Recently, a client visited our London studio with a collection of saved Instagram posts and a sparkle in her eye. "I know exactly what I want," she declared, spreading out her phone to show various ring designs. But as we chatted over tea, something interesting emerged. The rings she'd saved were beautiful, but they didn't align with her active lifestyle, nor did they reflect the shared passion for modern art that had brought her and her partner together.
This conversation, like many we have in our studio, reminded me why asking the right questions before starting the bespoke journey is so crucial. Whether you're secretly planning to propose or openly discussing ring designs together, these reflections can transform a beautiful ring into something that truly tells your story.
Here are the 10 essential questions we love exploring with our clients, along with real examples of how they've shaped some of our favourite designs:
1. What's your budget?
Last month, a gentleman came to us convinced that a bespoke ring would be out of his reach. We ended up creating a stunning piece that honoured his budget by focusing on an unexpected element - a unique setting inspired by the Art Deco cinema where he and his partner had their first date. Remember, bespoke doesn't always mean expensive. The value lies in the thoughtfulness of the design, not just the price tag.
2. What's your timeline?
A story that still makes us smile is of the client who came to us wanting a Christmas proposal, having just learned about our October 1st deadline... in late November! We worked together to find a creative solution - a thoughtful proposal with a symbolic temporary ring, followed by the collaborative design of their dream ring. Creating a bespoke piece typically takes 9-12 weeks, and yes, that October 1st deadline for Christmas proposals is very real!
3. What's your lifestyle like?
One of our favourite recent designs was for a farmer. Together, we created a low-profile setting that wouldn't catch on equipment but incorporated subtle knife edge band detailing - beautiful and practical. Your ring should feel as natural as your lifestyle, whether you're in surgical gloves or scaling mountains.
4. What's your personal style?
"I love how it looks in photos, but would I love wearing it every day?" This question from a recent client led to a fascinating discussion about personal style. Her Instagram saves were full of ornate, whopping diamond rings, but her own style was minimalist and architectural. We ended up designing something that bridged both worlds - clean lines with subtle details.
5. Are there any family heirlooms to incorporate?
Just last week, we worked with a couple who brought in his grandmother's ring. While the vintage setting wasn't quite right for them, we were able to reuse the diamond in a modern design that honoured family history while celebrating their future. It's about finding that perfect balance between old and new.
6. What kind of statement do you want to make?
A client recently told us, "I want my ring to remind me of my strength, not just my love story." We created a bold asymmetrical design that reflected both her successful career in architecture and the beautiful partnership she'd built. Your ring can say so much more than "I'm engaged."
7. How important is ethical sourcing to you?
More and more couples are making sustainability a cornerstone of their ring design. Using recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones isn't just about responsibility - it adds another layer of meaning to your piece.
8. Do you have specific design elements in mind?
One of our most unique recent creations featured the colours of the North Sea reflected the coastline where the couple live. Sometimes the most specific ideas lead to the most extraordinary rings.
9. What's the story behind your relationship?
A couple recently shared how they met at a train station. We took inspiration from architecture of the victorian building into their ring - a detail only they would know about. These personal narratives often inspire the most meaningful designs.
10. How involved do you want to be in the design process?
Some clients sketch their ideas out during our first meeting; others prefer to be guided by our expertise. There's no right answer - it's about finding your comfort zone in the creative process.
Bonus: Have you considered your wedding band?
One of our smartest clients insisted on designing both rings together - which allowed us to create a perfectly interlocking set that told different parts of their story. While the engagement ring captured their past, the wedding band was designed to represent their future.
Reflecting on these questions isn't just practical - it's part of the joy of creating something truly personal. The ring should be practical, personal, and perfectly her.
Ready to start your own bespoke journey? Let's explore these questions together in a consultation. And remember - if you're dreaming of a Christmas proposal, that October 1st deadline will be here before you know it!