The most common reason a bespoke engagement ring cannot be delivered in time is not production speed — it is that the commission started too late. Eight to twelve weeks is the standard lead time. Working backwards from your proposal date tells you when to begin. This guide gives you the specific start dates for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and other common proposal moments.
TL;DR: For a Christmas proposal, commission by mid-October. For Valentine's Day, commission by late November. For a summer proposal, commission by April or May. These dates give the standard eight-to-twelve-week timeline with a comfortable buffer. If you are already past these windows, get in touch — some timelines can be accelerated.
The Standard Timeline
A bespoke engagement ring from À Vie Diamonds typically takes eight to twelve weeks from the first approved brief to hallmarked delivery. This breaks down approximately as follows:
One to two weeks for stone sourcing and shortlisting. Two to three weeks for CAD design and render production. One week for revisions and written approval. Four to six weeks for production, quality check, and UK Assay Office hallmarking. Three to five days for fully insured delivery.
Twelve weeks is the comfortable outer edge of this timeline. Eight weeks is achievable but leaves little room for stone sourcing delays or additional design revisions. Commissioning with the full twelve weeks in hand is always the better position.
Specific Proposal Dates: When to Start
| Proposal Occasion | Proposal Date | Commission By | Latest Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Eve | 24 Dec | 1 Oct | 15 Oct |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec | 1 Oct | 15 Oct |
| New Year's Eve | 31 Dec | 10 Oct | 22 Oct |
| Valentine's Day | 14 Feb | 20 Nov | 5 Dec |
| Spring bank holiday | Late May | Mid-March | End-March |
| Summer holiday | July/Aug | May | End-May |
The "Commission By" date is the comfortable target. The "Latest Start" is the date by which a commission must begin for standard production to complete in time. Past the latest start date, a timescale conversation is necessary before proceeding.
What Happens If You Are Past the Latest Start Date
Get in touch immediately rather than assuming it is too late. Several factors can compress the timeline:
If the stone is already in stock with our supplier, sourcing time reduces significantly. If the design direction is clear and revisions are minimal, CAD turnaround is faster. If production is not at peak capacity, some stages can be expedited. And in some cases, the best answer is a different approach: proposing with a placeholder band or without a ring, with the bespoke commission completed after the engagement.
We will give an honest assessment of what is achievable rather than promise a timeline we cannot deliver. Get in touch with your date and we will tell you directly what is possible.
Proposing Without the Ring: A Valid Option for Tight Timelines
An increasing number of couples use the proposal moment as the commitment and the ring selection as a subsequent shared experience. This is particularly common when the timeline is tight, when the proposing partner has significant uncertainty about style, or when the couple actively wants to choose together.
Proposing with a simple gold band, a placeholder stone, or no ring at all is entirely valid. The ring commission then begins after the engagement, with both people involved if they choose. Many couples find this more meaningful than a surprise ring, and it removes any concern about getting the design wrong.
See our post on how to propose without a ring for practical options.
Starting the Commission
The commission starts with a conversation — no deposit, no commitment at the initial stage. Once the brief is agreed and the CAD design approved in writing, payment is required before production begins. Delivery is fully insured to your door.
See our bespoke journey page for the full process and get in touch with your proposal date to confirm the timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a bespoke ring in less than eight weeks? Sometimes. It depends on stone availability, design complexity, and production capacity at the time. Get in touch with your date and we will give an honest assessment. We will not promise a timeline we cannot deliver.
When is the latest I can commission a ring for Christmas? Mid-October for a comfortable delivery. The absolute latest we can accept a standard commission for Christmas delivery is typically around 20 October, depending on the year. Past this date, a conversation about alternatives is necessary.
Do I need to pay upfront when I start the commission? No. The process begins with a consultation. Payment is required after you have approved the CAD design in writing — before production begins, but not at the initial enquiry or consultation stage.
What if I am not sure about my proposal date yet? Get in touch anyway. Starting the conversation early gives more options. You can pause between the consultation and the CAD stage if needed, or adjust the target date once it is confirmed. The earlier you begin, the more flexibility you have.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · À Vie Diamonds