The short answer: Chicago buyers can commission a bespoke engagement ring from us in Manchester 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.
Chicago has a lakefront, famous architecture and four distinct seasons. Its couples tend to value craftsmanship and substance.
A ring for four seasons
Chicago winters are cold and windy, and summers are warm and humid. Fingers shrink in the cold and swell in the heat, so the fit changes through the year. Gloves can catch on claws, so low settings help. See winter, gloves and ring fit and ring care checklist by season.
Design leanings
Architecture is part of Chicago's identity, and many clients like geometric and art deco inspired designs. Asscher and emerald cuts, with their step facets, suit those tastes. See unusual diamond shapes beyond oval and round.
Geometry in the details
An architectural ring is about proportion as much as the stone. A step cut centre stone, tapered baguettes either side, a knife edge band or a flat, squared profile all give clean lines. Step cuts show clarity openly, so we look at each stone with you on video before choosing. Our guide to protecting the corners of step cut stones explains how to keep those crisp corners safe.
Craft you can see
A bespoke ring lets you look closely at the details: the height of the setting, the width of the band, the shape of the claws. We show renders from several angles, so you can judge the proportions before approving.
Metal choices for a clean look
Platinum and white gold keep the lines of a geometric design crisp and cool, which suits step cut stones. Yellow gold gives the same shapes a warmer, more vintage deco feel. If you are torn, a two tone design can pair a white metal head with a yellow band. Our comparison of metals for rings sets out how each wears over time, and we state the metal in writing on every quote.
Time difference
Chicago is roughly six hours behind the UK for most of the year. A late morning call there reaches us in the early evening.
US sizing
US sizes are numbered. Send a size and a millimetre measurement, taken at room temperature rather than on a cold day.
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. |
Before your first call
- Save a few photos of rings you like and note what draws you to each.
- Decide a comfortable budget, so we can suggest options that fit.
- Note your partner's metals, style and how active their hands are.
- Have a target date in mind, and allow a margin around the holidays.
Proposal ideas
The lakefront, a skyline view or a quiet park all suit. Check access, permits and the weather, and have an indoor backup in winter.
See proposing at Thanksgiving and written approval. Browse diamonds. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make an art deco style ring? Yes.
Who pays duty? The customer.
Can we plan around the holidays? Yes, start early.
Do step cuts show more inclusions? Yes, so we look at the stone with you before choosing.
Which metal suits a geometric design? Platinum and white gold keep the lines crisp, and yellow gold gives a warmer deco feel.
Do I need to visit Manchester? No, we work by video consultation and message.