Bespoke Engagement Rings Guide
Bear Brooksbank’s Guide To Bespoke Engagement Rings
Bespoke engagement rings are more than just a piece of jewellery; they are, in many ways, a symbol of love. It not only speaks to the life shared together until the point of engagement, but also of hope and a promise to spend the rest of your life together. It’s with these sentiments in mind that it becomes clear why engagement rings, along with wedding bands, hold such an elevated space in society today.
We understand the cultural significance that engagement rings hold and how this symbolic gesture of eternal love has elevated the engagement ring above other categories of jewellery. That’s why we offer a bespoke service, in which we look to leverage our experience and design talent to help create a ring that is as unique as your love story. Our process incorporates constant communication and consultation to ensure that your thoughts and ideas are intricately worked into the final design, making sure that your ring fits your tastes.
In this article, we want to emphasise our love and passion for creating truly bespoke engagement rings by investigating several different elements of the industry. We start by providing a brief historical context to both the engagement ring and British design traditions. We then turn our attention to the engagement ring industry in London today and highlight our own part in the city’s thriving sector. We also take you through our services and processes, highlighting what makes us special, even in a crowded market. Finally, we’ll look to address some of the more commonly asked questions that we receive.
Bear Brooksbank founded her London-based fine jewellery design studio in 2012. We hope that through this article, we not only enlighten you on the engagement ring industry but also inspire you when it comes to celebrating this incredible life moment with a unique piece from Bear Brooksbank.
Bespoke Engagement Rings UK
The United Kingdom has a long and proud tradition of jewellery crafting. You only need to see the Crown Jewels or hear the name Boodles to understand how the UK has established itself as a world leader in this industry. Bear Brooksbank is proud to be a part of this famed tradition. Below, we’ll provide you with some historical context surrounding the engagement ring.
We want to start by briefly highlighting some of the most significant historical moments with regard to the story of engagement rings, and then we’ll tie in how the United Kingdom has added to the tale, and how they have contributed to the image and ideas of the ring.
Brief History Of Engagement Rings
The tradition of providing a piece of jewellery as a symbol of a promise to a loved one has been around much longer than many imagine. As far back as human civilisation dates, so too does the ring. For instance, we know that the Ancient Egyptians, in approximately 3000 BCE, were already giving ring-like objects woven from reeds or hemp. To them, the ring signified the soul’s eternal nature.
However, at this early stage, we can’t be certain whether there was any further connotation to “love”. The earliest documented association between rings and the concept of “love” can be traced to ancient Greek society. The idea of giving rings as gifts had been adopted from the Egyptians by the Greeks. During this classical period, rings often depicted the figures of Eros and Cupid as figments of love and devotion. But it was only in the 2nd century, in which time Rome was the most dominant empire on earth, that we see rings being attached specifically to engagement practices.
We see this Roman tradition carried through to the European medieval ages, in which around 850 AD, Pope Nicholas I declared the ring a symbol of a man’s intention to marry a woman. From there, the engagement ring saw much development, as during the Renaissance, designs for engagement rings became more elaborate. But it would not be till the 15th century that we have the first documented case of a diamond engagement ring.
United Kingdom Design Heritage
In the introduction to this section, we alluded to the fact that the United Kingdom has a long and proud history surrounding the engagement ring. In many ways, this is an understatement. When we examine historical contributions to the ring and its story, there is a compelling argument to be made that, more than any other medieval European superpower, the UK was responsible for shaping our modern perception of what an engagement ring should be. Here’s why:
The earliest physical records we have of engagement rings appear in English legal records from the 12th century. Here, we note how betrothal rings were institutionalised as a formal part of the marriage agreement.
Although medieval British aristocracy may have been influenced by continental Europe’s addition of diamond engagement rings in 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria became engaged to Mary of Burgundy, it is the British aristocracy of today who have become highly influential to modern ring designs. Just consider the interest in sapphire and diamond cluster rings around the time that both Diana and Kate were engaged. As opposed to being given a Royal Heirloom piece, Diana opted for a ring from the famous Mayfair luxury jewellery brand, Garrard.
Even the idea of where we wear the ring (on the 4th finger of the left hand) was popularised by the UK. There was a long-held belief that the vena amoris, or the vein of love, was situated in this finger. However, it would not be until 1686 that British-born Henry Swinburne would help cement the connection between the ring and finger by introducing the concept of the vena amoris to the wider public.
Bespoke Engagement Rings London
Now that we have a better understanding of the history and tradition of the engagement ring, and the influence the United Kingdom has had on the concept, we look further inwards. Although both Scotland and Ireland have their own historical association with the engagement ring, we turn our attention to one of the most influential cities in modern history, London.
Not only is the city home to our own jeweller atelier, but it has also housed many talented and influential designers who have spent their lives helping develop the engagement rings industry in London. Here, we want to first start by looking at some of the modern design trends that were born in this city. Afterwards, we would also like to provide you with just some of the reasons why you may want to have your bespoke engagement rings designed here.
The Engagement Ring Industry In London
Of course, you would expect that in a storied city so filled with talented jewellery designers, there must be many modern design traditions connected to it. You would be correct. Although it is difficult to trace the exact origin point of some designs, London has indeed popularised many of the ring styles we see today. Let’s look at some of our favourites:
Chunky, weighted rings with their bold designs are often linked to famed designers. These rings are a fashionable combination of bold design choices and prioritising durability as part of their unique aesthetic.
Another strong tradition that in some ways characterises the London scene is the choice to have stones fitted into a rub-over setting (bezel) rather than the traditional claw frame. Here, the stone is framed by the metal and offers a modern design that is sleek while offering added security to the stone.
A trend that may not originate in London, but in modern times has been growing in the city, is the east-west setting. This diamond engagement ring design is characterised by an elongated oval-shaped diamond that sits horizontally, not vertically, on the finger. The centre stone is often accompanied by smaller stones to create an overall elaborate and unique statement piece. In London, the East-West setting is notably popular.
Why Come To London For Your Bespoke Engagement Rings
If the long history of the UK and engagement rings is not yet enough to entice you to head to London to design your own bespoke engagement ring, consider some of the following reasons:
Access to World-Class Craftsmanship:
One of the critical advantages that comes from doing something for a very long time is that, generally, your skills and processes make you a master of your craft. The same can be said for London’s jewellery market. Not only are you buying into the long history and tradition that is associated with rings from the city, but you are also accessing master craftsmen. London is truly home to some of the best in the world when it comes to ring design.
2. Exclusive Access to Rare Materials:
Because of the influence London has on the engagement ring market, the city’s jewellers are fortunate to have access to some of the rarest and most sought-after stones in the world. Therefore, if you are truly interested in creating something bespoke, having access to the materials housed in London is sure to elevate your engagement ring story.
3. A Destination Worthy of the Moment:
At Bear Brooksbank, we understand that an engagement is one of the most significant moments in anybody's life. One way to highlight this momentous occasion is to come to Bear Brooksbank’s East London Studio. You can book an appointment at our Shoreditch Showroom for a personal consultation. At the end of the process, you will not only leave with a truly unique ring, but also the unique experience of its creation, turning it into a milestone and an occasion all on its own.
Bespoke Engagement Rings Near Me
In this article, we have looked to truly celebrate both the United Kingdom and London, and their dominant influence on the history of the engagement ring. At Bear Brooksbank, we are proud to be part of such an illustrious tradition. Furthermore, we understand the privilege that comes with being able to operate and sell jewellery in this famous old city.
That’s why we endeavour to produce pieces worthy of being considered as part of “London’s Finest”. Our collection of ready-to-wear pieces and bespoke crafting services has ensured that we are able to serve our clients, whatever their needs may be. In this section, we want to celebrate unique bespoke engagement rings and are eager to show you how our process works. Let’s review our design process and where you fit into it.
Our Bespoke Service: A Step-by-Step Process
If you are looking for something truly unique, our bespoke engagement rings design process may be what you need. Here, we provide you with the opportunity to work with our experts to design something that perfectly represents you.
Step 1 - Consultation:
The very first step is to get you to sit down in a personal consultation session with our designers in our Shoreditch showroom. These are free, and we can even provide you with a Zoom or phone meeting if it works better for you.
Step 2 - Design:
After we have spoken to you, we start the process of bringing your dream ideas to life. During this step, we seek to fine-tune the ideas and directions you want to take and start to work on the tiny details. As part of our respect for tradition and heritage, we are also more than happy to work with your family heirlooms or stones. Please see our remodelling guide to find out more about this service.
Step 3 - CAD:
From here, we take the process digital using a system called CAD (computer-aided design). This provides you with an accurate 3D mock-up print of what your ring will look like. At this stage, we do require a 50% deposit to move forward.
Step 4 - Workshop:
Once you are happy with the design, we take the plans to the workshop where our expert craftsmen start the process of bringing your dream design to life. This process normally takes about four to eight weeks. The entire process, from start to finish, is normally completed in about 3 months.
Step 5 - The Finished Piece:
The most exciting bit comes right at the end, when we present you with your bespoke engagement rings. On collection, we make sure that you are 100% satisfied with your ring, and afterwards settle the remaining 50% of the fee. We also offer one free ring refit as part of the process, as we understand that it can sometimes be difficult to get the size perfect the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Bespoke Engagement Ring Cost?
When it comes to bespoke engagement rings, it can be difficult to provide an average price, as each piece is unique and prices fluctuate. However, what we can tell you is that each piece is priced on the types of precious metals, gemstones and ring size you require. So, if you would like a gold ring with a diamond, you may pay a very different price compared to a design that makes use of platinum and sapphires, for example.
What Is the 3-Month Rule For A Ring?
When it comes to costing out an engagement ring, there are many ways you can budget for it. One traditional way was the 3-month rule. This old rule suggests that you spend approximately the same amount as 3 months of your salary. By doing so, the idea was that you were making a significant financial gesture in order to show your commitment to the engagement process. The rule came into being as a result of De Beers marketing campaign. We, however, advise that you only spend what you are comfortable with.
How Much Does It Cost To Have A Custom Engagement Ring Made?
It’s often difficult to provide a clear overall pricing structure, even for custom bespoke engagement rings. Not only will the labour costs at different jewellers vary, but the precious metals, size and gems you decide to use will directly influence the price. However, a basic price framework can be estimated based on hypothetical rings.
For example, if you wanted a thinner band with only a few gemstones like diamonds, you could expect to pay about £1,250 to £1,800 for the diamond engagement ring, based on whether you use gold or platinum. You can find our flush set wedding ring here.
For a medium-range ring with more stones and more design details, you can expect to pay anything between £3,500 to £5,000. For high-end rings, though, there is no limit to what you can spend, with general prices ranging from £8,000 - £25,000.
What Is A Bespoke Engagement Ring?
In jeweller terminology, when we use the word bespoke, we reference the process by which a unique ring is crafted for the client rather than being chosen from a showroom floor. A bespoke ring is unique because it symbolises your design ideas and tells a story of who you are as a person.
Is Bespoke Jewellery Expensive?
Bespoke engagement rings are not necessarily more or less expensive than ready-to-wear rings, but rather reflect the idea that the ring is made from scratch. Because you have the ability to choose the gemstones and precious metals that you prefer, you can more easily influence the price.
Luxury Jewellery From Bear Brooksbank
At Bear Brooksbank, we believe your engagement ring should be more than just beautiful; it should be meaningful to you and your partner. Whether you’re looking for ready-to-wear diamond rings or need a bespoke engagement ring, we can help you find what you need. Get in touch today to learn more or to book an appointment to visit our Shoreditch Showroom.