Buying a Custom Engagement Ring Online: How It Works From Anywhere in Canada or the US
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio
Short answer: Yes, you can buy a custom engagement ring online without visiting a store. With us it looks like this: a free 20 minute video consult, a 50% deposit to start the design, a CAD file and then a 360 render you approve, video of your actual diamond with its certificate, and free insured FedEx delivery with an adult signature across Canada and the US. It takes about 10 to 12 weeks. The checks that make it safe are seeing the real stone, approving the design in 3D, and insured, signed delivery.
Our clients never come in: there are no walk-ins or studio visits. They find us on Instagram or TikTok, book a call, and the next time they see the ring in person it is in their hands. Here is what that looks like, and what to check with any jeweller you buy from online.
What are the steps?
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Estimate | A free estimate from our ring estimator |
| Consult | A free 20 minute video call about your idea, photos and budget |
| Deposit | 50% starts the design. The rest is due when the ring is ready, before it ships. |
| Design | A CAD file with measurements, then a 360 render you approve |
| Diamond | Video of your actual stone, plus an IGI certificate at 1 carat and up |
| Bench | About 6 weeks of casting, setting, engraving and polish |
| Delivery | Free insured FedEx, adult signature required |
How do I know the diamond is real and what I paid for?
Ask for two things: video of the exact stone, not a stock photo of the shape, and its certificate. We film every centre stone and send it before you commit, and stones of 1 carat and up come with an IGI report that states whether it is lab grown or natural. An independent appraisal is available for $100 CAD. More in IGI certified lab grown diamonds.
How do I see the ring before it is made?
In 3D. You get a CAD file with measurements first, which is where most changes happen, then a 360 render of your exact design. Nothing is cast until you approve it. Design usually takes 2 to 3 rounds.
What about ring size?
If the ring is a surprise, our guide to finding a ring size without asking covers the tricks that work. If it does not fit, we resize it: $100 in person or $200 shipped. Sizing beads are $150 in person or $200 shipped. Textured rings can need extra work.
Is shipping safe?
Every order ships free, fully insured and door to door across Canada and the US by FedEx, and a signature is required on delivery. Make sure someone is home to sign. Details on our shipping page.
What should I know before paying a deposit?
Custom rings are made for one person, so all sales are final. Once a rendering deposit or diamond sourcing deposit is paid, the order cannot be cancelled and the deposit is non-refundable. That is normal for custom work, and it is why the estimate and the consult are free: ask every question first. Our full return and refund policy is short and worth reading.
What if something is wrong with it?
Every ring has a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. We repair defects at no cost, including shipping, and replace lost accent diamonds. It does not cover the centre stone, and resizing by another jeweller voids it. See what our warranty covers.
Want to start online?
A free 20 minute video call with our team. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.
Book a free callSee our processQuestions we get about this
Is it safe to buy a custom engagement ring online?
It is when you can see the actual diamond on video with its certificate, approve the design in 3D before it is made, and get insured delivery with a signature. We do all three for every ring.
Do I have to visit a store?
No. Consults are free 20 minute video calls and rings ship free and insured across Canada and the US.
How much is the deposit?
50% starts the design, and the rest is due when the ring is ready, before it ships.
Can I return a custom ring?
No. Custom rings are made to your specifications, so all sales are final. You approve the design in 3D before production, and our one-year warranty covers manufacturing defects.
What if the ring does not fit?
We resize it for $100 in person or $200 shipped. Textured rings can need extra work.
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