You know in your heart that, you want to propose but you don’t want to propose with any old ring that you can find on the high street, you want a ring that shows that you “get them” - their style, their personality, their vibe.
You want to show how special they are to you by the thought, love, and attention you have given to the ring that symbolises this new chapter in your relationship.
Now that is a daunting task, especially when you take into consideration the endless possibilities.
To simplify the process, I have mapped out the two paths you can take.
PATH 1
BESPOKE WE START FROM SCRATCH
We start the design process together. I will talk to you about your ideas and explore what references you might like to add to your design. Perhaps an art deco piece of furniture you love or a detail of where you first met. The possibilities are endless.
The starting price for a bespoke ring is £1995. This option allows for a more intricate and personalised creation. We will spend time and thought designing and creating a ring completely unique to you as a couple.
Whether you have a clear vision or need help getting started I will collaborate with you to a create a one-of-a-kind piece which echoes you as a couple.
We’ll provide practical guidance every step of the way, ensuring that what we create together will be loved for years to come.
PATH 2
CUSTOM WE MAKE AN EXISTING DESIGN YOURS
We start the process using one of the designs from an existing collection.
The starting price for a custom ring is £995. This option allows for a unique touch at an accessible price.
You will give the chosen design your own personal touch by selecting your stone, metal colour, size, and modifying the design to create a piece that is uniquely yours.
I will provide practical guidance every step of the way ensuring that your piece feels “perfect” for you as a couple today, tomorrow, and for the years to come.
DESIGN PROCESS OVERVIEW
RELAXED & STRAIGHT FORWARD FROM START TO FINISH
STEP 1
INITIAL CONSULT
Book a free consultation with me, Aishleen Lester, either online or in the workshop.
We will find out more about you and your ideas so far. We will discuss design inspiration, budget, and timescales for a clear design brief. You will receive an overview of the process, this is also the perfect time to raise any new questions.
After the consultation I will send you a recap of our conversation, including which design pathway we will go down, the design brief, and estimated costs.
STEP 2
DESIGN and STONE SELECTION
The next step will expand on the design brief to agree upon the vision for your piece. I will arrange to show you a selection of stones appropriate to your design brief and vision, this can either happen in person or online. Choosing options remotely is now made easier with gem certificates, photos, and videos which I can send via your preferred form of communication.
Once your stone and favourite design have been decided upon we will develop the idea further.
STEP 3
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Having agreed on the budget, the direction of the design, and the stone, you will be invoiced for 50% of the total price.
Your design will be developed in collaboration with a Computer Aided Design (CAD) specialist. Unlimited revisions can be made until we achieve a result which is a design that you love.
An example of a CAD design for one of my previous clients.
STEP 4
CRAFTING AND DELIVERY
It takes 6-8 weeks to craft your custom piece. It will take a little longer if you have chosen the bespoke or blank canvas design pathway.
Need it sooner? Let us know and we will endeavour to accommodate a tighter deadline.
When your ring is ready you can either collect it from our workshop or opt for discreet, secure delivery to a designated address.
A labgrown diamond solitaire in a customised ring design
GET STARTED
Whether you are just starting out or have done all the research, I AM here to help
Yes, if it exists I can source it. Over the years I have built up a wide network of gem dealers who trade in responsibly sourced stones.
Generally, no. Different gemstones have different hardnesses which determines if they are suitable for specific types of jewellery. For example, opals are too soft for engagement rings but hard enough for a pendant or earrings.
Under a microscope they look the same as natural diamonds, they have the same qualities of hardness, brilliance, etc. However natural diamonds are mined from the earth whereas lab-grown are grown in a laboratory. Lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than their counterparts, which means you can buy a larger stone at a better quality for your budget.
Custom designs take between 6-8 weeks. Bespoke designs will take longer, the additional time will depend upon the complexity of the bespoke design.
I work with 14K and 18K gold and platinum. These metals are hard and do not oxidise, which means they can withstand the test of time. They are the perfect choice for precious pieces you would like to hand down to the next generation.
I offer bespoke and custom options, the main difference between the two is time. Bespoke designs start completely from scratch whereas in custom design we start with a design from the collection and make it yours by choosing your stone, metal colour, and band shape.
Yes, I love bringing a new lease of life into a piece of jewellery which is no longer worn. However, as mentioned above, different gemstones have different hardnesses which determines if they are suitable for specific types of jewellery. Beyond that limit I would relish the chance to create something special for the everyday (rather than have it locked away).
I see creating your custom or bespoke jewel as a collaboration. I love hearing your ideas and working with you to bring them to life. However, I also know that some people prefer to be less involved. You can have as much or as little input as you would like.
I try to facilitate as wide a range of budgets as possible, working hard to source a stone that fits within your price point. However, due to the cost of materials and craftsmanship, the starting price for custom rings is upwards of £1,000. Once we have had our initial consultation, I will be able to give you a better estimate for your specific project.
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"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different."
COCO CHANEL
"Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly"
saint francis de sales
"Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Choose quality over quantity."
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
"It is your duty in life to save your dream"
amedeo modigliani
"The creative process is mysterious; a conversation, a ride in the car or a melody can trigger something."
ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ INARRITU
Le Ster
The Goldsmiths Centre 42 Britton Street London EC1M 5AD
