In short: Commissioning a bespoke engagement ring follows a clear sequence. You share a brief, agree a budget, choose a GIA or IGI certified diamond (natural or lab-grown), approve a CAD design, and then the ring is crafted by specialist goldsmiths, finished, checked and delivered. Most of it can be done remotely, and at À Vie Diamonds bespoke engagement rings start from £600.
Why Commission Rather Than Buy Off the Shelf?
A ready made ring is designed for the widest possible audience. A commissioned ring is designed for one person. That difference shows up in small decisions that add up: the height of the setting, the width of the band, how the claws are shaped, how a wedding band will sit beside it, and which stone gives the best result for the budget you actually have.
Commissioning also gives you control over the diamond itself. Instead of accepting whatever stone happens to be set in a display ring, you compare certified options and choose the one that looks best to you. For many people that is the most valuable part of the process.
Step 1: Gather Ideas and Write a Simple Brief
You do not need to arrive with a finished design. A good brief can be a handful of screenshots and a few sentences. Useful things to include:
- Photos you like, and if possible a note on what you like about each one. "I like the thin band in this one and the low setting in that one" is more helpful than the photos alone.
- Things your partner wears already. Do they wear yellow, white or rose metal? Delicate pieces or bolder ones?
- Lifestyle. Someone who works with their hands, wears gloves or plays sport may be better suited to a lower or more protective setting.
- Any must haves or definite nos. A dislike of halos, for example, is worth knowing early.
If you are unsure where to start, our page on how to design your bespoke engagement ring walks through the kinds of choices you will make.
Step 2: Agree a Realistic Budget
Budget shapes almost every decision that follows, so it helps to be open about it from the start. A good jeweller will show you where your money goes furthest rather than steering you to the top of your range.
The main things that move the price are the diamond (its carat weight, cut, colour and clarity, and whether it is natural or lab-grown), the metal, and how complex the setting is. Our engagement ring pricing guide explains how these factors interact, and why two rings that look similar can be priced very differently.
Step 3: The Consultation
The consultation is a conversation, not a sales pitch. It is where your brief, your budget and the practical details come together. Expect to talk about:
- The overall style, from a classic solitaire to a trilogy, halo or cluster.
- The shape of the centre stone.
- Metal choice, such as platinum or 18ct gold.
- Timing, including any date you are working towards.
- Ring size, and what to do if you are trying to keep the proposal a surprise.
À Vie Diamonds is based in Manchester and does not have a showroom. Most consultations take place by video call or WhatsApp, and meetings in Manchester and London can be arranged. If you would rather do everything from home, the whole process can be handled remotely.
Step 4: Choosing the Diamond
Once the style and budget are clear, you will be shown certified stone options that fit the brief. Every diamond should come with a grading report from a recognised laboratory. We work with GIA or IGI certified stones, so you can check the grades independently.
Natural or lab-grown?
Both are real diamonds with the same chemical makeup and hardness. Natural diamonds formed in the earth; lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled conditions. Lab-grown stones usually cost considerably less for the same size and grade, while natural stones are rarer and tend to hold value better. Neither is the "right" answer. Our lab-grown diamond guide and natural diamond guide set out the honest trade offs.
Look at the stone, not just the certificate
Grades tell you a lot, but two stones with identical grades can look different. Ask for photos and video of each option, ideally in natural light, and compare how they look face up. Cut quality and proportions have a large effect on brightness and how big the stone appears.
Step 5: CAD Design and Approval
CAD (computer aided design) is where your ring takes shape before any metal is cast. You will see realistic renders from several angles, usually including a side view to check the setting height and a top view to check proportions.
This is the stage to be picky. Common adjustments include:
- Making the band slightly thinner or wider.
- Lowering the setting so it sits closer to the finger.
- Changing the claw style, for example rounded instead of pointed.
- Adjusting the gap under the stone so a straight wedding band can sit flush.
Nothing moves into production until you have approved the design. If you are not sure about something, ask for another version. It is far easier to change a render than a finished ring.
Step 6: Making the Ring
After approval, the ring is crafted by specialist goldsmiths. The design is cast in your chosen metal, then cleaned up, assembled, set with the diamond and polished. Setting is skilled work: each claw has to grip the stone securely without hiding too much of it.
From first consultation to delivery, a bespoke engagement ring typically takes around six to eight weeks, depending on the design and how quickly decisions are made. If you have a particular date in mind, mention it at the start so the timeline can be planned around it.
Step 7: Quality Checks, Delivery and Aftercare
Before the ring leaves, it is checked against the approved design: stone security, finish, size and overall appearance. It then arrives with its diamond grading report, which is also useful later for insurance.
Aftercare matters too. Claws can wear over years of daily use, and it is sensible to have a ring checked periodically. Ask about aftercare when you commission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Chasing carat weight above everything else. A well cut stone that is slightly smaller often looks better than a larger, poorly cut one.
- Leaving it too late. Bespoke work takes weeks, not days. Starting early removes pressure from every decision.
- Ignoring the wedding band. If you want the bands to sit flush together, plan for it at the CAD stage.
- Guessing the ring size. A rough estimate is usually fine, since most plain bands can be resized, but some designs are harder to resize than others. Ask before you approve the design.
Ready to Start?
If you have a few ideas and a rough budget, that is enough to begin. Read how the bespoke journey works in more detail, or get in touch to arrange a free, no obligation consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to commission an engagement ring? Typically around six to eight weeks from first consultation to delivery, depending on the design and how quickly the stone and CAD are approved.
Do I need to visit a showroom? No. À Vie Diamonds has no showroom; consultations happen by video call or WhatsApp, with meetings in Manchester and London by arrangement.
How much does a bespoke engagement ring cost? Bespoke engagement rings at À Vie Diamonds start from £600. The final price depends mainly on the diamond, the metal and the complexity of the setting.
Can I see the design before it is made? Yes. You approve a CAD render before production begins, and changes can be made at that stage.
Will my diamond be certified? Yes. We work with GIA or IGI certified stones, natural or lab-grown.