TL;DR: you can commission a bespoke engagement ring from us in Manchester while living in Switzerland or Norway, entirely by video consultation and message. Neither country is in the EU, and both are one hour ahead of the UK, so calls are easy to arrange. Any import charges on arrival are paid by the customer, and you send your ring size in millimetres. Pieces start from £600.
Working with us from Switzerland or Norway
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 two countries have their own customs rules, please tell us exactly where the ring is going.
Charges on arrival
The customer pays import duty and tax, and the rules differ by country and change over time. Both countries run their own customs systems, so we explain what to expect rather than quote figures that may go out of date. The courier will tell you if anything is due on arrival. Budget for it alongside the ring, and ask us anything that is unclear before you order.
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. Fingers can shrink in cold weather, so avoid measuring straight after being outdoors in winter and take more than one measurement.
Living with a ring in the mountains and cold
Many people in both countries spend time skiing, hiking and working outdoors. Cold shrinks fingers, so a ring can slip, and gloves can catch on claws or high settings. A lower setting, such as a bezel, protects the stone and is less likely to snag. Our guides to cold climate ring care and winter gloves and ring fit have practical advice.
Choosing a design
Send photographs of rings you like and mark the parts you love. We turn your ideas into sketches and CAD renders for you to review, and you can ask for changes before approving anything. A simple, durable design in platinum or white gold suits many people who lead an active life, but the right choice is the one that suits you.
Paying from Switzerland or Norway
Our prices are shown in pounds. If you pay in another currency, your bank converts them into francs or kroner at its own rate, perhaps with a fee. 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, any customs query and future valuations.
Frequently asked questions
Will I pay tax on a ring sent to Switzerland or Norway?
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 a bezel setting good for an outdoor life?
A low setting is less likely to catch, so it is worth considering.
Do I need to visit Manchester?
No. We work by video consultation and message.