Custom Jewellery | Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto https://posyfinejewellery.com Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings Sat, 07 Mar 2026 18:17:25 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://posyfinejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cropped-Posy-logo-no-border-transparent-500x-500-png-32x32.png Custom Jewellery | Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto https://posyfinejewellery.com 32 32 What to Know Before Buying an Engagement Ring https://posyfinejewellery.com/what-to-know-before-buying-an-engagement-ring/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-to-know-before-buying-an-engagement-ring https://posyfinejewellery.com/what-to-know-before-buying-an-engagement-ring/#respond Sat, 07 Mar 2026 18:17:25 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/?p=14131

Buying an engagement ring is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming.

There’s a huge amount of information online. Prices vary widely. You’ll hear different opinions about diamonds, gemstones, settings, and whether you should buy ready-made or go custom. For many people, it’s also one of the first major purchases they’ve ever made, which adds pressure to get it right.

If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone. The goal isn’t to become an expert overnight. It’s simply to understand a few key things so you can make thoughtful decisions and feel confident in your choice.

If you’re shopping for an engagement ring in Toronto, you may also be deciding whether to visit large retail stores or work directly with an independent jeweller. Understanding your options can make the process feel much more manageable.

Start With the Person Who Will Wear It

An engagement ring is deeply personal. Trends come and go, but the most important factor is whether the ring feels right to the person who will wear it every day.

Should couples choose the engagement ring together? Many couples today take a collaborative approach. They select the diamond or gemstone together and design the ring as a team, while still keeping the proposal itself a surprise. This can remove a lot of stress and ensure the ring truly reflects the wearer’s style.

But there are still those that prefer a surprise proposal. If you’re planning a surprise, it can help to:

  • Ask trusted friends or family for guidance

  • Notice the jewellery they already wear

  • Pay attention to preferred metals, shapes, and styles, inspiration photos or pinterest boards

  • Try to engage help to figure out the correct ring size

Understand What Affects the Cost of an Engagement Ring

Engagement ring pricing can feel confusing because costs are influenced by many factors:

  • The centre stone (diamond or gemstone)

  • Metal type (gold karat, platinum, etc.)

  • Weight of metal (ie: grams of gold or platinum)

  • Design complexity

  • Brand or retailer markups

  • Whether the ring is ready-made or custom

A higher price doesn’t always mean higher quality. Well-known luxury brands often carry significant markups for branding, storefronts, and marketing. Independent jewellers may offer comparable craftsmanship and materials with more flexibility in budget.

Are custom engagement rings more expensive? Not necessarily. Many people assume custom automatically means higher cost, but a thoughtfully designed custom ring can help you prioritize what matters most and allocate your budget more intentionally.

If you’re exploring custom engagement rings, working directly with a designer can also give you more control over materials, proportions, and overall cost.

Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds

This is one of the most common questions people have.

Lab grown and natural diamonds are chemically and visually identical. The difference is origin:

  • Natural diamonds form underground over billions of years

  • Lab grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced technology

Lab grown diamonds typically cost less than natural diamonds of similar size and quality. Some people prefer the rarity and geological story of natural stones, while others value the accessibility and price point of lab grown options.

There’s no universally right choice, it comes down to personal priorities.

Custom vs Ready-Made Rings

Ready-made rings allow you to see and purchase a finished design right away. This can be a great option if you find something that feels perfect.

Custom rings offer more flexibility:

  • You can tailor the design to your style

  • Choose specific stones and materials

  • Adjust proportions and details

  • Incorporate meaningful elements

Custom design is especially valuable if you:

  • Want something unique

  • Have a specific vision

  • Prefer a ring designed around your lifestyle

  • Plan to reuse heirloom jewellery

The process is typically collaborative and allows you to be involved from concept to completion.

Custom Process

  1. Stone Sourcing

2. Design & Production

3. Completion

More information on the custom process.

Practical Details That Matter for Everyday Wear

An engagement ring is worn every day, so comfort and durability matter just as much as appearance.

Some practical considerations include:

  • Setting height and how it sits on the hand

  • Lifestyle and daily activities

  • Long-term durability of chosen gemstones

  • How a future wedding band will fit alongside the ring

Thinking about these details early can prevent adjustments later and ensure your ring feels as good as it looks.

Choose a Jeweller You Feel Comfortable With

The experience of buying an engagement ring should feel supportive, not intimidating.

Look for a jeweller who:

  • Listens carefully

  • Answers questions clearly

  • Respects your budget

  • Explains options without pressure

  • Makes you feel welcome and informed

Trust and communication matter just as much as design expertise. When you feel comfortable asking questions and sharing your ideas, the process becomes far more enjoyable.

If you’re working with a local Toronto jeweller, you also benefit from in-person consultations, ongoing care, and the ability to build a long-term relationship with the person creating your ring.

A Quick Summary

  • The right ring reflects the wearer’s personal style

  • Budget depends on materials, design choices, and where you shop

  • Lab grown and natural diamonds are both valid options

  • Custom design offers flexibility and personalization

  • Comfort and durability matter for everyday wear

Thinking About a Custom Engagement Ring?

If you’re considering a custom engagement ring in Toronto, working one-on-one with a designer can make the process feel clear, collaborative, and personal. You can explore design options, compare gemstones in person, and create a ring that reflects your story and your style.

Learn more about custom engagement rings →

Engagement Ring Buying FAQs

Do couples design engagement rings together?

Yes, many couples now choose the diamond or gemstone together and collaborate on the design to ensure the ring reflects the wearer’s style. The proposal itself can still be a surprise.

Is a custom engagement ring more expensive than ready-made?

Not always. Custom design allows you to prioritize what matters most, which can help you stay within budget while creating something more personal.

How long does it take to make a custom engagement ring?

Timelines vary depending on design complexity and stone sourcing, but most custom engagement rings take 6-8 weeks from concept to completion.

Can I use my heirloom jewellery in a new engagement ring?

Yes. It’s possible to reuse heirloom gemstones and precious metals to create a new ring that carries both sentimental and environmental value.

The post What to Know Before Buying an Engagement Ring first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

]]> https://posyfinejewellery.com/what-to-know-before-buying-an-engagement-ring/feed/ 0 Your Guide to Contour Wedding Rings https://posyfinejewellery.com/your-guide-to-contour-wedding-rings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=your-guide-to-contour-wedding-rings https://posyfinejewellery.com/your-guide-to-contour-wedding-rings/#respond Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:28:52 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/?p=14068

Contour Wedding Rings: Styles, Fit, and Custom Design

Your Guide to Contour Wedding Rings

If you’re searching for contour wedding rings, you’re likely looking for a wedding band that fits seamlessly with your engagement ring. Contour wedding rings are shaped to follow the outline of an engagement ring, creating a cohesive ring stack that is both comfortable and beautiful.

This guide explores what contour wedding rings are, the different styles available, and what to consider when choosing or designing custom contour wedding rings so your ring feels meaningful now and for decades to come.

What Is a Contour Wedding Ring?

A contour wedding ring is a wedding band that is shaped, either curved, pointed, or sculpted, to follow the outline of an engagement ring setting rather than sitting perfectly straight. This is different from a standard wedding band of consistent width, which maintains the same profile all the way around.

Contour wedding rings are especially common with custom engagement rings, unique stone shapes, or low‑set designs where a straight band would either leave a visible gap or push the engagement ring out of place.

Classic Wedding Ring Fit

Contour Wedding Ring Fit

Why Choose a Contour Wedding Ring?

There are two main reasons people choose contour wedding rings.

1. Your engagement ring has a low setting
One of the most practical reasons to choose a contour wedding ring is that your engagement ring setting sits low on the finger. In this case, a straight wedding band will not sit flush underneath the setting leaving visible gap between your engagement ring and wedding band. A contoured band allows the wedding ring to nest neatly around the engagement ring setting.

2. You love the look of contoured designs
Many clients are drawn to contour wedding rings simply because they love the look. Curves, points, and negative space can add some interest to a ring stack. Even when a straight band could technically work, a contour wedding ring can also be an option.

Types of Contour Wedding Rings

When designing custom contour wedding rings, the depth and shape of the contour is usually determined by the size, shape, and profile of the engagement ring. Below are some of the most common styles of contour wedding rings that we design in our Toronto studio.

Pointed Contour Wedding Rings

Pointed contour wedding rings, also called chevron or V‑shaped bands, feature a defined point at the centre. These styles pair beautifully with angular engagement rings such as marquise, pear, kite‑shaped, hexagonal, or elongated centre stones.

The sharpness and depth of the point is customized based on how far the engagement ring setting extends. Some people prefer a dramatic, elongated point, while others choose a subtle dip that gently references the engagement ring.

Curved Contour Wedding Rings

Curved contour wedding rings feature a soft, rounded arc instead of a sharp point. This style works especially well with round, oval, cushion, or organic‑shaped engagement rings.

As with all contour wedding rings, the curve is carefully customized to your engagement ring so the two fit well worn together.

Puzzle‑Fit Contour Wedding Rings

Puzzle‑fit contour wedding rings are designed to follow the exact outline of an engagement ring, fitting together almost like two pieces of a puzzle. These rings may partially wrap around the engagement ring or mirror its profile very closely.

This style is ideal for bold, unconventional engagement rings and is almost always created as a custom contour wedding ring to ensure precision.

Important Things to Consider with Contour Wedding Rings

While contour wedding rings are designed to complement an engagement ring, there are a few important things to keep in mind before committing to a design.

Contour Wedding Rings May Shift on the Finger

Even a perfectly made contour wedding ring may move slightly throughout the day. Fingers naturally change with temperature, activity, and movement, and rings are not fixed in place.

This means your contour wedding ring may not always sit in perfect alignment with your engagement ring and that’s completely normal.

If the movement really bothers you a solution is to solder the engagement ring and wedding band together so they never shift out of place.

Think About Wearing Your Wedding Band on Its Own

Many people don’t wear their engagement ring all the time. When choosing contour wedding rings, it’s important to consider how the wedding band looks on its own.

Ask yourself:

  • Do I love this ring by itself?
  • Does it feel complete when worn alone?
  • Will I enjoy wearing it day‑to‑day without the engagement ring?

Custom Contour Wedding Rings: Design Options

One of the biggest advantages of choosing custom contour wedding rings is the freedom to personalize every detail.

Custom contour wedding rings can include:

  • Diamonds or coloured gemstones
  • Pavé, channel, bezel, or flush settings
  • Engravings
  • Milgrain edges, textures, or patterned finishes

Designing your contour wedding ring alongside a custom jeweller ensures that both fit and aesthetics are considered together, resulting in a ring that feels intentional, personal, and wearable for decades.

Learn more about the custom jewellery process

Frequently Asked Questions About Contour Wedding Rings

What is the difference between a contour wedding ring and a standard wedding band?

A standard wedding band has no shaping and does not account for the profile of an engagement ring. A contour wedding ring is shaped to follow the outline of an engagement ring, allowing the two rings to sit closer together and feel more cohesive.

Do contour wedding rings have to fit perfectly flush?

Not necessarily. While contour wedding rings are designed to complement an engagement ring, some movement is normal. Rings shift naturally on the finger, and a good design prioritizes comfort and harmony over perfect alignment at all times.

Can I wear a contour wedding ring on its own?

Yes, and this is an important consideration. Some contour wedding rings look beautifully complete on their own, while others are designed primarily to be worn as part of a set. When designing a custom contour wedding ring, we always recommend considering how it looks both paired and solo.

Are contour wedding rings only for unique engagement rings?

No. While contour wedding rings are especially helpful for low-set or unconventional engagement rings, many people choose them simply because they love the shape and visual look.

Can contour wedding rings be customized?

Absolutely. Custom contour wedding rings can include diamonds, coloured gemstones, engravings, textures, milgrain, or patterned finishes. The contour itself is fully customizable to suit your engagement ring and personal style.

Do you make custom contour wedding rings in Toronto?

Yes. Our Toronto based studio specializes in custom contour wedding rings designed to fit your engagement ring and lifestyle.

Contour Wedding Rings in Toronto

At our Toronto studio, we believe the meaning is the value and a wedding ring should feel as intentional as the commitment it represents. Your wedding ring is the only item you will carry with you everyday after your wedding day. It makes sense to invest in something that you like and fits perfectly.

If you are looking to create a custom contour wedding ring we can work with you directly, exploring the fit and comfort in person. Together we will create a ring that reflects both your engagement ring and your personal style.

Request a Quote

GET INSPIRED!

Some of our recent custom design projects. For more inspiration, check out our instagram.

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The post Your Guide to Contour Wedding Rings first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

]]> https://posyfinejewellery.com/your-guide-to-contour-wedding-rings/feed/ 0 What are Salt and Pepper Diamonds? https://posyfinejewellery.com/what-are-salt-and-pepper-diamonds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-are-salt-and-pepper-diamonds Fri, 17 Jan 2025 19:53:34 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/2024/?p=11933

They’re Really Pretty, but What Exactly are Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

The classic image that is brought to mind by the word diamond is that of a white, round, brilliant cut stone. But there is so much more to explore.  Enter salt and pepper diamonds, a distinct category of gemstones distinguished by their obvious inclusions. But what are salt and pepper diamonds and why are they gaining popularity as an alternative to a traditional diamond?

What Are Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

Salt and pepper diamonds are named for their speckled appearance which somewhat resembles a mix of “salt” and “pepper”. These diamonds are characterized by numerous and obvious inclusions. Traditionally, inclusions are undesirable in a classic diamond but for a salt and pepper diamond they are very much desired. These inclusions, often black or white, “pepper” the diamond’s surface.

What are the Inclusions in Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

The inclusions that can been seen within a salt and pepper diamond are the same sorts of inclusions that could potentially be found in a classic diamond. It’s just that in a salt and pepper diamond they are visible to the naked eye. Inclusions can be made of various materials, including other minerals, crystals, or even small particles of diamond material itself. Below we go through some inclusions that can be found in diamonds.

Crystals

These are small mineral crystals trapped within the diamond during its formation. They can appear as tiny spots or specks inside the diamond.

Feathers

Feathers are fractures within the diamond that resemble tiny feathers or cracks. They can vary in size and visibility.

Clouds

Clouds are clusters of tiny pinpoints or crystals within the diamond. When clustered together, they may create a cloudy appearance within the stone.

Needles

Needle-like inclusions are long, thin crystals that resemble needles. They can vary in color and size.

Indented Naturals

These are parts of the original diamond crystal that remain embedded within the finished diamond. They can appear as small, flat areas on the diamond’s surface.

Internal Graining

Internal graining is caused by irregularities in the diamond’s crystal structure during its formation. It can appear as lines, streaks, or patterns within the diamond.

More Salt or More Pepper?

Each salt and pepper diamond is unique. They are also quite variable in appearance. Some salt and pepper diamonds can be almost black with inclusions and others quite transparent but with a few flecks of pepper. The inclusions can also be quite evenly distributed so that from a distance the diamond actually looks grey.

In these two rings from our shop below we can see the variation we discussed above clearly in the center diamonds. We can also see that the inclusions in the salt and pepper diamonds in the halo are distributed evenly so appear grey.

The Increasing Popularity of Salt and Pepper Diamonds

While salt and pepper diamonds were once thought to be undesirable and unsuitable for the consumer market, there has been a noticeable shift in perception in recent years. As consumers seek alternatives to conventional gemstones, salt and pepper diamonds have received attention from those who appreciate individuality and a bit of character.

Not just Black and White

If you’re looking for a salt and pepper diamond with a pop of colour, you’re in luck. While most salt and pepper diamonds will have a greyscale palette, they are also available in different colours. Hues in the yellow to brown scale will be most common.

Cutting Salt and Pepper Diamonds

Salt and pepper diamonds are not confined to traditional shapes or cuts. We have seen every shape of salt and pepper diamond from the traditional round to very geometric shapes such as hexagon and kite shapes. They can be facetted with a brilliant cut or also the more vintage-inspired rose cut is popular too. We’ve even seen some portrait cut salt and pepper diamonds that are definitely unusual.

Ready to Spice Up your Jewellery?

The popularity of salt and pepper diamonds lies not only in their obvious beauty but also in their obvious quirks. That’s what makes them interesting and unique. Just like it’s our quirks that make people interesting too. If you’d like to see an online catalogue of salt and pepper diamonds we recommend one of our suppliers, Misfit Diamonds.

We hope that we’ve answered your questions here but please do get in touch if you have any other questions or would like to see some salt and pepper diamonds in person. We’d love to help!

The post What are Salt and Pepper Diamonds? first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

]]> What to do with Your Inherited Jewellery https://posyfinejewellery.com/what-to-do-with-your-inherited-jewellery/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-to-do-with-your-inherited-jewellery Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:11:55 +0000 https://posyfinejewellery.com/2024/?p=11928

Tips on What to Do with Your Inherited Jewellery

Inheriting jewellery can be a bittersweet moment. It can be an overwhelming time and it might be best not to make any big decisions when you’re vulnerable. Here we will go over many options and offer tips on what to do with your inherited jewellery so you can make informed decisions when you’re ready.

Balancing sentimental value and practical considerations, we’ll explore options such as selling your items, reusing/redesigning, repairing and sharing with family members.

Evaluate Sentimental and Monetary Value

Before making any decisions, take the time to assess the sentimental and monetary value of your inherited jewellery. Some pieces may hold significant emotional value, while others may be more valuable in terms of their material worth. Understanding this balance will help guide your choices.

Set aside the pieces that have great sentimental value to you first. Then, with the remaining jewellery, ask yourself questions such as:

  • Would I wear this item as is?
  • If I was able to repair this piece would I use it?
  • If I have no attachment to this piece and will not wear it, do I feel comfortable selling it?
  • Are there any pieces here that I would like to give to a family member?

Reusing Your Jewellery

This is a great option, especially for pieces that hold great sentimental value. Sometimes, although the piece holds great memories, it’s not exactly your style.  Creating a custom piece that better suits your lifestyle and preferences means those memories continue. Rather than admiring your inherited jewellery once in a while when poking around your jewellery box or safety deposit box, you can enjoy it everyday!

By reusing the piece you are able to keep the same metal and gemstones but redesign them into something new. It is also an economical option because you already have at least some of the materials.

Another wonderful option is to pool a number of inherited pieces to create multiple new custom pieces to be gifted to members of the family. At Posy we have worked with many clients who have chosen to do this with touchingly tearful results.

Selling Your Inherited Jewellery in the Market Place

As a general rule you will receive a greater return if you are able to sell your jewellery intact. By intact we mean as a whole piece (ie: a complete ring) rather than breaking it up into parts to sell. The tricky part is that it may take time and patience before the sale is made.

The first thing to consider when evaluating your jewellery is if an auction house might be interested. Typically auction houses take pieces that are higher in value, accompanied by appraisals or have a well known luxury brand name. If you think you may have a piece an auction house might be interested in it’s worth reaching out to one to find out. Usually you will see a greater return on a sale from an auction house than in an online market place.

If the auction house isn’t interested you can turn to online market places such as facebook or Kijiji. There are also many websites that sell second hand jewellery where you are able to post items for sale. In these market places buyers are worried about getting scammed so be sure to have an appraisal that accompanies your posting so the buyer knows your pieces are legitimate. Having great pictures also definitely helps sell your piece or pieces.

Selling inherited jewellery in the online marketplace takes time and patience. You will also need to ensure your personal safety if you are meeting with a buyer in person to complete the transaction. For this reason many people choose to try to sell their inherited jewellery on consignment instead.

Some jewellers or pawn shops will take in jewellery on consignment and try to sell it for you. If the jewellery sells then you and the jeweller share the profit. Not every jeweller takes items in on consignement so you’ll likely need to call around before you find someone. At Posy we don’t take jewellery on consignment because we don’t have a retail storefront.

Selling Your Inherited Jewellery for its Market Value

The market value of your jewellery is not the same as its appraisal value. The market value is based on current metal and gemstone prices. The appraisal value is set for insurance purposes if it ever needed to be replaced. The market value will be much less than its appraisal value.

If you bring a diamond ring into a pawn shop, the money you are offered will based on the “parts” of the ring. The pawn shop will evaluate the pure gold content of the ring based on the current gold market. They will then evaluate the diamond based on the current diamond market. They will combine those valuations into the cash value that they offer to you.

If your jewellery does not contain stones, or the stones have been removed, you could also bring your items directly to a local refiner. Typically you will receive a better return from a refiner than a pawn shop or “cash for gold” type place. Again, you will only receive credit for the pure gold (or platinum) content.

Repair Your Inherited Jewellery

Inherited jewelry may require minor tweaks or repairs to make it wearable again. Whether it’s fixing a broken clasp, resizing a ring, or repairing a chain, investing in these minor repairs can restore the jewellery to its former glory. This option is a great way of preserving the integrity of family heirlooms while incorporating them into your everyday wardrobe.

We also shouldn’t assume that all inherited jewellery will be made of precious metals and gemstones. Often the most cherished heirloom pieces are actually costume jewellery. Over time, costume jewellery will really start to show wear. Perhaps the plating has started to wear off, or some of the paste gemstones have fallen out, or perhaps the clasps have broken. In most cases these precious pieces of costume jewellery can be repaired too.

Share with Friends and Family

Finally, our last tip on what to do with your inherited jewellery is to share it with your friends and family. If you receive multiple pieces of jewellery you could consider gifting them to people in your family. Or you could hold on to it and give it to your children when they are old enough to appreciate it.

Sometimes families need help figuring out a fair distribution of inherited jewellery. If you find yourself in this situation you could look online to find similar pieces to get a general idea of market value. Or if you need help figuring out an accurate distribution we have helped many clients in similar situations. As an impartial third party we can ensure that items are divided equally so there are no issues.

Inheriting jewellery is a privilege that comes with both sentimental and practical considerations. Whether you choose to reuse, sell, repair, or share your inherited jewellery, the goal should be to honour the legacy it represents while making choices that align with your values and preferences. We hope that we have provided you with some helpful tips and that you have some clarity on what to do with your inherited jewellery. But, if you have some pieces that you don’t know what to do with we’d love to help.

The post What to do with Your Inherited Jewellery first appeared on Posy Fine Jewellery Toronto.

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