Custom Engagement Ring Questions From Reddit, Answered by Jewellers
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio · Updated October 22, 2026
Short answer: The same few questions keep coming up in Reddit and forum threads about going custom: will it cost more, how do I know the stone is real, can I see the ring before it is made, how long does it take, and what if it does not fit. Our answers: half of our Canadian ring orders were quoted $5,100 to $7,000 CAD, you see the actual diamond on video with its IGI certificate, you approve a 3D design before anything is cast, it takes 10 to 12 weeks, and resizing is $200 shipped.
We read those threads too. Here are the questions we see most, answered with our own numbers. Where a question is really about choosing any jeweller, we say what to ask as well as what we do.
Is custom more expensive than buying off the shelf?
Not always. The diamond is usually the biggest cost either way, more than half the price. Custom adds design time and bench work, and you only pay for the details you want. Our Made To Order settings start at $1,299 CAD plus the diamond. For fully custom rings, half of our Canadian ring orders were quoted between $5,100 and $7,000 CAD, centre stone included. The spread by budget, with the typical centre stone at each level, is on our pricing page.
How do I know the diamond is real, and that it is the one 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 choose, and diamonds of 1 carat and up come with an IGI report that states whether the stone is lab grown or natural. An independent appraisal is available for $100 CAD. More in IGI certified lab grown diamonds.
Can I see the ring before it is made?
You should be able to with any custom jeweller. With us you get a CAD file with measurements first, where most changes happen, then a 360 render of your exact design. Nothing is cast until you approve it. Most rings take two or three rounds.
Lab grown or natural?
Most of our clients choose lab grown. In our June to September 2026 listings, a 2 carat lab grown diamond had a median price of $2,546 CAD and a comparable natural stone $9,905. Natural holds its value better. Lab gets you a bigger or better stone for the money. Both are in lab grown vs natural diamonds.
How long does a custom ring take?
About 10 to 12 weeks from deposit to your door: around three weeks of design, six weeks at the bench and about two weeks in transit. US rings can take about two weeks longer for customs. A Made To Order ring takes about 8 weeks. If you have a date, check the order-by dates and tell us before you pay anything.
What if it does not fit?
Resizing with us is $200 shipped, and sizing beads are $200 shipped. Eternity bands and fully engraved bands usually cannot be resized and may need to be remade. Resizing done by another jeweller voids our one year warranty, so ask any jeweller what their warranty excludes. See ring resizing cost.
Is it safe to buy from a jeweller you only talk to online?
It is when you can see the real stone with its certificate, approve the design in 3D and get insured, signed delivery. We are virtual-first, so there are no walk-ins or studio visits. Every ring ships free and insured by FedEx with a signature, and we are rated 5.0 by 178 couples on Google. One thing to know before any custom order: once a rendering or diamond sourcing deposit is paid, the deposit is non-refundable, so ask every question first. The full walkthrough is in buying a custom ring online.
What should I ask any custom jeweller?
We wrote nine questions to put to every jeweller you talk to, with our answers to compare against: how to pick a custom ring jeweller in Toronto.
Have a question Reddit could not answer?
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Book a free callGet a free estimateFrom our collection
Marquise Tulip Leaf Engraved with Double Band
Marquise East West Tulip
Radiant Tulip Curved Gallery Rail
Marquise Tulip Leaf Prong Split
Questions we get about this
Is a custom engagement ring more expensive?
Not always. The diamond is usually the biggest cost either way. Half of our Canadian ring orders were quoted between $5,100 and $7,000 CAD, centre stone included.
How do I know a custom jeweller's diamond is real?
Ask for video of the exact stone and its certificate. Our diamonds of 1 carat and up come with an IGI report that states whether the stone is lab grown or natural.
How long does a custom engagement ring take?
With us about 10 to 12 weeks from deposit to your door, and about two weeks longer for US orders.
What if a custom ring does not fit?
We resize it for $200 shipped. Eternity bands and fully engraved bands usually cannot be resized.
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