Commissioning an engagement ring is one of the most personal purchases you’ll ever make, yet London’s jewellery quarter can feel overwhelming at first glance. This guide cuts through the shopfront sparkle, spotlighting a carefully judged top-twelve of the capital’s finest bespoke workshops—places where your ideas, budget and love story shape the ring from sketch to hallmark.

We start by clarifying what “bespoke” actually involves—designing from scratch or tailoring an existing concept until every millimetre feels right—and why Hatton Garden still attracts couples nationwide as the UK’s beating heart of custom jewellery. Next comes the ranked list, each jeweller profiled for style, ethics, pricing and aftercare. Practical sections then cover how to brief a designer, smart ways to stretch your budget, and quick-fire FAQs, leaving you confident, informed and ready to book those first consultations.

1. A Star Diamonds – Family-Run Hatton Garden Experts

Topping our list of jewellers creating the finest bespoke engagement rings London has to offer, A Star Diamonds combines three generations of know-how with warm, no-pressure service in their Hatton Garden studio.

Why they deserve the top spot

Family ownership means you deal directly with designers, goldsmiths and GIA-trained gemologists under one roof. Clients choose between ethically mined stones or 100 % conflict-free lab-grown diamonds, and every ring comes with free engraving plus lifetime cleaning, polishing and resizing.

Signature design style & materials

Expect classic British elegance with modern twists—think hidden halos, slim diamond bands and mixed-metal accents—crafted in recycled 18 ct gold or platinum. Coloured sapphires, emeralds and other gems are available on request.

Bespoke process & pricing snapshot

A complimentary in-person or virtual consultation leads to CAD renders and optional 3-D wax models. Turnaround averages 3–6 weeks, with simple solitaire designs starting around £2,000–£2,500 for a 0.5 ct lab-grown centre stone.

Perfect for

Couples who want boutique-level attention, transparent ethics and British craftsmanship without Bond Street mark-ups.

2. Queensmith – Award-Winning Workshop & Lifetime Care

Queensmith marries award-winning craftsmanship with slick digital tools, making it one of the most approachable places in Hatton Garden to commission a custom ring. Founded in 2016, the studio is refreshingly transparent on cost.

At-a-glance profile

Their on-site workshop and showroom have scooped multiple UK Jewellery Awards, while the team of gemologists designs everything in-house.

Highlights to mention

• Lifetime warranty and free annual servicing
• 0 % finance options on bespoke orders
• 360° diamond videos for transparent selection
• Live pricing tool updates cost as you tweak

Ideal client

Great for data-driven shoppers who want numbers and craftsmanship in equal measure.

3. Rachel Boston – Avant-Garde Designs for Modern Couples

Shoreditch jeweller Rachel Boston specialises in engagement rings that blur the line between sculpture and jewellery, perfect for couples who want a piece that feels unmistakably modern yet timelessly crafted.

Design DNA

Think clean architectural lines, knife-edge bands and unexpected negative space. Matte and high-polish finishes play off each other, while fancy-cut or salt-and-pepper diamonds lend attitude. Art-deco references surface in stepped baguette halos, but always with a minimalist twist that keeps the ring feeling fresh rather than vintage.

Bespoke experience

Boston begins with a collaborative mood-board session (Pinterest links encouraged) before moving to hand sketches and CAD renders. Recycled 18 ct gold is the default, and every centre stone—diamond, sapphire or tourmaline—is traceable. Expect two design revisions included, a 50 % deposit on approval, and a six-to-eight-week lead time from wax model to finished ring.

4. Blackacre – Sustainability-Driven B Corp Jewellers

Blackacre shows sustainability needn’t mean compromise. Working from a discreet Mayfair atelier, it became London’s first bespoke jeweller to secure B Corp certification—an independent stamp that its people, planet and profit practices meet rigorous standards.

What sets them apart

• Carbon-neutral workshops and conflict-free, fully traceable diamonds
• Publishes transparent impact reports and plants a tree per ring

Key services

• Blank-page bespoke or quicker ‘Reservoir’ semi-custom designs ready in 4–6 weeks
• Virtual consultations and insured global shipping for long-distance clients

5. Maya Magal – Handcrafted Rings with Colour & Character

Islington-based jeweller Maya Magal has earned cult status for engagement rings that feel effortless yet unmistakably individual. Each piece is handmade in small batches, letting coloured gemstones and tactile finishes shine where mass-produced sparkle can’t.

Creative focus

• One-of-a-kind clusters featuring teal sapphires, salt-and-pepper diamonds, or dreamy moss agates
• Organic, slightly irregular bands cast from recycled 18 ct gold
• Mix-and-match stacking silhouettes for future anniversary upgrades

Buyer note

Prices start around £1,500 for a petite sapphire solitaire and climb to £4,000+ for multi-stone creations—perfect for couples who crave colour without breaking the bank.

6. The Cut London – Curated Collective of Independent Designers

Part showroom and part matchmaking service, The Cut London reimagines how to source bespoke engagement rings in London. Founder Kate Baxter vets 30+ independent designers and sends you a curated shortlist that matches style, ethics and spend.

How it works

• Complete a brief online form; receive designer matches, guide pricing and an estimated timeline.
• Meet favourites virtually or in-person; once chosen, the designer runs the usual bespoke process.

Great for

• Couples who want design-led rings without cold-calling dozens of studios.

7. Simon Wright Jewellery – Master Goldsmith Craft

Simon Wright trained at the Royal College of Art before opening his Clerkenwell atelier, where casting, stone-setting and polishing all happen on site. Private, by-appointment consultations put you at the bench with the master himself, sketching ideas and seeing wax models evolve in real time.

End-to-end control means even complex designs can be proposal-ready in four to six weeks, with photo updates landing in your inbox as each stage is completed.

Signature touches

Sweeping sculptural settings, mixed-metal contrasts, and expert reuse of heirloom stones.

8. Michelle Oh – Organic, Alternative Aesthetic

Carved wax casts, hand-textured finishes and playful asymmetry give Michelle Oh’s pieces a “found in nature” vibe that still feels refined enough for a black-tie proposal. The west London studio favours mixed fancy-cut diamonds—pear, kite, shield—often clustered with coloured sapphires for an off-beat sparkle. Because every ring is carved and set by Michelle herself, she caps bespoke commissions at around a dozen per quarter; plan at least three months ahead if you want in.

Perfect for couples who prefer wildflower gardens over manicured lawns.

9. Boodles – Heritage British Luxury House

Founded in Liverpool in 1798 and now anchored on New Bond Street, Boodles embodies the classic British luxury house, mixing family stewardship with exceptional gem sourcing for bespoke engagement rings London clients covet.

Brand heritage

Still family-owned after two centuries, the jeweller counts royalty among its patrons and sponsors marquee events such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Bespoke offering

Private appointments take place in a dedicated design salon where archival sketches help you refine the brief. Expect six-month lead times, hand-picked D–F colour diamonds and pricing that generally begins around £15,000. Ideal for collectors who want museum-grade sparkle wrapped in five-star service.

10. De Beers Jewellers, Old Bond Street – Global Diamond Authority

Step inside the Old Bond Street salon and you’re greeted by the name that practically wrote the modern diamond rulebook. Every De Beers centre stone carries a microscopic ‘Code of Origin’ inscription linking it to a specific mine and community investment scheme, so provenance is never in doubt.

Their top-tier bespoke programme, the “Imaginary Set”, opens the vault on neon pinks, vivid blues and museum-grade Type IIa whites normally reserved for auctions. Designers sketch around the exact gem you choose, then London setters craft the piece to haute-joaillerie standards.

• Ultra-luxury pricing: expect bespoke projects to start around £25,000 and rise steeply for rare colours
• Typical timeline 12–24 weeks, with private viewings by appointment only

Perfect for collectors who want unrivalled diamond pedigree and Bond Street glamour in one discreet package.

11. Hancocks London – Antique & Vintage-Inspired Bespoke

Founded in 1849 and still run by the Hancock family, this New Bond Street atelier specialises in reviving heirloom sparkle for modern proposals. The team sources old-mine and old-European cut diamonds—those soft-facet stones you see in Georgian and Victorian pieces—and reimagines them in robust mounts that survive daily wear without losing period charm.

• In-house archive of reference sketches spanning Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras
• Choice of responsibly reclaimed stones or clients’ own family gems
• Hand-engraved milgrain, filigree and hand-cut calibre sapphires available for true vintage detailing

Ideal for history lovers who want the romance of an antique with the peace-of-mind warranty of a freshly made ring.

12. Regal Hatton Garden – Value-Focused Bespoke Specialists

Regal Hatton Garden shows that bespoke needn’t break the bank. From a no-frills Greville Street studio they liaise directly with local workshops, shaving overheads and keeping quotes refreshingly low.

Key selling points

• Itemised quotes in 24 h plus written price-match guarantee
• Large stock of GIA diamonds ready to view & set
• Free CAD visuals with unlimited tweaks before casting

Turnaround & aftercare

Most rings are finished in two to four weeks. A one-off £150 aftercare bundle covers annual polishing, claw checks and a resize—still cheaper than the “free” perks quietly folded into higher prices elsewhere.

13. Key Factors to Compare When Picking Your Bespoke Jeweller

With choice comes homework. Before you leave a deposit, weigh up each contender on measurable criteria instead of glossy window displays. The four checkpoints below help you cut through sales chat and zero-in on the workshop that best matches your values, budget and timeline.

Credentials & accreditation

A licence to dazzle is nothing without proof of competence. Look for:

• NAJ or Goldsmiths’ Company membership (guarantees UK hallmarking standards)
• RJC or B Corp certification for ethical oversight
• GIA/IGI-trained gemologists in-house for stone grading
• Public liability and specialised jewellers’ insurance covering your piece in production

Design process transparency

You should know exactly what you’re paying for and when. Ask:

1. Will I receive CAD renders, 3-D prints or both?
2. How many revisions are included before extra fees kick in?
3. Can I see bench photos or visit the workshop mid-build?
   Clear answers protect you from surprise charges or creative misunderstandings.

Ethical and sustainability considerations

Modern couples increasingly prioritise traceability. Compare:

• Source disclosure: mine of origin or lab certificate provided?
• Metal policy: recycled gold as default or up-charge?
• Environmental initiatives: carbon-neutral production, charity partnerships, repair schemes.
  These points separate marketing buzzwords from genuine stewardship.

Budget alignment & payment options

Bespoke engagement rings London studios quote anywhere from £1,500 to six figures. Clarify:

• Itemised pricing for stone, metal, labour and VAT
• Deposit size (30–50 %) and staged balance payments
• 0 % finance or credit checks required
• Extras: engraving, resizing and valuations—are they free or fee-based?
  Knowing the full financial picture keeps romance and spreadsheets happily aligned.

14. Step-by-Step Guide to Commissioning a Custom Engagement Ring in London

Commissioning a bespoke engagement ring in London isn’t a mysterious rite known only to jewellers; it follows a straightforward, five-step rhythm. Start early, keep communication open and you’ll glide from first sketch to proposal-ready box with minimal stress.

Step 1: Define style & budget

Browse Pinterest boards, Instagram saves and your partner’s existing jewellery to spot recurring shapes and metals. Instead of a pin-point figure, decide a comfortable budget band (e.g., £3–£4 k) to help jewellers propose realistic options.

Step 2: Shortlist & book consultations

Aim to book initial consultations at least three to four months before the date you hope to propose. Shortlist two or three ateliers, bring reference images and a list of must-ask questions about process, ethics and cost.

Step 3: Select centre stone & metal

With your designer, compare natural versus lab-grown stones, run through the 4 Cs quickly, then try loose diamonds under neutral light. Pick a metal—18 ct yellow, rose, white gold or platinum—balancing colour preference against durability and future maintenance.

Step 4: Approve design & pay deposit

Once the CAD render feels perfect, expect to pay a 30–50 % deposit and sign off the spec sheet. Get the lead time, after-care promises and insurance valuation in writing so everyone’s expectations align.

Step 5: Receive updates & final fitting

Your jeweller should send progress photos or invite you in to view the wax model. At the final fitting, check the UK hallmark, diamond certificate and ring size before walking out with that all-important little box.

15. Expert Tips to Maximise Your Budget without Compromising Brilliance

Even in the spendy orbit of bespoke engagement rings London couples can stretch every pound by making a few smart, gem-dealer-approved moves. Keep these five tactics in mind when you sit down with your designer.

1. Skirt the “magic” carat weights

Diamond prices jump at numbers buyers instinctively chase—0.50 ct, 1.00 ct, 1.50 ct. Choose a 0.90 ct instead of a full carat and you’ll often save 10–15 % for a stone that looks barely smaller once set.

2. Put cut first, ease up on colour & clarity

A superb cut unlocks sparkle that hides minor tint or inclusions. Aim for Excellent/Ideal cut, then drop to G–H colour and VS2–SI1 clarity for the best price-to-brilliance ratio.

Parameter	Ideal Range (Round Brilliant)
Table %	54 – 57 %
Total Depth %	59 – 62.5 %
Crown Angle	34 – 35°
Pavilion Angle	40.6 – 41°
Girdle Thickness	Thin–Medium

3. Play with halos or clusters

A slim halo of melee diamonds can make a 0.70 ct centre appear close to 1 ct on the finger for a fraction of the cost. Ditto vintage-style clusters that use smaller, cheaper stones for big visual impact.

4. Compare lab-grown & coloured gems

Lab diamonds run roughly 40–60 % less than mined equivalents and are chemically identical. Fancy sapphires, tourmalines or moissanite give even bigger savings plus distinctive hues. Confirm your insurer covers the stone type before buying.

5. Time your purchase

Jewellers’ quiet months—January to March and August—often mean quicker turnarounds and the odd complimentary upgrade (engraving, rush casting). Lock in quotes early to dodge any precious-metal price hikes.

16. Bespoke Engagement Ring FAQs

Still got a few niggling queries before you book that consultation? The quick answers below cover the questions London jewellers hear most often.

How long does a bespoke ring take in London?

Four to eight weeks is the norm once the deposit is paid. Add time for rare stones, intricate hand-engraving or Hallmarking delays around Christmas. Ultra-complex, high-jewellery pieces can stretch to three months or more.

Is Hatton Garden cheaper than Bond Street?

Yes—lower rents and workshop-direct pricing mean Hatton Garden often undercuts Bond Street by 15–30 %. You’re paying for craft, not marble floors and marketing.

Can I insure the ring before it’s finished?

Most jewellers’ in-house policies cover your stone in production. If you want your own policy, ask for a pro-forma valuation once the design is locked; specialist insurers will add the item to your cover immediately.

What if my partner doesn’t like the design?

Reputable jewellers build revision wiggle-room into the process. Minor tweaks and one resize are usually free; full redesigns may incur extra metal and labour costs. Cooling-off periods vary, so get them in writing.

Do jewellers offer payment plans?

Many Hatton Garden studios and luxury houses offer 0 % finance over 6–24 months, or staged deposits linked to production milestones. Expect a soft credit check and a minimum 10 % upfront.

Wrapping Up Your Ring Journey

London truly spoils you for choice. Whether you’re drawn to the warm, family-run service of Hatton Garden stalwarts like A Star Diamonds, the slick tech tools of Queensmith, or the haute-joaillerie sparkle of Bond Street icons, there’s a workshop that speaks to your taste, ethics and budget. Use the comparison checklist, follow the step-by-step timeline and deploy the money-saving tips above, and you’ll commission a ring that feels every bit as unique as the proposal story it will star in.

Ready to turn inspiration into sketches? Book a complimentary consultation with the team at A Star Diamonds and start shaping a bespoke engagement ring London will be proud to call its own.