TL;DR: you can commission a bespoke engagement ring from us in Manchester while living in Japan, entirely by video consultation and message. Japan is 9 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 8 hours ahead in summer, so we agree call times that suit both of us. Any local charges on arrival are paid by the customer, and you send your ring size in millimetres. Pieces start from £600.
Working with us from Japan
You do not need to travel to the UK. We talk through your ideas by video consultation and message, send sketches and CAD renders for you to review, and make nothing until you have approved the design in writing. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are, and delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx. An evening call in Japan usually falls in the UK morning, which makes scheduling straightforward.
Charges on arrival
The customer pays import duty and tax, and the rules differ by country and change over time. We explain what to expect rather than quote figures that may go out of date, and the courier will tell you if anything is due on arrival. Budget for it alongside the ring.
Ring sizes
Japan has its own ring size scale, and jewellers elsewhere use different ones, so converting between them risks mistakes. The safest route is to measure the inside of a ring that fits well in millimetres and tell us how you measured. Our guide to sizing a finger for a bespoke ring from abroad explains the principles. A local jeweller can measure your finger accurately, and it is worth taking more than one measurement.
Choosing a design
Many customers like delicate, refined designs with attention to fine detail. A bespoke ring suits that, because you can choose the thickness of the band, the height of the setting and the finish. Send photographs of rings you like and mark the details you love. We turn your ideas into sketches and CAD renders, and you can ask for changes before approving anything.
Language
We communicate in English, with written summaries after our conversations so you can read details at your own pace or with a translation tool. Photographs and sketches help whatever language you prefer, and our written approval step is where every detail is confirmed.
Paying from Japan
Our prices are shown in pounds. If you pay in another currency, your bank converts them at its own rate, perhaps with a fee. Exchange rates can move, so ask us to confirm the currency and payment method in writing before you order. Our guide to paying a deposit safely online covers what to check.
Questions to ask before you commit
- Which currency will the invoice be in?
- Who pays any charges on arrival?
- How will the ring be delivered and insured?
- How long will design, making and delivery take?
For us, the customer pays duty and tax, and nothing is made until you approve in writing.
Keeping records
Keep your invoice, design approval and any stone report together, with daylight photographs of the finished ring. They help with insurance and future valuations.
Frequently asked questions
Will I pay tax on a ring sent to Japan?
Possibly. The customer pays any duty and tax, and we explain what to expect before you order.
How do I share my ring size from Japan?
Send the inside measurement in millimetres and how you measured it, rather than converting between scales.
What is the time difference?
Japan is 9 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 8 hours ahead in summer.
Do I need to visit Manchester?
No. We work by video consultation and message.