We hope that by this point, our faithful readers can distinguish between what Shmukler Design offers its customers as opposed to a nationwide chain or big box jewelry store. Specifically, all of our jewelry is created onsite by one person — our owner, Boris Shmukler — and our designs are based on what you tell him you want. There’s no middleman! Unlike other jewelers, everything we design, we also create ourselves. And our designs are based entirely on your personal vision for the finished piece.

That means when you come in and say you’re interested in a custom engagement ring, for example, we present you with design suggestions that are just waiting for your personal additions or subtractions. Or in the case where your vision is entirely yours and yours alone, we follow your lead in crafting exactly what you want.

Our job is to create a custom engagement ring that fits your needs, and to do so, we employ a step-by-step process that we believe pretty much guarantees satisfaction on your end. That process is outlined below and then expanded upon further in today’s post.

As we’ve shared before (see Assistance Above Sales is More Than a Tagline), we’re guided by a proven seven-step process for all custom jewelry projects, including the creation of a custom engagement ring:

Step 1. The consult
Step 2. Draft of the Scope of Work
Step 3. The hand-sketch / illustration
Step 4. Finalize the Scope of Work
Step 5. Quote and deposit
Step 6. Creation (CAD design, 3D prototype, hand carving, fabrication, etc.) Step 7. Delivery of your ring

The process begins with a sit-down conversation with the engaged couple in our studio or by phone — or even by Skype or FaceTime. Or if you’re intending to surprise your intended with a custom engagement ring, the consult becomes a solo event, for obvious reasons. This is where you tell us exactly what you’re looking for in that special ring. And it’s where we share with you our expertise, technology and then show you the exquisite quality materials that we use.

If you’re not sure what it is you seek, we can point you in a number of directions and then allow you to select the route best suited for your particular preferences. To accomplish this, we use the latest in laser-welding technology in order to create intricate design work. During this initial consultation, we’ll also show off our 3D CAD/CAM printer that helps us design custom-made engagement rings.

Next, we craft a Scope of Work — a document outlining all of the details associated with your custom engagement ring project. From design considerations and material requirements to due dates and financial considerations, the Scope of Work guides the project and provides clarity at each step along the way to creating your ring.

When you return to our shop or when we connect by phone or Skype, we will present a hand-sketch or initial illustrated version of your design, from which we’ll fine tune our notions for the best possible stone setting, style and texture. Based on your feedback, we’ll finalize the Scope of Work and provide you with a quote for your custom engagement ring and take an initial deposit so we can begin creating your ring.

With all of that out of the way, we next employ our state-of-the-art CAD-dedicated computer, which enables your design to take shape, eventually evolving into a three-dimensional wax model. With your approval, or after some final changes or enhancements, we cast your design, using the precious metals you selected, and then set the gemstones — again, the ones you painstakingly picked out.

Here at Shmukler Design, our reputation is based on offering “assistance above sales,” which means we guarantee your new engagement ring will be exactly what you expected, or we will start over from scratch.

If you believe our approach to creating a custom engagement ring is going to work for you, please give us a call.