The short answer: before a ring leaves us, a goldsmith checks the setting, the stones, the finish, the size and the hallmarks, and compares the ring against the approved design. The aim is to catch anything that is not right before it reaches you.
A ring has to look right and hold up for years of wear, so final checks matter. Here is what they cover.
What is checked
| Check | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Stone security | Each stone sits firmly in its setting. |
| Claws and edges | Smooth, with no catches or rough spots. |
| Finish | Polish and surface quality. |
| Size | Matches the agreed size. |
| Hallmark | Checked where required for the piece. |
| Design | Matches the approved design. |
Stone security
A goldsmith tests that each stone is held firmly and that the claws or bezel are even. A loose stone is far easier to deal with in the workshop than on your hand, so this check is done with care.
Comfort
The inside of the band is checked for smoothness. A ring should slide on and off without catching, and the shoulders and underside should be comfortable against neighbouring fingers.
Under magnification
Settings are looked at closely, because small flaws can be missed by eye. Seams, joins and the area around each stone get particular attention.
The snag test
A simple but useful check is to run the ring gently across a fine fabric. If any claw or edge catches, it is smoothed before dispatch. Rings that snag on jumpers, tights or hair are frustrating to wear, and this small test helps avoid that.
Matching the design
The finished ring is compared with the render you approved: proportions, setting height, width of the band and any engraving. Because nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, there is a clear reference to check against. See written approval.
Engraving and spelling
Any engraving is read back against the approved wording, letter by letter, including dates and punctuation. Spelling mistakes in an engraving are hard to put right once a ring is worn, so this step is never skipped.
The stone
The stone is checked against its description and any report. See reading your invoice and certificate.
Photos and video
Ask us whether we can show you the finished ring on video or in photographs before it is sent. Many customers like to see it, and it is a good moment to raise any question.
Packing and delivery
The ring is packed for safe travel. Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx. If you live outside the UK, you pay any import duty and tax that apply in your country, and we explain what to expect.
Timing
Our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Checks are part of that time, and we do not rush them. Pieces start from £600.
On arrival
- Check the packaging and photograph any damage.
- Check the ring against your design.
- Tell us promptly if anything seems wrong.
See what to do if the ring is not what you expected and what comes in the box.
Frequently asked questions
Is every ring checked? Rings are checked by a goldsmith before dispatch.
Can I see it first? Ask us, and we talk through what we can show you.
What if something is missed? Tell us and we help you sort it out.
Is the engraving checked? Yes, against the wording you approved.
Is the ring cleaned before it is sent? Yes, it is cleaned and polished so it arrives looking its best.
Does a hallmark apply to every piece? Requirements depend on the piece and the metal, and we explain what applies to yours.