The short answer: Seattle 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.
Seattle sits between mountains and water, and its residents spend much of their time outside, whatever the weather.
A ring for rain and trails
Drizzle, hiking, kayaking and ferry trips are part of life. Rain does not harm a diamond or sapphire, but soap and hand cream leave a film. Clean the ring weekly. Many people take the ring off for trails and paddling, and carry it in a zipped pocket. See travel storage for rings.
Design leanings
Many Seattle clients like low, secure settings and durable stones. A bezel set diamond or sapphire is a practical, handsome choice. See best settings for sapphire.
Practical details for an outdoor life
A few small choices make a ring easier to live with on the trail and the water. A low profile keeps the stone away from rock and rope. Rounded edges on the band are comfortable inside gloves. A slightly thicker band resists bending when you grip poles or paddles. If you plan to wear a wedding band too, tell us early so the two sit flush. Each choice is shown in a CAD render before anything is made, and we explain the trade offs in writing.
Stones with a link to the landscape
Blues and greens that echo the water and the forests are popular with outdoor minded couples. Sapphires come in many colours, and we label every stone clearly as natural or lab grown. We show stones on video in daylight, so you can judge the colour. Our guide to teal and parti sapphires covers some of the more unusual shades.
Time difference
Seattle is roughly eight hours behind the UK for most of the year. A morning call there is mid afternoon for us, and most design work happens by message between calls.
US sizing
US sizes are numbered. Send a size and a millimetre measurement, taken at room temperature.
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. |
Planning around the seasons
Many Seattle couples aim for a clear summer day in the mountains or on the water. If that is your plan, start in spring, allowing time for design, 5 to 6 weeks of making and delivery. For a winter or holiday proposal, start earlier still, because couriers and customs are busy in December.
Proposal ideas
Waterfront viewpoints, a ferry crossing or a mountain trail suit the area. Check ferry schedules, access and the weather. Our guide to the best places to propose in Seattle and the San Juan Islands has more ideas.
See engagement ring etiquette in the US and written approval. Browse diamonds. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Is rain bad for a ring? Not for the stone, but clean away any film.
Who pays duty? The customer.
Can I pick a bezel setting? Yes.
Should I wear the ring hiking? Many people take it off for climbing and paddling and carry it in a zipped pocket.
Do I need to visit Manchester? No, we work by video consultation and message.