How Much Does A Bespoke Engagement Ring Cost In 2026?
Most bespoke engagement rings I make cost between £1,500 and £6,000. Some come in lower and some higher, but where yours lands depends mainly on three things: the centre stone, the metal and how complex the design is
One of the first questions people ask me is simple: “How much does a bespoke engagement ring actually cost?” It’s often more accessible than people expect, so here’s an honest breakdown, with real rings I’ve made and what they cost
Bespoke engagement ring prices at a glance
| Budget | What it typically looks like |
|---|---|
| Around £1,500 | A smaller natural diamond, a lab-grown diamond or an alternative gemstone, a simple solitaire setting, 9ct gold |
| £2,500 to £3,500 | A larger diamond, 18ct gold or platinum, more design freedom, details like hidden gemstones |
| £4,000 to £6,000+ | Larger or premium diamonds, side stones or trilogy designs, more complex settings |
If you’re working to a tighter budget, I’ve written a separate guide to bespoke engagement rings under £1,000
Around £1,500
At this level, the focus is on a beautiful ring with sensible priorities. That might mean:
- A smaller natural diamond
- A lab-grown diamond, or an alternative gemstone such as sapphire or moissanite
- A simple solitaire setting
- 9ct gold
The goal isn’t the biggest ring possible. It’s something well designed, well made and built to last. For many couples, this is an excellent starting point
Around £2,500 To £3,500
This is where bespoke engagement rings get particularly interesting. At this budget you can often expect:
- A larger diamond, or higher colour and clarity
- 18ct gold or platinum
- More flexibility in the design
- Details such as hidden gemstones or a custom setting
Many of the rings I make fall in this range, because it offers a strong balance between design freedom and stone quality
Around £4,000 To £6,000
This budget opens up significantly more options:
- Larger natural diamonds, or premium specifications
- Side stones, halos or three stone designs
- More complex settings
- Platinum construction
At this level, clients often have a very specific vision and want complete control over the final design
Natural or lab-grown: the biggest price decision
The choice between a natural and a lab-grown diamond usually affects the price more than anything else. A lab-grown diamond looks the same and is chemically identical, but it costs far less for the same size. That means a noticeably larger stone within the same budget. A natural diamond is rarer and tends to hold its value better
Neither is the wrong choice. I’ve written a full guide to natural vs lab-grown diamonds if you want to compare them properly
Using existing jewellery can reduce the cost
Many people already own gold or diamonds that can go into a new ring, such as:
- Family diamonds
- Inherited jewellery
- Unworn engagement rings
- Wedding rings that are no longer worn
Reusing these can make a larger or higher quality design achievable within the same budget, and it adds meaning to the finished piece
What actually matters most?
Many people spend weeks comparing diamond grades without thinking about the overall design. In reality, the things people notice first are:
- The proportions of the ring
- How the stone catches the light
- The quality of the setting
- Whether the design suits the person wearing it
A well designed ring with a modest diamond will almost always look better than a poorly designed ring with a larger stone
Why does a bespoke ring cost more than the high street?
There are lovely engagement rings on the high street, and for many people they’re the right choice. I’m not writing this to convince you otherwise. I’d simply like you to know where your money goes
You’re buying years, not just hours. You’re not only paying for the time spent on your ring. You’re paying for the years it took to know how to make that time count: knowing how a design will wear, when proportions look right, and when to leave a texture alone instead of polishing it away
You’re working with the person making it. There’s no salesperson passing notes to a workshop somewhere else. If I suggest changing the width of a band or lowering a setting, it’s because I’ve made enough rings to know how those decisions affect the finished piece
I want to see it again in twenty years. For cleaning, resizing, a matching wedding band, or perhaps one day remodelling it for the next generation. That changes how I design and make things. I’m not interested in a ring that only needs to look good on the day it’s collected
Frequently asked questions
Do your prices include VAT?
Yes. Every quote I give is the full price, with nothing added at the end
What deposit do you take?
A 50% deposit secures your commission and covers the stone and materials, with the balance due on completion
Can you work to a specific budget?
Yes, and it’s one of the main advantages of bespoke. Tell me your budget at the start, and I’ll show you where it’s best spent, whether that’s the stone, the metal or the design
How long does a bespoke engagement ring take?
Usually 6 to 8 weeks from approving the design. More detail in how long a bespoke engagement ring takes
What’s the cheapest bespoke engagement ring you make?
Simpler designs can start from around £600, depending on the stone and metal
Thinking about a bespoke engagement ring?
I design and make bespoke engagement rings from my workshop in Wiltshire, for clients across the UK, either in person or remotely
Whether you have a clear idea or just a rough budget and a few inspiration photos, it starts with a conversation. Book a free consultation, or read what to expect from a consultation first
Rings
Symbolic rings in gold and silver, with or without gemstones. Crafted for daily wear, comfort and longevity
