How Much Does a Custom Engagement Ring Cost in Adelaide?
It's one of the most common questions we hear at Simon Alexander Jewellers — and the most honest answer is: it depends. Custom engagement rings aren't priced like items off a shelf. Every ring we create is unique, made specifically for the person who will wear it, and the cost reflects the choices that go into making it yours.
That might sound like a non-answer, but there's real value in understanding what drives the price. Once you know the factors, you'll be able to have a meaningful conversation about what's possible within any budget — and that's exactly what our consultation process is designed for.
The Stone: The Single Biggest Cost Driver
The centrepiece of most engagement rings — the diamond or gemstone — typically accounts for the largest portion of the overall cost. For diamonds, the key variables are the four Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. A larger diamond of high clarity and excellent cut will cost significantly more than a smaller stone with modest grades. The difference between two diamonds that look similar to the untrained eye can be considerable on paper.
One of the most important conversations we have with clients is about lab grown diamonds. These stones are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds — they're not simulants like cubic zirconia. The key difference is that they're created in a controlled environment rather than extracted from the earth. The result: you can often get a noticeably larger or higher-quality stone for the same spend as a smaller natural diamond. For many couples, this is a genuinely surprising and exciting option.
The choice of gemstone also matters enormously. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other coloured stones each have their own pricing structures and rarity considerations. Some couples choose a meaningful stone — perhaps a birthstone or a colour with personal significance — which can open up beautiful and cost-effective directions.
The Metal: Platinum vs Gold
The band material affects both the look and the cost of the ring. Platinum is the most premium option — denser, more durable, and naturally white in colour. It's also heavier and more expensive. White gold, yellow gold, and rose gold are all popular alternatives at a generally lower price point, though alloy composition, karat weight, and the complexity of the setting all play a role.
There's no single "right" choice here — it comes down to aesthetics, lifestyle, and preference. Our job is to help you understand the trade-offs so you can make an informed decision.
The Setting: Simple or Intricate
A classic solitaire — one stone in a simple four or six-claw setting — is often the most streamlined option in terms of craftsmanship costs. But many clients are drawn to more elaborate designs: a halo of surrounding diamonds, pavé-set stones along the band, a hidden diamond underneath the mount, or a complex multi-stone arrangement. Each additional element adds time, skill, and material cost.
It's worth noting that some of the most striking rings are also among the simpler designs. There's real elegance in restraint, and a beautifully chosen stone in a clean, well-crafted setting can be every bit as impressive as a more elaborate piece.
The Design Work
For highly bespoke commissions — particularly where a client has a very specific vision, or where we're recreating or reimagining a heritage piece — there's additional design time involved. We use CAD renders and hand sketches to bring ideas to life before a single piece of metal is touched. For more straightforward commissions, this process is faster.
The Only Way to Know Is to Ask
The only way to get a meaningful sense of what's possible for your budget is to have a conversation. Most people who come in for a consultation are genuinely surprised — either at how much is achievable within their budget, or by discovering options they hadn't considered, like lab grown diamonds.
We offer no-obligation consultations at our Adelaide studio, and there's no pressure to commit to anything. The goal is simply to understand what you're looking for and give you an honest picture of what we can create together.
Call us on (08) 8231 0700 or visit us at Level 1, 14 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000 to start the conversation. We'd love to help you find a ring that's exactly right — in every sense.
Further reading:
Custom Engagement Rings Adelaide — Our Process
How Long Does It Take to Design a Custom Engagement Ring?
Custom vs Off-the-Shelf Engagement Rings