Preset vs. Custom Engagement Rings: What’s Right for You?

Trying to decide between a preset or custom engagement ring? Preset rings offer speed and simplicity. Custom rings deliver personal meaning and full control. Here's how to choose what fits your love story, timeline, and budget, without the gimmicks.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Preset rings are quicker, often cheaper, and great if you’re short on time or overwhelmed by too many options.

• Custom rings take longer but offer total design freedom, emotional significance, and better long-term satisfaction, especially if you want something symbolic, non-traditional, or crafted around a special stone.

Let’s be honest: shopping for an engagement ring can feel like navigating a maze of shiny options, price tags, and pressure. You want the ring to be perfect, but you also want to make a smart decision.

For many, it comes down to this one choice: go with a ready-made preset design, or create a custom ring from scratch.

At Mikado Diamonds, we help couples every day make this exact decision. And I’ve seen firsthand how the right ring, preset or custom, can bring a proposal to life when it’s chosen with clarity and care.

If you’re feeling unsure, this guide will walk you through the differences, pros and cons, timelines, costs, and most importantly, how to choose based on your story, not some outdated rulebook.

Want the full breakdown? Let’s get into it.

What’s the Difference Between a Preset and a Custom Ring?

Preset Engagement Rings Explained

A preset engagement ring is one that’s already been designed, and often, already set and ready to ship.

What you see is what you get: the setting, style, and in many cases, the center stone are already selected. These rings are perfect for buyers who want a stress-free, efficient process.

If you're proposing soon or just not sure where to begin, a preset can take a lot of the decision-making off your plate.

That said, preset rings typically stick to what's popular: solitaire, oval halos, and round cuts in white gold. They're gorgeous, no doubt. But if your partner’s taste leans toward something less conventional, you may find yourself wishing there were more options.

Custom-Designed Engagement Rings Explained

A custom ring, on the other hand, starts with your vision. Whether you want to tweak a design you've seen or start completely from scratch, you're in the driver’s seat. You choose the diamond (or gemstone), the setting, the metal, and the finishing touches. Every detail is intentional, and every part reflects your story.

Custom is especially powerful when you're working with non-standard ideas.

Maybe your partner loves vintage filigree, or you want to build a ring around a family stone. We’ve crafted rings with leaf engravings to honor a couple’s first fall hike, and recreated antique styles from century-old photos.

These touches don’t just make the ring unique; they make it unforgettable.

So, the key difference? Preset is about convenience. A custom ring is about connection. One gets the job done. The other tells a story.

Pros and Cons Of Each

Let’s get practical. If you’re weighing a preset ring against a custom design, here’s how they stack up on the things that matter most:

Who Should Choose a Preset Ring?

Perfect For…

• You’re planning a surprise proposal, and the clock is ticking.

• You want something classic, elegant, and ready to go, without second-guessing every detail.

• You feel overwhelmed by endless design options and just want a beautiful, no-stress solution.

• You’re on a budget but still want something that sparkles with intention.

Who Should Choose a Custom Ring?

Perfect For…

• You want the ring to carry personal meaning, something that tells your story, not just a trend.

• You’re using a family diamond or upgrading from a previous ring and want the new design to honor the past.

• You or your partner has a distinct style that you haven’t seen in stores, and you’re ready to create something completely unique.

The Custom Touch

Custom rings allow you to incorporate deeply personal elements, hidden halos, engraving in your partner’s handwriting, or subtle nods to places you’ve been together.

We’ve designed rings with mountain ridges etched into the band, and under-gallery vines inspired by a couple’s first trip to Napa. These aren’t just rings, they’re keepsakes.

What Does a Custom Ring Really Cost?

Budget Truths, Not Myths

Here’s the biggest misconception we hear: “Custom must be more expensive.” But the truth? It depends entirely on you. The cost of a custom ring is driven by the center stone, not the fact that it’s custom.

At Mikado, you get to decide where the money goes.

Want to prioritize carat size? We’ll find the best value stone. Prefer platinum over gold? We’ll show you how that affects the overall price.

Every choice, from diamond to metal to setting complexity, gives you the freedom to work within your budget without sacrificing quality.

And because we’re not a big-box store with layers of markups, you’re not paying for a brand name or showroom rent. You’re investing in the ring itself and the experience that comes with it.

Is custom always more expensive?

Not necessarily. Think of it like cooking a gourmet dinner at home instead of buying a fancy pre-packaged meal. With the right guidance, you often get better ingredients, more flavor, and more value, for less than you’d expect.

How Long Does Each Option Take?

Timeline Breakdown

Preset rings are the ultimate quick-turn option. If you’re on a tight deadline or planning a surprise proposal, you can walk out with a ring the same day or have it shipped out within 24 hours. No waiting, no second-guessing.

Custom rings typically take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design, the number of revisions, and the production schedule. If you’re building something from scratch or incorporating unique materials, like heirloom stones or colored diamonds, it may take a little longer.

Questions to Ask Before You Decide

Whether you’re leaning toward preset or custom, asking the right questions can make all the difference between “just okay” and “absolutely perfect.”

For Custom Rings

• Can I see sketches or CAD mockups before we start production? Any reputable jeweler should show you a visual preview before making the ring. At Mikado, you’ll review CAD renderings from multiple angles, so you can approve every detail, not just hope for the best.
  
  

• What happens if I want revisions? Ask how many rounds of changes are included. We expect tweaks. It’s part of the process. That’s why we build in revision rounds to get everything exactly right, before the ring goes to production.
  
  

• Can you help source the perfect diamond for my budget? Absolutely. A huge part of our role is helping you navigate cut quality, carat size, clarity, and sparkle, to find the best stone, not just the biggest one.

For Preset Rings

• Is the center stone certified? Always verify that the diamond comes with a reputable certification (like IGI or GIA). It ensures quality and transparency.
  
  

• Can it be resized or modified later? Not all settings can be adjusted easily. Ask before buying, especially if you’re unsure about your partner’s ring size.
  
  

• What’s the return or exchange policy? Preset rings often come with more flexible return options, but double-check the details, especially if you're buying online or under a tight deadline.

What Kind of Ring Buyer Are You?

When it comes down to it, choosing between a preset and a custom engagement ring isn’t just about jewelry; it’s about who you are, how you love, and what this moment means to you.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I care most about speed, price, or meaning?

• Is this a ring about surprise, or a story?

• Would I regret going with something generic or spending more than I needed to?

Only you can answer those questions. But you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Not sure yet? Book a free consultation with a Mikado expert. We’ll help you weigh every option, understand your priorities, and choose the path that feels right for your budget, your timeline, and your relationship.