- Nearly 9 in 10 people who propose already have the ring in hand, according to The Knot Worldwide's 2026 Real Weddings Study.
- Custom orders typically take three to four weeks depending on difficulty; rings started in the 3D engagement ring builder typically take about three weeks.
- Merry and Richard Cheng opened Merry Richards Jewelers on Wabash Avenue, Chicago's Jewelers Row, in 1985 before moving to the Oak Brook area in 1992.
- Every purchase comes with free lifetime cleaning and tightening.
- The founders personally travel to diamond cutting centers around the world to select stones.
Oak Brook, IL, Oct. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anyone ordering a custom engagement ring in Chicagoland should generally plan ahead several weeks from the first sketch to the finished engagement ring.
For someone planning to propose in December, that means starting the ring process in the fall. December is the most popular month to get engaged, according to The Knot Worldwide's 2026 Real Weddings Study.* Custom engagement rings at Merry Richards Jewelers take a few weeks, and couples on a tighter schedule can start designing online in its 3D engagement ring builder. They can design the ring in 3D, then choose the center stone in person at the Oak Brook showroom.
A particular center stone or design change can affect the schedule, so the proposal date should be part of the first conversation with the jeweler.
"Whether someone is on a modest budget or buying a rare stone, they get the same time with us. Planning a custom engagement ring is nerve-wracking enough, so we sort out the date early and let them enjoy the fun part," said Scott Cheng, Vice President of Merry Richards Jewelers and a graduate gemologist.
Key Facts:
- Merry Richards Jewelers celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025.
- The family has built 40 years of business largely through referrals.
- Merry Richards Jewelers is a member of the Better Business Bureau, the Gemological Institute of America and Jewelers of America.
- Scott Cheng is a Gemologist with a GIA degree
- Merry Cheng holds a GIA Diamond degree.
How long does it take to get a custom engagement ring in Chicagoland and Oak Brook?
At Merry Richards Jewelers, a custom engagement ring typically takes three to four weeks, depending on difficulty.
Rings started in the 3D engagement ring builder take about three weeks.
That timeframe is a planning estimate rather than a delivery guarantee. The actual completion date depends on the ring being made.
What are the stages of making a custom engagement ring?
At Merry Richards Jewelers, a custom engagement ring moves through four steps:
- Consultation: An in-depth consultation with a member of the Merry Richards staff covers the couple's style and budget.
- Sketch and CAD design: The first sketch becomes a set of CAD renderings, which let the couple view the ring from every angle and make changes before fabrication.
- Stone and metal selection: The couple chooses the center stone and metal, comparing shapes and sizes with guidance from the store's team of graduate gemologists.
- Fabrication and finishing: After stone setting and a final polish, the couple sees the finished ring for the first time at the Oak Brook showroom.
What can make a custom engagement ring take longer than usual?
A particular center stone, a more involved design or changes requested during the design process can affect the timeline. A buyer looking for a specific center stone may need additional time before the ring can move through the remaining production stages. Moreover, changes made after the initial design has been reviewed may also affect the schedule.
When to Start a Custom Engagement Ring for a Holiday Proposal in Chicagoland
Count back from the proposal date. For a Christmas Day proposal, the buyer should approve the design and choose the center stone by mid-November. A first appointment in early November leaves room for one round of CAD changes.
The same math works for other dates. A Valentine's Day proposal calls for design approval by mid-January.
For a proposal on vacation, count back from the departure date instead, since the ring has to be acquired before the trip.
Source: *The Knot Worldwide 2026 Real Weddings Study
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can a custom engagement ring be resized after a surprise proposal?
Answer: Yes. A jeweler can make the ring in an estimated size and adjust it after the proposal. Merry Richards Jewelers sizes rings in house at its Oak Brook showroom. Full eternity bands are harder to resize, so a proposer who is unsure of the size should mention it at the first appointment. They also include one resizing in the first 6 months of purchasing a ring with them.
Question: Can a custom engagement ring have a colored gemstone center stone?
Answer: Yes. Some couples choose a sapphire or ruby instead of a diamond for the center stone. Merry Richards Jewelers carries rare colored gemstones, including Ceylon sapphires and Burma rubies.
Question: Can I buy a designer engagement ring instead of a custom engagement ring near Oak Brook?
Answer: Yes. Along with its custom work, Merry Richards Jewelers carries designer collections, including Simon G and Christopher Designs.
Question: Is financing available for a custom engagement ring in Chicagoland?
Answer: Merry Richards Jewelers offers financing through the Jewelers Reserve credit card. Couples can ask about it at their first appointment.
About Merry Richards Jewelers
Merry Richards Jewelers is a family-owned, full-service jeweler serving the Chicago area since 1985. Known for exceptional custom jewelry, diamonds, rare gemstones, and fine jewelry, Merry Richards combines expert knowledge with personalized service to help clients make confident decisions about pieces that matter for generations. Our approach is rooted in education, craftsmanship, and luxury without pressure—giving every client the time, attention, and honest guidance they deserve, regardless of their budget or level of jewelry knowledge. From designing one-of-a-kind pieces and selecting exceptional diamonds and gemstones to jewelry repairs, restoration, appraisals, and insurance replacements, our experienced team provides comprehensive expertise under one roof. Generations of customers have trusted Merry Richards Jewelers not simply for what we sell, but for the relationships we build and the care we provide long after a purchase. Located in Oak Brook, Illinois, Merry Richards continues its commitment to exceptional jewelry, exceptional craftsmanship, and exceptional personal service.
