Choosing an engagement ring can feel overwhelming: it's a big, meaningful decision, and we often make it with no idea where to start. This guide orders the decisions — from most to least important — so you choose with confidence. It's written from our Barcelona workshop, where we craft custom engagement rings in 18K gold and natural diamonds.
1. Start with the budget (no pressure)
Forget old "X salaries" rules. The right budget is the one you're comfortable with. Setting it first gives you freedom: we'll know which diamond and design fit, and you can prioritise what matters most.
2. Learn their style
The best ring is the one they'd wear every day. Notice: discreet or statement jewellery? White, yellow or rose gold? Classic or modern? If in doubt, quietly ask a friend or look at their current pieces.
3. Choose the stone
The diamond is the star. It's worth understanding the basics of the 4 Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat. A tip: cut matters most for sparkle — sometimes a slightly smaller but better-cut diamond looks better. We work only with certified natural diamonds. For colour, natural emerald, sapphire or ruby are beautiful alternatives.
4. Choose the metal
- 18K white gold: elegant and modern, enhances the diamond.
- 18K yellow gold: warm and classic, back in fashion.
- 18K rose gold: romantic and original.
All in solid 18K gold, which withstands daily wear for decades.
5. Choose the setting
- Solitaire: one diamond, timeless. The most requested. (See solitaire diamond ring.)
- Halo: centre stone framed by small diamonds; more presence.
- Trilogy: three stones (past, present, future).
6. Find out the size
For a surprise, there are tricks: "borrow" a ring they already wear, or ask someone trusted. And don't worry too much — resizing afterwards is simple.
7. Custom vs. catalogue
A catalogue ring is worn by a thousand people. A custom one is designed for one — often for a similar price. You see a 3D render before making it and choose every detail.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most common mistake?
Prioritising only diamond size. A well-cut, slightly smaller diamond sparkles more.
Natural or lab-grown diamond?
We work with natural diamonds: finite, irreplaceable, better value retention. (More in natural vs. lab-grown.)
Can I design it with no idea at all?
Yes. We guide the whole process — you bring the excitement, we bring the craft.
Ready to design it?
✉️ hola@arelana.com · Request your quote · 18K gold · Natural diamonds · Barcelona.
How Much Does a Custom Engagement Ring Cost? Prices & Factors
It's almost everyone's first question, and a fair one. The honest answer: it depends on you. A custom ring has no fixed price because you decide the three levers that set it. And, contrary to belief, custom doesn't mean more expensive — it often costs the same as a display-case ring, but it's unique.
The 3 price levers
1. The diamond (or stone)
The biggest factor. It depends on the 4 Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat. This is where you can optimise most: a well-chosen diamond sparkles just as much for considerably less.
2. The metal
18K gold in white, yellow or rose, or platinum. The weight of gold in the design affects the cost.
3. Design complexity
A clean solitaire doesn't cost the same as a halo with dozens of small diamonds. You choose how much detail you want.
Why custom isn't more expensive
In a shop you pay for the piece and the display margin, stock and brand. Custom-made, the budget goes to the jewellery: you choose exactly what you want, without overpaying for what you don't care about. So for the same money, you usually get more ring.
Fixed quote, no surprises
At Arelana we give you a fixed, transparent quote before we start. No "we'll see": you know what you'll pay from the beginning, and we adjust the design to your figure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give you my budget and have you work to it?
Yes, ideal. Tell us your figure and we design the best possible ring within it.
Does the quote include the diamond certificate?
Yes. Our diamonds are natural and certified, included.
Is there a charge for the design or quote?
No. Advice and quote are with no obligation.
Tell us your budget
We design your custom engagement ring within your figure, no surprises.
✉️ hola@arelana.com · Request your quote · Barcelona.
Custom Solitaire Diamond Ring | Arelana Barcelona
The solitaire is the engagement ring par excellence: a single diamond, clean, with no distractions. Its elegance never dates because it doesn't rely on any trend. At Arelana we handcraft it to measure in Barcelona, with a certified natural diamond and solid 18K gold, exactly as you imagine it.
Why a solitaire (and why custom)
The solitaire puts all the attention on the stone, so the quality of the diamond and setting is everything. Made to measure, you choose the diamond you truly want — no more, no less — and a setting designed for their hand, instead of settling for what's in the display case.
The diamond: the star
Together we choose the natural diamond by the 4 Cs: cut (the most sparkle), colour, clarity and carat. Most requested shapes: round (maximum brilliance), oval (lengthens the finger), princess (modern) or emerald (understated).
The setting
The process
Conversation → 3D design → diamond selection → handcrafting → delivery with certificate. Free shipping across mainland Spain. (Part of our custom engagement rings.)
Frequently asked questions
Which diamond shape is best for a solitaire?
Round sparkles most; oval stylises the finger and looks larger for the same weight. We advise you by taste and budget.
Is the diamond certified?
Yes — all our diamonds are natural and certified.
How long does it take?
3–5 weeks from design approval.
Design your solitaire
✉️ hola@arelana.com · Request your no-obligation quote · 18K gold · Natural diamond · Made in Barcelona.
How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring: Complete Guide
Choosing an engagement ring can feel overwhelming: it's a big, meaningful decision, and we often make it with no idea where to start. This guide orders the decisions — from most to least important — so you choose with confidence. It's written from our Barcelona workshop, where we craft custom engagement rings in 18K gold and natural diamonds.
1. Start with the budget (no pressure)
Forget old "X salaries" rules. The right budget is the one you're comfortable with. Setting it first gives you freedom: we'll know which diamond and design fit, and you can prioritise what matters most.
2. Learn their style
The best ring is the one they'd wear every day. Notice: discreet or statement jewellery? White, yellow or rose gold? Classic or modern? If in doubt, quietly ask a friend or look at their current pieces.
3. Choose the stone
The diamond is the star. It's worth understanding the basics of the 4 Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat. A tip: cut matters most for sparkle — sometimes a slightly smaller but better-cut diamond looks better. We work only with certified natural diamonds. For colour, natural emerald, sapphire or ruby are beautiful alternatives.
4. Choose the metal
All in solid 18K gold, which withstands daily wear for decades.
5. Choose the setting
6. Find out the size
For a surprise, there are tricks: "borrow" a ring they already wear, or ask someone trusted. And don't worry too much — resizing afterwards is simple.
7. Custom vs. catalogue
A catalogue ring is worn by a thousand people. A custom one is designed for one — often for a similar price. You see a 3D render before making it and choose every detail.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most common mistake?
Prioritising only diamond size. A well-cut, slightly smaller diamond sparkles more.
Natural or lab-grown diamond?
We work with natural diamonds: finite, irreplaceable, better value retention. (More in natural vs. lab-grown.)
Can I design it with no idea at all?
Yes. We guide the whole process — you bring the excitement, we bring the craft.
Ready to design it?
✉️ hola@arelana.com · Request your quote · 18K gold · Natural diamonds · Barcelona.