The short answer: Auckland buyers can commission a bespoke engagement ring from our Manchester workshop online, approve the design in writing and receive it by insured, tracked FedEx delivery. Import duty and taxes are paid by the customer, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with location and how busy we are.
Auckland sits between two harbours, with islands and beaches a short trip away. A ring there lives an outdoor life.
A ring for harbour weekends
Sailing, swimming and beach days mean salt water and sand. Take the ring off for the water, rinse it in fresh water if it has been in the sea and clean it with warm soapy water. See beach holiday ring care.
Seasons the other way round
Christmas falls in summer, and January is holiday season. If you are planning a summer proposal, start the design early. See a summer Christmas proposal in New Zealand and getting a UK ring to New Zealand before Christmas.
Choosing a style
A secure, low setting such as a bezel or a smooth solitaire suits a life spent on boats, trails and beaches. If you like colour, a sapphire in a blue that echoes the water is a popular idea. Browse diamonds or ask us about sapphires, and we label every stone clearly as natural or lab grown.
Practical details that make a difference
Small choices help a ring live comfortably with an active life. Rounded claws or a bezel catch less on rope, towels and wetsuits. A comfort fit band, slightly domed on the inside, slides on and off more easily when fingers are cold or wet. A band of around two millimetres or more resists bending when you grip a rail or a paddle. If you plan to wear a wedding band too, tell us early so the two sit flush. We show each option in a CAD render before anything is made.
Time difference
Auckland is roughly eleven to thirteen hours ahead of the UK depending on daylight saving on each side. Early evening in Auckland reaches us in the morning, which suits video consultations, and most design work happens by message between calls.
How it works
- We talk through your ideas by message or video.
- You approve a design in writing before making starts.
- Making takes a standard 5 to 6 weeks, varying with location and how busy we are.
- Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx.
Duty and tax
Import duty and taxes are paid by the customer. Rules differ, and we talk you through what to expect before you order. Our guide to New Zealand GST on a ring bought from the UK covers the tax side.
Paying from New Zealand
Ask us which currency your invoice will be in. If it is not in New Zealand dollars, the amount you pay depends on the exchange rate on the day, and we confirm the payment details in writing before you order. Our guide to paying a deposit safely online explains what to check.
Sizing
New Zealand sizes commonly use letters, as in the UK and Australia. Send the scale you used and a millimetre measurement.
Proposal ideas
A harbour lookout, an island vineyard or a west coast beach at sunset all suit. Check ferry times and tides, and keep the ring box in a zipped pocket on the boat.
See proposing in Auckland and on Waiheke Island and written approval. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Can we talk in New Zealand evenings? Yes.
Who pays duty? The customer.
Can I pick a coloured stone? Yes.
What is a comfort fit band? A band that is slightly domed inside, so it slides on and off more easily.
Do I need to visit Manchester? No, we work by video consultation and message.