TL;DR: you can commission a bespoke engagement ring from us in Manchester while living in Kenya, Nigeria or Ghana, entirely by video consultation and message. The time difference is small, from none to three hours depending on the country and the season. 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 West and East Africa
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. Because the three countries have different rules, please tell us exactly where the ring is going.
Time differences
Kenya is 3 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 2 hours ahead in summer. Nigeria is 1 hour ahead in winter and the same time as the UK in summer. Ghana is the same time as the UK in winter and 1 hour behind in summer. Calls are easy to fit into normal working hours.
Charges on arrival
The customer pays import duty and tax, and the rules differ by country and change over time. Some countries have strict rules on importing jewellery, so ask us early and tell us the delivery address. We explain what to expect rather than quote figures that may go out of date, and the courier will tell you if anything is due.
Ring sizes
Jewellers use different size conventions, so measure the inside of a ring that fits well in millimetres and tell us how you measured. A local jeweller can do this quickly. Our guide to sizing a finger for a bespoke ring from abroad explains the principles. Take more than one measurement, since heat can change how a finger feels.
Choosing a design
Send photographs of rings you like and mark the parts you love. We turn your ideas into sketches and CAD renders, and you can ask for changes before approving anything. Many customers like bold, warm designs, and a bespoke ring lets you choose the metal, the stone and the finish. If the ring is for a ceremony, work back from the date and allow time for making and delivery.
Paying safely
It is wise to be careful when paying anyone you have not met in person, and we welcome questions. Our guide to paying a deposit safely online explains what to check, and we confirm the currency and payment method in writing before you order. Our prices are shown in pounds. If you pay in another currency, your bank converts them at its own rate, perhaps with a fee.
Ordering for someone elsewhere
Many people in these countries have family and partners overseas. If the ring is for someone in another country, our guide to ordering for a partner in another country explains how to plan sizing and delivery.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Will I pay tax on a ring sent to Kenya, Nigeria or Ghana?
Expect charges. The customer pays any duty and tax, and we explain what to expect before you order.
How do I share my ring size?
Send the inside measurement in millimetres and how you measured it.
Is my payment safe?
Read our guide on paying a deposit safely online, and ask us any question before you pay.
Do I need to visit Manchester?
No. We work by video consultation and message.