At the time of writing it's June, halfway through the year. Choosing the perfect ring for a proposal is a crucial part of making your moment unforgettable, especially for a Christmas or new year proposal. So if you're thinking about commissioning a bespoke engagement ring for this festive season, there are several important things you need to think about now to ensure your ring is ready in time, we hope you find this list about how to commission an engagement ring helpful!
Find Out their Ring Size
This is perhaps the most essential detail, but it can be the most difficult to confirm, especially if your proposal is a surprise and you don't want to ask them outright! There are a few discreet ways to find out without raising suspicion though. Some jewellers (like us!) offer ring sizers that you can use at home, which can be a helpful tool if you want to be extra certain. You can buy a ring sizer and we will send it out to you. But it's not the most subtle option.
You could borrow a ring your partner currently wears on their ring finger and have it sized at a jeweller. You could enlist their closest friend, they might know the right size, or be able to check in a way that won't raise eyebrows.
Once you have their size, share it with us when you begin the commission process. It's worth noting that ring sizes can fluctuate slightly depending on temperature and time of day, so it's helpful to get the measurement done in the afternoon on a day that isn't very cold or very hot, when fingers are at their normal size.
An ill-fitting ring can dampen the magic of the proposal moment, but don't worry, if the size is a little off we can of course tweak it for you.
Decide on the Ring Style
The style of the ring sets the tone for the entire piece. It says a lot about whether you know their style or if you have been listening to any hints that may have been dropped.
If your partner has mentioned any preferences or if you've noticed rings they admire, gather those references. Are they envisioning a classic solitaire, a three stone ring or maybe even a cluster? Do you think they would prefer a vintage-inspired design or a more modern minimalist band? Maybe something more ornate or organic?
Think about your partner's personal style and what they might wear every day for years to come. Do they prefer yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum? Are they drawn to contemporary designs or timeless classics?
This is where working closely with us becomes invaluable. We can show you examples, discuss proportions, and help you visualise how different styles will look. The more specific you can be about the aesthetic you're after, the better we can create something truly special.
You can of course design your own engagement ring, but if you are not sure about creating a completely bespoke ring, you can always use our previous engagement ring designs as inspiration and tailor them to your partner in a semi-bespoke way.
Choose Your Stone
Whether you're opting for a diamond, moissanite, a coloured gemstone, or a lab-grown diamond, the stone you choose is the centrepiece of your ring. Consider what matters most to you and your partner - colour, size, budget, ethical sourcing or durability. Each option has its own merits, and we can guide you through the characteristics of different stones to help you make an informed decision.
If you're choosing a diamond, you'll want to consider the proportions of the ring you want to make versus your budget. For coloured stones, think about the shade and intensity you prefer. This decision will influence both the final look of the ring and the timeline for completion, so it's worth taking time to get it right.
We love seeking out the perfect gemstone for you, but if you have a very specific idea in mind for colour, cut, origin or any other attribute, please allow more time as it may be tricky to source exactly what you want, within your budget.
Understand the Timeline
This is critical when you're working towards any deadline, but especially a Christmas or new year deadline. Bespoke commissions take time - typically 8-14 weeks depending on the complexity of the design and our current workload. Always start the bespoke conversation as soon as possible.
Make sure to tell us about any deadlines you may have and we will discuss how long the commission will take from start to finish, including design consultations, sourcing materials, crafting the piece, and any final adjustments. But this timeline can change for many reasons so it's always wise to build in a buffer - aim to have the ring completed well before the deadline too so you're not left in a stressful situation if any unexpected delays occur.
If you want to chat about a custom engagement ring design, start this process now, so we have plenty of time to work through each stage without rushing. That way you will have the opportunity to refine the design and we can source the perfect stone, and ensure the ring is crafted to the highest standard.
A Christmas proposal deserves a ring that's as unique and special as your love story. By sorting out these key details early - ring size, style, stone, and timeline - you're ensuring that when the moment comes, you'll have a beautiful, perfectly fitted piece that your partner will love and treasure forever.
You can find out more about the engagement ring commissioning process and book an engagement ring consultation.
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