The short answer: Melbourne 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.
Melbourne has a reputation for design, coffee and changeable weather. Buyers there often arrive with clear ideas about style.
A ring for Melbourne style
Many Melbourne clients lean towards clean lines, architectural shapes and considered detail rather than maximum sparkle. Step cuts such as emerald and Asscher suit that taste, as do bezels and east west settings. See diamond shapes guide.
Step cuts in practice
An emerald or Asscher cut has long, flat facets that show a calm, mirror like flash rather than scattered sparkle. That clarity is the appeal, but it also shows inclusions and colour more openly, so the choice of stone matters more than with a brilliant cut. We look at each stone with you on video before choosing, and we protect the corners in the setting. Our guides to settings for an emerald cut and settings for an Asscher cut explain the options.
Details that make it personal
Bespoke design lets you add small touches that suit a considered eye: a slim tapered band, a pair of side stones in a contrasting colour, a hidden detail under the stone, or a band whose width echoes a wedding ring you may add later. We sketch the ideas and show them in a render, so you can judge the proportions before approving.
Four seasons in a day
Melbourne's weather can change quickly, and that matters for proposal planning more than for the ring itself. Have an indoor backup and keep the ring in a secure pocket until the moment.
Time difference
Melbourne is roughly nine to eleven hours ahead of the UK, depending on daylight saving. An evening call in Melbourne reaches us in the morning, and most design work happens by message between calls.
Process
- We discuss your ideas by message or video.
- You approve a design and render 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. Our guide to Australian GST on imported jewellery covers the tax side.
Paying from Australia
Our prices are shown in pounds, so the amount in Australian dollars depends on the exchange rate when you pay. Ask us which currency your invoice will be in. We set out the payment details in writing before you order. See paying for a UK bespoke ring in AUD.
Sizing
Australian sizes commonly use letters. Send the scale you used and a measurement in millimetres.
Planning around a date
Summer proposals often fall over the holidays, which is also the busiest time for couriers and customs. Count back from your date, allowing time for design, 5 to 6 weeks of making and delivery, and start in early spring if you can.
Proposal ideas
Laneways, a gallery, a beach along the bay or a drive on the coast all work. Check access and opening times.
See best places to propose in Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road and written approval. Browse diamonds. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a step cut ring? Yes.
Who pays duty? The customer.
How long will it take? Standard is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with location and how busy we are.
Do step cuts show more inclusions? Yes, so we look at the stone with you before choosing.
Can I see a render first? Yes, and nothing is made until you approve it in writing.