How Long Does It Take to Make a Bespoke Engagement Ring?
One of the first questions I’m asked as a bespoke jeweller is:
“How long does it actually take?”
The honest answer is usually between four and eight weeks.
Sometimes it’s quicker. Occasionally it takes a little longer.
At The Middle Green, every engagement ring is designed and made by Tom McDanielson from his Wiltshire workshop. There isn’t a production line or a catalogue of ready-made settings waiting on a shelf. Each ring is created specifically for one person.
The overall timescale depends less on the making itself and more on the decisions that happen before the workshop even comes into play.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation
Every bespoke engagement ring starts with a conversation.
Some couples arrive knowing exactly what they want.
Others know how they want the ring to feel but haven’t settled on a design yet.
During your consultation with Tom McDanielson, we’ll discuss:
- Your lifestyle
- Preferred styles
- Gemstones
- Metal choices
- Budget
- Practical considerations
There’s no pressure to make every decision in one meeting. In fact, taking a little more time at this stage almost always leads to a better ring.
The aim isn’t simply to choose a design. It’s to understand what will suit you for years to come.
Step 2: Designing the Ring
Once we’ve established the direction, I’ll begin developing the design.
This might involve:
- Hand sketches
- CAD modelling
- Sourcing suitable gemstones
- Refining the proportions
This stage often involves a little back and forth.
Small changes to the height of a setting, the width of a band or the shape of the claws can make a surprising difference to both the appearance and comfort of the finished ring.
Rather than adapting a standard design, every commission is developed around the individual wearing it.
Step 3: Sourcing the Perfect Stone
If we’re using a diamond or coloured gemstone that isn’t already in stock, it needs to be sourced.
For many diamonds this only takes a few days.
Rare gemstones, unusual cuts or specific colours can naturally take longer to find.
I’d always rather spend an extra week finding the right stone than rush into buying one that isn’t quite right.
The gemstone is often the centrepiece of the ring. It’s worth taking the time to choose carefully.
Step 4: Making the Ring
Once everything has been approved, the workshop begins.
Depending on the design, this may include:
- Casting
- Hand fabrication
- Soldering
- Shaping
- Polishing
- Stone setting
- Final finishing
This is where experience really matters.
Every bespoke engagement ring is personally made and finished by Tom McDanielson, rather than being passed between different departments or outsourced manufacturers.
A ring isn’t simply assembled.
Every stage influences the final result, from how securely the stone is held to how naturally the ring sits on the finger.
It’s these small details that often separate a handmade ring from a mass-produced one.
Step 5: Final Checks
Before any ring leaves my workshop, I personally check:
- Stone security
- Surface finish
- Ring size
- Overall balance
- Comfort
The goal isn’t simply to make the ring look beautiful on collection day.
It’s to create something you’ll still enjoy wearing every day, decades from now.
Can It Be Made Faster?
Sometimes.
If you already have a proposal date in mind, let me know as early as possible.
Simple designs can occasionally be completed more quickly, depending on current workload and gemstone availability.
The earlier we begin the process, the more choice you’ll have.
When Should You Start?
As a general guide:
- Planning to propose in two months? Now is a good time to get in touch.
- Planning to propose in three to six months? That’s ideal.
- Getting married next year? There’s plenty of time to create something special.
Leaving everything until the final few weeks usually limits gemstone choices and creates unnecessary pressure for everyone involved.
Why Bespoke Takes Time
A bespoke engagement ring isn’t taken from a display cabinet.
Every decision is made for one person.
The proportions.
The stone.
The fit.
The finish.
Those details can’t be rushed.
The extra time invested throughout the process allows the finished ring to feel considered, balanced and completely individual, rather than simply chosen from a standard collection.
Working Directly with the Maker
One of the advantages of choosing an independent jeweller is that you’ll work with the same person from beginning to end.
From our first conversation through to handing over the finished ring, you’ll deal directly with Tom McDanielson, founder and goldsmith at The Middle Green.
There are no sales teams, account managers or production departments. Just an honest conversation, thoughtful design and careful craftsmanship.
If you’re considering a bespoke engagement ring and would like to explore your ideas, I’d be delighted to help. Whether you already have a clear vision or are starting with a blank sheet of paper, together we can create a ring that’s designed around your story and made to last a lifetime.
About Tom McDanielson
Tom McDanielson is the founder and goldsmith behind The Middle Green, creating handmade bespoke engagement rings, wedding rings and heirloom jewellery from his Wiltshire workshop. Every commission is personally designed and made by Tom, combining traditional goldsmithing techniques with thoughtful, individual design to create jewellery that’s made to be worn for generations.
Rings
Symbolic rings in gold and silver, with or without gemstones. Crafted for daily wear, comfort and longevity
