Made entirely for you
Every bespoke engagement ring involves the same core decisions: centre stone, setting style, metal, profile, budget and timeline. We guide each choice so the finished ring feels personal, practical and proportionate.
The overall design language — minimal and contemporary, classic solitaire, vintage-inspired, or fully custom with no reference point. Style sets the direction for every decision that follows. Most clients come with a loose idea or a few images. You don't need to know exactly what you want before we speak.
A good starting point is a few saved imagesThe setting is how the stone is held. A prong or claw setting lifts the stone and maximises light through it. A bezel wraps the stone in metal — more protective, more contemporary. Tension, channel, and pavé settings each have their own look and practical trade-offs. We match setting to stone shape, lifestyle, and style direction.
Affects both look and wearabilityShape, size, quality, and origin — the four decisions within the stone itself. Shape determines character; round brilliants maximise sparkle, fancy shapes like oval and pear appear larger for the same carat weight. Natural and lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical — lab stones typically cost 60–80% less. Every stone we source is GIA or IGI certified.
GIA and IGI certified onlySide stones, shoulder diamonds, or a halo around the centre stone add brilliance and visual presence without increasing the centre stone size. A three-stone design carries its own meaning — past, present, future. Additional stones are optional, fully itemised in your quote, and certified separately.
Optional — fully itemised if includedDiamonds or gemstones set into the band itself — pavé, channel, or flush-set along part or all of the band. Band decoration adds continuous brilliance and suits styles where the ring is meant to be worn as a statement. It also affects how the ring pairs with a wedding band, so it’s worth considering both together.
Worth planning alongside your wedding bandThe surface treatment of the metal. A full polish gives a mirror-bright finish — classic and high-contrast. Satin or brushed finishes are softer, more forgiving of everyday marks, and suit contemporary styles. Finishes can be mixed on the same ring — polished setting with brushed band, for example.
Often overlooked, always worth discussingText, a date, initials, or a personal symbol on the inside of the band. Machine engraving is precise and consistent. Hand engraving has a subtly varied quality that is unique to each ring. Both are permanent. Character count depends on band width and ring size. Engraving is confirmed closer to completion.
Confirmed closer to completionPlatinum is the most durable and stays white permanently — the benchmark for fine engagement rings. 18ct white gold looks similar but requires occasional rhodium plating to maintain its colour. 18ct yellow and rose gold suit warmer skin tones and pair naturally with fancy-cut stones. Metal also influences how a diamond’s colour appears.
We work in platinum and 9ct–18ct goldFinger size varies with temperature, time of day, and season — typically larger in summer and in the afternoon. We size carefully to account for this. If you’re planning a surprise proposal, we can advise on how to estimate. One complimentary resize is included within three months of delivery.
One free resize includedYour first consultation is free. No obligation, no pressure.
Begin your enquiryRING SIZING
Sizing can be confirmed before production.
Finger size changes with temperature, time of day and band width, so we treat sizing as part of the design process rather than an afterthought. Our ring sizing guide explains how to measure at home, compare UK, US and EU/ISO sizes, and understand how width and profile affect fit.
Useful next guides
Use these guides to compare the highest-impact choices before your consultation: price, shape and metal.
Budget
Understand what drives cost before choosing stone size, setting style, metal and extra detail.
Centre stone
Shape changes the look, spread, sparkle and value of the finished ring more than most people expect.
Metal
Platinum, yellow gold, white gold and rose gold each affect colour, upkeep, durability and budget.
A better way to buy
Every bespoke engagement ring starts with a budget. The important question is where that budget goes. In a lean, appointment-led, made-to-order model, more of the spend can be focused on the stone, the metal, the design choices and the craft of the finished ring.
That is the practical advantage of working directly with a small bespoke jeweller.
Illustrative model
Illustrative comparison based on public retail disclosures, industry benchmarks and typical made-to-order engagement-ring pricing structures. Retail cost models vary by brand, specification, location and service model. This is not a like-for-like price comparison with any named jeweller.
Ring settings
Choose a setting that suits your lifestyle and design vision. Each style is engineered for security, comfort, and proportion.
9 setting styles
Select a setting style to explore it
Solitaire
A classic single stone that puts the diamond first
Halo
A frame of diamonds that amplifies sparkle and apparent size
Side Stone
Shoulder stones that add brilliance and visual width
Trilogy
Three stones symbolising past, present, and future
Toi et Moi
Two stones side by side — modern and deeply personal
Cluster
Multiple diamonds arranged for maximum sparkle and character
Bezel
A smooth metal rim that protects and frames the stone
Flush
Stone sits level with the band surface for a minimal profile
Tension
The stone appears suspended between two ends of the band
Solitaire
Classic · Timeless · Stone-forward
The solitaire is the most enduring engagement ring design in the world. A single diamond, held aloft by prongs or a bezel, with nothing to compete for attention. Its restraint is its power. It works in every era, every setting material, and at every budget level.
Advantages
Considerations
Halo
Romantic · Brilliant · Size-enhancing
A halo surrounds the centre stone with a circuit of smaller diamonds, creating a continuous field of light. The effect amplifies the apparent size of the centre stone by 10 to 20 percent and adds significant brilliance. Particularly effective with cushion, round, and oval centre stones.
Advantages
Considerations
Side Stone
Elegant · Proportioned · Balanced
Side stones flank the centre diamond on the shoulders of the band, adding brilliance and a sense of visual balance. Tapered baguettes create a sleek, architectural look; round brilliants add warmth and sparkle.
Advantages
Considerations
Trilogy
Symbolic · Balanced · Meaningful
A trilogy ring places three diamonds of complementary size and shape along the band. The design carries powerful symbolism and delivers a broad, balanced appearance with three distinct light sources.
Advantages
Considerations
Toi et Moi
Modern · Intimate · Distinctive
Toi et Moi sets two stones side by side, sometimes in contrasting shapes or a slight twist, to create a ring that feels both modern and deeply intimate. The design has strong art-historical roots and has experienced a major revival in contemporary fine jewellery.
Advantages
Considerations
Cluster
Distinctive · Maximalist · Sparkling
A cluster ring groups multiple diamonds into a single composition that reads as one larger stone from a distance. Cluster rings deliver exceptional sparkle at a fraction of the cost of a single large stone and allow for highly creative, personalised designs.
Advantages
Considerations
Bezel
Secure · Modern · Architectural
A bezel setting encircles the girdle of the diamond with a continuous rim of metal, holding it securely and protecting the edges. The result is a clean, architectural profile that reads as distinctly modern. Excellent for active lifestyles.
Advantages
Considerations
Flush
Minimal · Contemporary · Wearable
A flush setting recesses the stone into the metal so its table sits level with the band surface. The result is an extremely low-profile, snag-free ring ideal for very active wearers or those who prefer understated jewellery.
Advantages
Considerations
Tension
Architectural · Bold · Modern
A tension setting uses the compression force of the metal band to hold the stone in place without any visible prongs, bezel, or base. The stone appears to float, held purely by pressure. A dramatic, architectural choice.
Advantages
Considerations
Stone settings
The setting type determines how high your diamond sits above the band, how much light reaches it, and how well it is protected for daily wear. Ordered from lowest to highest profile.
8 setting types
Flush / Gypsy
Stone recessed into the band — lowest profile possible
Channel
Stones sit inside a groove in the band — flush and secure
Bezel
A continuous metal rim encircles and protects the stone
4-Claw Prong
Four metal claws lift the stone above the band
6-Claw Prong
Six claws create a rounder silhouette and added security
Basket
An open framework of metal lifts and cradles the stone
Cathedral
Arched metal buttresses raise the stone to a dramatic height
Tension
The stone floats between two band ends, held by compression alone
Flush / Gypsy
Lowest profile · Zero snag · Maximum protection
The flush setting, also called a gypsy or burnish setting, recesses the diamond fully into the metal so its table sits level with the band surface. There are no prongs, no rim, and no projecting element of any kind. The metal is pushed inward over the stone’s girdle using a burnishing tool, locking it permanently in place. This is the most protective setting for an active lifestyle and produces an extremely clean, minimal aesthetic. Light entry is the most restricted of any setting type.
Advantages
Considerations
Channel
Flat profile · Snag-free · Continuous sparkle
Channel setting places a row of diamonds inside a continuous groove cut into the metal band. The stones are held by the channel walls on either side rather than by individual prongs. The top of each stone sits level with or just fractionally above the band surface, creating a smooth, uninterrupted line of brilliance. Channel setting is most commonly used for eternity-style bands and as a complement to a solitaire centre stone.
Advantages
Considerations
Bezel
Low-mid profile · Secure · Architectural
A bezel setting encircles the entire girdle of the diamond with a continuous wall of metal, holding it securely in a custom-formed seat. The stone sits above the band surface but is fully enclosed on all sides, making this the most secure setting for a single centre stone. Full bezels enclose the entire girdle; partial or semi-bezels expose the sides for more light entry and a lighter appearance. As noted in our design framework, full bezel combined with a halo requires skilled bench work to step the outer bezel wall down to the correct height.
Advantages
Considerations
4-Claw Prong
Mid profile · Maximum light · Classic open setting
A four-claw prong setting holds the diamond by its girdle with four metal claws arranged at the cardinal points. The stone sits elevated above the band, with open space on all sides allowing light to enter from every angle. Four claws give the stone a subtly square silhouette when viewed from above. This is the most common engagement ring setting and offers the best balance of security, light return, and ease of cleaning.
Advantages
Considerations
6-Claw Prong
Mid-high profile · Round silhouette · Extra security
A six-claw prong setting works on the same principle as four-claw but uses two additional claws to create a rounder, more enclosed silhouette around the stone. The extra metal contact at six equidistant points adds security and is particularly effective with round brilliant diamonds, where it emphasises the stone’s circular form. The Tiffany-style six-claw setting is perhaps the most recognised engagement ring design in the world.
Advantages
Considerations
Basket
Mid-high profile · Open gallery · Light-maximising
A basket setting uses a framework of horizontal and vertical metal elements beneath the stone to form an open cage or basket structure. The stone sits elevated in the basket head, which is then secured to the ring shank. The open structure maximises light entry from below the stone, enhancing brilliance compared to a closed-back setting. As noted in our design framework, combining a basket setting with a low-set shank requires redesigning the setting head with a shorter peg and wider base — a standard basket cannot simply be lowered without weakening the prong base.
Advantages
Considerations
Cathedral
High profile · Dramatic elevation · Architectural grandeur
A cathedral setting uses sweeping arches of metal, resembling the flying buttresses of a Gothic cathedral, to lift the stone to a significant height above the band. The arches run along the shank and meet the setting head, framing the stone in a way that adds visual drama and considerable presence. The elevated position maximises light entry from all directions. As noted in our design framework, cathedral settings with very short prong tips are harder to re-tip; the arch geometry restricts bench jeweller access, so specifying accessible prong tips is advisable.
Advantages
Considerations
Tension
Unique floating profile · Engineering-led · Statement piece
A tension setting holds the diamond entirely by the compressive force of the metal band itself. Two precisely machined seats are cut into the opposing ends of a split band, and the stone is pressed into place using the spring tension of the metal. No prongs, no bezel, and no base are visible — the stone appears to float in mid-air. As documented in our design framework, tension settings are physically incompatible with halo, trilogy, and cluster ring styles, as there is no structural mechanism for surrounding or adjacent stones. Tension settings also cannot be resized after manufacture. The metal alloy must be selected with engineering precision — typically platinum or a hard-grade white gold.
Advantages
Considerations
Prong & claw styles
Compare the overall prong setup first, then refine the type of prong tip and finish.
18 prong options
First decision
Choose the overall prong arrangement first — two, four, six, rotated, or bespoke. This determines how the stone is held before you refine the style of the prong tips themselves.
Two Prong
Three Prong
Four Prong
Six Prong
Eight Prong
Bespoke
Second decision
Then compare the tip shape and finish of the prong itself — claw, button, block, tab, V-tip, double, and decorative variants. These affect the character and practical feel of the setting.
Baby Claw Prong
Claw Prong
Button Prong
V Prong
Tab Prong
Heart Prong
C Prong
Double Prong
Double Claw Prong
French / Fishtail Prong
Roundelle Prong
Pavé Prong
Two Prong
2 claws
Two prongs positioned opposite each other for a very open, minimal presentation of the stone.
Usually best reserved for carefully proportioned stones and considered design briefs.
Minimal contact means it suits lighter wear and stone-specific designs.
Three Prong
3 claws
Three evenly placed prongs create a distinctive triangular rhythm and a lighter look than a four-prong setting.
Works best where the stone size and balance suit a three-point hold.
A design-led option that should be proportioned carefully.
Four Prong
4 claws
The classic four-prong arrangement, balancing openness, symmetry, and everyday practicality.
Pointed tips should usually be protected with a V-prong instead.
A versatile default that still benefits from regular inspection.
Six Prong
6 claws
Six prongs create a fuller outline around the stone and add extra support, especially for larger centre stones.
Can feel visually busier on some elongated or geometric shapes.
Often chosen for added reassurance on larger stones.
Eight Prong
8 claws
Eight prongs create a richly framed look with maximum visual articulation around the stone.
A more decorative setup that changes the visual character of the setting substantially.
Secure and dramatic, but visually more involved than four or six prongs.
Bespoke
Custom arrangement
A custom prong arrangement designed specifically around the stone shape, finger size, and ring concept.
Ideal where the design brief calls for a non-standard arrangement or very specific proportions.
Wearability depends on the exact geometry selected during the design process.
Baby Claw Prong
Fine claw
A very fine claw with a minimal tip, used when you want the stone to dominate and the metal to recede visually.
Fine tips need careful finishing and regular inspection over time.
Elegant and light-looking, but best maintained with periodic checks.
Claw Prong
Classic tapered claw
The standard tapered claw profile, narrowing toward the tip for a classic solitaire look.
Pointed stones typically need a V-prong at vulnerable tips.
A proven everyday standard when checked periodically.
Button Prong
Rounded dome tip
A rounded dome-like prong tip that softens the look and reduces sharp snag points.
Not the correct solution for acute pointed tips.
Comfortable and practical for everyday wear.
V Prong
Protective V-tip
A V-shaped prong wraps around a vulnerable point of the stone to protect it from impact and chipping.
Usually only needed where the stone has a pronounced point.
Essential protection where pointed tips are exposed.
Tab Prong
Flat tab
A flat tab folds over the girdle rather than ending in a pointed claw, giving a crisp and modern look.
Best used where the broader tab works with the proportions of the stone and setting.
Comfortable in wear because there is no sharp point.
Heart Prong
Heart-shaped tip
A decorative heart-shaped prong tip used when the setting itself should contribute a romantic design detail.
Chosen more for aesthetic character than as a standard default.
Decorative detailing should be checked like any shaped tip.
C Prong
Curved C-tip
A curved C-shaped tip that gives a softer contour around the edge of the stone.
Best where the curve complements the stone shape and overall head design.
A softer visual alternative to a sharper claw profile.
Double Prong
Split prong
Each prong divides into two contacts, creating a more detailed setting edge and a decorative split-tip look.
More a visual refinement than a radically different holding method.
Inspect both contact points of each split prong over time.
Double Claw Prong
Twin claw
A more pointed and elegant twin-claw variation of the double prong, often used to add precision and drama.
Works best where the additional visual detail suits the overall ring character.
Stylish and articulate, but should be checked like any fine tip work.
French / Fishtail Prong
Cut-back fishtail
A carved-back fishtail style prong with a more ornamental profile, often associated with vintage and pavé-influenced work.
Usually selected for its decorative finish and craftsmanship detail.
Beautifully detailed, with maintenance appropriate to its finer shaping.
Roundelle Prong
Roundelle detail
A stylised decorative prong with rounded detailing that adds a more embellished edge to the setting.
Best used where ornamental prong detailing is part of the design language.
Design-led and decorative, with the same need for periodic inspection.
Pavé Prong
Pavé-set prong
A pavé-oriented prong style designed to work with closely set small stones and fine, detailed metalwork.
Typically used in more intricate settings rather than plain solitaire heads.
Fine pavé work benefits from careful ongoing maintenance.
Band decoration
The way diamonds are set into the band changes everything — from sparkle and texture to wearability and maintenance. Explore each technique below.
8 styles
Pavé
A continuous surface of micro-set diamonds
Micro-Pavé
Finer, more delicate pavé with smaller stones
Fishtail/French Pavé
Shaped metal between stones creates a distinctive scalloped pattern
Channel Set
Diamonds sit flush inside a continuous groove in the band
Bar Set
Stones held between vertical metal bars along the band
Bead Set
Small metal beads raised around each individual stone
Grain Set
A finer variation of bead setting with a more continuous surface
Flush Set
Stones set level with the band surface for a minimal, protected look
Pavé
Brilliant · Luxurious · Seamless
Pavé — from the French for paved — covers the band surface with small diamonds held by tiny beads of raised metal, creating an unbroken field of light across the shank. The technique can be applied to the full band or just the shoulders, and pairs beautifully with almost any centre stone setting.
Advantages
Considerations
Micro-Pavé
Delicate · Refined · Precise
Micro-pavé uses smaller stones — typically under 1.2mm — set with even finer beads of metal than standard pavé. The result is a more delicate, almost fabric-like texture that reads as extremely refined and feminine. Requires exceptional bench skill to execute well.
Advantages
Considerations
Fishtail/French Pavé
Distinctive · Textured · Handcrafted
In fishtail pavé, the metal between each stone is carved into a pointed or scalloped fishtail shape, creating a repeating decorative pattern across the band. The technique has a strong vintage and antique jewellery heritage and delivers additional visual texture beyond the stones themselves.
Advantages
Considerations
Channel Set
Sleek · Secure · Wearable
A channel setting places a row of diamonds inside a continuous groove machined into the metal band, with no individual prongs or beads holding each stone. The diamonds sit flush with the channel walls, producing a smooth, snag-free surface that is extremely practical for daily wear.
Advantages
Considerations
Bar Set
Geometric · Contemporary · Graphic
Bar setting holds each stone between two upright metal bars that run perpendicular to the band, creating a clean geometric rhythm. Light can enter through the open sides, and the design suits baguette and princess cuts particularly well, producing a strongly architectural result.
Advantages
Considerations
Bead Set
Artisan · Vintage · Handcrafted
In bead setting, small beads or grains of metal are raised from the surface around each stone using a graining tool, holding it individually in place. The technique has deep roots in antique and Victorian jewellery and gives the band a distinctly handcrafted, textured quality.
Advantages
Considerations
Grain Set
Delicate · Continuous · Refined
Grain setting is a close relative of bead setting, using smaller, finer grains of metal raised between very closely spaced stones. The result feels more continuous than traditional bead setting and can approach the density of pavé while retaining the individual grain character.
Advantages
Considerations
Flush Set
Minimal · Protected · Contemporary
In a flush or burnish setting, each stone is recessed into a drilled hole in the metal and the surrounding metal is pushed over the girdle using a burnishing tool, locking it in place with the table level with the band surface. There are no prongs, beads, or raised elements.
Advantages
Considerations
Choose your stone
The stone you choose determines the character, colour, and care requirements of your ring. Each has its own personality.
Timeless, durable, and exceptionally brilliant. The classic choice for anniversaries and milestone gifts.
Diamonds are the hardest natural material on earth, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale. They offer unmatched brilliance and fire.
Excellent for daily wear. Resistant to scratching. A secure setting is recommended for very active wearers.
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. A periodic professional clean helps maintain peak brilliance.
Deep blues or vibrant colours with excellent durability. A beautiful contrast in 18ct yellow gold or platinum.
Sapphires score 9 on the Mohs scale. Available in a wide range of colours — most notably deep cornflower blue.
Excellent for daily wear. The high hardness makes sapphires resistant to scratching.
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for heavily included stones.
Rich green colour with distinctive character. Best suited to careful daily wear. A statement stone with deep history.
Emeralds score 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale. Their rich colour comes from chromium. Natural inclusions — the jardin — are part of the stone’s character.
Moderate. A protective setting such as bezel or channel is strongly recommended for daily wear.
Clean gently with a damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam.
Bold red tones with strong symbolism and standout colour. A meaningful choice for a milestone anniversary gift.
Rubies are the red variety of corundum, scoring 9 on the Mohs scale. Their colour ranges from pinkish-red to deep pigeon blood red.
Excellent for daily wear. High hardness makes rubies a very practical choice for regular wear.
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Generally suitable for ultrasonic cleaning — ask your jeweller first.
Diamond shapes
Each shape carries a distinct character, proportion, and light behaviour. Select one to explore its profile, settings, and what makes it right for your commission.
Round
Brilliant cut
Oval
Elongated sparkle
Cushion
Soft brilliance
Princess
Step & brilliant
Emerald
Step cut
Pear
Teardrop
Marquise
Navette
Radiant
Crushed ice
Asscher
Square step
Heart
Romantic
Round
Brilliant cut
The most popular diamond shape in the world. 58 precisely engineered facets deliver the highest fire and scintillation of any cut — an enduring choice that flatters every setting style and stands the test of time.
Oval
Elongated sparkle
An oval combines the brilliance of a round with an elongated silhouette that flatters the finger and creates the illusion of greater size per carat. Well suited to solitaire and pavé settings with delicate prong placement.
Cushion
Soft brilliance
The cushion blends a rounded square or rectangular outline with large facets that produce a softer, pillow-like sparkle. Its romantic proportions pair beautifully with halo or side-stone designs and vintage-inspired settings.
Princess
Step & brilliant
The princess features a square brilliant cut with sharp, uncut corners. Ranking second in popularity globally, it delivers excellent brilliance with a modern geometric look, suiting contemporary east-west settings particularly well.
Emerald
Step cut
The emerald cut uses a rectangular step-cut pattern that emphasises clarity and creates a dramatic hall-of-mirrors effect. It rewards high clarity grades and pairs best with minimal, architectural settings.
Pear
Teardrop
The pear combines the round's brilliance with a pointed tip and rounded base. Worn point toward the fingertip, it elongates the hand and suits east-west settings, drops, and solitaires with a protective V-prong.
Marquise
Navette
The marquise is an elongated oval with pointed ends, historically associated with royalty. Its silhouette maximises perceived size per carat and elongates the finger — best set with protective prongs at each tip.
Radiant
Crushed ice
The radiant blends the rectangular outline of an emerald cut with a brilliant faceting pattern, producing a lively, crushed-ice sparkle. It suits a wide range of settings and is an excellent choice for coloured diamonds.
Asscher
Square step
The Asscher is a square step-cut with clipped corners giving an octagonal outline. Concentric rectangular facets create a distinctive windmill pattern when viewed from above. High clarity and precise cutting are essential.
Heart
Romantic
The heart is the most overtly romantic diamond shape, demanding skilled cutting to achieve symmetrical lobes and a clean cleft. Simple bezel or prong settings that display the full silhouette work best.
DESIGN OPTIONS
Every feature below can be added or discussed at the design stage. Availability varies by setting style.
Key options
Show the core add-ons first so the page feels lighter and easier to scan.
A full hidden halo is not possible with a full bezel — the rim prevents it. A partial hidden halo beneath the visible face is achievable on a partial bezel.
A small stone set inside the shank or beneath the setting head. Compatible with all three bezel variants on plain and wide bands.
Compatible with a partial bezel. On a full bezel, the rim and pavé can visually compete — discuss at the design stage.
Works well on all variants. Particularly effective along the inside edge of the bezel rim itself.
Setting the stone horizontally is most effective on oval, marquise, and pear shapes. Discuss at the design consultation.
Trilliant or tapered baguettes flanking the centre stone for added drama and spread. Discuss stone size and shape at consultation.
A full hidden halo is not possible with a full bezel — the rim prevents it. A partial hidden halo beneath the visible face is achievable on a partial bezel.
A small stone set inside the shank or beneath the setting head. Compatible with all three bezel variants on plain and wide bands.
Compatible with a partial bezel. On a full bezel, the rim and pavé can visually compete — discuss at the design stage.
Works well on all variants. Particularly effective along the inside edge of the bezel rim itself.
Setting the stone horizontally is most effective on oval, marquise, and pear shapes. Discuss at the design consultation.
Trilliant or tapered baguettes flanking the centre stone for added drama and spread. Discuss stone size and shape at consultation.
Less common or more specialised additions can sit behind a compact dropdown.
Pavé, channel-set, or scattered diamonds along the shank for continuous sparkle. Available on all band widths above 2mm.
A raised, angular centre ridge gives a slim, light-reflecting profile. Works particularly well on lower-set stones.
Hammered, brushed, matte, or satin finishes on the band or setting. Adds tactile character to an otherwise minimal design.
Openwork, filigree, or etched designs beneath the stone. Adds light, air, and character to the underside of the setting.
Dates, initials, patterns, or personal messages engraved inside the band. A detail that’s entirely private to the wearer.
Birthstones, sapphires, or rubies as accent stones in halos, shoulder settings, or hidden spots. Discuss at consultation.
Contrasting shank and setting head metals — for example, rose gold band with platinum bezel. Discuss viability at the design stage.
The continuous rim of a full or partial bezel conflicts geometrically with a split shank. Not recommended.
Pavé, channel-set, or scattered diamonds along the shank for continuous sparkle. Available on all band widths above 2mm.
A raised, angular centre ridge gives a slim, light-reflecting profile. Works particularly well on lower-set stones.
Hammered, brushed, matte, or satin finishes on the band or setting. Adds tactile character to an otherwise minimal design.
Openwork, filigree, or etched designs beneath the stone. Adds light, air, and character to the underside of the setting.
Dates, initials, patterns, or personal messages engraved inside the band. A detail that’s entirely private to the wearer.
Birthstones, sapphires, or rubies as accent stones in halos, shoulder settings, or hidden spots. Discuss at consultation.
Contrasting shank and setting head metals — for example, rose gold band with platinum bezel. Discuss viability at the design stage.
The continuous rim of a full or partial bezel conflicts geometrically with a split shank. Not recommended.
Diamond properties
Adjust each slider to see how cut, colour, and clarity affect the appearance and value of a diamond.
Adjust the sliders to explore the four Cs
Ready to discuss your diamond? Our team can guide you through stone selection that matches your priorities.
Book a consultationYour bespoke journey
Every commission begins with a conversation. We guide you through every decision on this page and help you arrive at a ring that is entirely yours.
Complimentary · No obligation · Remote Consultations
Our commitment to you
You approve the design, the stone and the price before anything is made. The process is built to keep the important decisions visible from the start.
Direct communication at every stage
You work directly with our team throughout. No account managers, no handoffs. Clear updates at every step of the process.
No intermediariesNothing is made until you approve the design
We present the full design, stone selection, and pricing before a single piece of metal is worked. Your sign-off comes first.
Full approval controlDesign refinements agreed before production
Proportions, settings, and structural details are refined and confirmed with you before we proceed. No assumptions are made.
Confirmed before productionPricing agreed before production begins
The full cost is confirmed and agreed before any work starts. There are no surprises at the end of the process.
Transparent pricingEvery piece inspected before dispatch
Each piece is checked for finish quality, stone alignment, and setting security before it leaves us. We do not dispatch work we would not wear ourselves.
Quality assuredEvery stone has a character.
| EmeraldColour and character | SapphireClassic and durable | RubyRare and vivid | DiamondBrilliance and hardness | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colour character | Warm, vivid green — unique among gemstones | Rich blue to blue-green range | Pure red — the rarest vivid colour | Colourless — brilliance over colour |
| Durability | 7.5–8 Mohs, prone to chipping | 9 Mohs, excellent for daily wear | 9 Mohs, very durable | 10 Mohs, hardest natural material |
| Rarity | Fine colour is genuinely scarce | Good quality readily available | Fine unheated rubies extremely rare | Abundant at commercial grades |
| Treatment | Oiling is universal and accepted | Heat treatment is standard | Heat and fracture filling common | Most are natural, some laser-drilled |
| Value retention | Strong for certified fine stones | Consistent long-term demand | Finest examples appreciate strongly | Commodity grades less reliable |
| Care required | No ultrasonics, gentle cleaning only | Low maintenance, easy to clean | Low maintenance, very robust | Minimal care needed |
| Price per carat | Premium for fine colour and low oil | Fine Kashmir or Burma commands premium | Highest per-carat of the three | Wide range by cut and certification |
| Character | Jardin inclusions add individuality | Clean, consistent appearance | Silk inclusions can confirm origin | Standardised grading, less unique |
Commissioning questions
Clear answers on remote commissioning, timing, budget, certification and how the Ring Match service works.
Yes. À Vie Diamonds is based in Manchester and works with clients across the UK by phone, video call, WhatsApp and email. The process can be handled remotely from first brief through stone approval, CAD design sign-off, production, hallmarking and insured delivery.
Most bespoke engagement rings are completed within approximately 8-12 weeks, depending on the design, stone sourcing, revisions and production requirements. The manufacturing stage may be shorter once the final design, stone and price have been approved. If you have a proposal date or travel deadline, include it in your first enquiry so we can advise honestly.
The final cost depends mainly on the centre stone, metal, setting complexity and any additional stones. À Vie designs around the agreed budget and confirms the stone, design and price before production begins. The engagement ring pricing guide explains the main cost drivers.
Yes. The Ring Match service lets you send a link, screenshot or photo of a ring you have seen elsewhere. À Vie can propose a matched specification or suggest improvements such as a better centre stone, upgraded metal or adjusted setting for a similar budget.
Where certification is relevant, À Vie works with independently graded GIA or IGI diamonds and explains the certificate details before production. The aim is that you understand exactly what is being supplied before you approve the final ring.
No. Manchester is the studio base, but the service is UK-wide. Many clients commission remotely, with the same design approval process, stone guidance, hallmarking checks and insured delivery.
Tell us the ring style, stone preference, budget and timing you have in mind. We will advise on what is realistic before anything is made.
Bespoke jewellery, clear guidance, no pressure. Tell us about your project and we will respond personally within 2–3 working days.
How high the stone sits above the finger.
All our cufflinks use a whale-back or chain-link fitting as standard.
All prices in GBP. We are happy to discuss currency conversion for international orders.
Useful if your range depends on diamond size, natural vs lab-grown, timeline, or whether you are comparing another quote.
Helps us advise on lead times and any import considerations.
