The short answer: Austin 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.
Austin is warm, creative and casual, with live music, lakes and a love of the outdoors. A ring there should look good in the heat and feel effortless.
A ring for Texas heat
Long hot summers mean swollen hands, sunscreen and time on the water. Measure for size at a cooler time of day, since a ring that fits in winter can feel tight in July. Sunscreen leaves a film on a stone, so remove the ring before applying it and clean it weekly. See hand cream, sunscreen and the film on your ring.
Design leanings
Many Austin clients like relaxed, personal designs, such as a coloured gemstone, a pear or an oval, or a low bezel for an active life. See diamond shapes guide.
A ring that feels like you
Bespoke work lets you add small personal touches, such as a stone with a story, a band with a slight texture, or a hidden detail under the stone. We sketch the ideas and show renders, so you can see the effect before you approve.
Textures and finishes
A relaxed design often comes down to the finish. A brushed or satin band has a soft, matt look that hides fine scratches, a hammered finish catches light in small facets, and a high polish feels classic. Some couples mix them, with a polished head and a brushed band. Finishes wear and can be refreshed over time, and our guide to polishing or replating explains what to expect.
A comfortable fit in the heat
A comfort fit band, slightly domed on the inside, slides on and off more easily when fingers swell, and many people in hot places prefer it. If your size changes a lot between seasons, tell us, and we can suggest a fit that is secure in winter without pinching in summer.
Time difference
Austin is roughly six hours behind the UK for most of the year. A late morning call there reaches us in the early evening, and most design work happens by message between calls.
US sizing
US ring sizes are numbered. Send a size and a millimetre measurement. See sizing a US finger for a bespoke ring from abroad.
Process, delivery and duty
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Design | Sketch and render, refined with you. |
| Approval | In writing, before making. |
| Making | Standard 5 to 6 weeks, varying with location and how busy we are. |
| Delivery | Insured and tracked with FedEx. |
| Duty and tax | Paid by the customer, and we explain what to expect. |
Our guide to US import duty after de minimis ended explains the current position in more detail.
Planning around a date
Count back from your proposal date: a few days spare, then delivery and customs, then 5 to 6 weeks of making, then the design conversation. Around three months ahead is comfortable, and more if your date falls near the holidays. Tell us your date at the first message and we will say plainly what is realistic.
Proposal ideas
A lakeside walk at sunset, a hill country view or a quiet garden all suit. Check access, heat and the weather. Our guide to the best places to propose in Austin and the Texas Hill Country has more ideas.
See engagement ring etiquette in the US and written approval. Browse diamonds. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Should I size for the heat? Tell us and we advise.
Who pays duty? The customer.
Can I choose a gemstone? Yes.
Can I have a brushed or hammered finish? Yes, and we explain how each wears.
Do I need to visit Manchester? No, we work by video consultation and message.