TL;DR: allow at least 8 weeks before your proposal date for a bespoke ring. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, and the extra time covers the design stage, your written approval and delivery, with a buffer. If your date is fixed, tell us at the first conversation, and we will say honestly whether it works. Pieces start from £600.
Why 8 weeks is a sensible plan
A bespoke ring goes through stages that cannot be rushed without cutting corners. We talk through the brief, choose the stone, create sketches and a CAD render, wait for your written approval, make the ring, check it and send it. Making takes 5 to 6 weeks as standard, varying with your location and how busy we are. The rest allows for design changes, delivery and a safety margin.
A worked example
Suppose you want to propose on a particular Saturday. Count back from that day. Leave a few days spare at the end, in case of delay. Before that, allow time for delivery, then 5 to 6 weeks for making, then the days you need to settle the design and give written approval. Add them up and you will find that 8 weeks is a realistic minimum, and a little more is kinder. This is an illustration, and we confirm a realistic timeline in writing once we know your date and your location.
If you have less time
Less than 8 weeks does not always rule out a bespoke ring, but it changes what is realistic. A simpler design is quicker to design and make. Being decisive at the approval stage helps too. If your date is close, tell us at the start, and we will be straight about what we can do.
Planning around a fixed date
If you plan to propose around Christmas, Valentine's Day, a holiday or an anniversary, count back from the date and add a buffer. Busy times can affect making and delivery, and post can slow around holidays. Starting early gives you room.
Delivery time
Within the UK, delivery is insured and tracked. Overseas, delivery is by insured, tracked FedEx, and the customer pays import duty and tax, which differ by country. Customs checks can add time, so allow for this. Our guide to ten questions international customers ask explains more.
What if you do not have a date?
You do not need a date to begin. Without a deadline, the design stage is more relaxed, and you can take the time to get it right.
Things that can slow a project down
- Many rounds of design changes.
- A rare stone that takes time to find.
- Waiting for a ring size. Our guide to finding a partner's ring size may help.
- Busy holiday periods.
How to keep things moving
Gather a few reference pictures before the first conversation, and agree a budget so we can propose realistic options. Reply to messages promptly during the design stage, and make decisions in good time rather than leaving them to the end. If you are unsure between two options, ask us to show both in a CAD render, then choose. A clear brief and quick feedback often save more time than anything else.
How we help
We work by video consultation and message, and make nothing until you approve the design in writing. Our guide to how written approval works explains the step. For a surprise, see ordering a surprise ring secretly.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I order?
At least 8 weeks is a sensible plan.
Can it be done faster?
Sometimes, with a simpler design and quick decisions. Tell us your date early.
Do I need a date to start?
No.
What is the standard making time?
5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are.