, 3D renderings provide a clear view of the design before the ring is handcrafted in Toronto.
Book a complimentary phone consultation to discuss your ideas, budget, and timeline with an Alexis Gallery designer. You will receive focused guidance based on the ring you want to create.
