Commissioning a bespoke engagement ring is one of the most personal purchases you'll ever make — and understandably, one of the first questions people ask us is about cost.
The honest answer is that it varies, but it's often more accessible than people expect.
This guide explains what drives the price, what you can typically expect to spend, and why bespoke can represent better value than buying off the shelf.
What determines the price of any engagement ring?
Whether you buy from a high street jeweller or commission a handmade ring from a bespoke maker like Aurum, the price comes down to two things: materials and labour.
Materials means the precious metal — platinum, 18ct gold, or a combination of the two — and any gemstones, most importantly the diamond. Diamond prices are set by global markets, so the stone itself will cost roughly the same wherever you buy it. The weight of metal used will depend on the design.
Labour is where bespoke jewellery is often misunderstood. Handmade rings are more labour-intensive than mass-produced rings cast in moulds — but because bespoke jewellers like Aurum are both the manufacturer and the retailer, there is no wholesale markup and no retail margin added by a third party. That additional craft cost is very often offset by cutting out the retail middleman entirely. In many cases, a handmade engagement ring costs no more than a comparable piece from a high street chain — and is made specifically for you.
What about the diamond?
The diamond is typically the most significant cost in any engagement ring, so it's worth understanding how diamonds are priced and graded.
All diamonds we source for our clients are GIA certificated — meaning they come with independent verification of the four internationally recognised quality criteria: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat weight. This gives you complete confidence in exactly what you're buying.
During a consultation we'll discuss your priorities and help you find the right balance. Most people find that the choice between a slightly larger stone of slightly lower quality, or a smaller but higher-quality stone, comes down to personal preference and budget. There's no single right answer — only the right answer for you.
Typical price ranges
Because every ring is designed to the customer's brief — and budget — there's no fixed price list. As a guide:
- A bespoke platinum solitaire engagement ring with a modestly sized, GIA certified diamond typically starts at around £2,000
- Many customers spend between £3,000 and £6,000 for a more elaborate design or a larger stone
- There is no upper limit — some commissions are significantly higher, depending on the diamond specification and complexity of the design
We always design within your stated budget. Once we have a clear picture of your ideal ring, we calculate the approximate cost of metal and labour, which tells us how much of the total budget is available for the diamond — and from there we can show you what's possible at different size and quality combinations.
Why commission a bespoke engagement ring?
Beyond the price, there are reasons many people choose to commission rather than buy ready-made:
- It's made for her, not for stock. Every detail — the profile of the band, the height of the setting, the exact proportions — is designed around the person who will wear it.
- You're involved in the process. Many of our clients tell us the making of the ring becomes part of the story of the proposal.
- No compromise. Rather than choosing the closest thing on a shelf, you get exactly what you had in mind.
Book a free consultation
The best way to get an accurate sense of what your ring will cost — and what's possible within your budget — is to speak with us.
Call us on 01903 207944 or book a free consultation online.
There's no obligation, and no pressure — just an honest conversation about what you have in mind.
How long does a bespoke engagement ring take to make?
Most commissions at our West Sussex workshop take between two and three months from final design approval to completion.
If you have a deadline — a trip, a special date — let us know at the outset and we'll work to it.
Do I need to know exactly what I want before getting in touch?
Not at all! - Most people come to us with a general idea — or just a sense of what they like and don't like. That's what the consultation is for.
Can I use my own stone, or a family diamond?
Yes. We regularly work with stones that clients bring to us, including inherited diamonds and family pieces being reset. We'll assess the stone and discuss what settings and designs would suit it best.
Is there any obligation after a consultation?
None whatsoever.
A design consultation free, informal and completely without obligation or pressure.
The purpose is for us to find out the exact specifications of what you would like, so that we can then calculate prices for you.
