Too good to be true?
I’m looking for advice from people with experience buying custom engagement rings, because I honestly know very little about the jewelry industry and I’m trying to figure out what’s realistic vs “too good to be true.”
I’m in Canada and recently started shopping for an engagement ring for my girlfriend. We visited a larger boutique jeweler to figure out her style, and she loved one of their signature settings:
- 12x8mm elongated cushion lab-grown blue sapphire (~4ct)
- 3mm 18k yellow gold band
- cathedral setting with a “bezel frame with claw” design
Their quote came to about $8,000 CAD after tax.
After that, I started reaching out to local custom jewelers.
The first jeweler is younger and recently started his own business. He does the CAD/design work himself, sources the gemstone, and works with an experienced bench jeweler for production. He quoted me $3,500–$3,800 CAD for essentially the same ring (plus a euro shank). That also includes:
- 1-year workmanship warranty
- complimentary cleaning before the wedding
- insurance appraisal
- sapphire can be certified upon request
When I asked how his pricing was so much lower, he explained that his margins are intentionally slim because he’s trying to build his reputation and offer more accessible custom work as a newer business.
His work on Instagram is limited but looks good to me, he’s been extremely responsive/helpful, and he’s already sent videos of sapphires from suppliers to help me choose.
I also spoke with another local custom jeweler who has a larger online presence and more history in the industry. Their quote for the same project was about $4,450 CAD.
Both custom jewelers offer CAD renders and 3D printing during the process.
My question is: does the first quote sound suspiciously cheap, I understand the boutique store charging a huge premium for branding/showroom overhead etc. I’m trying to understand what’s normal here and what red flags I should actually be looking for.
Thank you so much in advance!