TL;DR: for a ring to arrive in time for Christmas, count back from the date. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, and delivery, which can include customs for overseas orders, comes on top. That means it is already tight, and the earlier you contact us the better. We say honestly whether your date is possible, and we do not promise one we cannot meet. Pieces start from £600.
How to count back
- Start from the date you need the ring in your hands, with a few days spare.
- Subtract delivery time, which depends on where you live.
- Subtract the making time, 5 to 6 weeks as standard, varying with your location and how busy we are.
- Subtract the design stage, which includes sketches, renders, changes and your written approval.
If the answer is a date in the past, a bespoke ring may not be possible for that date, and we tell you so.
A worked example
Say you want the ring in your hands by 20 December. Allow a few days of margin, then delivery, then 5 to 6 weeks of making, then the design stage before that. Counted back, the starting point falls well before today. This is why we are open about timing. Whether a date works depends on the design, your location and how many orders we have, so we confirm it in writing rather than guess.
Why December is busy
Many people order at the same time, so making and delivery can take longer. Post slows in the weeks before Christmas, and carriers have peak periods.
Country by country
- Ireland: the shortest journey, though customs still apply after Brexit. See shipping a UK ring to Ireland.
- United States: allow for transit and for duty to be paid before release. See US import duty on jewellery.
- Canada: allow for tax, any duty and a brokerage fee, plus winter weather. See GST and HST on a ring from the UK.
- Australia and New Zealand: allow the most time, because of distance and customs, and remember that Christmas falls in summer there. See a summer Christmas proposal in New Zealand.
What helps if time is short
- Contact us as early as possible, even before you have decided every detail.
- Choose a simpler design, which can be quicker to design and make.
- Reply quickly at the design and approval stages.
- Have your ring size confirmed, because a wrong size costs time.
- Have a delivery address where someone will be present to receive the parcel.
Overseas considerations
For the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, delivery is by insured, tracked FedEx. The customer pays import duty and tax, and customs can hold a parcel. Our guide to what to do if a ring is held at customs explains how to respond. See also ten questions international customers ask.
If you are too late
There are gentle options. You can give a design drawing or a render with a note, so the ring arrives later but the moment is marked. Our guide to how long before proposing to order explains how to plan for a proposal date. You might also choose a proposal date in the new year, which gives the ring time to be made without pressure.
Keeping it a surprise
If the ring is a Christmas surprise, think about who sees the parcel. See ordering a surprise ring secretly, and for ideas, Christmas and winter proposal ideas.
Working with us
We work by video consultation and message, send sketches and CAD renders, and make nothing until you approve the design in writing. Decisions made quickly at the approval stage help.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late for Christmas?
It may be. Contact us now and we say honestly.
Can making be rushed?
Sometimes, with a simpler design and quick decisions. We do not promise it.
Does overseas delivery take longer?
Yes, and customs can add time.
Which country needs the most time?
Australia and New Zealand, because of distance and customs.
What if it does not arrive in time?
We plan carefully so you know the risks beforehand.