5 Questions to Ask Before Commissioning a Bespoke Engagement Ring

Bespoke Commission Engagement Ring with Laboratory-Grown Peach Oval Diamond in Rose Gold

Commissioning a bespoke engagement ring is an exciting way to create a truly unique piece that symbolises your love. For many people, it provides the flexibility and creativity to design exactly what they want, rather than compromising with a ready-made piece. Unlike off-the-shelf rings, bespoke designs are completely custom, allowing you to reflect your partner’s style, personality, and story and you’ll know that no one will have the same ring.

However, if you have never commissioned jewellery before, the process can feel a little overwhelming. To make the preparation easier, we have created this guide highlighting five important questions to ask before beginning your bespoke engagement ring journey.

Before meeting with a jeweller, it can also help to think about a few initial considerations:

• Size and proportions: the height, width, depth, and overall scale of the ring

• Style preferences: metals, colours, ring profile, stone shape, size, and colour

• Additional details: engraving, personal symbols, or design elements

• Deadline: when you hope to propose and how long the process may take

• Budget: having a rough budget in mind will help guide the design

With these ideas prepared, your jeweller can help turn your vision into a finished piece.

0.70ct Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum £3,095.00

1. What is the process, timeline, and how does pricing work?

Before committing, it is important to understand how a bespoke engagement ring is created from start to finish. At Timothy Roe, the process typically follows these steps:

Initial Consultation

This is where we discuss your ideas, style preferences, metal choices, and budget. Inspiration boards, images, existing jewellery, or sketches are often explored at this stage.

Quote and Timeline

Once specifications are confirmed, we provide a detailed quote and timeline. A 50% deposit is required to proceed to the design stage.

We pride ourselves on being transparent with pricing. Materials, labour, time, and external services — such as engraving or hallmarking by the London Assay Office — are clearly outlined in the quotation. Provided the design and stones remain the same, there will be no hidden costs along the way.

Once approved, the entire process typically takes around six weeks.

Design Development

We present sketches, CAD renderings, and 3D resin models for approval. This stage allows you to visualise the ring and make revisions until the design feels perfect. At this point, gemstones are carefully sourced to match your design and quality requirements.

Crafting the Ring

Our skilled artisans handcraft the ring using traditional jewellery-making techniques combined with modern technology.

Quality Control and Collection

Every detail is carefully inspected before the ring is approved for collection. Once complete, final balances are paid and your bespoke engagement ring is ready to take home.

Emerald Cut Three Stone Ring in Platinum £4,995.00

2. Will the stone come with certification, and what carat, cut, colour and clarity options are available?

The gemstone is the heart of any engagement ring. When commissioning a bespoke diamond ring, always ask whether the stone comes with a gemmological certificate from a recognised authority such as GIA or IGI.

These certificates verify a diamond’s:

• Cut

• Colour

• Clarity

• Carat weight

Most diamonds above 0.25ct will come with certification. Smaller stones are usually not individually graded, as the cost of certification would outweigh the value of the stone. Coloured gemstones, such as sapphires, emeralds, or rubies, are not typically certified unless they are exceptional stones of very high value. These premium gemstones can cost several thousand pounds per carat.

If you are looking for something different from a traditional diamond ring, coloured gemstones can be a beautiful alternative. Sapphires in particular are popular for engagement rings as they offer durability, individuality, and vibrant colour.

Your jeweller should help you understand which stones are suitable for everyday wear, while also working within your budget.

Oval Sapphire and Diamond Bordered Cluster Ring in Platinum £15,995.00

3. Can I see examples of your past bespoke work and customer feedback?

Bespoke jewellery is highly personal, so it is important to review a jeweller’s portfolio and reputation before committing.

At Timothy Roe, we have an online collection of previous bespoke pieces available to explore through our pages “Stories and Inspiration” and “Fresh from the Workshop.” These show real commissions and the craftsmanship behind them.

Client reviews are equally valuable. Looking at feedback on independent platforms as well as the jeweller’s own website can provide reassurance about:

• Communication

• Craftsmanship

• Reliability

• Overall customer experience

You may also wish to check whether the jeweller is a member of a professional organisation such as the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ).

All of these factors help ensure your bespoke journey will be collaborative, enjoyable, and stress-free.

We also encourage clients to bring images, even AI generated images, sketches, or inspiration with them. Seeing what you like helps us better understand your vision.

Bespoke Commission ring with multi coloured gemstones in various cuts and setting styles

4. What are your resizing and aftercare policies?

Because bespoke rings are created to precise specifications, it is important to understand resizing and aftercare policies in advance.

Some useful questions include:

• Can the ring be resized in the future if necessary?

• How should I care for my ring and gemstones?

• Are cleaning or polishing services available?

• How often should maintenance be carried out?

Understanding these details protects your investment and ensures your ring remains in excellent condition for decades.

A note on warranties

As a family-run independent jeweller, we do not mass produce jewellery and therefore cannot offer the same blanket warranties as large high-street chain retailers.

If a fault is due to our manufacturing, we will of course correct it free of charge. However, once a piece leaves our showroom we cannot control how it is worn. Accidental damage should be covered by personal jewellery insurance rather than a manufacturer warranty.

Naturally, we are always happy to repair or restore jewellery if damage occurs, but this work would be carried out at the customer’s expense.

Bespoke Commission Engagement Ring with Optical Illusion Floating Pear Diamond in Platinum

5. What design choices are possible within my budget?

Finally, it is important to discuss design options and budget considerations.

A bespoke ring offers incredible creative freedom, but practical factors such as durability and cost must also be considered. During your consultation we will guide you through:

Metals

Platinum and gold vary in colour, durability, and price.

Gemstones

Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and other precious stones all differ in hardness, rarity, and cost.

Settings

Some settings are delicate and require more maintenance, while others are better suited to everyday wear.

A note on budgets

Budget transparency is extremely important. We often ask clients for a budget early in the process, and while some people feel hesitant to share this, it actually helps us provide the best service.

Gemstones can range from a few hundred pounds to several hundred thousand, so knowing your budget allows us to source appropriate options and avoid wasting your time.

Some people worry that if they state a number, we will simply price the ring to match that figure. In reality, the opposite is true — knowing your budget allows us to be honest and realistic from the start.

If a design cannot be achieved within a particular budget, we will explain this before preparing formal estimates. This prevents disappointment and allows us to suggest alternative solutions that still achieve the look you want.

Our aim is always to work within your budget while still creating a beautiful piece.

Bespoke Commission Engagement Ring with Green Sapphire and Diamond Shoulders in Platinum

Bespoke Commission Engagement Ring with Hidden Diamond Halo Feature

Additional Tips for a Smooth Bespoke Experience

Bring inspiration
Photographs, sketches, AI-generated images, or jewellery pieces you admire can help your jeweller understand your vision.

Be open to expert advice
With over 30 years of jewellery-making experience, we know what works best in terms of durability, comfort, and design.

Start early
Bespoke rings take time. Allow several weeks for consultations, quotes, stone sourcing, CAD designs, and resin models.

Keep records
Save notes, designs, and quotes so everything is clear throughout the process.

0.90ct Oval Solitaire Diamond Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold £3,225.00

Finally…

Commissioning a bespoke engagement ring is a meaningful, creative, and rewarding experience. By asking the right questions about process, costs, gemstones, past work, aftercare, and design options, you can ensure the journey is smooth and transparent.

Being open about your budget allows us to guide you honestly and source the best materials within your price range.

With thoughtful planning, collaboration, and expert craftsmanship, your bespoke engagement ring will not only be a beautiful piece of jewellery but also a timeless reflection of your love story.

And along the way, you may discover a whole new appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind jewellery making.

Enjoy the process — it is meant to be a fun, immersive, and memorable experience.

Book your free consultation today to begin designing your bespoke engagement ring.