What Actually Happens After You Approve a Ring Design
Approving your ring design feels like the finish line — but in reality, it’s where the real work begins. At Diamond Ateliers, many clients tell us they appreciate knowing exactly what happens after the CAD is approved, because it clarifies what they’re paying for and why bespoke engagement rings are priced the way they are in Singapore.
This article breaks down the full production timeline of a bespoke engagement ring, step by step. From CAD finalisation and casting to diamond setting, quality control, and delivery, we’ll walk you through what actually happens behind the scenes. If you’re choosing a diamond engagement ring in Singapore and value transparency over sales talk, this guide is for you.
Step 1: CAD Finalisation and Revisions
Design approval is the start — not the end
Once you approve the CAD design, we don’t immediately move into production. Every design goes through a final technical review by our in-house design team to ensure it can be executed precisely and worn comfortably for decades.
This stage focuses on engineering, not aesthetics. We verify:
- Exact diamond measurements and seat tolerances
- Prong thickness for long-term durability
- Band width and height for daily wear comfort
- Structural reinforcement at stress points
If adjustments are needed, you’ll receive a revised CAD — not a verbal assurance. Most bespoke rings go through one to two refinement rounds at this stage. This is a key difference between custom-made rings and mass-produced designs.
Learn more about our bespoke engagement ring process
Step 2: Casting the Ring in Precious Metal
Turning a digital design into a solid foundation
Once the CAD is finalised, the design is 3D printed in resin to create a wax model. This model is then used in the lost-wax casting process, where molten precious metal replaces the wax to form your ring.
At this stage:
- The ring is cast as a single solid piece
- Metal shrinkage is already accounted for in the CAD
- Surface roughness is normal and expected
Casting typically takes three to five working days. This stage is about strength and accuracy — not polish or sparkle. Think of it as building the skeleton before adding refinement.
Compare platinum vs white gold for engagement rings
Step 3: Hand-Setting the Diamond
Where craftsmanship becomes visible
After casting, the ring is handed to a professional diamond setter. This is a fully manual process — no machines lock your diamond into place.
The setter:
- Creates the diamond seat by hand
- Aligns the stone for symmetry and light performance
- Secures prongs individually to avoid stress on the diamond
This stage alone can take one to two full days depending on complexity. Poor setting is one of the most common failure points in engagement rings, which is why speed is never prioritised here.
Learn how diamond setting affects security and sparkle
Step 4: Polishing and Finishing
Refining the final details
Once the diamond is set, the ring undergoes multiple stages of polishing. This includes reaching areas that are no longer accessible once the stone is in place.
During finishing:
- Edges are softened for comfort
- Prongs are refined for symmetry
- Surface finish (high polish, satin, or brushed) is applied
This stage ensures the ring looks refined while still maintaining structural integrity.
Step 5: Quality Control (QC)
What we check before delivery
Every ring goes through a final quality control inspection before it’s approved for delivery. This is not a quick visual check.
Our QC process includes:
- Verifying diamond security under magnification
- Confirming measurements against the approved CAD
- Inspecting polish consistency and symmetry
- Ensuring comfort fit and correct ring size
If anything doesn’t meet standard, the ring goes back for correction — even if it delays delivery. This step protects you long-term.
Step 6: Final Cleaning and Delivery
When your ring is truly finished
Before collection, the ring is ultrasonically cleaned, steam-polished, and prepared for presentation. Only then is it considered complete.
From CAD approval to delivery, the full timeline typically ranges from three to four weeks. If you’re comparing options, this guide on how long bespoke rings take provides helpful context.
Why This Timeline Matters
Clients often ask why bespoke engagement rings cost more than off-the-shelf options. This timeline is the answer — and it’s explained in detail in our breakdown of why bespoke engagement rings cost what they do.
You’re paying for:
- Design accountability
- Skilled manual labour at every stage
- Precision engineering, not shortcuts
- Local quality control in Singapore
This is how we produce 80–100 bespoke rings each month without compromising standards.
Thinking About a Bespoke Engagement Ring?
If you value transparency, craftsmanship, and understanding exactly where your money goes, a bespoke ring is worth considering.
Book a private consultation with Diamond Ateliers to see how your design moves from concept to completion — with clarity at every step.
– The Diamond Ateliers Team
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What Happens After You Approve a Ring Design | Diamond Engagement Ring Singapore
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Learn what actually happens after you approve a ring design — from CAD revisions to casting, setting, QC, and delivery. A transparent guide for bespoke engagement rings in Singapore.
