Bespoke Christmas Jewellery, Proposal Tips & Ring Guide
- Lee Molseed
- Nov 7
- 12 min read
Edition date: 24 October 2025
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Planning a Christmas Proposal? Read This First 💍
We know, we know... It might feel a little early to talk Christmas when pumpkins are still in the window. But in our world of handmade commissions, early planning makes the magic possible. Bespoke Christmas jewellery and engagement rings for that special proposal take time to design, craft, hallmark, and perfect — and we’d rather have your ideas sparkling on time than rushing to polish on Christmas Eve.
So, while the rest of the world unwraps its advent calendars, we’re unwrapping design sketches.
💡 The Proposal Playbook: Everything you need to know about getting the proposal right!
You’ve got the ring (or plan to get one). Now comes the moment.
🧭 How to plan a perfect proposal
We're not sure there is such a thing as the perfect proposal because everyone is different. Think about your partner’s personality - introvert or spotlight-lover? Choose meaning over spectacle. Plan the how, where, and when so it feels effortless, and perfect for you.
💬 From our bench to your big moment: The best proposals aren’t the grandest - they’re the ones that feel like you.
🕊️ Private vs Public
Public proposals can be thrilling - but only if your partner genuinely enjoys attention. For most, intimate beats Instagram every time.
🪶 Rule of thumb: If you’re not sure whether they’d love a public proposal... they probably wouldn’t.
🦵 Which knee goes down (and does it matter?)
Traditionally, the left knee touches the ground, but love has no rulebook. Comfort beats convention. Honestly, you don't even need to get down on one knee to make your proposal, but it does help your partner realise what's happening!
🗣️ What to say while proposing
Prepare a few heartfelt lines — you don’t need poetry nor a lengthy script, just sincerity.
Place – recall a shared memory
Prep – express gratitude
Personal – speak from the heart
Pause – let the moment breathe
💬 Pro tip: Nerves are good. They mean you care. Authentic words always land best.
🕰️ Timing & location
Pick somewhere meaningful — not necessarily grand.
Avoid noisy or crowded spots unless they suit your story.
Even a quiet living-room proposal can become legend.
Preparing to propose in a romantic spot meaningful to the couple: https://www.westcountrygoldsmiths.com/contact
💍 Ring logistics: the practical bits no one tells you
🕵️ How to secretly find out the ring size (A few tried-and-tested tricks from the bench):
Borrow a ring your partner wears on the correct hand and finger (usually the left ring finger). Don’t just grab any ring - fingers vary more than you’d think!
Trace or measure the inside diameter with a pencil, or use a printable ring-sizer or ring-sizing app for reference.
Ask a friend or relative who might know - or who can “accidentally” get them to try on rings while out shopping.
When in doubt, size up slightly. It’s easier (and safer) to resize down than up.
Average ring sizes: most women’s rings fall between K and N; men’s between R and T. But there’s plenty of variation, so use that only as a rough guide.
Consider finger shape and build. Slim, tapering fingers often need smaller sizes; broader knuckles might require a looser fit so the ring slides over comfortably.
Hand temperature really does matter. Fingers can fluctuate up to two or three sizes during the day depending on temperature, salt intake, or activity — so avoid checking just after exercise or when it’s very cold.
💡 Bonus tip: Whilst there are stories out there of trying rings on a partner whilst they are asleep, these don't normally end well, and the secret is out before you've even planned your words.
💎 Should you propose with the real ring or a stand-in?
If you’re confident on size and style, the real ring creates the wow moment straight away. If not, a temporary “proposal ring” or placeholder band is completely acceptable — it lets your partner be part of choosing the forever ring together. Many bespoke clients prefer this route so the finished piece feels truly joint.
💠 Using a family heirloom
Heirloom rings make beautiful engagement pieces — but they often need a little care before being worn every day.
Older settings can loosen over time, and claws may need re-tipping or replacement to keep stones secure.
A professional clean, polish, and safety check ensures it’s ready for a new chapter without risking a precious gemstone.
💎 Our recommendation: Bring heirloom pieces in early for inspection — we’ll advise on any work needed so it’s safe, sparkling, and proposal-ready when the big moment comes.
Heirloom ring restoration: https://www.westcountrygoldsmiths.com/book-online
🎁 Ring box or no ring box?
A ring box looks great for that reveal moment, but it can be bulky to hide. We’ve heard many stories of airport security spoiling surprises by forcing travellers to open their cases and reveal all!
Alternatives:
Slip the ring safely in a small pouch or custom slim case if you’re travelling light.
If proposing outdoors, avoid pockets without zips — more rings have been lost that way than we care to count!
Ultimately, comfort and surprise matter more than presentation.
Don't be that person! A security check at the airport ruins the surprise proposal: https://www.westcountrygoldsmiths.com/category/diamond-jewellery
💡 Final tip
If you’re commissioning a bespoke ring with us, we can lend or make a presentation ring or proposal sample so you don’t have to wait until the real one is finished — perfect for Christmas surprises.
🚫 What to avoid when proposing
Even the best intentions can go sideways — so here are a few things our workshop team (and plenty of customers!) have learned the hard way:
Don’t copy viral proposals — make it yours. Unless you both share an obsession with the “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her...” moment, there’s no chance you’re pulling it off without a cringe.
Don’t hide the ring in food. Seriously. Trust us on this — we’ve heard the stories, and none of them end elegantly.
Don’t over-script. The most memorable proposals sound genuine, not rehearsed. Speak from the heart — nerves and all — and your words will land perfectly.
Don’t overthink the props. A thousand candles and a hired string quartet can’t replace sincerity.
Don’t forget yourself. Eat something, breathe, hydrate — fainting mid-proposal isn’t romantic, it’s paramedic territory.
💭 Final thought: Don’t take our word as gospel — this is your moment. Our advice is just here to help you think it through. However you do it, as long as it feels right for you both, that’s what makes it perfect.
🤫 Keeping it a surprise
Only tell the people who must know. Loose lips ruin magic.
That might sound obvious, but once you’ve decided to propose, excitement can make anyone talk — and secrets spread faster than solder on hot metal.
👨👩👧👦 Asking permission (or blessing)
Traditionally, people asked a partner’s father for permission. These days, many couples prefer to see it as asking for a blessing rather than permission. If your partner values tradition or family input, it can be a lovely gesture — just keep it genuine and brief. If not, skip it entirely; you’re not breaking any sacred rule.
💡 Tip: Parents are often the ones to accidentally let something slip (usually out of pure excitement).
If you do involve a parent, gently remind them it’s top secret — and maybe wait until you’re within days of the proposal before you do it.
🤐 Who else should know?
A trusted friend if you need help planning or hiding logistics.
A jeweller (obviously!) — we’re excellent secret-keepers.
That’s it. The fewer people who know, the better.
📱 Digital discretion
Don’t leave a browser tab open with “proposal ideas” or “ring size chart” on your phone. And if you share devices or online accounts, use private browsing — you’d be surprised how many proposals are spoiled by shared Amazon recommendations!
💬 Bottom line: Keep the circle small, the excitement contained, and the magic intact. There’ll be plenty of time for joyful shouting from the rooftops after they say yes.
And if you do get caught favouriting this very article on their phone or laptop... well, that’s why we included the bit about bespoke Christmas jewellery. You can always pretend you were planning a “completely unrelated surprise.” 😉
🥂 After they say yes
Pause. Breathe. Celebrate. Take a few moments just for yourselves — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime feeling, and it deserves to sink in.
Then share the news, in this order if you can:
Parents or close family first — they’ll appreciate hearing it directly from you.
Close friends next, especially those who’ve been part of your story.
The wider world last — when you’re ready to go public, the excitement will only grow.
Before you show off the ring too widely, it’s worth arranging insurance and any final resizing — practical but important steps to keep that sparkle safe.
💬 From us: If you decide to share your news on social media, tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. If you chose us to be your jeweller, we’d be genuinely honoured to be part of your journey — it’s our favourite kind of love story. 💍✨
🌈 Inclusive traditions
Who proposes to whom? Anyone can. Tradition can be charming — but breaking it can be brilliant. What matters most is that it feels authentic to you both.
💍 Ready to start your story? Whether you’re planning a Christmas proposal, dreaming up a bespoke design, or giving an heirloom new life — we’d love to help you create the ring that says everything.
Workshop Knowledge: How to Choose the Right Engagement Ring 💍
Christmas is the season of sparkle — and for many, the season of “yes”.
Choosing an engagement ring is part art, part science — and entirely personal. Here’s what we wish every couple knew before starting the search.
❤️ Start with the person (and a realistic budget)
Notice the jewellery your partner already wears — minimalist or statement? Modern or vintage? Set a comfortable budget early; meaning beats money every time.
💬 The most precious ring isn’t always the most expensive — it’s the one that fits the story.
Goldsmith showing diamond ring design sketch: https://www.westcountrygoldsmiths.com/contact
Concept image: diamond ring sketches being reviewed in our Plymouth workshop.
💎 The 4Cs made simple
Cut. Colour. Clarity. Carat.
Forget the jargon — these aren’t status symbols, they’re tools for understanding what you’re buying. A well-cut, bright diamond of modest size often outshines a dull one twice its weight.
💡 Cut gives sparkle; clarity just keeps it clean. A “good” stone in a beautiful design always wins.
🔸 Diamond shapes & what they say
Each shape reflects a personality — yours, theirs, or both.
Round: classic brilliance and symmetry.
Oval: elegant, elongating, and lately a favourite among celebrities like Taylor Swift, Hailey Bieber and Blake Lively, who chose this cut for its soft shape and lower setting.
Princess: bold and modern.
Emerald: vintage glamour, Art Deco inspired.
Cushion / Radiant: soft sparkle and romance.
Marquise / Pear: distinctive, artistic, and slightly daring.
💬 Bigger isn’t always better. Large stones often need to sit higher, making them more likely to catch on clothing or gloves. Ovals (and other elongated cuts) give you generous sparkle without the extra height — beauty and practicality in one.
Trend of oval diamonds in engagement rings: https://www.instagram.com/p/DN0-kq1WL9X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
💍 Settings & why they differ
Solitaire • Halo • Trilogy • Pavé • Bezel • Channel — each affects how light interacts and how secure the stone is. We’ll help you match style with practicality, so your ring dazzles beautifully and wears comfortably every day.
🪶 Form follows function — and sometimes, it’s the quiet details that make a design sing.
🧡 Metals & durability
Yellow Gold: timeless warmth and traditional glow.
White Gold: bright and contemporary (often rhodium-plated).
Rose Gold: romantic vintage tone.
Platinum: strongest, naturally white and hypoallergenic.
💡 We use responsibly sourced and recycled metals wherever possible — good for your conscience and your craftsmanship.
🌈 Alternatives to diamonds
Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, topaz, morganite, tanzanite — coloured stones make engagement rings beautifully personal. Explore our Sapphire Jewellery, Opal Jewellery, and Topaz Jewellery collections for inspiration.
If you have other ideas that aren't in the links above, get in contact. We have hundreds of other designs that just haven't made it on to our new site yet.
✅ Certification & ethics
Ask for a diamond or gemstone certificate for peace of mind. Every stone we use can be traced to a responsible source, and our metals are recycled or fair-mined wherever possible.
🌍 Craftsmanship and conscience belong together.
⏳ Timeline & planning
Allow at least 6–8 weeks for design, stone setting, and hallmarking — longer for intricate designs. And don’t forget — your wedding band will need to sit neatly beside it later. Not only are we ready for that conversation, but we've got plenty of experience making all kinds of fitted rings too.
💬 Good rings are like good relationships — they take time to craft properly.
💎 Talk to a goldsmith, not a search bar. We’ll help you understand what matters, what doesn’t, and what makes a design uniquely yours.
🎅 Santa’s Secret Workshop: Bespoke Christmas Jewellery
Our elves (ahem, goldsmiths) are already working overtime — so if you’re dreaming of a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift, now’s the time to start.
✨ Why we’re using AI images (and keeping real commissions secret)
You may notice that in this section, the images are all AI generated. The truth is, we’d really love to show you what’s on the bench right now — but that might spoil someone’s surprise. Our AI concept images allow us to share inspiration safely, while the real masterpieces wait quietly in our vault until they’re delivered to Father Christmas.
🪄 Think of it as our digital mood board — your secret ideas stay secret until Christmas morning.
One of our goldsmiths getting ready for our busy festive season as wannabe elves: https://www.westcountrygoldsmiths.com/contact
💫 What bespoke jewellery can I get made for Christmas?
The short answer: almost anything your imagination allows. From delicate keepsakes to dramatic statements, we design and hand-craft pieces that capture sentiment, personality, and story — all wrapped up in precious metal.
💬 Whether it’s for a loved one, or a “from me, to me” gift (we approve), a bespoke commission turns an idea into something timeless.
🎁 Popular personalised jewellery ideas
Engraved necklaces with initials, coordinates, or secret messages hidden on the reverse.
Birthstone rings, earrings and pendants to celebrate a loved one’s birth month — explore our growing Sapphire Jewellery, Opal Jewellery, and Topaz Jewellery collections.
Our website is still new, and we’re adding more birthstone collections every month. If yours isn’t listed yet, don’t worry — we can still create it! Just get in touch.
Lockets and charm bracelets that tell a personal story with every detail.
Nameplates or signet rings that combine classic style with modern craftsmanship.
Custom earrings or bangles featuring gemstones chosen for their colour, symbolism, or sparkle.
Personalised gold locket gift inspiration: https://www.westcountrygoldsmiths.com/contact
Concept image: personalised Christmas locket with engraving
🪶 Materials & styles to consider
Choosing the right combination of materials shapes how your piece looks, feels, and ages.
Gold, platinum, or mixed metals – warm, cool, or contemporary contrasts.
Modern textures – brushed, hammered, frosted or mirror-polished finishes.
Recycled & sustainable options – perfect for those who love both luxury and conscience.
💡 We can even colour-match metals from older heirlooms to preserve continuity across generations.
♻️ Can I reuse heirloom metals or stones?
Absolutely — and we love doing it. We can melt down old gold or reset family gemstones to give them a new lease of life while keeping the sentiment intact.
But before we begin, older jewellery often needs a little TLC:
Claw re-tipping or re-setting keeps gemstones safe.
Deep cleaning and polishing restores original lustre.
Hallmark verification ensures your heirloom metals meet current standards.
💬 Heirloom redesigns are some of our favourite Christmas commissions — a beautiful blend of history and new beginnings.
Emerald heirloom reset into new yellow gold ring design:
🧭 How the bespoke process works
Every commission starts with a conversation — a sketch, a story, or even just a spark of an idea.
Here’s how we bring it to life:
Consultation & design discussion – in-person or virtual.
CAD mock-ups or hand sketches – to visualise your concept.
Stone sourcing & crafting – ethically sourced, locally made.
Hallmarking & final polish – ensuring every detail shines.
⏰ Allow at least 6–8 weeks for pre-Christmas delivery.
🕯️ We can sometimes take on express projects — but like Christmas pudding, bespoke pieces need time to mature.
💰 Budgeting for a custom Christmas gift
Your budget guides design complexity, materials, and stone choice. We’re transparent about costs, and we’ll always explore creative ways to stay within your comfort zone.
💬 A thoughtful concept often shines brighter than a larger stone — it’s the meaning that lasts.
🎄 Collection or delivery before Christmas Eve
Finished pieces are carefully packaged to keep the surprise intact — even the nosiest elf won’t guess what’s inside. We can arrange discreet collection from our workshop, or secure insured delivery nationwide.
💎 Ready to bring your Christmas idea to life? From engraved lockets and birthstone rings to heirloom redesigns, let’s make something truly unforgettable this season.
— West Country Goldsmiths • https://www.westcountrygoldsmiths.com
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