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Stunning Engagement Rings to Inspire You as You Design Your Own Custom Ring

Need Some Inspiration? Check Out These Engagement Rings Pittsburgh Jewelry Designer Lisa Kotchey Adores

The engagement ring plays a key role in a couple’s journey toward the wedding altar. In fact, one of the first things a couple Googles is “engagement ring inspiration” to help them design a ring that truly encapsulates their unique relationship and love for each other. Hours of time spent on Pinterest and Instagram follow shortly after. 

If you are one of the many couples who elect to design their own custom engagement rings, Pittsburgh jewelry designer Lisa Kotchey is here to guide you through the entire process. To start, we have compiled a list of the most gorgeous engagement rings to serve as inspiration for your own custom design. 

Give it Some Color

The Duchess of Cambridge Gives us a Lesson in Glamour

 kate middleton engagement ring

Image courtesy of AOL

Does your taste gravitate toward bold, head-turning looks? Take inspiration from the engagement ring belonging to the Duchess of Cambridge herself, Kate Middleton. 

Balance a deep blue oval sapphire gem with a thin double band. Add diamonds around the sapphire to finish the look. The ring should be the focal point of your ring finger, so make sure you pair it with a simple wedding ring. For extra measure, consider designing matching earrings and a necklace to wear for special occasions. 

Not a fan of dark blue? Choose a floral amethyst or pure pearl to match your style and taste.

Keep it Bold and Eyecatching

Dazzle the Crowd With an Array of Diamonds

Wedding ring of Lisa Marie Kotchey Design

Looking for something bold yet classy? Pair a thick band with a statement stone like the one pictured above to create a ring that no one will be able to take their eyes off of. Choose a band metal such as platinum, gold, titanium, or tungsten to encapsulate the diamonds resting along it. Yellow gold is currently the metal in the greatest demand. However, if you are on a budget or you want to distinguish it from your wedding band, titanium or tungsten is a sturdy yet sleek alternative.

Look for Sustainability

Find Brands That Follow Your Personal Values

Couple, Engagement, Ring, Diamond, Hugging, Happy, Love

As people become more aware of how much our carbon footprint and individual choices add up to affect our environment, a growing number of engaged couples of looking for sustainable engagement rings

Sustainable and ethically sourced diamond rings are usually made from recycled metals or are conflict-free, meaning they were mined and shipped without the involvement of abusive groups. Some diamond brands are even green-certified. Much of their time is spent dedicating themselves to giving back to the community. 

Try Something Nontraditional

Going Off the Beaten Path Has its Perks

The Engagement Ring Trends You Need to Know for 2020

Image courtesy of AZLEE

Who said there was only one right way to design an engagement ring? Choose a unique gemstone or ring shape to reflect the uniqueness of the relationship you share with your partner. Or, design something different to go off the beaten path and set your ring apart from more traditional styles. 

Need some help getting started? A rising number of couples are incorporating the following elements into their engagement rings:

  • Emeralds
  • Black Diamonds
  • Open Rings and Other Non-traditional Ring Shapes 
  • Uniquely-shaped Diamonds and Gemstones

Try Something Subtle

Delicate Engagement Rings Are Not to Be Looked Over

silver-colored ring pendant

Whether you want to save money or you just aren’t interested in flashy jewelry, smaller engagement rings are perfect for reflecting upon a couple’s unique relationship without putting them into debt. Thin bands with a subtle yet stunning diamond ring perched upon them are perfect for couples who lean on the more laidback side when it comes to fashion. 

The Leading Engagement Rings Pittsburgh — Designer Lisa Kotchey — Recommends Finishing the Ring Off With a Personal Engraving

Write a Special Message Just for Them

cartier engraved ring

Image courtesy of Cartier.


Are you searching for unique engagement rings Pittsburgh has never seen before? To make your engagement ring truly custom-made add a short message for your partner in the band. Every couple has their own inside jokes and quirky methods of communicating with each other. Couples who decide to engrave their engagement ring often choose to write something intimate, such as their:


  • Proposal date
  • Favorite romantic phrase
  • Initials
  • Inside messages
  • Special references


You can usually pick from block or text writing and add phrases that are up to 20 characters in length.


Before you know it, it will be time to decide on the final design for your engagement ring. By then, you should have a solid idea of how you would like it to turn out. Of course, it is normal to second-guess your ideas or change your mind. That’s why working with a professional jeweler to create your dream design is one of the best choices you can make when it comes to designing your engagement ring. Contact the expert in engagement rings, Pittsburgh jeweler Lisa Kotchey, today for more information.