Considering designing a piece of jewelry?
Erik Runyan Jewelers is the Pacific Northwest’s premier destination for one-of-a-kind engagement rings and custom jewelry designs.
If you’re looking for something truly unique and extra special, the best thing to do is head to downtown Vancouver and check out ERJ’s warm and inviting showroom. ERJ’s spectacular selection of jewelry designs includes everything from engagement rings, wedding bands, and timepieces to vintage and estate jewelry. You’re sure to find something wonderful for yourself or as a gift for someone else.
If you’re thinking of asking for your beloved’s hand in marriage, though, you might consider working with Erik Runyan Jewelers to design a custom engagement ring.
The benefits of custom jewelry, include:
Uniqueness: Your piece will truly be one-of-a-kind.
Pride: Both for you and your beloved. You’ll own something with a look and style that belongs only to you.
Value: You might be surprised at how affordable custom jewelry and custom engagement rings can be.
Craftsmanship: The expert craftspeople and jewelry designers at Erik Runyan Jewelers can create engagement rings, wedding bands, bracelets, earrings, necklaces — just about anything you can think of! If you can dream it, ERJ can do it.
Custom Engagement Rings
ERJ’s expert staff of jewelry designers will wow you with the speed and accuracy they bring to the process of designing beautiful, one-of-a-kind custom engagement rings or custom jewelry. But before heading into the showroom, it’s helpful to have at least an idea of what you’re looking for.
For example, here are 10 questions to ask about custom engagement rings:
What kind of center stone do you prefer? Diamond? (Mined or lab-grown? Color and clarity preferences?) Sapphire? Ruby? Emerald? Diamonds are certainly the traditional way to go, but it all depends on the specific style and desires of your partner.
What shape is that stone? Lots of choices here: round, oval, princess, emerald, and many more.
What cut is the stone? Often confused with shape, cut actually refers to the way the stone reflects light due to its arrangement of facets and angles. This is what gives the stone its shine!
Play some solitaire for now? A solitaire refers to jewelry with a single stone diamond. If you’re not certain about the specifics of a diamond or gem arrangement, the jewelry experts at ERJ often recommend a solitaire engagement ring. That way, you can return to the showroom later for additional settings.
Prong set or channel set? High set or low set? Split shank or solid shank? Although these questions may start to sound a bit like a Dr. Seuss book, the choices you make are fundamental to getting things just right in a custom engagement ring design. Prong-set stones are held aloft from the ring itself; in a channel-set ring, however, diamonds or other precious stones are set within a channel or groove.
What’s your budget? The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to find something fantabulous for your sweetheart. But it’s helpful to have a ballpark figure for your budget in mind. Remember, there are great options within every price range!
What are some of your partner’s typical activities? Your significant other will be wearing this ring for the rest of their life, so it’s helpful to know the answer to this question before the design stage begins. Are they a super-active, outdoorsy type? Constantly opening and shutting filing cabinets? Prone to getting rings stuck on delicate clothing? Furthermore, is your partner flashy (or blingy) or more understated in their style of jewelry and dress?
Does your partner have a Pinterest page? You can do a lot of research beforehand just by looking at the styles and designs that they pin on their page. Any and all pictures are a huge help in the design process, so gather them if you can!
When will you pop the question? Once the design process is completed, it can take anywhere from one to four weeks or more to complete the production process.
Is this a surprise? Most proposals are, but there are no rules. You and your beloved are the ones who determine what’s most important. So bring your partner in with you if they’re cool with that!
Erik Runyan Jewelers
Erik Runyan Jewelers is the oldest family-owned jeweler in Vancouver, Washington. Ever since W.L. Runyan sold his first watch from a bus depot bench in 1917, the Runyan commitment to excellence and superior customer service has never waned.
Five generations of Runyans have worked hard to make ERJ your one-stop shop for everything from engagement rings, custom jewelry designs, and vintage jewelry to appraisals, engravings, and repairs.
Contact Erik Runyan Jewelers Today, or stop by their beautiful showroom, and let the extended Runyan family help you discover (or design!) a perfect piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime.