The short answer: Vancouver 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. Duty and import taxes are paid by the customer, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with location and how busy we are.
Vancouver is a city of mountains, water and outdoor weekends, and a ring there needs to suit that life.
A ring for an outdoor life
If your weekends involve hiking, paddling, skiing or cycling, think about how the ring will cope. A bezel or low claw setting sits close to the hand and is easier to live with. Many people take the ring off for climbing, skiing or sea kayaking and keep it in a zipped pocket or a small case. See travel storage for rings.
Rain and damp
Vancouver is mild and wet for much of the year. Water on its own is not a problem for a diamond or sapphire, but hand cream and soap can leave a film. Clean the ring weekly with warm soapy water and a soft brush, then dry it with a lint free cloth.
Choosing a stone
Sapphires are popular with people who lead active lives, since they are hard wearing and come in blues that echo the coast. Diamonds suit a classic look. Browse diamonds, and we label every stone clearly as natural or lab grown. Our guide to heated and unheated sapphires explains what to look for in a sapphire.
Choosing a metal
Platinum is dense and hard wearing, which suits an active life, and it keeps a stone bright. Yellow and rose gold give warmth against a blue sapphire or a white diamond, and they are a little lighter on the hand. We talk through how each metal wears and show you renders in each.
Time difference
Vancouver is about eight hours behind the UK for most of the year. Early morning in Vancouver is mid afternoon in Manchester, which works well for video consultations. We can arrange a time that suits you. See bespoke consultations across time zones.
How it works from Vancouver
- We talk through your ideas by message or video.
- We prepare a design and render, and you approve it in writing.
- The ring is made, with a standard time of 5 to 6 weeks that varies with location and how busy we are.
- It is delivered 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 before you order. See buying an engagement ring from the UK in Canada.
Insuring the ring at home
Delivery is insured in transit. Once the ring arrives, arrange cover with a local insurer and keep the invoice and any report together. See insuring a ring bought from the UK in Canada.
Sizing
Canadian sizes commonly follow the US scale. Tell us which scale you used and give a measurement in millimetres too, so there is no mix up.
Proposal settings
Many couples picture the seawall, a mountain viewpoint or a quiet beach at sunset. Check access, tides and the weather, and bring a backup.
See winter proposals in Canada, beach holiday ring care and written approval. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a gemstone instead of a diamond? Yes, such as a sapphire.
Is a bezel a good choice for hiking? It is a popular, protective option.
Can we speak outside UK hours? We can find a time that works.
Do I need to visit? No, we work by video consultation and message.
Who pays import charges? The customer, and we explain what to expect.