TL;DR: to have a UK ring in New Zealand before Christmas, start early. Allow time for design, a standard 5 to 6 weeks of making, varying with your location and how busy we are, insured and tracked FedEx delivery, and a margin for customs and the busy pre Christmas weeks. Starting in early autumn gives a comfortable cushion. Pieces start from £600.
Working backwards from Christmas
Start with the date you want the ring and subtract each stage. Take off a margin for delivery and customs, then the 5 to 6 weeks of making, then the time needed to settle the design. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, so the earlier that happens, the more relaxed the rest can be. If you are aiming for Christmas Day itself, the margin matters more.
A worked example
Suppose you want the ring in hand a few days before Christmas. Count back roughly two weeks for delivery and customs, then 5 to 6 weeks for making, then two to three weeks for the design conversation and written approval. That points to starting in the first half of October at the latest, and earlier is kinder. This is only an illustration. Making time varies with location and how busy we are, so we confirm a realistic timeline in writing once we know your date.
Why it is a busy season
Couriers and customs are busier in the weeks before Christmas, and New Zealand is a long way from Manchester. We cannot promise a delivery date, but a buffer is your best protection. Tell us your date at the start and we will say honestly in writing what is realistic.
Summer in New Zealand
Christmas falls in summer in New Zealand, and many couples propose on the beach, on a walk or at a family gathering. Warm weather is hard on rings. Sand, sunscreen and cold sea water all find their way onto them, and rings slip off in the sea. Our guides to beach holiday ring care and hand cream, sunscreen and ring film explain how to protect it.
Sizing
A ring that does not fit is the most common way a plan goes wrong. Our guide to sizing a finger for a bespoke ring from abroad explains how to measure reliably. Heat can make fingers swell, so measure at a comfortable temperature and more than once.
Customs and duty
The customer pays import duty and tax, and the rules differ by country and change over time. Thresholds apply in New Zealand, and we explain what to expect rather than quote figures. If the courier asks for information, answer promptly. Our guide to importing a ring into New Zealand over the threshold explains the threshold question.
A short checklist
- Tell us your proposal date at the very first message.
- Measure the ring size carefully, more than once.
- Choose a delivery address where someone will be present.
- Approve the design in writing as soon as you are happy.
- Watch the tracking and answer any courier message promptly.
Keeping it secret
Our guide to ordering a surprise ring secretly covers delivery to a relative, a friend or a workplace.
If time is short
Tell us straight away. We will be honest in writing about whether a date is realistic. If it is not, you can still propose with a placeholder and present the finished ring afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
When should I order for Christmas?
Early autumn gives a comfortable margin. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with location and how busy we are.
Can you guarantee a delivery date?
We cannot promise a date, but we will say honestly what is realistic.
Who pays import duty?
The customer pays import duty and tax, which differ by country.
Is delivery insured?
Yes, delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx.