No—you’re welcome to visit Wharton Goldsmith at 1–2 George Street, St Albans, without an appointment. For engagement rings, bespoke jewellery or remodelling, we recommend booking a complimentary initial consultation so we can set aside time to explore your ideas, show you designs and discuss your budget. There’s no obligation to commission a piece, and you don’t need to arrive with a finished idea. Bring your inspiration—or simply come and discover what’s possible.

Your bespoke ring is designed and made on-site in Wharton Goldsmith’s own workshop in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Our master goldsmiths combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design technology. The same master goldsmith takes responsibility for making your piece from start to finish, bringing personal care and pride to every detail. Your ring is not sent away to an outside workshop and remains fully insured while in our care. From the first design discussion to the final polish, you’re dealing directly with the team creating it.

Our normal lead time for a bespoke ring is 4–5 weeks, with your piece designed and made in our own on-site workshop in St Albans. Planning a proposal, wedding or anniversary? Let us know your date when you enquire. We’ll always do our best to meet your deadline, including a shorter turnaround where possible, and confirm what’s achievable before you go ahead. For a last-minute surprise, our Wharton Proposal Ring Service also lets you propose first, then choose or design the engagement ring together afterwards.

You can still plan a surprise proposal. We can help estimate your partner’s ring size discreetly using an existing ring, ideally one that fits the intended finger, and explain the sizing options for your chosen design. When you purchase a ring from Wharton Goldsmith, we’ll make sure the fit is right, with any adjustments needed for the correct initial fit carried out at no extra charge—even if more than one adjustment is required. Full eternity rings are an exception. For these designs, we invite your partner to try the ring for size before the diamonds are set, allowing us to confirm the fit before completing the ring. Alternatively, our Wharton Proposal Ring Service lets you keep the proposal a surprise, then return together to choose or design the engagement ring and have the finger professionally measured.

The cost of a bespoke ring depends on the gemstones, precious metal and complexity of the design. At Wharton Goldsmith, we start with a budget you’re comfortable with and explain how different stones, settings and materials affect the price. Your initial consultation is complimentary. When you’re ready to move into the detailed design stage, we normally take a £100 design deposit, which is deducted from the final cost if you proceed. You’ll receive a quotation and approve the design before we begin making your ring.

Please speak to our showroom team about the finance and payment options currently available for your chosen piece. We’ll explain any applicable eligibility requirements, deposit, repayment terms and total cost before you decide. For bespoke and made-to-order jewellery, we can also discuss paying a deposit and settling the balance before your finished piece is released.

Wharton Goldsmith sources natural diamonds exclusively from official DTC Sightholders who adhere to the Kimberley Process. We also offer laboratory-grown diamonds and always make the distinction between natural and laboratory-grown stones clear. Our team will help you compare individual diamonds, explain the differences between the available options and guide you through the grading information and documentation available for your chosen stone.

Yes—remodelling inherited, unworn or outdated jewellery is an important part of what we do. We can transform suitable diamonds and gemstones into a new piece while preserving the sentiment behind the original. Where practical, your own precious metal can be incorporated into the design. Alternatively, its value can be offset against the cost of the new piece. We’ll assess your jewellery, explain what can safely be reused and develop the design with you. The work is carried out in our own St Albans workshop, with your jewellery remaining on-site and fully insured while in our care.