Custom vs Ready Made Engagement Ring: Price, Time and Choice
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio · Updated October 22, 2026
Short answer: Made to order is one of our proven designs, made for you once you order: settings from $1,299 CAD plus the diamond, about 8 weeks to your door. Fully custom starts from your idea, with a CAD file and a 360 render you approve: from about $4,000 USD, 10 to 12 weeks. Both are made by hand after you order; neither sits in a stockroom.
"Ready made" usually means a ring already sitting in a case. Ours are made after you order either way, so the real choice is between a design that already exists and one drawn from scratch.
How do they compare?
| Made to order | Fully custom | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | One of our designs | Your idea, photos or a sketch |
| What you choose | Diamond, metal, small changes | Everything |
| Design step | Already done | CAD file, then a 360 render you approve; usually 2 or 3 rounds |
| Time to your door | About 8 weeks | 10 to 12 weeks |
| Price | Settings from $1,299 CAD plus the diamond | US median about $4,000 USD; half our Canadian quotes $5,100 to $7,000 CAD |
| Return policy | Final sale | Final sale |
As of October 2026.
Are custom engagement rings more expensive?
Not always. The diamond is usually the biggest single cost either way. Custom adds design time and bench work, and you only pay for details you want. With a 2 carat lab grown diamond, our complete listed rings start at $3,100 CAD in 14K gold. The full breakdown is in what a custom ring costs in Canada.
When does made to order make sense?
When you love a design we already make, or your date is close. Skipping the design rounds saves two to four weeks, which is why it is our safe route for holiday proposals. You can still change details: engraving, a hidden halo or a different band width. See made to order does not mean ready made.
When is custom worth it?
When you have a specific idea, an unusual stone, or details that matter to you: hand engraving, a hidden birthstone, a band shaped around the head. If the changes to a made to order design get big, we treat it as custom and send renderings.
What if I don't like the CAD?
Mark it up. The CAD file is where most changes happen, and most rings take two or three rounds before you approve the 360 render. Nothing is cast until you approve it.
Can I return either one?
No. Both are made for you after you order, so sales are final, which is why every approval happens before anything is cast. See can you return a custom engagement ring.
Not sure which path fits your date and idea?
A free 20 minute video call with our team. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.
Book a free callGet a free estimateFrom our collection
Cushion Tulip Classic Pave
Marquise Tulip Classic Pave
Emerald Hidden Halo Cathedral
Radiant Hidden Halo Cathedral
Questions we get about this
What is the difference between custom and ready made engagement rings?
Ready made starts from an existing design; custom starts from your idea. Ours are made after you order either way.
Are custom engagement rings more expensive?
Not always. The diamond is usually the biggest cost either way, and custom adds design time and bench work.
How long does a custom engagement ring take compared with made to order?
Custom takes 10 to 12 weeks from deposit to your door; made to order about 8 weeks.
Can I change a made to order design?
Yes: engraving, a hidden halo or a band width. Big changes become a custom ring.
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