TL;DR: you can commission a bespoke engagement ring from us in Manchester while living in the UAE or elsewhere in the Gulf, entirely by video consultation and message. The Gulf is 4 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 3 hours ahead in summer. 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 Gulf
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. Rules differ between the Gulf countries, so 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. We explain what to expect rather than quote figures that may go out of date. Ask us early, and keep any delivery paperwork we provide for the courier and customs. It is sensible to budget for these charges alongside the ring itself.
Ring sizes
Conventions differ between jewellers, so 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. Heat can make fingers swell, so measure at a comfortable temperature in air conditioning and take more than one measurement on different days.
Choosing metal and style
Many customers in the region like yellow gold, and a bespoke ring lets you choose the carat, finish and weight that you prefer. Others prefer platinum or white gold for a cooler look. Tell us how you wear jewellery day to day and we talk through the options. Send photographs of anything you love and mark the details that matter, and we turn them into sketches and CAD renders for you to review before anything is made.
Caring for a ring in hot weather
Heat, sweat and sunscreen can dull a ring. Clean it 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 swimming and before applying lotion. Our guides to travel storage for rings and hand cream, sunscreen and ring film help if you travel often.
Paying from the Gulf
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 what to check.
Ordering for someone elsewhere
Many people in the Gulf live and work far from their families. If the ring is for a partner in another country, our guide to ordering for a partner in another country explains how to plan delivery and sizing.
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 the UAE?
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 UAE is 4 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 3 hours ahead in summer.
Do I need to visit Manchester?
No. We work by video consultation and message.