Custom vs. Customized Engagement Rings: What’s the Difference?

Custom Triple Prong Catalina

When shopping for an engagement ring, many people use the terms custom and customized interchangeably - but they’re actually very different experiences. Understanding the difference can help you decide which process best fits your timeline, budget, and overall vision.

At Laura Preshong, we offer both fully custom engagement rings and customized versions of our signature settings, allowing clients to create something deeply personal at a variety of price points.

What Is a Customized Engagement Ring?

A customized engagement ring starts with one of our existing signature designs and modifies select details to better match your style. This is one of the most popular ways to create a unique engagement ring while still working from a setting that has already been thoughtfully designed and wear-tested.

Some of our most common engagement ring customizations include:

• Adding a hidden halo

• Switching to a bezel setting

• Adding colorful side stones

• Changing to bi-metal

• Adding pavé diamonds

• Modifying prong styles

Customized Billie with Odette Prongs

For example, a client may love our Clementine engagement ring but want it without a hidden halo, or may want a bezel-set version of one of our solitaire engagement rings.

Because the base design already exists, customization is typically the more approachable option both financially and timeline-wise. Most customizations start around $100+, depending on complexity, materials, and labor involved.

Our customization process allows clients to personalize many aspects of our signature styles while keeping the overall structure and aesthetic of the original design. You can explore many of these options on our customization page: Laura Preshong Customizations

Benefits of a Customized Engagement Ring

• Lower cost than full custom design

• Faster and more streamlined process

• Proven settings designed for long-term wear

• Easier decision-making process

• Ability to personalize without starting from scratch

Customized engagement rings are ideal for couples who already love one of our settings but want it to feel more personal to them.

Read more about all of our Customization Options!

What Is a Fully Custom Engagement Ring?

Custom Antique Elongated Cushion with Grooved Split Band

A custom engagement ring is designed entirely from scratch. This process is much more collaborative and allows every detail of the ring to be intentionally designed around your vision.

Clients often come to us with:

• Inspiration photos

• Sketches

• Vintage references

• Specific proportions

• Unique stone layouts

• Ideas that don’t currently exist in our collection

From there, we source stones, develop CAD renderings, and refine the design together.

Because this process involves original design development, CAD work, sourcing, and multiple revision rounds, our fully custom engagement rings start at $3,200, not including the center stone.

Our custom design process begins with a 50% non-refundable design deposit, which covers sourcing, design work, and CAD development. Initial CAD renderings are typically provided within 3–5 business days, and the process includes up to three total render rounds.

Custom engagement ring revisions can include:

• Band shape and thickness changes

• Stone orientation adjustments

• Side stone additions or removals

• Structural redesigns

• Gallery and profile modifications

• Completely original silhouettesCustom Bezel Elongated Cushion Ring

Benefits of a Fully Custom Engagement Ring

• Completely one-of-a-kind design

• Full creative control

• Ability to combine multiple inspirations

• Personalized proportions and details

• Opportunity to create a future heirloom

For clients who have a very specific vision or want something entirely original, full custom design offers unmatched flexibility.

Read more about our Custom Design Process or view our Custom Design Gallery!

Timeline Differences: Custom vs. Customized

Another important difference between custom and customized engagement rings is timing.

Customized Engagement Rings

Because the core design already exists, customized engagement rings generally move through production more quickly and follow our standard 6 week production timeline once details are finalized.

While many elements can be personalized before production begins, no revisions or design changes can be made once production starts.

Fully Custom Engagement Rings

Custom Six Open Petal Engagement Ring

Fully custom engagement rings require:

• Stone sourcing

• CAD development

• Collaborative revisions

• Render approvals

• Structural planning

Typical custom timelines include:

• 2–4 weeks for design and revisions

• Approximately 6 weeks for production after approval

• Total timeline of roughly 8–10 weeks depending on responsiveness and complexity

Because fully custom rings involve significantly more development work, they naturally require a larger investment of both time and budget.

Which Option Is Right for You?

There’s no “better” option - just different ways to create a meaningful ring.

A customized engagement ring may be best if:

• You already love one of our existing settings

• You want a more streamlined process

• You prefer a lower starting price point

• You’re working within a shorter timeline

• You want subtle personalization

A fully custom engagement ring may be right if:

• You have a very specific vision

• You want a completely original design

• You enjoy collaborative design work

• You want something truly one-of-a-kind

• You’re comfortable with a larger design investment

Designing a Ring That Feels Personal

Whether you choose a fully custom engagement ring or a customized version of one of our signature settings, the goal is always the same: creating a ring that feels personal, wearable, and timeless.

At Laura Preshong, all of our engagement rings are crafted using recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones, and are made within 15 miles of our Boston showroom. We believe the design process should feel thoughtful, collaborative, and exciting, whether you’re making a small customization or creating something entirely new.