To have a bespoke ring made in time for Christmas 2026, your design needs to be approved and your 70% deposit paid by Thursday 19 November 2026. Because the design stage comes first, we would suggest starting the conversation with us as early in November as you can, ideally in the next week or two.
That date is our making cut off, not the date to get in touch. Below we explain why, what happens at each stage, and what to do if you are reading this later than you hoped.
Why 19 November is the date that matters
Thursday 19 November 2026 is the last date for a Christmas ring. By then your design must be complete and the 70% deposit paid. Your ring then goes into making, with the finishing and sending arrangements confirmed for your own piece.
The design and deposit must be completed before that date, so start the conversation early enough to consider your options and request any CAD refinements before you approve.
Start the design conversation first
The design stage is where most of the thinking happens, and it is worth not rushing it. Here is how it normally runs:
- First conversation. You tell us about the person, their style, the stone you have in mind and roughly what you would like to spend. Our rings start from £600.
- Stone selection. We put together certified options for you to compare, with GIA or IGI reports where relevant.
- CAD design. You see a detailed render of the ring and can ask for as many changes as you need, within reason. Nothing is made until you are happy.
- Approval and deposit. When you approve the final design and want it made, a 70% deposit confirms the order. For Christmas, this step needs to happen by 19 November.
- Making and delivery. Your ring is made, with UK hallmarking where required, and sent by tracked courier, primarily FedEx.
You can read the full process on our bespoke journey page, and our guide to what happens after you pay a deposit covers the making stage in more detail.
How long does the design stage take?
It depends on you. Some people know exactly what they want and approve a design within a few days. Others like to see several versions, compare stones side by side, or check details with a friend or family member. Both are completely fine, but the second approach needs more calendar.
That is why we suggest getting in touch well before the cut off. If you start in early November, there is time for a few rounds of CAD changes without anyone feeling hurried.
What if I am reading this after 19 November?
Please still get in touch. Depending on the design and the stone, there may be room to help, and we will tell you honestly whether Christmas is realistic. If it is not, there are good alternatives:
- Propose with the design. Some people give a card or a printed CAD render on the day and choose the final details together.
- Use a placeholder. A simple stand in ring lets you propose at Christmas while the real one is made.
- Give the stone. A loose certified diamond in a presentation box can be the gift, with the setting designed in the new year.
Our earlier article on ordering for Christmas or Valentine's Day covers these options and the Valentine's timeline too.
Choosing the stone early helps
The stone is often the part that takes longest to decide. If you already have a shape and rough size in mind, it is worth browsing our lab grown colourless diamonds before your first conversation. Sending us a few you like gives us a useful starting point and can save time at the CAD stage.
A quick Christmas checklist
- Get in touch as early in November as you can.
- Have a rough idea of shape, metal and budget, even if it is only a guess.
- Find out their ring size if possible, or tell us if you need help with it.
- Allow time for CAD changes, and approve the design by 19 November.
- Pay the 70% deposit by 19 November to confirm the order.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Christmas 2026 cut off for a bespoke ring?
Thursday 19 November 2026. By then the CAD design should be approved and the 70% deposit paid.
Is 19 November the latest date to first contact you?
No. It is the date the design should be finished. We suggest getting in touch earlier so there is time for design changes.
How many design changes can I make?
As many as you need, within reason. Nothing is made until you approve the final design.
How will the ring be delivered?
By tracked courier, primarily FedEx. UK hallmarking applies where required.
What if I miss the cut off?
Contact us anyway. We will tell you honestly what is possible, and a printed design, placeholder ring or loose diamond can all work well as a Christmas proposal.