Custom Engagement Ring Process in Austin, TX: What to Expect
Planning a proposal around a specific date is one of the most common reasons clients reach out, and one of the best reasons to start early. A fully bespoke engagement ring at Helen Minor Jewelry typically takes six to twelve weeks, shaped by the stone search, design complexity, and how the collaboration unfolds.
Helen is a FIT-trained master bench jeweler and former Harry Winston craftsperson, the youngest woman they ever hired. Every commission is one-to-one: designed, sourced, and built by her hands in her Austin studio.
How the Timeline Typically Unfolds
Every commission moves at its own pace, but this is the general arc most clients experience.
Week 1: Consultation and Design Direction
The first conversation is unhurried and private. Helen works with you to understand what this ring should feel like, not just what it should look like. You will discuss:
- the mood and aesthetic you are drawn to
- center stone direction: shape, character, origin, natural or lab-grown
- metal: platinum, high-karat gold, and how each wears over decades
- your investment range and any date you are building toward
You do not need a mood board or a finished idea. A few reference images and honest preferences are more than enough to start.
Weeks 1 to 3: Stone Sourcing and Design Development
This is where the ring starts to take real shape. Helen presents center stone candidates sourced privately to your criteria, selected for cut quality, light behavior, and character, not just carat weight.
The design develops in conversation: how the stone sits, how the band moves with the hand, how light enters the setting. If you are incorporating heirloom stones, they are evaluated for condition and structural fit before design is finalized.
Weeks 3 to 5: Design Refinement and Bench Preparation
Once you approve the design, proportions and construction details are resolved, whether the piece is carved from wax or hand-fabricated directly in precious metal. Rings with complex geometry or uncommon stone arrangements may need additional time here to get right.
Weeks 5 to 9: Fabrication, Setting, and Finishing
This is where the ring is built by hand at the bench. Depending on the design, Helen works directly in platinum or high-karat gold: shaping the structure, setting stones with precision, and finishing surfaces to their final character.
Every detail is checked against the original design intent: fit, proportion, light performance, and durability, so the finished piece feels as considered in person as it did in concept.
Weeks 9 to 12: Final Fit and Presentation
Before delivery, sizing is confirmed and the piece receives a final review. If a minor adjustment is needed, it is addressed before your ring is ready to collect.
What Typically Affects Timing
Timelines tend to be shorter when design direction is clear early, stone criteria have some flexibility, and decisions move at a steady pace.
They extend when sourcing a highly specific stone, introducing significant revisions after approval, or building intricate settings with multiple bespoke elements.
Compressed timelines are sometimes possible, but they narrow the window for both design and sourcing.
Planning Around a Proposal Date
If you have a fixed date in mind, start early. A practical guide:
- Ideal lead time: 10 to 12+ weeks
- Shortest practical lead time: about 6 to 8 weeks for more straightforward designs
The earlier you begin, the wider your options for stones, design iteration, and getting it right without pressure.
Investment and What It Shapes
Most custom commissions at Helen Minor Jewelry begin around $15,000, with many projects in the $30,000 to $100,000+ range depending on stone selection and design complexity.
Your investment influences more than the center stone. It shapes the range of sourcing options, the intricacy of the design, and how many rounds of refinement are realistic within your timeline. Being straightforward about priorities from the start gives both the design and the schedule the best foundation.
Custom Engagement Ring FAQ
How much does a custom engagement ring cost?
Most bespoke commissions start around $15,000. Projects typically range from $30,000 to well over $100,000 depending on the center stone, materials, and design complexity.
Can I use heirloom stones in a new ring?
Yes. Heirloom stones can often be incorporated into a new design, but Helen evaluates them first for condition and structural suitability.
Can you work within a tight deadline?
Sometimes. It depends on design complexity, market availability, and how quickly decisions are made.
Do I need a finished design before the first meeting?
Not at all. Most clients start with a few reference images and a general sense of what they like.
Is resizing included?
Sizing is part of the process. If a minor adjustment is needed after delivery, Helen will work with you to address it.
Do you offer ongoing care after delivery?
Yes. Helen Minor Jewelry provides cleaning, repair, and alteration support for commissioned pieces.
Starting the Conversation
The best bespoke engagement rings are not rushed. They are considered, from the first conversation through the final reveal. If you are planning a proposal in Austin, an early start gives you the widest range of stones and the most room to design without compromise.
Book a private consultation at /contact to talk through your vision, timeline, and where to begin.