A bespoke engagement ring at À Vie Diamonds takes eight to twelve weeks from initial brief to delivery in most cases. The timeline covers stone sourcing, design development, CAD production, client approval, manufacturing, hallmarking, and final quality checks before dispatch. Rush commissions are possible in some circumstances but depend on stone availability and the complexity of the design.
TL;DR: Most bespoke commissions take eight to twelve weeks. The longest stages are stone sourcing (one to two weeks) and manufacturing (four to six weeks). Design and CAD typically take one to two weeks, and hallmarking adds three to five working days. If you have a specific date in mind — a proposal, birthday, or anniversary — get in touch as early as possible to confirm the timeline is achievable.
The Full Bespoke Timeline, Stage by Stage
Stage 1 — Initial Consultation (Week 1)
The process begins with a consultation — typically by email, WhatsApp, or video call — where we discuss the brief. This covers the centre stone (shape, carat, quality preferences), the setting style, the metal, and any specific design details the wearer has in mind.
At this stage there is no commitment and no payment. The consultation is a conversation to establish whether we are the right fit and to give you an accurate cost estimate based on your specific brief.
Stage 2 — Stone Sourcing (Weeks 1–2)
Once the brief is confirmed and the centre stone specifications are agreed, we source stones matching the brief. We typically present two to four options at different price points within the agreed parameters. For unusual shapes, specific colour grades, or large carat weights, sourcing can take longer than standard.
You receive photography and where relevant video of each stone option before making a selection. For oval, pear, and marquise diamonds specifically, video is important for assessing the bow-tie effect, which cannot be evaluated from a certificate alone.
Stage 3 — Design and CAD (Weeks 2–3)
Once the stone is selected, our CAD designer produces a photorealistic three-dimensional render of the ring. The render shows the ring from multiple angles — face-up, side profile, and three-quarter view — in the correct metal and with the actual centre stone dimensions.
We present the CAD render for your review and feedback. This is the stage where design adjustments are made — shank profile, prong style, band width, engraving, and any other details. Most commissions require one round of revisions; more complex designs may require two.
No production begins until you have approved the CAD render in writing.
Stage 4 — Production Deposit
Once the CAD is approved, a production deposit of 70% of the total commission price is requested. This covers the cost of the centre stone and initiates manufacturing. The remaining 30% is due before dispatch.
Stage 5 — Manufacturing (Weeks 4–8)
Manufacturing is carried out by our partner goldsmiths, who produce all À Vie commissions to CAD specification. The manufacturing stage covers casting or fabrication of the setting, stone setting, and initial finishing.
For most commissions, manufacturing takes four to six weeks. More complex designs — intricate pavé work, unusual setting configurations, or multiple stone commissions — can take six to eight weeks.
Stage 6 — Hallmarking (Weeks 8–9)
Every piece produced for UK delivery is hallmarked at a UK Assay Office before dispatch. Hallmarking takes three to five working days once the piece arrives in the UK. The hallmark confirms the metal’s purity — 750 for 18ct gold, 950 for platinum — and is a legal requirement for precious metal articles sold in the UK above certain weight thresholds.
Stage 7 — Final Checks and Dispatch (Weeks 9–12)
After hallmarking, the ring undergoes a final quality inspection before being photographed and dispatched. UK delivery is fully insured and tracked. International orders are dispatched directly from the manufacturing facility where no UK hallmark is required.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
Stone availability. In-demand stones — particularly large oval or pear lab-grown diamonds in specific colour and clarity grades — can take longer to source. Unusual natural stones, certified coloured gemstones, and fancy colour diamonds may also require additional sourcing time.
Design complexity. A plain four-claw solitaire with a simple band is quicker to produce than a ring with pavé side stones, a hidden halo, and engraved shoulders. Complex designs should allow for additional manufacturing time.
Revision rounds. Each round of CAD revision adds approximately three to five working days. Most clients approve within one revision; if you anticipate significant design exploration, factor this into the timeline.
Hallmarking backlogs. The UK Assay Office processes fluctuate with demand. At peak periods (Christmas, Valentine’s Day), hallmarking can take seven to ten working days rather than three to five.
Rush Commissions
If your timeline is shorter than eight weeks, please get in touch before assuming a rush commission is not possible. In some circumstances — particularly for simpler designs using in-stock stones — we can produce a commission in six weeks or occasionally less. Rush timelines depend entirely on stone availability, design complexity, and manufacturing capacity at the time of enquiry.
Planning for a Specific Date
If you have a specific proposal date, birthday, or anniversary in mind, work backwards from that date by twelve weeks and treat that as your latest start date. In practice, starting fourteen to sixteen weeks before your target date gives comfortable margin for any delays.
See our bespoke journey page for a full walkthrough of the process, 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? Most bespoke commissions at À Vie Diamonds take eight to twelve weeks from initial consultation to delivery. The main stages are stone sourcing (one to two weeks), CAD design and approval (one to two weeks), manufacturing (four to six weeks), and hallmarking (three to five working days).
Can I get a bespoke ring made in less than eight weeks? In some cases, yes. Simpler designs using in-stock stones can sometimes be produced in six weeks. Contact us with your specific timeline and brief and we will give you an honest assessment of what is achievable.
When does the production deposit need to be paid? The 70% production deposit is requested after you have approved the CAD render in writing. No production begins — and no stone is purchased — before you have seen and approved the design. The remaining 30% is due before dispatch.
What happens if I want changes after seeing the CAD? Design revisions are a normal part of the process. We present the CAD render specifically so you can identify anything you would like adjusted before production begins. Each round of revisions typically adds three to five working days to the overall timeline.
Is the ring hallmarked? Yes. Every piece destined for UK delivery is hallmarked at a UK Assay Office before dispatch. The hallmark confirms the metal’s purity and is a legal requirement. The hallmarking certificate is included with delivery.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · À Vie Diamonds