TL;DR: for a Christmas proposal in the US, work backwards from the date. Allow time for design, a standard 5 to 6 weeks of making, varying with your location and how busy we are, insured and tracked FedEx delivery, and a margin for customs and the busy pre Christmas weeks. Starting in late summer or early autumn gives a comfortable cushion, and starting later is possible only if we agree in writing what is realistic. Pieces start from £600.
Working backwards
Start with the day you want to propose, then subtract each stage. Take off a margin for delivery and customs, then the 5 to 6 weeks of making, then the time needed to settle the design. Design takes as long as you need it to, but most people want a few weeks of conversation and revisions, so do not squeeze it. The earlier you start, the more relaxed each step can be.
A worked example
Suppose you want to propose on Christmas Eve. Count back about two weeks for delivery and customs, then 5 to 6 weeks for making, then two to three weeks for the design conversation and written approval. That points to a start in late September or early October at the latest, and earlier is kinder. This is only an illustration, because making time varies with location and how busy we are, so we confirm a realistic timeline in writing once we know your date.
Why Christmas needs extra care
Couriers, post offices and customs are busy in the weeks before Christmas, and weather can add delays. A parcel that would normally arrive without fuss can take longer. We cannot promise a delivery date, so a buffer is your best protection. Our guide to engagement ring etiquette in the US has background on how US couples approach proposals.
Making the plan
- Tell us your date at the very start.
- Agree the design in writing as early as you can.
- Check the ring size carefully before approval.
- Choose a delivery address where someone will be present.
- Keep a margin of at least a week or two before the day.
Sizing
A ring that does not fit can derail a plan, so measure carefully. Our guide to sizing a US finger for a bespoke ring from abroad explains how, and fingers can change in cold weather, so avoid measuring straight after being outside.
Keeping it secret
Parcels arriving at a shared home can spoil a surprise. Our guide to ordering a surprise ring secretly covers delivery to a relative, a friend or a workplace.
Customs and duty
The customer pays import duty and tax, and the rules differ by country and change over time, so we explain what to expect rather than quote figures. If the courier asks for information, answer promptly, as delays at this stage are easy to avoid.
If time is short
Tell us at once. We will be honest in writing about whether a date is realistic, and we will not promise something we cannot deliver. If it is not, there are alternatives, such as proposing with a placeholder and presenting the finished ring afterwards. Our guide to ten questions international customers ask covers more of the process.
Frequently asked questions
When should I order for a Christmas proposal?
Late summer or early autumn gives a comfortable margin. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with location and how busy we are.
Can you guarantee delivery by a date?
We cannot promise a delivery date, but we will tell you honestly in writing what is realistic.
What if the ring does not fit?
Measure carefully before approval. Our guide to sizing explains how.
Who pays import duty?
The customer pays import duty and tax, which differ by country.