Choosing an engagement ring can be an overwhelming decision, especially if you’re short on time or have a tighter budget. Preset rings are an appealing option because they are already made and ready to ship.

Before buying a preset ring, consider the information below, and why VRAI's made-to-order engagement rings with lab-grown diamonds are a better choice than preset rings.

What Is a Preset Ring?

A preset ring is a ring that is already made when you order it. This means the ring setting, diamond shape, and metal color are already picked out for preset engagement rings, and the ring is ready to ship as is.

What’s the Difference Between Custom and Preset Engagement Rings?

Preset rings cannot be customized because they are already made. Custom rings are made to order. You choose the setting, diamond, and details from a variety of available options offered by the jeweler. The ring is then made to your specifications.

You can also create a custom-designed ring. This is where you meet with a diamond expert to create a completely unique ring based on your preferences or design.

Should You Buy a Preset Ring?

Preset rings can be an enticing option for people who are short on time and need to get an engagement ring right away. If you don’t know much about diamonds, and don’t have the time to learn, choosing a preset ring can feel like a great option.

If you’re interested in buying a preset ring, however, consider the pros and cons below.

Benefits of Preset Engagement Rings

There are a few benefits to buying a preset engagement ring, which is why some shoppers prefer them.

Affordable

Preset engagement rings are often more affordable than customized engagement rings. However, this is often because the preset diamond may be of lower quality in cut or color grades.

Ready to Ship

There’s no waiting time with a preset ring. You can buy it online, or in person, and receive it right away since it’s already made.

Easy to Choose

If the idea of creating a ring for your partner feels overwhelming, or you don’t know anything about diamonds or settings, then a preset ring can feel like an easier choice. You just have to pick the ring that looks beautiful to you.

Cons of Preset Rings

There are several notable downsides to buying a preset ring.

No Quality Control

Since you can’t choose the diamond, you can’t choose the quality. Preset rings often feature lower-quality center diamonds that aren’t as in demand. They may even have uncertified diamonds. This means that you’re usually getting an engagement ring that may look cheap and may not have much value.

No Personalization

You can’t choose the metal color, the diamond shape, the diamond quality, or the setting with preset rings. Therefore, your ring cannot be personalized to reflect your partner's style, preferences, and beauty.

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Preset rings are not one-of-a-kind or customized, so someone is bound to have the same engagement ring as you do.

Why You Should Not Buy a Preset Diamond Ring

Preset rings can seem like a convenient, affordable, and efficient option. But we don’t recommend buying preset engagement rings for several notable reasons.

The biggest reason not to buy a preset engagement ring is that they are typically lower quality than a made-to-order engagement ring. Preset engagement rings may seem more affordable, but they only cost less because the diamond is of lower quality.

The two primary factors that determine the price of a diamond, as well as how it looks, are the ring setting and the diamond. If a preset ring is more affordable, it might be because the diamond may have lower color or cut grades.

Most preset rings feature center diamonds that are not well-cut or desirable. If you’re considering a preset ring, always look for the diamond certification. Many preset rings aren’t graded, or aren’t graded by a reputable institution.

Another reason to not buy a preset diamond ring is that your options are significantly limited, and most likely won’t reflect what you want. If you have any preferences regarding diamond shape, quality, carat weight, metal color, or setting, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll find what you truly desire in a jeweler's inventory of preset rings.

Ultimately, if you choose a preset ring, you’ll most likely be paying more for a ring of lesser quality that you don’t love.

Explore VRAI Made-to-Order Engagement Rings

You don’t need to buy a preset ring to get an affordable engagement ring within a short time frame. All VRAI created diamond engagement rings are made-to-order and ready to ship directly to you in less than 10 business days. Before you buy the engagement ring, we provide the shipping time so that you can plan accordingly.

You can choose from numerous designs both online or in person at one of our VRAI showrooms. We make it easy to select each detail for your customized design.

If you’re not sure what to look for, or how to choose one that reflects your partner, our diamond experts can help. Book a complimentary consultation with a VRAI diamond expert. They will walk you through each step of the process to ensure that you create the engagement ring that you desire.

If you’re on a tighter budget, VRAI makes it possible to buy a quality, personalized engagement ring at an accessible price. Our lab-grown diamonds are grown in our zero-emission foundry and cut and polished in-house. We’re able to offer the most competitive diamond prices in the industry, thanks to our vertically integrated supply chain. You can buy a beautiful, certified lab-grown diamond that’s within your budget.

Preset Engagement Ring FAQs

For more information on preset engagement rings, consider the following.

How Much Does It Cost to Set a Ring?

The cost of an engagement ring setting varies as different settings have different details. VRAI engagement ring settings start as low as $600 and go up to $2,300.

After you choose a setting, you can choose the diamond. The quality and diamond shape you choose will determine the total cost of your ring.

What Is a Preset Diamond?

A preset diamond is a diamond that’s already set in a ring, like an engagement or wedding ring. If the jewelry has a preset diamond, you won’t be able to choose the diamond.

Is It Cheaper to Buy or Make a Ring?

Preset rings are not cheaper than VRAI created made-to-order rings of the same quality and carat weight.

What Is Preset Jewelry?

Preset jewelry is jewelry that is ready-to-ship and already made. You don’t get to choose any of the details for the jewelry, such as metal color or diamond shape.

Can You Customize a Preset Ring?

You cannot customize a preset ring. Some jewelers offer engravings for preset rings. If you work with a jeweler, you may be able to change the diamond later on, but if you don’t love the preset diamond to begin with, it’s better to buy a custom engagement ring instead.