À Vie Diamonds
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers on our bespoke process, diamonds and gemstones, metals, sizing, delivery, aftercare, and ethical sourcing. Everything is free until you approve your design and choose to proceed.
Engagement rings and bespoke process
A bespoke engagement ring is a one of a kind piece created specifically for you. Rather than selecting a pre-made design, we work with you to create a ring built around your style, your story, and your budget. Every detail is agreed with you before anything is made.
We start with a free consultation — by phone, video call, or message — to understand your preferences, budget, and timeline. We then guide you through stone options, setting styles, and metal choices. Once a design direction is agreed, we produce a CAD preview for your approval. Nothing moves to production until you are completely happy and have confirmed the design in writing.
No. Your consultation is completely free and comes with no obligation whatsoever. We also develop your design and produce your CAD preview at no charge. You only pay when you are satisfied with the design and choose to proceed. At that point we ask for a 70% deposit to begin production.
Our bespoke engagement rings start from around £800. Most clients spend between £1,500 and £5,000, which covers a wide range of stone sizes, shapes, and setting styles in 18ct gold or platinum. Premium commissions with larger stones, fancy coloured diamonds, or complex settings typically start from £5,000. À Vie Diamonds is not VAT registered, so no VAT is added to any commission — you pay for the stone, the metal, and the craft, nothing else. We itemise everything from the first conversation so there are no surprises.
Everything up to and including CAD design approval is free of charge. Once you approve the final design, we raise a deposit invoice for 70% of the total commission cost. This covers the stone and materials we purchase specifically for you. The remaining 30% balance is due before your piece is dispatched. We accept major debit and credit cards and bank transfer.
From your first consultation through to delivery, most commissions take between 6 and 10 weeks. The exact timeline depends on the number of design revisions, stone sourcing, goldsmith availability, and how quickly approvals are confirmed. If you have a specific date in mind — for a proposal, for example — tell us at the start and we will plan around it.
No. We can begin the design and confirm the size later. We can supply a ring sizer to help you measure at home without your partner knowing. We also offer one complimentary resize within 3 months of delivery if the size needs adjusting after the proposal.
That is completely normal — most clients come to us without a clear design in mind. Our consultation starts with simple questions about lifestyle, personal style, and how the ring will be worn day to day. The design emerges from that conversation. You do not need to arrive with a mood board or any prior knowledge of jewellery.
Yes. We produce a detailed CAD preview so you can review the proportions, setting style, and overall look before we proceed to production. Nothing moves forward without your written approval. The CAD is included in the commission price at no extra charge.
Yes. Changes are straightforward during the design and CAD stage — that is exactly what the approval process is for. Once you have confirmed the design and production has begun, significant changes may affect the timeline and could involve additional cost. We will always confirm any implications with you before proceeding.
Yes. If you have a family stone or one you already own, we can often incorporate it into a new setting. We will inspect it first to confirm its condition and suitability.
Yes. If you have spotted a ring online, in a magazine, or in a jeweller's window, share a photo and your budget and we will advise on how closely we can recreate it and at what cost. This is one of our most common starting points. You can use our Ring Match service to send us images directly — no technical knowledge required.
Yes. We work with clients across the UK and internationally by phone, video call, email, and WhatsApp. There is no requirement to attend in person at any stage.
Yes. Many clients design the engagement ring and wedding band together to ensure they sit flush and look cohesive as a pair. We recommend discussing this at the design stage even if the wedding band is not needed immediately.
Yes. Your design is treated as confidential and will not be replicated for another client without your consent.
Yes. We make wedding bands, eternity rings, signet rings, pendants, earrings, and any other fine jewellery piece. The bespoke process is the same: consultation, design, approval, then crafting.
Not at all. Many clients come to us with only a vague sense of what they are looking for. Our consultation is designed to help you explore ideas, understand your options, and land on something you love. Reference images are useful but never required.
After your consultation we produce CAD renders or hand sketches depending on the design. You can request as many revisions as you need at no cost. Nothing is ordered or made until you have approved every detail in writing.
Before your deposit is placed you can change direction completely at no cost. After the deposit, significant design changes may involve a small revision fee, but we will always discuss this with you before proceeding.
Yes. We produce detailed CAD renders for most designs. These show the ring from multiple angles and in different metal and stone combinations so you can visualise exactly what you will receive.
Your deposit secures your stone and commits us to production. Once stone selection has been confirmed and a deposit placed, refunds are not available for change of mind. We discuss this fully before any payment is requested.
We are happy to work with client-supplied stones or reset existing jewellery. Please contact us before your consultation so we can advise on suitability and any additional considerations.
An off-the-shelf ring is a pre-made design produced in bulk, selected from existing stock, and sized to fit. A bespoke ring is designed from scratch around your brief, your partner's taste, and your budget — every detail agreed before anything is made. You choose the stone, the setting style, the metal, and any personal details such as engraving. The price is comparable to a quality high street ring, but you receive something made specifically for you rather than for a display cabinet. Most bespoke commissions start from £800.
Diamonds and gemstones
The 4Cs are Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight. Together they describe a diamond's appearance and value. Cut is the most important — it determines how much the stone sparkles. We explain all four in plain English during the consultation so you can make an informed choice. You can also read our individual guides on Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat.
Yes. We source both natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds and present them equally. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds — the only difference is their origin and price. We are genuinely neutral and will advise which makes more sense for your specific brief and budget.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same chemical composition, hardness, and optical properties as natural diamonds. They are typically priced lower, which means your budget stretches further on stone size or quality. If maximising size and quality within a set budget is the priority, lab-grown is often the better choice. If provenance and long-term rarity value matter, natural may suit you better. We will give you an honest comparison.
Yes. Every diamond we source comes with an independent grading certificate from GIA or IGI, confirming the stone's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. The certificate is included with your piece at delivery and is also required for insurance purposes.
GIA is widely regarded as the most stringent diamond grading authority in the world. IGI is also a well-respected laboratory, particularly for lab-grown diamonds. Grading standards can vary slightly between laboratories, so we help you compare like for like when presenting stone options. Both certifications are independently issued and give you a reliable, verifiable record of your stone's specifications.
Yes. We source a wide range of coloured gemstones including sapphires, rubies, emeralds, alexandrite, paraiba tourmaline, tanzanite, aquamarine, spinel, and rare garnets. Coloured gemstones make a beautiful and increasingly popular alternative to a diamond centre stone. We source each stone individually for suitability, character, and long-term wearability.
Yes. All diamonds are sourced in compliance with the Kimberley Process, which works to prevent conflict diamonds entering the supply chain. We work with trusted suppliers who follow responsible sourcing practices. If you have a specific ethical or traceability requirement, let us know and we will advise on the available options.
Yes. We can source round brilliant, oval, emerald cut, pear, marquise, cushion, princess, radiant, asscher, and other shapes. If you have a shape in mind, tell us — if you are unsure, we will guide you based on your preferred aesthetic and hand shape.
Yes. We can source distinctive stones including salt and pepper diamonds, fancy coloured diamonds in pink, blue, yellow, and green, and a range of unusual gemstone options for a more individual look. These stones suit clients who want something genuinely distinctive rather than a classic white diamond.
We can source a wide range of carat weights from delicate accent stones to larger centre stones, depending on budget and availability. At the entry level, a 0.3ct to 0.5ct stone in a clean setting is a beautiful, meaningful choice. At the mid range, 0.5ct to 1.5ct covers the most popular sizes. Above 1.5ct we move into premium territory. We will always present options at your budget rather than push you toward a larger stone.
Cut has the greatest impact on how a diamond looks to the naked eye. A well-cut diamond in a lower colour or clarity grade will typically outshine a poorly cut stone with higher grades. We always recommend prioritising cut first, then colour, then clarity.
Lab-grown diamonds have decreased in price significantly in recent years and do not currently hold resale value in the same way natural diamonds can. If long-term value retention is important to you, a natural diamond is generally the better choice. We are transparent about this distinction and will discuss it during your consultation.
Round brilliant remains the most popular choice due to its exceptional light return and timeless appearance. Oval has grown significantly in popularity in recent years, followed by emerald cut for clients who prefer a more architectural, less sparkly look. Pear, cushion, and marquise all have devoted followings. We can show you examples of any shape and advise on how each performs in different setting styles.
For most clients we recommend VS2 or SI1 as the sweet spot — inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, but you are not paying for flawless clarity that makes no practical difference. Eye-clean SI2 stones are also excellent value in the right cut. We assess every stone individually and will always confirm whether any inclusions are visible before recommending it.
Lab-grown diamonds are typically 60–80% less expensive than a comparable natural diamond of the same cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. A 1ct round brilliant natural diamond in VS1 clarity and F colour might cost £5,000–£8,000. A lab-grown equivalent could cost £1,000–£2,000. This price gap means your budget stretches significantly further on stone size or quality when choosing lab-grown. The trade-off is resale value — lab-grown diamonds do not hold their value in the same way natural diamonds can. We present both options with full pricing transparency so you can decide what matters most to you.
The most common setting styles are: Solitaire — a single centre stone, no side stones, the most classic choice. Halo — a ring of smaller pavé-set diamonds surrounds the centre stone, creating the illusion of a larger stone. Side stone — the centre stone is flanked by smaller stones on either side. Trilogy — three stones in a row, traditionally representing past, present, and future. Toi et Moi — two stones of equal or complementary size set side by side, increasingly popular as a distinctive alternative. Pavé — small diamonds set closely across the band surface for a continuous sparkle effect. We work with all setting styles and advise on which suits your brief during the free consultation.
Ring sizing
The most reliable method is to borrow a ring they already wear on the correct finger and have it measured. A jeweller or a ring sizer tool can measure the internal diameter. Alternatively, ask a close friend or family member who might know, or trace the inside of a ring on paper. We can also supply a ring sizer on request. If the size is slightly off after the proposal, we offer one complimentary resize within 3 months of delivery.
Yes. We can provide a ring sizer to help you measure accurately at home. You can also follow our ring sizing guide for step-by-step instructions. Get in touch and we will arrange one for you.
Yes. We offer one complimentary resize within 3 months of delivery, subject to the design permitting resizing. Full eternity rings and fully channel-set bands cannot always be resized without significant reworking — we will advise at the design stage if this applies to your commission. After 3 months, or for a second resize, a fee applies and will be confirmed in advance.
Most gold and platinum rings can be resized by one or two sizes in either direction. The feasibility depends on the design — rings with stones set all the way around, like full eternity rings, are more complex to resize. We will always advise at the design stage if there are any sizing limitations to be aware of.
Yes. The UK, US, and EU each use different sizing systems. We work in UK sizing as standard and can convert from any system. If you are based internationally, let us know your sizing reference and we will confirm the correct UK equivalent before production.
We offer one complimentary resize within 3 months of delivery. Simply contact us after the proposal and we will arrange collection and return at no charge. Most resizes take 5 to 7 working days. If the design restricts resizing we will have discussed this with you during the commission.
UK ring sizes use an alphabetical system. US sizes use a numerical scale. We work in UK sizing but can convert from any international standard. Please let us know which system you are working in when you get in touch.
Resizing rings with stones set around the band is more complex and in some cases is not possible without disturbing the setting. We will always advise on this before production and aim to get the sizing correct during the design stage.
Orders, payment, and delivery
Fill in our enquiry form, send us an email, or message us on WhatsApp or Instagram. Tell us the type of piece you have in mind, a rough budget, and your timeline. We will come back to you to arrange a free consultation — no booking system, no commitment, no payment required at this stage.
Your consultation and the entire design and CAD development process are completely free. Once you approve the final CAD design and choose to proceed, we raise a deposit invoice for 70% of the total commission cost. This covers the stone and materials purchased specifically for your commission. The remaining 30% balance is due before your piece is dispatched. We accept major debit and credit cards and bank transfer.
If you cancel before we have purchased any materials or started any work, we will refund your deposit in full. If materials have been sourced or work has begun, we deduct only the actual costs incurred and return the remainder. Once the stone has been purchased and crafting has started, the 70% deposit is non-refundable. We will never profit from a cancellation and will always provide a transparent written breakdown of any costs deducted. Full details are in our Refund Policy.
Yes. We ship to most countries worldwide using insured and fully tracked courier services. UK orders are dispatched via Royal Mail Special Delivery, guaranteed next working day. International orders are sent via FedEx International Priority. Delivery is included in the cost of your commission — there are no additional shipping charges.
International orders may be subject to import duties or local taxes on arrival in your country. These charges are set by your country's customs authority and are outside our control. We recommend checking your local rules before commissioning, particularly for higher-value pieces. We will never under-declare the value of a shipment.
Yes. We send you a tracking reference and courier link on the day your piece is dispatched. Both Royal Mail Special Delivery and FedEx provide real-time tracking so you can follow progress to your door.
Yes. If you have a specific date in mind — such as a proposal date or anniversary — tell us as early as possible and we will plan the production timeline around it. Royal Mail Special Delivery also offers a Saturday Guaranteed service on request. Where we confirm a target delivery date in writing and are unable to meet it, you are entitled to a full refund.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, and bank transfer. Payment is split into a deposit at the point of stone selection and the balance on completion before dispatch. We do not currently offer buy-now-pay-later services.
Every piece arrives in À Vie Diamonds presentation packaging, accompanied by any certification documentation and your care guide. Deliveries require a signature on receipt.
UK orders are dispatched via Royal Mail Special Delivery and arrive the next working day after dispatch. International orders via FedEx International Priority typically arrive within 2 to 5 working days depending on destination. We will confirm the expected delivery date when we notify you that your piece is ready.
Yes. Every piece is fully insured for its declared value during transit. In the extremely unlikely event of loss or damage in transit, we will replace the piece at no cost to you. You will be asked to sign for delivery, so please ensure someone is available to receive it.
Returns, warranty, and aftercare
Contact us within 30 days of delivery. We will acknowledge within 2 business days, arrange collection at no cost to you, and inspect the piece. If a manufacturing defect is confirmed, we will repair it at no charge. If repair is not possible, we will offer a replacement or refund. Your full statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 apply in all cases.
We will always remedy the following at no cost: a stone that is loose or has come out of its setting within 6 months of delivery with no evidence of impact damage; a setting style, metal, or stone that differs materially from the approved design; an engraving error where the text differs from our written instruction; a surface defect such as an unpolished area or tool mark inconsistent with a professionally finished piece; or a ring made to the wrong size where we were provided with the correct measurement.
Bespoke rings are made to your individual specification, so the standard 14-day online return right does not apply under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. However, your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 apply in full — if your piece is faulty, not as described, or not of satisfactory quality, you are entitled to a remedy regardless of the bespoke nature of the order.
Yes. We cover manufacturing defects for 6 months from delivery as standard. A stone that becomes loose without evidence of impact, or any defect inconsistent with a professionally finished piece, will be remedied at no cost. After 6 months we will still investigate every case fairly — if we believe a fault is manufacturing-related we will remedy it regardless of when it is reported.
Yes. We offer one complimentary resize within 3 months of delivery, subject to the design permitting resizing. We arrange collection and return at no cost to you. After 3 months, or for a second resize, a fee applies.
Yes. We strongly recommend insuring your piece as a named item on your home contents policy from the day of receipt. Your original invoice, GIA or IGI grading certificate, and hallmark documentation are the documents your insurer will need. Keep these in a safe place separate from the ring itself.
Contact us as soon as possible at enquiries@aviediamonds.com with your commission reference number. We will assess the damage and advise on the most appropriate repair route, including whether it falls under our manufacturing warranty.
We work very hard to ensure there are no surprises at delivery. Because every piece is made to your approved design, we are not able to accept returns for change of mind. However, if anything is not as agreed we will resolve it at no cost to you.
All À Vie Diamonds pieces carry a 6-month manufacturing warranty covering defects in craftsmanship. This does not cover accidental damage, loss, or normal wear. After 6 months we will still investigate every case fairly — if we believe a fault is manufacturing-related we will remedy it regardless of when it is reported. We recommend insuring your piece through your home contents or specialist jewellery insurance.
Yes. We offer a diamond exchange programme for existing clients. The value of your original stone is credited towards a new stone of greater size or quality. Contact us to discuss your options.
Care and maintenance
Use warm water, a small amount of mild washing up liquid, and a soft toothbrush. Gently brush around the setting and underneath the stone where dirt accumulates most. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for rings with delicate settings or included stones.
We recommend a professional check every 12 to 18 months, including inspection of prong integrity, stone security, and general surface condition. We offer a free inspection service — contact us to arrange it.
Yes. White gold rings are typically rhodium plated to achieve their bright white finish. The plating wears gradually with everyday contact — most people need re-plating every 12 to 18 months, though this varies depending on how the ring is worn. Re-plating is a straightforward and affordable service available through most jewellers.
Remove your ring for heavy lifting, gym work, contact sports, swimming in chlorinated pools or the sea, and when using bleach or strong household chemicals. These activities increase wear on the setting and can affect the metal finish over time. Taking the ring off and storing it safely during these activities will significantly extend its life.
Every commission is dispatched with a GIA or IGI grading certificate for your stone, hallmark documentation confirming the metal purity, a signed quality check record, and your original invoice. Keep all of these in a safe place — they are required for any insurance claim and cannot easily be replaced.
Store your ring separately from other jewellery to avoid scratching. A fabric-lined box or pouch is ideal. Keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme heat when not being worn.
We advise removing fine jewellery before showering, swimming, or using cleaning products. Chlorine can damage certain metals and loosen prong settings over time. Hot tubs and saunas should also be avoided.
Yes. Fine jewellery accumulates small surface scratches over time — this is normal and does not affect the integrity of the piece. A professional polish will restore the original finish. We offer a polish and inspection service; contact us to arrange it.
Ethics and sustainability
Yes. All diamonds we source are supplied in compliance with the Kimberley Process, an international certification scheme established to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the supply chain. We work with trusted suppliers who follow responsible sourcing practices and can provide documentation on request.
Lab-grown diamonds avoid the mining process entirely, which removes the environmental and supply chain concerns associated with extraction. Whether they are the right choice depends on your own priorities — some clients value provenance and rarity; others prefer to avoid mining entirely. We present both options honestly and without bias so you can decide what matters most to you.
Yes. Recycled precious metals are available on request for most bespoke commissions. If sustainability is important to your decision, let us know at the consultation stage and we will confirm what is available for your specific brief.
Fairtrade gold availability depends on the specific metal specification required for your commission. Please ask us at the consultation stage and we will advise on what can be sourced for your brief.
Yes. For clients who require it, we can source diamonds and certain gemstones with enhanced provenance documentation, including mine of origin. This narrows the available selection but is entirely achievable for the right brief. Please raise this at your consultation and we will advise on what is available at your budget.
We source responsibly, avoid unnecessary packaging, and work with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical practices. As a made-to-order business we produce nothing speculatively, which means zero unsold inventory and no associated waste.
Inspiration and getting started
Yes. Our design gallery shows a selection of completed commissions across a range of styles, settings, and budgets. It is a useful starting point if you are not yet sure what you want, or if you want to see how a particular style translates into a finished piece.
Our Ring Match service is designed exactly for this. Send us a link, a screenshot, or a saved photo and we will come back to you with an honest assessment of what we can recreate, what it would cost, and whether there are improvements we would suggest. No technical knowledge required — just share whatever you have found.
Start with two questions: how much does the wearer notice what they put on their hands, and how active is their lifestyle? A solitaire with a high claw setting maximises sparkle but catches on things; a bezel or low-profile setting is more practical for active wear. A halo makes a stone look larger; a side stone setting adds character without bulk. We walk through all of this in the free consultation with no jargon and no pressure.
Yes. If you get in touch before you are ready to book a consultation, we are happy to share curated examples relevant to your brief. Many clients find it helpful to narrow down a direction before the first call. You can also browse our design gallery or follow us on Instagram at @aviediamonds for an ongoing look at completed commissions and works in progress.
That is precisely what the bespoke process is for. We have no catalogue to constrain the design. If you can describe it — or even sketch it roughly — we can develop it into a CAD render and then into a finished piece. Unusual stone shapes, mixed metals, asymmetric settings, and non-standard proportions are all within scope. Get in touch via our enquiry form and tell us what you have in mind.
Gifts and other jewellery
No. We design and make a full range of bespoke fine jewellery — wedding bands, eternity rings, signet rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. The same process applies to every commission: free consultation, guided design, and nothing made until you are completely happy.
Yes. We can design wedding bands to complement your engagement ring in profile, metal, and finish, so they sit flush and look considered together. We recommend designing both at the same time where possible, even if the band is not needed immediately.
Yes. We design bespoke eternity rings in a range of styles, stone sizes, and settings — full eternity, half eternity, and three-quarter eternity. We can design them to stack cleanly with your existing rings and advise on setting styles that balance security with appearance.
Yes. We design bespoke signet rings in oval, cushion, round, and square faces, with or without engraving. We advise on face size, shoulder taper, and weight so the ring sits proportionally on the hand.
Yes. Engraving is available on most pieces. Initials, dates, short messages, and coordinates are common choices. We confirm the exact text with you in writing before production so there is no risk of error.
Yes. Gift vouchers are available if you would like your recipient to choose their own design and specification. Get in touch and we will arrange one for you.
Yes. We can provide a gift consultation package so the recipient can be involved in designing their own piece. This is a popular option for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas gifts. Contact us to arrange.
Yes. Incorporating a family diamond or gemstone into a new piece is something we do regularly. We handle heirloom stones with the same care as our own stock and will discuss all options before anything is removed from an existing setting.
We will always do our best to meet a date that matters to you. Please let us know your timeline at the start of the process so we can confirm whether it is achievable. Rush timelines may incur an additional charge.
Still have a question? Our team typically responds within one business day.