TL;DR: you can commission a bespoke engagement ring from us in Manchester while living in the Philippines, entirely by video consultation and message. The Philippines is 8 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 7 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 the Philippines
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 the Philippines usually falls in the UK morning or lunchtime, so scheduling is 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 We explain what to expect rather than quote figures that may go out of date. Please tell us the delivery address early, because rules can differ for different kinds of address, and the courier will tell you if anything is due on arrival. Budget for it alongside the ring so there are no surprises.
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. Heat and humidity can change how fingers feel, so measure at a comfortable temperature and take more than one measurement on different days.
Ordering for a partner abroad
Many people in the Philippines have family, partners or friends living overseas, and some are choosing a ring for someone in another country. If that is you, our guide to ordering for a partner in another country explains how to plan sizing and delivery. Tell us where the ring will end up, and we will talk through the practical points before you commit.
Choosing a design
Send photographs of rings you like and mark the parts you love, such as the shape of the stone or the style of the setting. We turn your ideas into sketches and CAD renders, and you can ask for changes before approving anything. Because the ring will often be worn daily in a warm, humid climate, we can talk through settings that are comfortable and secure, and finishes that are easy to keep clean.
Looking after a ring in a humid climate
Clean the ring gently with warm water, a drop of mild washing up liquid and a soft brush, and dry it with a lint free cloth. Take it off before applying sunscreen or lotion and before swimming. Our guides to hand cream, sunscreen and ring film and beach holiday ring care have practical tips.
Paying from the Philippines
Our prices are shown in pounds. If you pay in another currency, your bank converts them 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 the checks worth making.
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?
- What happens if I want to change something after approval?
For us, the customer pays duty and tax, and nothing is made until you approve in writing. Our guide to changes after approval covers the last question.
Keeping records
Keep your invoice, design approval and any stone report together, with daylight photographs of the finished ring from several angles. They help with insurance, any customs query and future valuations.
Frequently asked questions
Will I pay tax on a ring sent to the Philippines?
Possibly. 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.
What is the time difference?
The Philippines is 8 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 7 hours ahead in summer.
Do I need to visit Manchester?
No. We work by video consultation and message.