How Long Does an Engagement Ring Take to Make? Timescales.

Great things take time, how long does an engagement ring take to make

How long do engagement rings take to make?

Few people realise how long it takes for an engagement ring to be made compared to off-the-shelf engagement rings. An individually crafted ring can take three to six weeks, depending on the complexity of the design.  

As a rule, our made-to-order takes around 4 weeks to create. Clients choose a unique set of options for any single-ring design from our website designs. Or, alternatively, they view and try on designs in our Ryde showroom. Doing this, we tailor the precious metal, finger size, and diamond to our client’s 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.

Tickled pink, made to order with a unique pink sapphire.

Ready-made engagement rings vs made-to-order ring designs

In addition to the engagement rings we create to order, we also create designs for our Ryde showroom. Many offer exceptional prices and unique designs but remain limited editions. For example, we create some ready-made rings with one-of-a-kind coloured gemstones or coloured diamonds.

For this reason, a showroom-ready engagement ring can sometimes offer exceptional value. Most importantly, they take no time to create and are available for immediate delivery.

Example of a bespoke design. Both the complexity of the design and gemstones mean a timeframe of around 5-6 weeks for this design.

How long does it take to make an engagement ring from our collection?

Each design in our engagement ring collection takes the allotted time of 4-5 weeks. When a client contacts us, we occasionally 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, ideally, within a few days.

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.

Gemstone rings in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum set with sapphire, ruby and tourmaline
The Eleanor ring design is set in various precious metals with a range of gemstones.

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 for the client to collect.

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. This is possibly the most critical part of the journey to ensure that all jewellery adheres to a strict standard.

How long does it take to make an engagement ring such as the flow 2 stone ring design.

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 that includes CAD design and a unique

Bespoke engagement ring made in rose gold

Example of a bespoke engagement ring that takes longer than a regular design — designed and crafted just for you. 

We design rings with our client’s approval before making them, working with their chosen materials. The timescale will be longer than an existing design engagement ring due to the work involved.

Jewellery commisions timescales

Last minute rings

It is not unusual for a client to propose at very short notice. 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.

Illusion of a halo ring by the Starla cluster design

Starla from our Ready-to-Wear collection is available by next-day delivery, depending on availability. 

Buyers beware of rings made to order in days, not weeks

Take care when purchasing a 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 needing 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 remains 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make an engagement ring?

We recommend a timescale of 4-5 weeks for most of our ring designs.

How long do engagement rings last?

Most engagement rings last for many years but sometimes require maintenance or repair, depending on the wear and tear of the ring. In unrepairable accidental damage, most diamonds can be re-set into a new ring of the same or different design.

Can you buy an engagement ring same day?

Yes. You can purchase a ready-made engagement ring. However, your choice will be limited to available stock. Clients can view our ready-made engagement rings online or call our showroom.

How long is the time between the purchase and proposal?

Most buyers purchase their ring, leaving a comfortable amount of time before the proposal after having taken delivery of the finished ring. Sometimes, some clients buy the ring well in advance, months before a proposal. We can deliver the ring once completed or hold the ring safely until you are ready to take delivery.

Why does it take so long to make an engagement ring?

We craft most engagement rings individually to order over 4-5 weeks. This timeline considers the time required to cast and mount the ring, set the diamonds or gemstones, polish the ring and arrange the UK hallmark. Each part of the process involves a specialist artisan to ensure the best possible results upon completion.

About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.

About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.