You've decided you want something custom. Not a ring plucked from a display case — a ring designed around your partner, your story, your vision. That's exactly what we do at Diamond Tales.
A lot of people come to us not knowing what to expect from the custom jewelry process. Will it take months? Will it cost more? Will I actually get what I imagined? Here's the honest, step-by-step breakdown of how we work — so you know exactly what you're signing up for before your first conversation.
Step 1: The Free Consultation (30–60 Minutes)
Everything starts with a conversation. We meet either in person at our Miami studio or virtually — whatever works for you. In that first session, we cover:
- Your partner's style preferences (have photos ready — Pinterest, Instagram, anything they've pointed to)
- Your budget range — we work across a wide range and will be honest about what's achievable
- Metal preferences: 14K gold, 18K gold, or platinum; yellow, white, or rose gold
- Center stone: natural diamond, lab-grown diamond, or colored gemstone
- Setting style: solitaire, halo, three-stone, pavé, vintage-inspired, etc.
There's no pressure in this meeting. You'll leave knowing more than when you walked in, even if you don't move forward with us. Book your free consultation here.
Step 2: Stone Selection
Once we have a design direction and budget, we source diamond or gemstone options for you to review. We work with a curated network of wholesalers and diamond dealers, which means we can access stones that aren't available in retail stores.
We present you with 3–5 options in your target range — all with GIA grading reports — and walk you through each one. We'll show you the stones under magnification so you can see exactly what you're buying.
This is where a GIA-certified diamond grader on your side makes a real difference. Most jewelers want to sell you the stone they have. We help you find the stone that's right for you.
Step 3: Design & Rendering
Once the stone is selected, our designers produce detailed CAD renderings of your ring. You'll see exactly what the finished piece will look like before anything is made. We refine the design together until it's exactly right.
Common design decisions at this stage:
- Prong style and count (classic four-prong, six-prong, claw, bezel)
- Band profile: flat, domed, knife-edge, comfort fit
- Band width and thickness
- Side stone details: pavé, channel set, or plain band
- Engraving options for the inside of the band
Step 4: Production (2–3 Weeks)
Once you approve the design and make a deposit, production begins. Our master jeweler crafts the ring using traditional techniques combined with modern precision tools. For Miami clients, we produce locally — no overseas outsourcing.
The production timeline is typically 2–3 weeks from design approval. We can expedite for time-sensitive proposals — just let us know.
Step 5: Quality Review & Delivery
Before the ring leaves our hands, we conduct a thorough quality review: stone setting security, prong integrity, surface finish, and overall proportions. We photograph the finished ring and share it with you before pickup or delivery.
Pickup is at our Miami studio, where we present the ring with its GIA certificate and our care guide. If you're outside South Florida, we offer fully insured shipping.
What Makes Diamond Tales Different
A lot of jewelers in Miami offer "custom" work — but many are resellers who outsource production overseas and mark up the result. At Diamond Tales:
- You work directly with a GIA-certified diamond grader, not a salesperson
- We source your stone independently — we're not selling you out of existing inventory
- We produce locally in Miami
- Our process is fully transparent — you know the stone cost, the setting cost, and our fee
Explore our diamond ring collection for design inspiration, or learn more about custom engagement rings at Diamond Tales.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom engagement ring take in Miami?
From initial consultation to finished ring, most custom projects at Diamond Tales take 3–5 weeks. The stone selection and design approval phase takes 1–2 weeks; production takes 2–3 weeks. If you have a specific proposal date, tell us early and we'll work backward from it.
How much does a custom engagement ring cost at Diamond Tales?
Custom rings at Diamond Tales typically start around $2,500–$3,000 for a natural diamond in a 14K gold setting. The majority of our projects fall in the $4,000–$12,000 range. We work across budgets and will always show you options at and below your target before presenting anything above it.
Can I bring my own diamond for a custom setting?
Absolutely. If you have an inherited stone, a diamond you've purchased elsewhere, or a gem you want to reset, we can design and produce a custom setting for it. We'll evaluate the stone first to ensure a proper setting design.
Do you offer custom jewelry for occasions other than engagements?
Yes — we create custom rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets for all occasions. Anniversary gifts, push presents, milestone jewelry, and heirloom redesigns are all part of what we do in our Miami studio.
Is a deposit required to start the custom process?
We require a deposit once you've approved the design and selected your stone — not before. The initial consultation and design consultation are completely free. The deposit amount varies by project but typically covers the stone cost.
