Shopping for an engagement ring has changed. You no longer have to walk into a store, sit across from a salesperson, and choose from whatever happens to be in the case. Today, you can build the ring yourself online, at your own pace, with full transparency on every option and price.
Jacob Mercari's Engagement Ring Builder was designed for exactly this kind of shopper: someone who knows what they want (or is figuring it out), wants to see real options with real pricing, and doesn't want to be pressured into anything.
Here's a complete walkthrough of how the tool works, what you can customize, and why building your own ring online might be the best way to find the ring you've been picturing.
What Is the Jacob Mercari Ring Builder?
The ring builder is an interactive online tool that lets you design a complete engagement ring from scratch pairing a setting of your choice with a diamond or gemstone from Jacob Mercari's inventory. The result is a fully configured ring, priced in real time, that you can order directly or bring to a consultation to refine further.
Unlike configurators on large jewellery retailers that funnel you toward preset combinations, Jacob Mercari's builder lets you mix and match across a wide range of settings, stone shapes, stone types, and metals. You're building the ring not choosing from a narrow pre-approved list.
Four Ways to Start Building
The builder offers four entry points depending on where you are in your thinking:
Start with the Setting
If you already know the style you're after solitaire, halo, hidden halo, three-stone, vintage, nature-inspired start here. Browse Jacob Mercari's full setting library, filtered by style, stone shape, and metal. Once you've chosen a setting, the tool walks you to diamond or gemstone selection.
Start with a Natural Diamond
If the stone is the priority, start with Jacob Mercari's certified natural diamond inventory. Filter by shape, carat weight, cut, colour, clarity, and price. Select the stone that fits your budget and preferences, then pair it with a compatible setting.
Start with a Lab-Grown Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in every measurable way they're just grown in a controlled environment rather than mined. They typically offer significantly more size and quality per dollar. Start here if you want to maximize your stone budget or if sustainability is a priority.
Start with a Gemstone
Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other coloured gemstones are increasingly popular as engagement ring centrestones and for good reason. They're distinctive, personal, and often more affordable than diamonds at comparable sizes. Jacob Mercari carries a curated selection of certified gemstones across multiple colours and cuts.
Customization Options: What You Can Control
The ring builder isn't a template — it's a genuine customization tool. Here's what you can adjust at each stage:
Setting Style
Choose from seven distinct styles:
• Solitaire — classic, clean, and timeless
• Halo — centre stone surrounded by a frame of smaller diamonds for added sparkle
• Hidden Halo — the halo sits beneath the centre stone, visible from the side, subtle from above
• Three Stone — past, present, and future, with accent stones flanking the centre
• Side Diamonds — diamond-set band for added brilliance along the shank
• Vintage — intricate metalwork, milgrain detailing, and romantic aesthetics
• Nature — organic forms, floral and botanical motifs
Stone Shape
Settings are compatible with a range of stone shapes, including round brilliant, oval, princess, emerald, pear, marquise, and radiant. The shape dramatically affects the look and feel of the finished ring and the ring builder filters available settings to only show you those compatible with your chosen shape.
Metal
Jacob Mercari rings are available in four metal options:
• 14K Yellow Gold — warm, classic, and pairs beautifully with lower colour grade diamonds
• 14K White Gold — cool-toned, modern, and the most popular choice for engagement rings today
• 14K Rose Gold — romantic warmth with a distinctly contemporary feel
• 950 Platinum — the most durable option, hypoallergenic, and naturally white — ideal for daily wear
Diamond & Gemstone Filters
When selecting your centre stone, you can filter by:
• Stone type: Natural diamond, lab-grown diamond, or gemstone
• Shape: Round, oval, princess, emerald, pear, marquise, radiant, and more
• Carat weight
• Cut grade
• Colour grade
• Clarity grade
• Price range
Every stone in Jacob Mercari's inventory is certified by a recognized grading laboratory — IGI or GIA — so you're never guessing at quality. The certification details are available before you commit.
What's Included with Every Ring Builder Purchase
Every engagement ring purchased through the Jacob Mercari ring builder comes with:
• Independent third-party appraisal
• Free cleaning and check-ups for life
• Beautiful ring box and packaging
• Free fully insured FedEx shipping across Canada and the USA on orders over $400
There's no upsell for the appraisal, no charge for lifetime service, and no surprise fees at checkout. What you see in the builder is what you pay.
Who Is the Ring Builder For?
The Jacob Mercari ring builder is built for a specific kind of buyer and if any of the following sounds like you, it's worth exploring:
You want to see real options at real prices
The builder shows you actual inventory with live pricing. There's no "contact us for a quote" gating, no waiting for a salesperson to call back. You can spend an hour comparing settings and stones on a Tuesday night without talking to anyone.
You want to understand what you're buying
Each setting and stone comes with detailed specifications. You can read about cut quality, see certification grades, and understand exactly what's going into the ring before you make any decisions. This isn't a black-box purchase.
You want to stay within a specific budget
Because the builder prices each component independently, you can see exactly how different choices affect the total. Want to see what a 1.5ct oval lab-grown diamond looks like in a solitaire vs. a halo? The builder shows you both with pricing in seconds.
You're not local to Toronto
Jacob Mercari ships across Canada and the USA with full insurance through FedEx. Clients from Vancouver to Halifax build and order rings through the ring builder without ever visiting the Toronto studio. The tool is designed to work as a complete end-to-end experience, wherever you are.
When to Use the Ring Builder vs. the Custom Design Service
The ring builder and Jacob Mercari's bespoke custom design service aren't competing options they serve different needs.
The ring builder is the right choice when you want to pair a beautiful setting with a certified stone, see your options clearly priced, and complete the process independently. Most buyers who know their general style and want a high-quality, well-crafted ring will find everything they need here.
The custom design service is the right choice when you have a specific vision that doesn't exist in any catalogue a particular combination of elements, an heirloom stone to incorporate, or something completely one-of-a-kind. Custom work starts with a consultation and involves CAD design, wax models, and full bespoke production.
Not sure which route is right for you? Many clients browse the ring builder first to clarify their preferences, then bring that clarity to a custom consultation. The two paths complement each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try on rings before ordering?
Yes. Jacob Mercari's Toronto studio is available for in-person appointments where you can try settings, compare metals, and see stones in person. If you're not local, the ring builder is designed to give you the information and visuals you need to order with confidence remotely.
How do I know the diamond quality is what it says?
Every diamond and gemstone in Jacob Mercari's inventory is certified by IGI or GIA — independent, internationally recognized grading laboratories. The certification report number is available for every stone so you can verify the grade independently before purchasing.
What if the ring doesn't fit?
Sizing is available. Jacob Mercari offers resizing service after delivery we'll advise on sizing before you order and accommodate adjustments if needed.
Can I save my ring builder design and come back to it?
Yes. You can save your configuration and return to it later, or share it with a partner or family member before committing.
What if I want something slightly different from what's in the builder?
Reach out. Jacob Mercari's team is available to discuss modifications, alternative settings, or custom options that go beyond the builder's current library. The ring builder is the starting point it doesn't have to be the final word.
Start Building Your Ring Today
The Jacob Mercari Engagement Ring Builder is live and open no account required, no appointment needed, no pressure. Browse settings, compare stones, and price your ring in real time.
→ Open the Engagement Ring Builder
→ Browse certified natural and lab-grown diamonds
→ Book a consultation — in Toronto or online
Proudly Canadian. Free insured shipping across Canada and the USA.
