With the technological advances of today, the popularity of custom design jewelry is higher than ever. What, at one time, took months to accomplish can now be done in a matter of weeks. To custom design jewelry of nearly any style gives today's fine jewelry consumer the opportunity to express their own personality and taste without costing an arm and a leg. There are a few simple things to be remembered when working with a jeweler to create a unique, one of a kind custom piece, especially if the intention is to use diamonds and precious gemstones.   Custom design your engagement ring While gemstones come with a similar certification, diamonds set the standard for valuation of all precious stones through the use of the four C's of diamonds. Some may have heard about these C's but if custom design jewelry is a coming project, knowing at least the basics of diamond certification is wise. The jeweler creating the custom design jewelry should produce the certification of the stone's worth and its origin. If either of these certifications cannot be produced, move on to a different jeweler. Without the proper certifications, you may end up with custom design jewelry worth far less than you paid.   The four C's of diamonds are Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat. Diamonds vary from clear or white to every color imaginable, the most valuable being the traditional clear diamond. Clarity rates the flaws and inclusions within the stone. While most of these inclusions and flaws are not seen by the naked eye, the value of the diamond is directly affected.  Cut is the diamond's facets and is what produces the prism like sparkle when light passes through the stone.  A diamond can appear cloudy or dull, even have a dark center, if the cut is incorrect or poorly done. The final C is the most commonly known of the C's, Carat. Simply put, Carat is the weight of the diamond. Keep in mind, that a larger stone my look pretty but due to the inclusions or cut, the value may be less than a smaller more quality diamond. Make sure to go over each of the C's with a professional jeweler to determine the perfect diamond for the custom design jewelry being created. As stated, gemstones are rated in a similar fashion.   Custom design jewelry can be the perfect way to express one's personality and style and in today's highly technological era, custom design jewelry is more affordable than ever.