Marquise-cut red garnet engagement ring in rose gold setting.

How Custom Design Elevates Engagement Ring Choices

May 13, 2025

You are standing at the edge of one of life’s biggest decisions. Not only are you choosing your forever partner, but you are also choosing the ring that will be a part of your story from this moment on. That is not something you want to pick from a glass case. You want it to mean something. That is where custom design inspirations come in.

Welcome to a place where your engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewelry. At Barry Coats Jewelers, we believe your ring should be as unique as the love it represents. And if you are in Livingston, Texas, you are in good hands.

What Does Custom Design Really Mean?

Custom design means you start with your own ideas, your tastes, and your imagination (yes, that wild Pinterest board counts). From there, a jeweler works with you to shape a ring from scratch. You are not tweaking a pre-made setting. You are building your vision from the ground up.

It is kind of like baking a cake from your grandma’s recipe instead of picking one from the grocery store shelf. Sure, both will get the job done. But only one tells your story.

You can learn more about how the custom jewelry process works on our Custom Jewelry Service Page.

 

Why People Are Choosing Custom Over Catalog

More and more buyers like you are looking for something beyond what is trending. You want a ring that does not scream, “I picked this up in five minutes.” You want one that says, “This was made for us.”

Here are just a few reasons why custom design matters:

  • Freedom of choice – You pick everything from the gemstone to the band to the tiniest detail.
  • No copycats here – Your ring will not show up on someone else’s finger.
  • Emotional value – You help design it, so it holds more meaning.
  • Creative control – Want to combine two vintage styles? Prefer a gemstone over a diamond? It is your call.
Elegant diamond and sapphire engagement ring in rose gold.

Unique Gemstone Engagement Ring Options

Not every love story is written in diamonds. Some are told through sapphires, morganite, or even opal. These unique gemstone engagement ring options allow you to bring color, symbolism, and character into your ring design.

Think about it. A blue sapphire can represent loyalty. A green emerald can hint at growth and balance. A warm-colored garnet might even bring a spark of boldness to your ring. Whatever you choose, it sends a message.

Our team at Barry Coats Jewelers can walk you through the properties, colors, and benefits of each stone. Some stones are better suited for everyday wear. Others might need a bit more care. Either way, you will know exactly what you are getting.

How the Custom Design Process Works

Let us take a quick walk through the steps. No fancy talk. Just plain and simple.

  1. Share your ideas. Bring us sketches, photos, or even doodles on a napkin. You can also browse through designs online for inspiration.

  2. Choose your stone. Do you want a traditional diamond or something with a twist? We will help you weigh your options.

  3. Pick a setting and metal. Yellow gold? Rose gold? Platinum? Something else? Let us find what suits your skin tone and style.

  4. Review the design. We show you a digital or wax model before anything is made. This way, you can make changes before we move forward.

  5. Final piece is crafted. Our jeweler handcrafts your ring with care, precision, and years of experience.

  6. Celebrate. That is it. You have a custom engagement ring that is ready to start the next chapter with you.

Want to see what our custom design process looks like? Visit our Custom Jewelry Page for a full breakdown.

Vintage-style engagement ring featuring a square-cut green emerald center stone.

Livingston Locals Know Where to Go

If you are in Livingston, Texas, you do not have to drive to a big city to get the ring of your dreams. At Barry Coats Jewelers, we take pride in offering one-on-one service with the heart of a small-town store and the craftsmanship of a big-name designer. You can step into our shop, sit down with someone who listens, and leave knowing your vision is in the right hands.

 

Common Myths About Custom Rings

Let us bust a few myths while we are at it:

  • “Custom rings cost way more.” Not always. You can often adjust the design to fit your budget.

  • “It takes forever.” Our team works efficiently and keeps you updated along the way.

“I am not creative enough to design a ring.” Yes, you are. All you need is an idea—we handle the rest.

Close-up of a handcrafted gold engagement ring featuring a rough, organic twig-inspired band design.

The Power of Personal Touch

When your partner sees that ring and knows you were involved in every part of it, that moment becomes even more special. You are not just giving a ring. You are giving a piece of your heart, your thought, and your time.

That kind of effort speaks louder than a dozen roses or a hundred candlelit dinners. It is the kind of love story people remember.

 

Time to Start Your Journey

If you are ready to get started, we would love to help you create something you will treasure forever. Visit us in-store or check out BarryCoatsJewelers.com to get started.

Do not settle for someone else’s design when you can wear your own story. Let us help you create it, one detail at a time.

 

Prong setting—a popular choice in which the diamonds are held in place by metal prongs so that light can enter, showcasing the gem’s brilliance. 

Channel setting – delicate diamonds are arranged between two horizontal metal bars. 

Halo setting – smaller diamonds surround a larger center stone, making it look bigger and enhancing its sparkle.

Bezel setting – a metal entirely encases the diamond for a trendy look. 

Tension setting – The diamond is held by the tension of the metal bands in the ring, making it appear suspended in the air

Pavè setting – tiny diamonds are closely set together in a band, creating a shiny line of sparkle. 

 Barry Coats Jewelers has an impressive list of the best diamond rings set in exquisite precious metals for you and your loved ones! We offer timeless pieces for men and women, all finely crafted with outstanding diamonds and other valuable gems.  

For a unique and exclusive diamond ring, we offer jewelry customization. We are excited to collaborate and create your design!

How to keep your diamond rings in pristine condition

Keeping your impressive piece immaculate is easy if you follow these tips: 

  • Make your diamond ring spotless by cleaning it regularly using a soft-bristle brush, mild soap, and warm water.
  • Remove your jewelry when you will work with bleach and chlorine.
  • When not in use, place your diamond ring inside a soft-lined jewelry box.
  • Every six months, have your ring professionally cleaned and inspected. 

In a nutshell

Diamond rings are the ultimate gift that signifies love, commitment, and other special feelings. Buying takes careful consideration, and understanding the 4Cs equips you with the best knowledge to choose the sparkling piece that will bring you or the receiver happiness! 

Browse our sparkling pieces, or visit us at 2784 US Highway 190 West Suite 200, Livingston, Texas 77351. We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you have questions, reach us at (936) 967-3222!

BarryCoats

BarryCoats

Barry Coats is a fourth-generation master jeweler with decades of hands-on experience in fine jewelry craftsmanship, design, and industry trends. As the owner of Barry Coats Jewelers, a family business built on four generations of expertise, he has earned a reputation as a trusted authority in the jewelry industry. Barry’s deep knowledge spans everything from traditional earth-mined diamonds to cutting-edge lab-grown alternatives. His commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service has made him a go-to source for jewelry education, trends, and buying advice. Barry is very passionate about his work which is why he is a respected voice in the jewelry industry.