There is no single fixed timescale for a bespoke engagement ring. How long yours takes depends on how quickly the right stone is found, how many design refinements you want, how complex the piece is and how busy the making and hallmarking stages are at the time. What we can tell you is the order the stages happen in, what tends to lengthen each one, and how to plan if you have a date in mind.
TL;DR: A bespoke ring moves through consultation, stone sourcing, CAD design and your approval, then making, hallmarking and final checks. Nothing is made until you have approved the CAD, and a 70% deposit starts the making. Timing varies from commission to commission, so if you have a proposal, birthday or anniversary in mind, tell us at the first conversation. For Christmas 2026, CAD approval and the deposit need to be in place by Thursday 19 November.
The Bespoke Process, Stage by Stage
Stage 1: Initial Consultation
The process begins with a conversation, typically by email, WhatsApp or video call, where we discuss the brief. We are a Manchester studio without a showroom, so this conversation is where the design starts. It covers the centre stone (shape, carat and quality preferences), the setting style, the metal and any details the wearer has in mind. It is also where we establish whether we are the right fit and give you a cost estimate based on your brief.
Stage 2: Stone Sourcing
Once the brief and the centre stone specification are agreed, we source stones to match it. We source every gem ourselves, natural or lab-grown, and our diamonds come with GIA or IGI reports. For unusual shapes, specific colour grades or larger carat weights, sourcing can take longer.
Ask to see photography and, where available, video of each stone option before you choose. For oval, pear and marquise diamonds in particular, video helps you judge the bow-tie effect, which a grading report alone cannot show.
Stage 3: Design and CAD
Once the stone is chosen, the ring is designed in CAD. The render shows the ring from several angles, such as face-up, side profile and three-quarter view, in the chosen metal and built around the actual dimensions of your centre stone.
This is the stage for adjustments: shank profile, claw style, band width, engraving and any other details. Refinements within reason are part of the process, and each round naturally adds time.
Nothing is made until you have approved the CAD.
Stage 4: Deposit
Once the CAD is approved, a deposit of 70% of the commission price is requested, and this starts the making.
Stage 5: Making
The ring is then made to the approved CAD. This covers casting or fabrication of the setting, setting the stones and finishing. Intricate pavé, unusual setting arrangements and multi-stone designs generally take longer than a simple solitaire.
Stage 6: Hallmarking
Under the Hallmarking Act 1973, an article described as gold, silver, platinum or palladium and supplied to UK consumers in the course of business generally needs a UK hallmark, unless it is exempt, for example because it falls below the legal minimum weight (1 gram for gold, 0.5 grams for platinum) or is intended for dispatch outside the UK. The hallmark records the metal’s fineness, for example 750 for 18ct gold. Ask us how this applies to your piece.
Stage 7: Final Checks and Delivery
The finished ring then goes through final checks before it is sent to you. Ask us about delivery arrangements for your commission.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
Stone availability. In-demand specifications, such as larger oval or pear diamonds in particular colour and clarity grades, can take longer to find. Unusual natural stones, coloured gemstones and fancy colour diamonds may also need more sourcing time.
Design complexity. A plain four-claw solitaire on a simple band is quicker to make than a ring with pavé shoulders, a hidden halo and engraving.
Refinement rounds. Each round of CAD changes adds time. If you expect to explore several design directions, allow for that.
Busy periods. The weeks before Christmas and Valentine’s Day tend to be busier, so allow more room if your date falls then.
If You Have a Short Timescale
If your date is close, get in touch before assuming it is not possible. Simpler designs and quicker decisions at the CAD stage help. We will tell you honestly what looks achievable for your brief rather than promise a date.
Planning for a Specific Date
If you have a proposal date, birthday or anniversary in mind, tell us at the first conversation and start as early as you can. The earlier we know the date, the more room there is for sourcing, refinements and the busy periods.
For a Christmas 2026 proposal, CAD approval and the 70% deposit need to be in place by Thursday 19 November. Our guide to ordering a bespoke ring for Christmas 2026 explains more.
See our bespoke journey page for a full walkthrough, or visit our pricing guide for cost context. Get in touch to start your commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bespoke engagement ring take to make? It varies from commission to commission. The main influences are stone sourcing, the number of CAD refinements, the complexity of the design and how busy making and hallmarking are at the time. Tell us your date at the first conversation and we will give you an honest view for your brief.
Can a bespoke ring be made for a close date? Sometimes. Simpler designs and quick decisions at the CAD stage help. Contact us with your date and brief and we will tell you honestly what looks achievable.
When is the deposit paid? A 70% deposit is requested once you have approved the CAD, and it starts the making. Nothing is made before you have seen and approved the design.
What happens if I want changes after seeing the CAD? Refinements within reason are a normal part of the process. The CAD is there so you can ask for adjustments before anything is made. Each round of changes adds some time.
What is the deadline for Christmas 2026? CAD approval and the 70% deposit need to be in place by Thursday 19 November 2026.
Is the ring hallmarked? UK law generally requires precious metal articles sold to UK consumers to carry a UK hallmark unless they are exempt, for example below the minimum weight or intended for dispatch abroad. Ask us how this applies to your piece.
Last reviewed: November 2026 · À Vie Diamonds