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Purchasing or designing an engagement ring can be a daunting prospect. Our aim is to remove any preconceived notions in this regard and welcome you on a journey filled with great excitement and joy. Let us share with you a typical journey...
Our Process
The Journey
The bespoke journey
First and foremost, there is no standard process as our approach is always tailored to each client. The below is a very simplified taste of what one might expect from a bespoke Blackacre journey.
Regardless of the stage you are at in your journey (ranging from just starting to think about an engagement to, knowing a specific design you want and needing it now) at some stage you will likely need some help. The earlier you get in touch with us, the more help we can be.
Within 24 hours of submitting an enquiry, a member of our team will be in touch over email (we never phone without pre-arranging as we don't want to ruin any surprises).
From here, we will address any specific questions you may have and will most likely arrange a time to talk over the phone.
This is a chance for us to discuss things in a bit more detail. From design ideas to initial research and budgeting, we will be able to set you off on the right foot.
At the end of this call we will agree the appropriate next steps - this may involve moodboarding or mockups - and sooner or later we will suggest a consultation at our London studio.
We usually allow around an hour and a half for an initial engagement ring consultation. During this time, our qualified gemmologists will guide you through our bespoke design process, giving you a detailed understanding of what makes the Blackacre approach unique. We take an educational, stone-led approach, carefully explaining the characteristics of each diamond or coloured gemstone so you can make a confident and informed decision.
In most instances, we aim to provide a detailed quotation following your consultation, or after a follow-up appointment if required. By this stage, our hope is that you will have all the information you need to confidently confirm the exact design specification, along with your chosen diamonds or gemstones.
Once we have received your written confirmation, we will be in a position to begin the creation process.
We typically allow 5–6 weeks for the creation of most engagement rings. However, we will always confirm your specific timescale before commencing any work.
We pride ourselves on the immersive nature of our bespoke journey and hope the creation process is every bit as enjoyable as receiving the finished piece. Throughout, we'll share updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses from our workshop, allowing you to follow the progress as your one-of-a-kind design comes to life.
One of the most cherished moments for us in the bespoke journey is the unveiling of a finished creation. A moment where nervous anticipation quickly shifts to unequivocal joy - and one that we greatly treasure.
Get in touch and we will guide you through every step.
Immersive jewellery
A stone-led approach
Our team of experts take great pride in immersing clients in our world. We want to create an educational journey allowing you to share in our passion for exceptional diamonds and technical excellence in jewellery design.
Expedition Sourced
Ethically sourced traceable gemstones
We seek to go to lengths that others won't, travelling to the source in search of the world's most exceptional diamonds and gems.
Tired of the often unproven rhetoric surrounding 'ethical sourcing' we seek to immerse you in our world, documenting our expeditions and shining a light on the world's most sustainable practices.
We do not shy away from the fact that the natural world has created these treasured gemstones, and thus it is critical we champion the most sustainable practices and ensure they are cherished through generations.
Case Studies
Behind the scenes of creating a bespoke engagement ring
Follow the journey of a bespoke engagement ring as we take you behind the scenes of the creative process. Offering an insight in to what a client might expect to see, from initial designs to the setting of stones, the case studies below immerse you in our world...
Yellow diamond trilogy ring
Bespoke "Patagonia" design
CAD design
Following a 3D laser scan of the diamonds and gemstones, our expert CAD designers will work tirelessly to develop the core construct of the ring in the optimal proportions. The output of which provides an insight in to the final design perspective.
Wax prototype
A 3D wax print of the design will be created, with each component being modeled separately, to allow an individual mould to be created for every element ahead of casting.
Assembly and Casting
Individually cast and assembled by hand
We focus on unrivalled quality and consequently cast each component of our pieces separately ahead of assembling them by hand. This ensures total quality control in the casting phase and mitigates against unwanted flaws associated with lump casting, such as air bubbles and fissures, which could create weaknesses in the pieces.
Stone Setting
Show your treasures in the best light:
"Over 50% of most jewels are metal. Exceptional craftsmanship can raise the perceived quality of any gem". Samuel Stirrat, Founder and Creative Director
We pride ourselves on the quality of our setters with our near-invisible signature talon claws and side-cut scallop settings allowing the maximum amount of light to reflect and refract through the stones whilst guaranteeing total security.
Final Ring
Exceptional quality straight from the workshop
Our clients collect their final ring from our studio, from the hands of the craftsmen and women that made it. Our case studies shed more light on our unique client service.