TL;DR: the busiest weeks for international ring delivery are usually the run up to Christmas, around Valentine's Day, and other holiday peaks, when couriers handle far more parcels and customs offices are stretched. If you are working to a date, tell us at the start and allow a margin. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
The peaks
The weeks before Christmas are the best known peak, because of gift buying and online shopping. The weeks before Valentine's Day are busy too, as are periods around major holidays in the country the ring is going to. Public holidays at either end can pause customs and deliveries, and weather in winter adds further delays.
It is not only the courier
We are busy at these times as well. Many couples plan proposals for the festive season, so our making time can be affected by how many commissions are in progress. That is one reason our standard making time varies with how busy we are, and why starting early helps. Our guide to Christmas and winter proposal ideas is useful if you are planning ahead.
Work backwards
Start with the date you want the ring and subtract delivery and customs, then 5 to 6 weeks of making, then the time needed to settle the design. If your date falls in a peak, add more margin. Late summer or early autumn is a comfortable time to start for a Christmas ring.
Local holidays at the destination
Every country has its own calendar. A national holiday, a religious festival or a long public holiday week can close customs offices and slow couriers for several days, and the effect is often larger than people expect. Before you settle a date, look at the public holidays in your own country around the time the ring is due, and tell us if any fall in the window. We can then say in writing whether the timing looks realistic.
A calendar to keep in mind
- Late November to Christmas: gift buying and sale events put a heavy load on couriers.
- The weeks after Christmas: a backlog can linger into the new year.
- The weeks before Valentine's Day: a second smaller peak for jewellery in particular.
- Local holidays: check the calendar of the country where the ring is going.
What helps
- Settle the design and size early, and approve in writing promptly.
- Choose a delivery address where someone will be present.
- Reply quickly to courier messages about customs.
- Avoid last minute changes after approval.
Our guide to changes after approval explains why late changes cost time.
Keep in touch while the ring travels
Once the ring is on its way, we share the tracking details so you can follow it. At peak times a parcel can sit at a hub for a day or two with no new scan, which is usually a sign of volume rather than a problem. If a courier asks for information, such as a contact number or customs details, reply as quickly as you can, because an unanswered message is one of the most common causes of delay. Tell us if anything looks unusual and we will chase it with you.
Customs and duty
The customer pays import duty and tax, which differ by country. We explain what to expect before you order. Customs offices are busy at peak times, so queries can take longer to resolve.
If you are late
Tell us at once. We will be honest in writing about whether a date is realistic. If it is not, you can propose with a placeholder and present the finished ring afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
When are the busiest weeks?
Usually the run up to Christmas and Valentine's Day, plus local holidays.
How early should I order?
For a Christmas ring, late summer or early autumn gives a comfortable margin.
Can you guarantee a date?
We cannot promise a delivery date, but we will say honestly what is realistic.
Is delivery insured?
Yes, delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx.
Why has my tracking not updated?
At busy times a parcel can wait at a hub without a new scan. Tell us if it lasts more than a couple of days.