In short: You only pay a deposit once your design is right. First we confirm your GIA or IGI certified stone and refine a CAD design with you, through as many rounds of changes as you need, within reason. When you approve the design in writing and want it made, a 70% deposit starts production. Only then does the ring go to the bench, where it is crafted by specialist goldsmiths, checked, and sent to you.
Why the deposit matters
Paying a deposit can feel like a big step, especially when you have never met your jeweller in person. It is completely normal to wonder what happens next. That is why we ask for it only after the design work is done and you have approved the ring. The 70% deposit commits the stone, metal and goldsmith time to your ring, and the balance is due once it is finished and checked.
We think you should know exactly what you are paying for at each stage. The deposit and balance are explained and confirmed with you in writing before production begins.
Step 1: Confirming your diamond
If you chose a stone during the consultation, we confirm it is still available and send you its certificate. Every centre stone we use is GIA or IGI certified, natural or lab-grown, so you can check its carat, colour, clarity and cut on the grading lab's own website using the report number.
If you are still deciding, we send a shortlist with photos, videos and certificates so you can compare. You are welcome to ask as many questions as you like here. Our guides to lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds can help if you are weighing up the two.
Step 2: Your CAD design
Next we prepare a CAD (computer aided design) of your ring. This is a detailed 3D render showing the setting, the band width, the height of the stone, the claws and any side stones or engraving. You see the ring from several angles so there are no surprises.
This is the moment to be picky. Want the band a little thinner? The stone a touch lower? A hidden detail under the setting? Say so. Changes at this stage are easy, and it is far better to adjust a render than a finished ring. We refine the design with you through as many revisions as you need, within reason, until you are happy to approve it.
Step 3: Your written approval
Once you are happy, we ask you to approve the final design in writing, usually by replying to an email. Nothing is made until we have that approval and your 70% deposit. It protects you, because the ring will match exactly what you signed off, and it gives our goldsmiths a clear brief to work from.
Step 4: Making the ring
With your approval and deposit in place, the ring is crafted by specialist goldsmiths. The metal is cast or hand formed, the setting is built, the diamond is set, and the ring is polished and finished. We will give you a clear timeline at consultation, and we keep you updated along the way. If you would like to see progress, just ask us.
Step 5: Checks, delivery and aftercare
Before the ring leaves, it is checked against the approved design: stone security, finish, size and any engraving. It is then sent by insured tracked courier, usually FedEx, with details confirmed before dispatch, and you receive your certificate with the ring.
Your stone is covered by a 6 month stone warranty. After that, we are happy to advise on cleaning, resizing or a yearly claw check.
Staying in touch
We do not have a showroom, so almost everything happens by email, phone and video call. That suits a lot of our clients, including those who live outside the UK. If you ever want an update, or simply some reassurance, you can reach us through our contact page. You can also see the whole process at a glance on our bespoke journey page.
Questions worth asking at the deposit stage
A good jeweller will be happy to answer these before or after you pay. If anything is unclear, ask us and we will put the answer in writing.
- Which stone is being reserved, and can I see its certificate number?
- When is the deposit due, and when is the balance due?
- How many rounds of CAD changes can I have before I approve?
- What happens if I change my mind about the stone before I approve the design?
- How will I be kept updated while the ring is being made?
- How will the ring be delivered, and who do I contact if I have a problem?
If you feel nervous, that is normal
Buying an engagement ring online, from a jeweller without a showroom, takes trust. Most of our clients tell us the waiting is the hardest part. Clear steps, written approval and a certified stone are there so you know where your ring is and what comes next. If you want a quick update at any point, just message us.
Frequently asked questions
Is anything made before I approve the design?
No. Nothing is made until you approve the final CAD design in writing and pay the 70% deposit.
When do I pay the deposit?
Only once you have approved the CAD design and want the ring made. You can go through as many design revisions as you need, within reason, and then a 70% deposit starts production.
How do I know my diamond is genuine?
Every centre stone is GIA or IGI certified. You can check the report number on the grading lab's own website.
How long does the ring take after I approve the CAD?
We will give you a clear timeline at consultation.
What if I cannot visit in person?
You do not need to. We work by email, phone and video call, and deliver to clients in the UK and abroad.