TL;DR: booking a video consultation across time zones is simpler than it sounds. Tell us your city, your usual free hours and any dates that matter, and we suggest times that fit. Between calls we work by message, so you never have to be awake at an odd hour. Daylight saving changes can shift the gap, so we confirm each time in writing. Pieces start from £600.
Start with your location
Give us your city or region rather than just a country, because many countries span several time zones. We then work out the gap for your date, not just in general.
The time differences, roughly
The gap between the UK and your location changes through the year, because clocks change on different dates in different countries. For a rough idea, North America is behind the UK, India, Asia and the Gulf are ahead, and Australia and New Zealand are well ahead. We always confirm the exact time for a call in writing, with both of our times shown.
Finding a good slot
- For the Americas, your morning or afternoon is our afternoon or evening.
- For Asia and the Gulf, your evening is often our morning or afternoon.
- For Australia and New Zealand, your early morning or evening is usually our evening or morning.
Tell us what suits you best, and we say honestly whether it works.
What to prepare
- A few pictures of rings you like, and ones you do not.
- A rough budget, so we can steer the conversation.
- Your partner's style and the jewellery they wear.
- Any date you are working towards.
- A quiet space and a decent connection.
Tips for a good video call
Good light helps if you want to show us a piece of jewellery, so sit near a window. Hold the piece close to the camera, and turn it slowly. If your connection is weak, tell us and we switch to message and photographs. You can also send pictures before the call, so we arrive with some ideas ready. If you would like someone else on the call, such as a parent or a friend, tell us, and we can arrange it.
Using message between calls
You do not need to wait for a call to move forward. Many of our clients do most of the work by message, sending pictures, receiving sketches and asking questions at their own pace. A call is useful for the key decisions, such as choosing a stone.
If a surprise is involved
If the ring is for a proposal, we can arrange calls and messages at times that avoid your partner. See our guide to ordering a surprise ring secretly.
What happens after the call
We follow up in writing with a summary of what we discussed. Then we send sketches and CAD renders. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing. Our guide to how written approval works explains the step, and our guide to approving a CAD render when you cannot visit explains how to review the design.
Timing
Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are. Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx. For more, see our guide to ten questions international customers ask.
Frequently asked questions
Can we meet outside UK office hours?
Often yes. Tell us what you need and we say what is possible.
Do I need to attend a call?
No. Message works if you prefer.
How long is a call?
Long enough to cover your questions. We do not rush.
Will clock changes confuse things?
We confirm the time in writing with both time zones shown.