(Image credit: @laurenegg)
Getting engaged can be one of the most exciting times in one’s life. From ring shopping to the proposal and the beginning of wedding planning, there are a lot of big moments to experience in a short amount of time. Because of this, it’s very common for couples to choose the easiest route for all of the above, and now, customizing an engagement ring has officially transcended the stereotype from complicated to easy and seamless, thanks to ben bridgeBen Bridges is a jeweler whose name you may recognize from your local mall growing up, but he has since become one of the most respected luxury jewelers in the United States. Ben Bridge has been around for over 112 years and has been a family-run business for most of that time. This year, I had the privilege of participating in a visit to India by Johari along with the CEO and Chairman of the company, lisa bridgeWhere we visited their manufacturers and factories in India.
since ben bridge Offers many different product types from gems included To rolexWe learned about companies in India that collaborate with Ben Bridge to create some of their most valuable products. What I’m excited to talk about today is their exclusive engagement ring line, bella ponteWhich translates to “beautiful bridge”. Produced by Bella Ponte Shah Luxury In Mumbai, India, where the brand’s custom engagement rings come to life. This engagement ring line aims to eliminate the hysteria surrounding customizing an engagement ring – including the idea that it’s far more expensive, far more time-consuming, and far more complicated to go the custom route. is complicated. They achieve this through technological innovations that are advanced and unusual in the industry. And for customers, these innovations make the customization process easier than ever.
(Image credit: @laurenegg)
bella ponte Ben Bridge offers every engagement ring and wedding band style you can think of in addition to its customization services. Below, I walk you through the Bella Ponte custom engagement process step by step, explaining how simple it is to bring your dream engagement ring to life. Including design consultation, a 3D hologram of your ring, and unique documentation of the entire process, Bella Ponte is changing the game of custom engagement rings. While in India, Ben Bridges gave me the opportunity to design my own ring so I could see how special and effortless the process is. Read on to read the details of the Bella Ponte customization process, including images from my time in India with the Ben Bridge team and a sample of the rings that will help get your wheels spinning if you’re getting engaged any time soon. Are expecting.
Step 1: In-store design consultation
Ben Bridges offers in-store design consultation appointments where customers can meet with an associate to map out their dream engagement ring. This first step is often the most intimidating, but with the expertise of the associates, Bella Ponte Collection makes it easy. Here, you will be guided about the size and shape of the stone, settings, and more. Whether you have a vision in mind that is completely custom or you want to take an existing style and customize it from there, this collection can accommodate every preference.
Before my trip to India with Ben Bridges, I had an appointment to design a ring of my own from the Bella Ponte collection. I was very intimidated by our initial meeting because I didn’t know where to start design-wise, but I was gently guided through each step and ultimately we designed a ring that was perfect for me.
(Image credit: @laurenegg)
(Image credit: @laurenegg)
Step 2: Digital Rendering
Once your design is finalized, the next step in the Bella Ponte customization process is to review a digital rendering or CAD (computer-aided design) of your own ring. This step is where you can see your idea come to life. The digital rendering is very detailed meaning you can see every stone, prong and metal detail. If you have any changes you want to make, these are the steps to accomplish them. Wax casting is also made in this stage. This step makes you feel secure and at peace with your ring design. I remember seeing my concept for the first time and realizing that the concept we had worked on was going to be even grander than I had imagined.
(Image credit: @laurenegg)
(Image credit: @laurenegg)
Step 3: 3D Hologram
This next step is what makes the Bella Ponte engagement ring process different from its competitors. Once your ring is finalized, you will receive a 3D hologram of your ring to view through your smartphone. Customers receive a custom link and a special plastic cone that allows you to see a 3D holographic version of their ring. The unique technology developed by Salil and Neel Shah makes the process of customization more accessible. Customers are involved in every detail of the creation of their ring and receive these innovative confirmation checkpoints along the way. This move is a great way to keep customers engaged while they wait for their ring to be completed.
(Image credit: Ben Bridges)
(Image credit: Ben Bridges)
Step 4: Take your ring home
Ultimately, customers take home their customized ring. My favorite detail about this Bella Ponte customization process is the My Story card that customers receive after their ring is delivered. This is sent via a QR code that links to and documents the lifecycle of the ring. It contains every detail about the metal and stones, along with photos and recorded design notes. Whether or not the person being proposed to was involved in the ring design process, this My Story card will be memorable for couples.
(Image credit: @laurenegg)
(Image credit: @laurenegg)
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