Your guide to commissioning a bespoke handmade engagement ring
N J Geddes Fine Jewellery
At N J Geddes Fine Jewellery, every engagement ring we create is designed to capture a story — personal, emotional, and utterly one-of-a-kind. But when it comes to commissioning a bespoke diamond engagement ring, many clients wonder:
“What exactly am I paying for?”
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors that shape the price of a handmade engagement ring, from the craftsmanship involved to diamond quality, design complexity and more.
Whether you’re starting your search or ready to begin the journey, we hope this gives you both confidence and clarity.
1. Craftsmanship: Handmade in England
The heart of any bespoke piece is the skill of the maker. Unlike mass-produced rings, our standard of bespoke rings we create are handmade in England by master artisans using traditional techniques with passion and craftsmanship.
From mounting and soldering to filing, setting stones and polishing, each ring can take 20 to 40 hours of skilled bench time depending on complexity.
Many of our rings contain details that reflect antique jewellery, details such as coronets, basket back with designs that are abstract.
These skills were utilised by the Master Jewellers of the Belle Epoque era and into the 1920s.
This investment in time, precision and quality is reflected in the price and ensures your ring is truly made to last a lifetime.
2. The Diamond: Grading, Quality & Certification
Natural diamonds vary dramatically in price depending on their quality, which is often graded by the 4 Cs — cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
For example, as of May 2025:
- A 1.20ct round brilliant diamond graded D/VVS1 may cost over £15,000.
- A similar 1.2ct diamond graded F/VS2 may cost in the region of £10,000- £12,000.
Diamond Shape and cut – bespoke engagement rings
It is also crucial to understand ‘make’ when it comes to natural diamonds and their overall proportions. A perfect triple excellent cut polish and symmetry of a natural round diamond costs more compared to ones with Good grade.
Carat weight is just that, a measure of weight and so clients can be confused as to why a 2ct diamond costs less from one provider to the other when all other factors on a grading report are equal.
This is because diamond A) will have the far better mm spread proportions and not have the size in the diamonds depth compared to diamond B.
Diamond Carat weight and how it impacts price
Diamond carat weight jump point pricing. It is worth noting that natural diamonds increase at higher rate in price at those classic and sought after weights.
For example a 2.00ct round diamond jumps in value over one that is 1.99ct, or even for a 2.5ct over a 2.49ct.
Round diamonds cost more than any other shape with all other factors being equal.
We only source certified stones from respected UK-based suppliers, with full traceability and GIA certification. We’ll also help you choose a stone that offers the best beauty and value.
We are also specialists in Natural fancy colour diamonds. These are rare Earth creations that sought after and have a much higher value.
3. Ring complexity of Design
A simple solitaire design takes less time, and therefore costs less, than an ornate ring with intricate detailing. Some of the elements that increase cost include:
- Pavé or halo settings
- Diamond-set shoulders
- Vintage-style or Art Deco influences
- Hand-engraving or symbolic elements
- Unique stone shapes or double bands
- Back holes for underneath the diamonds – allowing for light.
- Intricate mounting work within the gold or platinum
Engagement ring complexity and setting style = more hours at the bench.
We’ll always tailor your design to match both your vision and your budget. At N J Geddes we specialise in high jewellery design, tailoring exquisite diamonds, jewels and the individual’s personality to create unique engagement rings to last a lifetime and beyond.
Our designs can also involve the delicate art of gouache to capture the finest details and present these to clients.
4. Metal Choice: Platinum vs Gold
The metal you choose will also influence the overall cost. The most popular options include:
- Platinum: Durable, naturally white, and ideal for daily wear. Can more expensive and labour-intensive to work with*.
- 18ct Gold: Available in yellow, white or rose. Luxurious and slightly softer than platinum.
*A note on Gold. Gold is a globally traded commodity and is highly impacted by Geo Political and economic factors. Gold hit record high prices per ounce in Spring 2025.
We’ll guide you through the pros and cons of each option, based on design, skin tone and durability.
5. Customisation & Special Touches
Many clients ask us to incorporate something meaningful, and we love this part of the process.
Popular personal touches for a bespoke engagement ring include:
- Hidden gemstones (like birthstones or anniversary stones)
- Crafting unique shapes into the ring for emotional meaning
- Engraved messages or initials
- Reusing family diamonds or heirloom gold
- Designing complementary wedding bands
6. The Bespoke ring Design Process
Every ring begins with a private consultation, either in person at our Boston Spa, Yorkshire boutique, or at the client’s own homes. We also have consultations at our lifestyle partners such as 5* Hotel Grantley Hall in Yorkshire or various 5* hotels in London. From there, we move through a careful design process:
- Initial ideas and inspiration
- Hand-drawn sketches or CAD renders
- Diamond or jewel sourcing and shortlisting
- Feedback and revisions
- Final approval before creation begins
We keep you involved and informed throughout — and only move forward once you’re thrilled with the design.
7. Our Craftsmanship: Handmade as Standard
As discussed above At N J Geddes Fine Jewellery, we take great pride in creating handmade jewellery using traditional techniques here in England. This is not just a method — it’s a philosophy. We believe the most meaningful pieces are made by human hands, shaped with care, precision, and artistry.
🛠️ Handmade Jewellery in England – Our Standard
For the vast majority of our bespoke engagement rings, we work entirely by hand from raw precious metals. Your ring is meticulously formed, soldered, filed, and finished by a master goldsmith , a process that typically takes 20–40 hours at the bench.
- Allows for organic detail and total design flexibility
- Ideal for heirloom-quality pieces
- Represents the highest level of craftsmanship
- A true one-of-a-kind piece, built to last a lifetime
This method reflects our commitment to slow, considered luxury — and it’s how we achieve the timeless character our clients love.
Why Many Jewellers in the UK Use CAD design and cast
In the wider UK jewellery industry, the majority of engagement rings even those labelled “bespoke” are created using computer-aided design (CAD) followed by casting. This approach has become popular because it allows jewellers to:
- Create digital designs quickly
- Replicate those designs repeatedly with minimal variation
- Streamline production and reduce workshop labour
By casting multiple versions of a CAD model, jewellers can offer “custom” rings at lower prices , often changing only the stone or minor elements.
However, while this method is efficient and can produce attractive results, it does not require the same level of traditional skill or craftsmanship as making a ring entirely by hand.
🔍 CAD – What’s the Difference?
A CAD-based ring is digitally produced, often cast in batches, and then finished by a jeweller. The design is shaped on-screen, not at the bench. It lacks the unique nuances and subtle integrity that only a master goldsmith can impart.
A handmade engagement ring made in the UK, by contrast, is built from raw metal using decades honed techniques, cut, formed, and soldered entirely at the bench. Every detail is intentional. Every curve is guided by the eye and hand.
Why This Matters for You
Many jewellers choose the CAD route because it’s:
- Cheaper to produce
- Easier to scale
- Quicker to deliver
But for clients who want a truly one of a kind piece — one with personality, heritage, and enduring value, we believe handmade is worth every ounce of time and care.
At N J Geddes Fine Jewellery, we do occasional use CAD when there is a clear technical reason to do so and it benefits the client’s design and manufacture. Yet our standard is handmade.
8. What Does a Bespoke Diamond Engagement Ring Actually Cost?
At N J Geddes Fine Jewellery, bespoke engagement rings typically start at £5,000+, with many clients commissioning rings between £5,000 and £20,000.
Designs with rare and or larger diamonds, intricate detailing or heirloom remodelling can be between £15,000 – £50,000+. There’s no upper limit — but there’s also no pressure.
We’re always happy to work within your budget, and we’ll give you a clear, tailored quote before any work begins.
We ask for a 50% deposit to secure the commission, with the balance due on completion.
How long does a bespoke diamond engagement ring take to make?
We typically say between 4-6 weeks for a hand made beautiful ring to last a life time.
A note on other jewels as a bespoke engagement engagement ring.
While this guide focuses on diamonds as the most requested centre stone for engagement rings in the UK, we at N J Geddes fine jewellery also specialise with fine Sri Lankan sapphires, Burmese rubies, and other rare gems.
If you’re drawn to something different, we’re happy to advise on suitability and pricing for bespoke designs.
9 Why Choose Bespoke for your engagement ring?
Bespoke isn’t about extravagance, it’s about meaning. When you commission a bespoke ring, you’re creating:
- A piece no one else in the world owns.
- A ring that reflects your partner’s style , passion and your shared story
- An heirloom made with integrity, intention and expert craftsmanship
In short, you’re not just buying a ring. You’re creating a symbol of your future made to last for generations.
Ready to Explore Your Bespoke Engagement Ring?
Commissioning a bespoke diamond engagement ring is a personal and rewarding experience. With the right guidance, it can be as clear and enjoyable as it is meaningful.
We’re here to help you every step of the way, without pressure, sales tactics or jargon. Just honest advice and beautiful design.
This guide discusses the intricacies of creating beautiful engagement rings.