TL;DR: the journey of a UK ring to the US has three parts: design and making, which takes a standard 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are, then insured, tracked delivery with FedEx, then customs clearance on arrival. Delivery itself is usually the shortest part, but customs can add time, so build in a margin if you are working to a date. Pieces start from £600.
The three stages
First comes design. We talk through your ideas by video consultation and message and send sketches and CAD renders, and nothing is made until you approve the design in writing. Second comes making, which takes 5 to 6 weeks as standard. Third comes delivery. Counting only the courier journey misses the stages that take the longest, so start your planning from the date you want the ring in your hands and work backwards.
The courier journey
Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx, so you can follow the parcel from our door to yours. International express services are usually quicker than people expect, but the time varies with the service, the route and the destination, and we cannot promise a particular number of days. We will tell you what to expect when the ring is ready to leave.
Customs on arrival
A ring sent from the UK to the US passes through US customs. The customer pays import duty and tax, and the rules differ by country and change over time, so we explain what to expect rather than quote figures that may go out of date. If paperwork or payment is needed, the courier will contact you, and replying promptly keeps things moving. Our guide to ten questions international customers ask covers the wider process.
What can slow a delivery
- Busy periods such as the weeks before Christmas.
- Public holidays in the UK or the US.
- Customs checks and requests for information.
- An address that is hard to find or a recipient who is not home.
- Weather and travel disruption.
Choosing the delivery address
Choose an address where someone can receive the parcel safely. If you are keeping the ring a surprise, our guide to ordering a surprise ring secretly has practical ideas, such as having it delivered to a relative or your workplace. Tell us about any access issues so the courier is not left guessing.
When it arrives
Open the parcel soon after it arrives, check the ring against your design approval and take photographs for your records. If anything looks wrong, tell us straight away. Our guide to what comes in the box explains what to expect inside.
Planning for a date
If the ring is for a proposal, a birthday or a holiday, add a margin of a week or two beyond our standard timing, and tell us your date at the start. We will be honest in writing about what is realistic. Our guide to engagement ring etiquette in the US may help with other planning questions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does delivery to the US take?
It varies with the service and customs, so we do not promise a number of days. Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx, and we explain what to expect when your ring is ready.
How long does the whole process take?
Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are, plus design and delivery.
Who pays import duty?
The customer pays import duty and tax, which differ by country. We explain what to expect before you order.
Can I track the ring?
Yes, delivery is tracked from dispatch to your door.