How We Create Your Custom Engagement ring
Davidson Jewels · Calgary
How We Create Your
Custom Engagement Ring
From the first conversation to the moment you open the box — a transparent look at every step of our bespoke design process.
"At Davidson Jewels, every custom engagement ring begins with a story. Yours. Over more than 50 years of designing bespoke jewelry in Calgary, we've learned that the process matters as much as the finished piece — because you're not just buying a ring, you're creating a symbol that will be worn and cherished for a lifetime."
The Davidson Process
Six Steps from Idea to Icon
Discovery Consultation
We begin with a relaxed, no-pressure conversation — in our downtown Calgary studio or virtually — to understand your vision, your partner's style, and your budget. There are no wrong answers here. Whether you arrive with a clear picture or a blank canvas, our role is to ask the right questions and translate your ideas into a clear design direction. We'll also walk you through stone options, metal choices, and realistic pricing so there are zero surprises later.
Design Concept & Sketching
Based on your consultation, we develop initial design concepts — hand-sketched directions that capture the character and proportions of your ring. We typically present two or three distinct concepts and invite your honest feedback. This is a true collaboration: we refine, pivot, and combine elements until the design feels unmistakably right. No design moves forward without your full approval.
CAD Modeling & 3D Rendering
Once the design direction is locked, our team builds a precise 3D CAD model — a technology we've been using since 1989, long before it became standard in the industry. You'll receive a photorealistic rendering of your ring from multiple angles, giving you a clear, accurate picture of the finished piece before a single gram of metal is committed. Adjustments at this stage are easy and encouraged.
Stone & Metal Selection
With the design confirmed, we source your materials. We offer natural and lab-grown diamonds, sapphires, moissanites, and a full range of coloured gemstones — all curated to meet our standards for cut, clarity, and value. We'll walk you through GIA grading reports and let you compare stones side by side, in person, under proper lighting. For the setting, we work in 14k and 18k white, yellow, and rose gold, as well as platinum.
Handcrafting in Our Calgary Studio
This is where the ring comes to life. Every piece is handcrafted in our studio at 533 Riverfront Ave SE by skilled artisans who treat each ring as a unique object — not a production piece. From casting and setting to finishing and polishing, we apply the same attention to detail we've refined over five decades. The typical production timeline is 3 to 4 weeks once materials are confirmed.
Final Inspection & Delivery
Before your ring reaches you, it passes a rigorous quality inspection — checking every prong, surface, and stone seat against the original design intent. When you pick it up, we'll walk through the finished piece with you, provide full documentation (including any GIA certificates), and discuss care and maintenance. We're here after the proposal too: ring resizing, cleaning, and ongoing service are part of the Davidson Jewels relationship.
Davidson Jewels was one of Calgary's earliest adopters of CAD-assisted jewelry design — integrating computer-aided design decades before it became mainstream in fine jewelry. This means greater precision, fewer surprises, and a photorealistic preview of your ring before production begins. Technology in service of craft, not in place of it.
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
Most custom engagement rings take 4 to 6 weeks from the initial design consultation to final delivery. This includes design development, CAD modeling, your approval, stone sourcing, handcrafting, and final quality inspection.
We recommend booking your consultation at least 6–8 weeks before your intended proposal date. Rush timelines may be available for less complex designs — just mention your deadline at the first consultation and we'll be straight with you about what's possible.
Custom ring pricing depends on design complexity, the metal you choose, and your centre stone. We work transparently across a wide range of budgets and discuss realistic numbers in your very first consultation — no vague estimates, no surprises at pickup.
Most custom rings at Davidson Jewels begin around $3,000 CAD and scale based on your choices. Choosing a lab-grown diamond can significantly extend your budget, allowing a larger or higher-grade stone for the same spend.
Yes. We offer both natural mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds for all custom engagement ring designs. Lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to natural diamonds — the only difference is their origin.
Many of our clients choose lab-grown stones because they offer better value per carat, allowing them to prioritize size, cut quality, or a more elaborate setting within the same budget. We'll walk you through the honest trade-offs so you can decide what's right for you.
Absolutely — this is one of our favourite kinds of projects. We regularly work with heirloom stones, inherited diamonds, and client-sourced gems. During your consultation, we'll examine the stone, assess its condition and dimensions, and design a completely original setting built around it.
There's something genuinely meaningful about giving new life to a stone that already carries history. We take that responsibility seriously.
Yes. We hold our materials to the highest standards. Our natural diamonds are accompanied by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grading reports, and our lab-grown diamonds come with IGI (International Gemological Institute) certifications.
During your consultation, we'll walk you through the grading reports and let you examine the stones so you know exactly what you are getting.
Yes — this is a core part of our process. After the design is finalized, we produce a detailed 3D CAD model and photorealistic rendering of your ring from multiple angles. You'll be able to see exactly how it will look before a single gram of metal is committed to production.
Adjustments at the rendering stage are straightforward and encouraged. We'd much rather refine the design on screen than have you receive something that isn't exactly right.
Our studio is located at 533 Riverfront Ave SE, Calgary, AB. We serve clients throughout the greater Calgary area including Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, and surrounding communities.
Virtual consultations are available for clients who prefer to begin the process remotely. Most of the design work can be handled digitally, with an in-person visit required for stone selection and final pickup.
We work in 14k and 18k white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold, as well as platinum. Each metal has different properties in terms of durability, weight, and appearance, and we'll help you choose the right one based on your design and your partner's lifestyle.
Platinum is the most durable and hypoallergenic option. 18k gold offers a richer colour and is slightly softer. 14k gold is more hardwearing and the most common choice for everyday rings. We'll talk through the practical differences honestly.
Ready to Begin?
Book a complimentary consultation at our Calgary studio. Bring your ideas, your inspiration, or simply your questions — we'll take it from there.
Book a Consultation
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