TL;DR: for a Christmas proposal in Ireland, 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. Pieces start from £600.
Working backwards
Start with the day you want to propose and 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. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing. The earlier you start, the more relaxed each step can be, and the more room there is for changes.
A worked example
Say you plan 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 and customs are busy in the weeks before Christmas, and a parcel from the UK to Ireland is treated as an import, so customs can add time. We cannot promise a delivery date, so a buffer is your best protection. Tell us your date at the start and we will say honestly in writing what is realistic.
Irish winter proposals
Many couples propose at Christmas, on New Year's Eve or on a winter walk. Cold weather shrinks fingers, so measure at room temperature and take more than one measurement. Our guide to winter gloves and ring fit explains why a winter fit can differ from a summer one.
Keeping it secret
A parcel 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.
Choosing a delivery address
Over the Christmas period many people are away from home, and offices close. Pick an address where someone will definitely be in, check opening hours if you choose a workplace, and give the courier a mobile number you will answer. If a parcel is delivered while you are travelling, a missed handover can cost days that a December proposal cannot spare.
Customs and duty
The customer pays import duty and tax, and the rules differ by country and change over time. We explain what to expect rather than quote figures. Northern Ireland and the Republic are treated differently, so tell us the exact address.
A short checklist
- Decide your proposal date and tell us at the first message.
- Take a ring size at room temperature, more than once.
- Choose a delivery address where someone can receive the parcel.
- Approve the design in writing as soon as you are happy.
- Watch your tracking and reply quickly to any courier message.
If time is short
Tell us straight away. We will be honest in writing about whether a date is realistic, and there are alternatives, such as proposing with a placeholder and presenting the finished ring afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
When should I order for a Christmas proposal in Ireland?
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 say honestly what is realistic.
Who pays import duty?
The customer pays import duty and tax, which differ by country.
Is delivery insured?
Yes, delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx.