If you’re looking to spice up your engagement with a not-so-ordinary ring, we’ve got you covered. There are a handful of local shops right in Toronto that you can browse to purchase your dream piece. Make your special moment even more special!
Here are the best places to buy unique engagement rings in Toronto.
Forever Ring
At Forever Ring, they believe your dream ring should be attainable. That is why this private jeweller uses moissanite – a sustainable gemstone that outshines a diamond to create beautiful moissanite engagement rings using Harro Gem, Neo, or Charles and Colvard moissanite stones. Forever Ring will work with you to create a fully custom moissanite ring. They also offer a wide selection of moissanite engagement rings available online that can be customized by request.
What’s better? Their team has decades of experience crafting fine jewellery and you can actually negotiate to the price here so you can be assured that you are getting the best quality and price for this life-changing purchase. Keep in mind that you don’t have to live in Canada to work with Forever Ring. They offer remote consultations and they ship across Canada and internationally. Don’t hesitate to contact Forever Ring for a quote or to book an appointment if you are in the market for a truly unique engagement ring.
Designs By Sevan
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Designs By Sevan is one of the finest jewellers in the city. Sevan Tosun, the owner of the studio, follows in the footsteps of his father and has been in the industry since he was just 10 years old. With decades of experience under his belt, Sevan and his team offer service that is unparalleled and have the ability to bring your dream ring to life using the finest diamonds from Belgium and the Northwest Territories.
National Jewel Creations
Since 1987, National Jewel Creations‘ successful business model has been simple. While maintaining top-quality craftsmanship, their goal is to make purchasing an engagement ring easy, enjoyable and as affordable as possible. The world’s selection of Mined and Lab-grown diamonds, moissanite and coloured gemstones are always available. They strive to provide the best possible service throughout the process even offering a lifetime warranty and all at wholesale prices. They’ve won multiple awards such as the Top Choice Awards, Consumers Choice Award, The Knot Best of Weddings and 5 Star reviews across multiple platforms. It’s no wonder they have one of the largest Instagram followings across Canada.
Made You Look
Established in 2001, Made You Look sells pieces from over 100 local Toronto jewellery designers. They offer a wide selection of beautiful high-end jewellery, including engagement rings. There is a large studio attached to their shop where 20 self-employed jewellery designers make their pieces. This way you can browse the selection in-store but also interact with the jewellers who made the piece you are interested in to learn more about it. Whether you are looking for something bold, modern, fun, feminine, or antique, you will definitely find a ring to suit her style at Made You Look, as they have a very wide selection of unique engagement rings.
Ring Come True
Ring Come True is the perfect place to shop if you want a unique engagement ring that isn’t going to break the bank. The rings at here are made with a gemstone called moissanite instead of the traditional diamond we normally associate with engagement rings. Moissanites actually display more brilliance than a diamond and they are quite durable.
All rings at Ring Come True are custom to order so you are sure to get the ring of your dreams! You get involved in the creation process, making the whole experience extra special. Ring Come True is the ideal location if you have a very specific idea in mind, or are looking for a truly stunning engagement ring that isn’t outrageously priced. While she will love any ring you’ve picked out, this ring will mean that much more because you helped design it.
Bluboho
Bluboho is all about uniqueness. The brand carries fine pieces with ethically sourced, raw, and refined materials. It creates jewellery that tells a story and marks the beautiful moments in life. If you’re thinking of adding some colour to your engagement ring, Bluboho is a must for you.
Studio 1098
Studio 1098 is a small boutique that offers a wide selection of designs inspired by vintage and antique jewellery. If you’re looking for a timeless ring that looks classic or want to create your own, Studio 1098 can help! They also work with you to create the ring of your dreams and help you stay within your budget.
Fair Trade Jewellery Co.
Fair Trade Jewellery Co. has a bunch of unique gems to browse through. The best part is that you can fully customize a new piece of jewellery, customize a Fair Trade Jewellery Co. item, or make a beloved old piece new. The options are endless at this company for finding your perfect accessory.
Livia Diamonds
Another great place to create a custom engagement ring is Livia Diamonds. Here, you will work with them to choose the ring style and diamond within your budget to create a truly perfect ring! You can also add other gemstones, such as her birthstone, or have the ring engraved to make it that much more special. So, if you have a very specific idea in mind, Livia Diamonds makes a great choice.
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All too often, engagement ring shoppers find themselves in situations with little knowledge about design. The average person has an idea of what they want, but for most, the process of shopping for engagement rings — particularly custom ones — is a road unknown.
Big box companies that offer custom designs often leave shoppers with cookie-cutter styles with little actual customization, while independent designers seem out of reach.
But for detail-focused individuals, settling isn’t an option — and it shouldn’t have to be. A custom engagement ring should be full of personality, both from the wearer and the designer, too.
At Design by Sevan, you’ll get just that.
Based in Toronto, Sevan’s personal history and approach are all you need to know to feel confident in your ring making experience.
Sevan’s interest in jewellery started at the young age of 10-years-old, and it wasn’t long until he was working as an apprentice in Istanbul learning how to set diamonds. After working as a diamond setter, Sevan took his skill to Canada and began working with experienced jewellers, but quickly realized that while he loved creating jewellery, he loved learning and creating stories around each ring more — he wanted to interact with customers, discover their personalities, and help them build the ring of their dreams.
And so, Design of Sevan began.
Today Sevan has multiple Consumer Choice and Top Choice awards under his belt.
His clients boast about his experience, education, and honesty. To him, creating a custom piece of jewellery isn’t about sales, it’s about the relationships and the trust he builds with his clients, because that is how he’s able to build a truly unique ring. “Most importantly, I want everyone that puts on a ring from Design by Sevan to love it and leave happy,” Sevan tells us. “The ring on their finger represents my work, and in no way would I sacrifice the quality and trust that goes into it.”
Design by Sevan leaves the pretentiousness normally associated with custom jewellery behind.
His entire process is incredibly simple. To start, Sevan meets with clients to discuss the ideas, educate them on diamonds and the possibilities that work within their budget and vision. “The diamond selection is the most important aspect of the design.” Sevan then gets to work on drawings, collaborating with the client on the designs, and uses his vast expertise to find the perfect diamond.
After that, the ring is cast in gold or platinum, and the diamonds or gems are hand set. But unlike other companies, Sevan’s process is completely transparent, and clients are invited into his world at any point of the process.
Each journey ends with a stunning engagement ring, full of personality and especially made for the individual in mind.
While picking an engagement ring or custom piece of jewellery can be overwhelming, Sevan makes creating a personal piece easy.
And even if you’re not planning on getting married anytime soon, a visit to Sevan’s showroom, located in the heart of downtown Toronto at Richmond and Spadina, is a must.
Building off the expertise that he’s known for, Sevan and his partner recently launched a fine jewellery line. Called Lu & Lo, the collection, which you can also shop online, is made up of delicate necklaces, solid gold earrings, and more.
To learn more about Design by Sevan, visit designbysevan.com or book an appointment to visit the showroom.
See more photos from the Design by Sevan showroom below.
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When it comes to engagements, the biggest purchase before the party is typically the engagement ring — and it’s a pretty big deal.
While diamond engagement rings aren’t for everyone, for others, it’s a classic symbol of love. But shelling out the cash for the big purchase isn’t something to be overlooked. It’s important to do your research before you dive in so that you and your loved one walk away with something that you not only love the look of, but will last a lifetime as well.
Luckily for those on the hunt for their dream ring, we had the opportunity to talk with Brett Halliday, president of sales and operations in North America for Michael Hill about everything to know about how to pick the perfect diamond engagement ring.
Take a peek below for his tips and tricks below!
Instagram/@michaelhillj
What’s the first thing someone should consider when looking for an engagement ring?
One of the first things to consider when looking for an engagement ring is the four C’s. Once you know this and find out which C’s are most important to you – it makes engagement ring shopping much easier.
Following these four characteristics helps to define each and every diamond as they are all unique in its own way.
- Cut: A diamond’s sparkle depends on the quality of its cut, making it arguably the most important consideration when making your purchase. Too shallow or too deep and the diamond may appear dull, even if the colour and clarity are near-perfect. Ultimately, you should choose the highest quality cut your budget allows and compromise elsewhere instead. Our diamond experts recommend cuts graded “Very Good” or “Ideal” for the best effect.
- Colour: Colourless diamonds are graded a D on the Diamond Colour Chart, which runs from D through to Z. These diamonds are extremely rare and of the highest quality. Lower grade diamonds possess varying degrees of colour, with a yellow hue becoming increasingly apparent in diamonds graded K to Z. Colour is the second most important characteristic to look for in your diamond. Near colourless diamonds graded G or H possess almost indistinguishable traces of colour at a lower price point.
- Clarity: Clarity is affected by small, natural imperfections, which appear on the surface and inside of a diamond. And virtually all diamonds are flawed to one degree or another. Those with the highest clarity grading are Flawless diamonds, where imperfections can’t be seen, even with a 10x magnification. In most cases, a diamond’s flaws will be invisible to the naked eye, making “Slightly Included” and “Very Slightly Included” diamonds, both beautiful and excellent value options.
- Carat: Carat refers to the weight of a diamond, not the size, as is often the misconception. It’s always worth considering carat in relation to cut. Higher grade cuts can make smaller diamonds appear larger, while poor cuts can have the reverse effect. Diamonds that fall slightly below the whole and half carat marks are often excellent value – and you’re not likely to notice the difference in size.
Instagram/@michaelhillj
What are the different elements that make one ring more expensive than another?
There are various elements that make one ring more expensive than another. This includes:
- The diamond or coloured gemstone. Choosing coloured gemstones over diamonds can sometimes be a more affordable option with a different look. When it comes to diamonds, there are many elements that can change the value – this includes the diamond cut, colour, clarity and carat (as outlined earlier).
- Another factor is the metal. Gold is less expensive than platinum as platinum is a much rarer and dense than gold so it will weigh more. The karat of the gold is also something to consider – the higher the karat, the more expensive the metal.
- The setting can also make one ring more expensive than another. Really intricate settings with more detail can cost more than a single, plain band.
Instagram/@mrstiziani
What are some ideal metals for engagement rings? What should one avoid, if anything?
The ideal metals for engagement rings are gold and platinum. Both metals are highly durable and the most commonly used metals for engagement rings. If you are wanting a white gold ring, you can either go for white gold or platinum. White gold rings can gain a yellowish tinge over time, which is why we recommend rhodium plating to keep your rings looking fresh! Platinum will keep its colour over time.
Avoid stainless steel for engagement rings — this metal will not last and is not ideal for everyday wear as it will tarnish. Sterling silver is also not recommended as it is a softer metal than gold.
What are the most classic type of diamond cuts, as well as some popular trends for 2019?
Round brilliant is the most popular and classic diamond cut. It has the most sparkle and scintillation, and will go with almost any setting. But some of the most popular trends are 2019 are as follows:
Vintage styles add a touch of old school glamour and evoke the romance of the past.
Shop this style on MichaelHill.ca
Pear cuts are becoming increasingly popular. From a pear halo for extra impact to a classic single pear solitaire – this cut is here to stay.
Shop this style on MichaelHill.ca
Coloured stone rings have gained popularity amongst the modern-day brides who are looking for a non-traditional ring.
Shop this ring on MichaelHill.ca
What should one consider when sizing a ring?
The band detail needs to be considered when sizing a ring. If a ring has intricate detail or diamonds along the entire band, this can make it more difficult to resize. Plain bands are definitely the most versatile.
What are some other things that are important to consider when splurging on an engagement ring?
Whilst the main focus tends to be on the ring itself, it is also important to consider how you care and maintain your ring after your purchase. At Michael Hill, we offer customers our professional care plan, strong warranties and guarantees, as well as free jewellery cleaning as we want your jewellery to stay as beautiful as it was the day you fell in love with it.
Another important consideration is how the diamonds are sourced. We are part of the Responsible Jewellery Council which is why we are committed to using responsibly sourced, natural diamonds. You can read more about this on our website.
Featured image: Instagram/@amberbridge
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Log into to your Pinterest account and you’ll instantly be flooded with dozens of stunning engagement rings, no matter what your relationship status may be. For years I’ve been saving or “pinning” beautiful rings, with a desire to one day own something similar!
I’ve been with my partner for almost eight years and around this time last year we decided that getting engaged was a serious possibility. It was also around this time that my paternal grandmother’s health was failing quickly.
Many years ago she had promised me a ring of hers, but we were having trouble finding a jeweller who could make the ring big enough for my fingers.
Photo via Made You Look
I had heard of Made You Look from a variety of radio shows. I had also passed by the store on Queen West in Parkdale many times before. My partner and I popped in to look at rings and there were a few I liked.
I knew deep down I wanted to work with a designer to create something custom.
We showed them some of the designs I liked, then we were paired with a designer and we setup a meeting.
The Design
We were paired with Kathryn Rebecca, one of Made You Look’s jewellers. One of the rings she had on display stuck with me for weeks after initially seeing it. Kathryn’s work is heavily inspired by nature, and as a lover of plants myself, I was immediately drawn to her wood carvings, leaf accents, and stunning attention to detail.
We combined the ring from my paternal grandmother, as well as my maternal grandmother for this design. Not every stone was worth keeping, but we did end up using most of the stones and some of the gold from both rings. This made it all the more special.
In the end, we chose a design that was close to the original ring I saw in-store, but something unique based on the stones, my preferences, and our budget.
The Process
Step 1: Find A Designer
As I mentioned above, we were matched with a designer based off of the designs we liked in-store. One of the best ways to find someone you jive with is it go into their storefronts and try on some of their current designs.
Once we were matched with our designer, we met her in-person to confirm everything felt right. We also chatted a little more about our inspiration, our story, what we were hoping to see, and spend.
Step 2: Put Down A Deposit
Once we had decided to move ahead with our designer, we put down a deposit of about $250. We were able to pay for it right at the store, which made things super easy.
Step 3: See Your Sketches
Kathryn sent us four sketches, but she said usually she does between 2-4 depending on the design. Each design had a slightly different price range from $1,800-$2,400. Keep in mind that we were using the stones and some of the gold from my rings when comparing this price to what you might encounter. We put down a 50% deposit, and she got to work.
Step 4: Wait. Wait. Wait
After we chose the design, it took about 10 business days for us to see the wax carving of my ring. Trust me, it felt like an eternity! I was so excited to see it, so it was hard to sit around and wait. But in the end, it was well worth it.
We went into the store to meet with Kathryn once again to try on the wax carving of the ring. This is when it started to feel really real. We also decided that my partner would take over communication from there.
Step 5: Pick Up The Ring!
After I passed on all communication to my partner, the store called him to let him know it was ready for pickup. They will hold it for however long you need. Just simply pay the final balance when you do come to pick it up.
The Reveal
Even though I had a pretty good idea of what the ring looked like, I was still in shock when I finally saw it in person. It was everything I could have ever wanted and more. Honestly, it looks a lot like the rings I first started pinning on Pinterest many years ago.
If you have a family heirloom you want to preserve, or a specific vision in mind, I say go the custom route! It wasn’t as expensive as I thought it would be, and the unique story behind my ring will continue to make me smile for years to come.
Featured Image: Made You Look
All Other Images by: Kathryn Rebecca Jewelry
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When it comes to engagement rings, a growing number of millennials are opting to shine bright like a diamond without going the “girl’s best friend” route, choosing more affordable and sustainable alternatives like moissanite.
In a culture that increasingly values experiences over material things, young people no longer want to drop all of their dollars on hardware for the engagement finger.
There are too many places to check off the travel bucket list – and, to aptly document on Instagram in the process.
Toronto’s Ring Come True sees countless young couples in search of their moissanite and lab-grown diamonds. Moissanite is becoming the number one diamond alternative because it happens to look extremely like a diamond, sparkling even a bit more than one. It’s also a lot more affordable.
So, why exactly are we kissing traditional engagement rings goodbye?
A Desire to Spend Our Precious Dollars Elsewhere
“Considering that diamonds are really expensive, people are finding less reason to buy them in favour of other experiences,” says Shir Andrews, owner of Ring Come True. Especially in a city like Toronto with brutally high housing costs, many would rather allocate a large chunk of change as a down payment on a house, rather than a ring.
A study conducted by insurance group Allianz found that many of today’s brides value honeymoons and homes over pricy diamond rings. This is consistent with a recent survey from Contiki Tours, which revealed that Canadian millennials were willing to give up a variety of material things – from shopping to Tim Hortons – for travel. And who better to travel with than your new husband or wife?
An Informed Culture that Craves Individuality
We live in a culture of options and information available at our fingertips. “With more access to information from things like Pinterest and Instagram and people learning about the industry – and especially the price point – and realizing that they don’t have to go one route; there are a lot more options,” says Andrews.
While she says that the classics are still popular in terms of shape, in general, we have also seen an embrace of unique gemstones, cuts, and colours that suit personalities as opposed to the expected when it comes to today’s engagement rings.
“The greatest thing about moissanite aside from its appearance is that it’s a high-quality durable stone that will last forever,” says Andrews. “Sapphire or morganite, for example, will eventually have to be replaced because they get scratched.”
Instagram/ @ringcometrue
Ethics Come into Play
For all the glittery glory of a sparkly diamond, diamond mining can take a serious toll on the environment – something that is now common knowledge and something that’s often brought up with Andrews’ concerned clients.
Human rights violations that have characterized the industry also leave a bad taste in many mouths. “For ethical purposes, they are looking for something that’s a little more environmentally friendly than a diamond,” says Andrews. “It really just comes down to priorities.”
Ring Come True’s lab-made diamonds are a popular choice for this reason. Lab-made diamonds are increasingly popular and can look remarkably similar to the real deal, but typically cost around 30 to 40 per cent less. According to a Morgan Stanley report, lab-grown diamonds could take 7.5 per cent of the total market share by 2020.
Instagram/ @ringcometrue
A Change in the Way We Shop for Rings
Not only are the materials and designs changing, the way people shop for engagement rings has also shifted drastically since the days the men surprised their future brides-to-be with something they had chosen or a family heirloom. Now, Andrews says that about 80 per cent of couples are coming into the store together in search of that perfect engagement ring.
“I would say another 15 per cent would be already well-researched women coming in by themselves to find out what they like and figure it out to either essentially leave the notes with me or translate that to their future fiancés to come to place the order,” she says. This leaves just 5 per cent of men taking matter in to their own hands.
“The more we embrace diamond alternatives, the more common they will become, and the more they will become normal,” says Andrews. “A lot of people still feel shame and judgment about not having a diamond, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I honestly believe in the next two to three years, moissanite will be just as common as diamond. The key is to embrace it and not try to pass it off as a diamond.”
Featured Image: Pexels
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