A custom ring inspired by a signature design—refined through collaboration, precision, and real-life considerations.
Rachel came to me after discovering one of my designs—the Aether Radiant ring. She loved the structure, the balance, and the way the stones were arranged. But like most clients I work with in Toronto, she wasn’t looking to recreate it exactly.
She wanted to make it her own.
This is the difference between buying a ring and designing one.
Table of Contents
Starting with Inspiration
Choosing the Centre Stone
Designing for Real Life
From Concept to CAD
The Making Process
Working Within a Timeline
The Final Ring
Why Custom Engagement Rings Are Different
Watch the Process
Start Your Own Custom Project
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Designer
1. Starting with Inspiration
Art Direction: Clean, elevated, no text overlay.
Every custom project begins with a reference point.
In Rachel’s case, it was the Aether Radiant ring—a design built around balance, structure, and negative space. It gave us a strong foundation, but it wasn’t the final destination.
Custom design isn’t about replication. It’s about interpretation.
2. Choosing the Centre Stone
Before anything is designed, we select the centre stone.
This is the anchor of the entire ring.
Rachel and her partner explored both radiant cut and brilliant cut lab-grown diamonds. The original design featured a radiant, but once we compared the options in person, she was drawn to the brilliance and light return of a modified brilliant cut.
That one decision shifted the entire feel of the ring.
Same structure. Different presence.
3. Designing for Real Life
One of the most important parts of Rachel’s appointment had nothing to do with aesthetics.
We talked about her finger proportions, her knuckle, and how the ring would actually sit and feel day-to-day.
These details matter more than most people expect.
A ring can look beautiful in a photo—but if it doesn’t feel right, it won’t be worn the way it should be.
Rachel led the design decisions, while her partner handled the logistics. It became a collaborative process that balanced emotion, practicality, and timing.
4. From Concept to CAD
Once the centre stone was selected, I translated the design into CAD.
This stage refines:
Proportions
Stone placement
Structural integrity
Wearability
Rachel reviewed and approved the design before moving forward.
This step ensures clarity before commitment.
5. The Making Process
After CAD approval, the ring moved into production:
3D printed model
Casting in 18 karat yellow gold
Cleaning and assembling individual components
Hand-setting each stone
Because of the structure of the Aether design, the ring was built in multiple parts and assembled by hand. This allows for more precision, but also requires more care at the bench.
This is where craftsmanship becomes visible.
6. Working Within a Timeline
Rachel and her partner had a clear deadline.
They were travelling and wanted the ring ready to celebrate with friends and family.
Custom design always involves multiple stages, but when timelines are defined early, the process can be structured to meet them.
Intentional planning is what makes custom possible within real-life schedules.
7. The Final Ring
The finished piece stayed true to the Aether design—but with one defining change:
A brilliant cut centre stone.
That single decision transformed the ring from structured and architectural to something softer, more fluid, and full of movement.
Most importantly, it felt like hers.
8. Why Custom Engagement Rings Are Different
In Toronto, there are many options when it comes to engagement rings.
Most follow a standard model:
Pre-designed settings
Limited modifications
Minimal collaboration
Custom design offers something else entirely:
The ability to choose your stone first
Adjust proportions to your hand
Design something that reflects your life, not a template
You’re not selecting a finished product.
You’re participating in the creation of it.
9. Watch the Process
10. Start Your Own Custom Project
If you’ve seen a design you love but want to make it your own, that’s where this process begins.
You don’t need a fully formed idea.
You just need a starting point.
👉 Book a consultation
👉 Fill out the custom design form
Or simply reach out and tell me what you're thinking about—I’ll guide you through the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom engagement ring take?
How long does a custom engagement ring take?
Do I need to know exactly what I want?
No. Most clients come in with references or ideas. The design is developed collaboratively.
Can I modify an existing design?
Yes. Many projects begin from an existing piece and are adapted to suit your preferences
Do you offer lab-grown diamonds?
Yes. I source both lab-grown and natural diamonds based on your goals and priorities.
Do you work with clients in Toronto only?
Most clients are based in Toronto and the GTA, but I also work with clients remotely.
About the Designer
Sabrina is the founder of Janine Jewels, a Toronto-based fine jewellery studio specializing in custom engagement rings and heirloom redesign.
Trained in Geneva, she combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are built to last.
Her work focuses on collaboration—guiding clients through a thoughtful, transparent process from concept to completion.
