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How long do engagement rings take to make?
Few people realise how long it takes for an engagement ring to be made. In contrast to off-the-shelf styles, we handcraft most of our rings individually to order.
As a result, most designs take around 4 weeks as a rule of thumb. Clients choose a unique set of options for any single ring design. As a result, we tailor the precious metal, finger size and diamond to our client’s exact requirements.
Whether you choose a diamond, or a gemstone, we source unique gems for all jewellery. While we create the ring design, we work with existing suppliers to find the perfect diamond, ruby or sapphire.
Ready-made engagement rings vs made-to-order ring designs
Some buyers choose a ready-made item of jewellery. Or, settle on a made-to-order engagement ring. Both with very different timescales. If you’re lucky enough to find the perfect ring in the correct size, a ready-made ring works perfectly.
The easiest way to find a suitable ready-made ring is to look through our finished ring designs online or in our showroom. Most ready-to-wear rings can be sent out with fast delivery within just a few days. Otherwise, 4-5 weeks represents the time to make the ring for you from the ground up.
How long does it take to make an engagement ring from our collection?
Each design in our engagement rings collection takes the allotted time of 4-5 weeks. Occasionally, when a client contacts us, we check for a suitable empty ring mount in our workshop. In this instance, provided we have a finished ring mount, we can set and finish the ring within just one week. Or, within a few days ideally.
Engagement rings go through a time-consuming process to transform precious metal into the finished ring mirror-polished to perfection.
Firstly, molten metal goes into a cast. Casting sometimes takes place with two parts of a ring made separately. This happens frequently when a ring is made from two precious metals. For example, a Platinum setting with a Yellow Gold shank.
Next, a mounter assembles the ring and prepares a semi-finished ring in the correct finger size. Then, a setter adds the diamonds or gemstones. Finally the ring goes through extensive finishing to polish the engagement ring ready for the client to collect.
All of our commissions go to a specialist in each section to complete each part of the work. For example, our finisher spends all day polishing jewellery. As a result each person is an expert in their niche.
Once completed, we thoroughly quality-control the final ring. In fact, this is possibly the most critical part of the journey to ensure we ensure all jewellery adheres to a very strict standard.
Fairtrade Gold takes an additional week since it is cast separately and less frequently than regular 18ct Gold.
Buyers choose their ring style, pick their diamond and metal type and the engagement ring is made to order in the correct finger size.
How long do bespoke engagement rings take to make?
Besides our regular ring styles, we create bespoke engagement rings. We design custom-made rings for clients through a unique service to include CAD design and a unique
Example of a bespoke engagement ring which takes longer than a regular engagement ring design — designed and crafted just for you.
We design rings with our clients’ approval before making the ring, working with their chosen materials. Owing to the work involved, the timescale will be longer than an existing design engagement ring.
Last minute rings
It is not unusual for a client to propose at very short notice. In fact, unplanned, surprise proposals lead to more engagements than planned proposals. For example, a spontaneous trip combined with the decision to propose.
Under such circumstances, we frequently loan out our showroom samples. Usually, this serves perfectly well for a proposal.
The advantage to choosing a ring together ensures a correct finger size in addition to the perfect design and specifications.
But, for anyone looking for a finished ring at short notice, we have a selection of ready-made engagement rings available from our showroom window. Buyers view designs online, or in our showroom window. Once purchased, a finger size adjustment can be made if the ring does not fit.
Starla from our Ready-to-Wear collection is available by next day delivery, depending on availability.
Buyer beware of rings made in a matter of days
Take care when purchasing an ring made in just a few days. Typically, such rings exhibit reduced quality. By comparison, a finished ring mount can be quite easily set within a matter of days. You will note this from our chart above.
How to get more help with lead times on engagement rings
Whether you are a retailer in need of assistance or a public member, we can help.
We advise contacting us with details of the ring style needed. Try to include as much information as possible. Information including metal choice, diamond size, colour and clarity help.
Additionally, we require some guidance on finger size. Alternatively, just pick up the phone and chat with us. We are used to giving expert help on all of these details. All information and help come without any obligation on your part.
We have many great ideas to share with you. Our small and friendly team remain on hand to guide you at every step of the way.
Examples of finished rings
For more examples of finished rings, visit our YouTube channel where we upload video clips of many of our designs such as the two stone design below, set with Moissanite.
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