The short answer: Christchurch 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.
Christchurch calls itself the Garden City, and gardens, rivers and the nearby coast shape many of its proposals.
A ring that suits garden walks
If your idea of a good day is a stroll by the river or a walk through a botanic garden, a classic design suits well. A cathedral solitaire, a hidden halo or a gently vintage style would not look out of place against greenery. See engagement ring setting types.
Nature inspired details
A garden theme does not have to be literal. A leaf shaped claw, a vine of small stones along the shoulders, or a gallery pierced like a flower under the centre stone are quiet ways to bring nature into the design. They sit at the sides and underneath, so the ring still reads as clean and classic from above. We show each idea in a CAD render so you can see how subtle or bold it looks before deciding.
Seasons and layers
Christchurch has cool, frosty winters and warm summers. Fingers shrink in the cold, so a ring can feel looser in winter. See winter, gloves and ring fit.
Choosing a stone
Diamonds suit a classic garden setting, while a green or blue gemstone can echo leaves and water. We label every stone clearly as natural or lab grown, and we show you stones on video before you decide. Our guides to tsavorite and best settings for sapphire cover two popular choices.
Time difference
Christchurch is roughly eleven to thirteen hours ahead of the UK depending on daylight saving on each side. Early evening there reaches us in the morning, and most of the design work happens by message in between calls, so the gap rarely slows things down.
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 New Zealand GST on a ring bought from the UK explains the tax side.
Planning around a date
Summer in New Zealand falls over Christmas, which is also the busiest time for couriers. If you want the ring for a summer proposal, start in early spring. Our guide to getting a UK ring to New Zealand before Christmas walks through the timing.
Keeping it a surprise
If the ring is a surprise, think about where it should be delivered. A parcel arriving at a shared home can give the game away, so some clients use a workplace or a trusted friend's address. Our guide to ordering a surprise ring secretly has practical tips.
Sizing
New Zealand sizes commonly use letters. Include a millimetre measurement.
Proposal ideas
A riverside punt, a garden at golden hour, a view over the hills or a day trip to the coast all work. Check seasonal opening times and access.
See proposing in Christchurch, Banks Peninsula and Kaikōura and written approval. Browse diamonds. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a vintage inspired ring? Yes.
Who pays import charges? The customer.
Can I see stones on video? Yes.
Can you add a nature inspired detail? Yes, for example in the claws, shoulders or gallery.
Do I need to visit Manchester? No, we work by video consultation and message.