ENGAGEMENT RING FAQs
helpful answers to your questions about engagement rings
Q: What is a bespoke engagement ring?
A: A bespoke engagement ring is one that is designed and made from scratch, specifically for you.
Unlike a ring bought from a jeweller's display, a bespoke ring does not exist until it is made.
Every aspect of the design — the shape, the setting, the metal, the stone — is decided by you, guided by a skilled goldsmith.
The result is a ring that is unique in the world, made to your exact requirements and to your budget.
Q: How do I commission a bespoke engagement ring from Aurum?
A: The process starts with a free design consultation at our showroom in Worthing.
You'll meet directly with one of our goldsmiths — not a sales assistant.
We'll ask you questions about your partner's taste, lifestyle, and any ideas you may have.
From there we'll sketch out some design possibilities, discuss stone options, and gather the information we need to calculate an accurate price.
There is no obligation at this stage.
Q: Do I need to have a design in mind before I come in?
A: Not at all. Many customers arrive with no clear idea of what they want, and that's absolutely fine.
It's our job to draw ideas out of you.
By asking the right questions about taste, lifestyle, and what your partner tends to wear, we'll gradually piece together a design that will be perfect for them.
If you do have ideas — a photo, a sketch, or even just a vague feeling — bring it along.
Screenshots from Google searches showing design features that appeal to you can be really useful.
Any starting point is helpful, so it's always worth doing a little research before your consultation.
Q: How long does it take to make a bespoke engagement ring?
A: A bespoke engagement ring typically takes 8 to 12 weeks to complete from the point at which the order is placed.
This can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the time required to source the right stone.
If you have a specific deadline — a proposal date, for example — please let us know as early as possible and we will do our best to accommodate it.
We recommend contacting us at least three months before you need the ring.
(Six months would be ideal.)
Q: How much does a bespoke engagement ring cost?
A: The price of a bespoke engagement ring is calculated individually, based on the cost of materials and the labour involved in making it.
The main factors are the metal chosen (platinum or gold), the weight of metal required (determined by the design), and the size and quality of the stone(s).
Because we are both the manufacturer and the retailer, you are not paying a middleman markup.
We will give you an accurate price during your consultation, once we have discussed the design and your requirements in detail.
A consultation is free and without obligation.
Q: Is a bespoke engagement ring more expensive than a high street ring?
A: Not necessarily. Many customers are surprised to find that a bespoke ring from Aurum is competitively priced compared with similar-looking rings from high street chains.
Because we make everything ourselves, in our own workshop, you pay for the materials and the craftsmanship — not for retail overheads or brand premiums.
We work to all budgets, and we will always be honest with you about what is achievable within yours.
Q: What metals do you work with?
A: We work primarily in platinum and 18ct gold (yellow, white, and rose). Platinum is our most popular choice for engagement rings. It is naturally white, extremely hard-wearing, and does not require rhodium plating. 18ct gold is a high-quality alloy with an attractive colour and good durability. We are happy to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each metal at your consultation, and to recommend the best option for your requirements and lifestyle.
Q: Can I choose my own diamond?
A: Yes — and we actively encourage it. We supply GIA certificated diamonds to your individual specification. Once we have agreed on a design, we will source a selection of stones that match your requirements in terms of size, shape, and quality, and present them to you so that you can make the final choice. GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification provides independent verification of a stone's quality and characteristics, giving you complete peace of mind.
Q: What is a GIA certificate?
A: A GIA certificate is an independent assessment of a diamond's quality, produced by the Gemological Institute of America — the world's most respected authority on diamonds. The certificate describes the stone's carat weight, cut, colour, and clarity (the four Cs), and confirms that the diamond is natural. We supply GIA certificated diamonds as standard, so you can be confident in the quality and value of your stone.
Q: Do you use lab-grown diamonds?
A: We can source lab-grown diamonds if that is your preference.
Lab-grown stones are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds, but are typically less expensive.
They are a popular choice for customers who are budget-conscious or who have ethical concerns about mined diamonds.
We are happy to discuss both options at your consultation and help you decide which is right for you.
Q: Can I use a stone I already own?
A: Yes. If you have an existing stone — perhaps a family heirloom — we can design an engagement ring around it.
Bring it along to your consultation and we'll take a look at it, discuss design possibilities, and advise on the best way to set it.
This is a wonderful way to create a ring with personal significance.
Q: Can I propose with a temporary ring and design the real one together afterwards?
A: Many customers do exactly this. If you would like to keep the design as a surprise but want to involve your partner in the process, you could propose first — perhaps with a simple placeholder ring — and then come in together to design the bespoke ring at your leisure.
Alternatively, some customers prefer to bring their partner along from the start.
We are experienced at handling both approaches, and whichever you prefer, we'll make the experience enjoyable.
Q: How do I keep the ring a surprise if I need to know my partner's ring size?
A: Ring size is something we can work around.
There are various ways to get an approximate size without arousing suspicion — borrowing a ring they already wear on the relevant finger, for example.
We can always adjust the size of the ring after the proposal if needed.
Resizing is straightforward for most designs, and we would rather you came to us early and got the process started than worried too much about getting the size exactly right at the outset.
Q: Can the engagement ring be resized later?
A: In most cases, yes. We always aim to make the ring in the correct size from the outset, but if an adjustment is needed after the proposal, we can usually resize it.
The ease of resizing depends on the design — rings with diamonds set all the way around, for example, are more complex to alter.
We'll advise you on this when we discuss the design.
Q: Do you make engagement rings for same-sex couples?
A: Absolutely. We make engagement rings for everyone, and we are equally happy designing rings for same-sex couples, non-binary customers, or anyone who simply wants a ring that is personal to them.
We have no fixed ideas about who should wear what — our job is to create the ring that is right for you.
Q: Will my engagement ring come with a warranty or guarantee?
A: We stand behind the quality of everything we make. If there is ever a manufacturing fault with one of our rings, we will put it right.
We also recommend having your ring professionally checked and cleaned periodically to ensure that any stones remain secure and the ring stays in good condition.
We are always happy to take a look at a ring we have made for you.
Q: Do you hallmark your engagement rings?
A: Yes — all our jewellery is assayed and hallmarked at the London Assay Office, as required by law.
A hallmark is your guarantee that the metal is exactly what we say it is.
Q: Should I think about the wedding ring at the same time?
A: It is worth bearing in mind, yes.
Many engagement rings do not fit with a straight wedding ring, and require a "fitted "wedding ring to sit alongside it.
If you prefer the idea of a traditional straight wedding ring, we'll design your engagement ring with this in mind.
If you would like a fitted (shaped) wedding ring to sit alongside the engagement ring, it is helpful to design both rings together, or at least to keep the wedding ring in mind when finalising the engagement ring design.
This ensures that the two rings will sit together perfectly.
We specialise in creating bespoke wedding rings as well, and most of our customers return to us when the time comes.
Q: Can I visit you if I don't live near Worthing?
A: Yes, and many of our customers do exactly that.
We have clients from across the UK and beyond, and customers regularly travel to Worthing for their consultation.
We are located in the centre of Worthing, West Sussex, which is easily accessible from Brighton, Chichester, Horsham, Crawley, Guildford, and London.
A single visit is usually sufficient to get the design process underway, and subsequent communication can often be handled by phone or email.
Q: Do you make engagement rings for men?
A: Yes! Although it is still much less usual for men to wear engagement rings, we have quite often been commissioned to create them.
