TL;DR: bespoke, custom, made to measure and made to order are used loosely, and different sellers mean different things by them. In our case, bespoke means we design the ring with you from your brief, show you the design, and make nothing until you approve it in writing. Ask any seller what they mean by the word, and what you will receive. Pieces start from £600.
Why the words are confusing
These terms are not tightly defined, so one seller's custom ring may be another seller's made to order ring. The same word can describe a ring that is designed from scratch or a stock design with a few choices. The useful question is what you are actually getting.
Bespoke
In British usage, bespoke traditionally means made specially for you, from a conversation about what you want. For us it means we design the ring around your brief, we show you sketches and CAD renders, and you approve the design before we make it.
Custom
Custom is the common American word for the same idea. It can range from a fully original design to choosing from options on a template, so ask what is included.
Made to measure
This usually means a standard design adjusted to your measurements, such as ring size or band width. It is less about original design and more about fit.
Made to order
A made to order ring is produced after you place the order, rather than taken from stock. It may be a standard design or a custom one. The key point is that it did not exist until you asked for it, which can affect returns and changes. Our guide to changes after approval explains how we handle that.
The words side by side
- Bespoke or custom: designed around you. Ask how original the design is.
- Made to measure: a standard design fitted to your size.
- Made to order: produced after you order, whatever the design.
- Ready to wear or stock: already made, which usually means quicker delivery and fewer choices.
Questions to ask any seller
- Will you design something original for me, or adapt an existing design?
- Will I see the design before it is made?
- Is my approval recorded in writing?
- What can I change, and when?
- How is the stone described and documented?
Comparing two quotes fairly
If you are comparing sellers, line up what each includes: the design stage, the stone and its documentation, the metal and its purity, the finish, delivery and any duty or tax. A lower price can mean less is included. Ask for each quote in writing, and ask how it is itemised. Our guide to reading your invoice and certificate shows what a clear invoice looks like.
Starting from an idea, not a finished design
You do not need a complete design to begin a bespoke commission. Many people arrive with a handful of saved photographs, a stone they like, or simply a feeling about what their partner would wear. Part of our job is to turn that into something specific. We ask what you like about each reference, combine the elements that matter, and show you how they come together before anything is decided.
How we work
We work by video consultation and message, send sketches and CAD renders, and make nothing until you approve the design in writing. Our guide to how written approval works explains the step.
Timing and delivery
Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are. Overseas, the customer pays import duty and tax, and delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx.
Frequently asked questions
Is bespoke the same as custom?
Often yes, but ask what each seller means.
Is made to order the same as bespoke?
Not necessarily. It describes timing, not design.
Do you design from scratch?
Yes, around your brief.
What is the starting price?
Pieces start from £600.
Do I need a finished idea to start?
No. Photographs, a favourite stone or a rough feeling are enough to begin.