The choice of metal forms the foundation of the ring and sets its overall tone. Yellow gold, white gold and platinum each have different strengths, colours and weights, which affect how the ring looks, wears and supports the gemstone. Carat weight also influences colour, overall weight and cost.

Notice which metal she wears most often and how an engagement ring might complement her everyday jewellery. Choosing the right metal ensures the ring feels natural and considered.

Diamonds remain a timeless choice, but they are not the only option. Coloured gemstones offer individuality while remaining well suited to everyday wear.

An engagement ring is worn daily, so the gemstone must be strong. Diamond, sapphire and ruby are among the strongest gemstones. Many of Cassandra’s contemporary designs feature vibrant, unique and often overlooked gemstones, like tourmaline and aquamarine in our Compass rings. Understanding these differences helps achieve the right balance between beauty and practicality.

Different gemstones can also be combined within a single design to create balance and contrast, as seen in our Toi et Moi ring with sapphire and diamond, or the Heloise ring with aquamarine and diamond.

You might choose to reimagine one of Cassandra’s existing rings with a gemstone that speaks to you, incorporate a cherished heirloom, or select a stone sourced specially for you. We have many solutions to ensure the ring you have imagined is crafted exactly as you want it and shaped to suit your plans.

An engagement ring is worn every day, so you should take into consideration her lifestyle.

For those with active or hands-on routines, such as frequent travel, exercise or work that involves using hands, more protective settings help shield the gemstone and reduce the risk of damage. For those whose daily life is less physically demanding, more delicate designs may feel comfortable and appropriate.

Our bespoke approach ensures that every ring is designed with the wearer’s lifestyle in mind, combining elegance, practicality and security.

There is no fixed measure for what an engagement ring should cost. The right approach is one that feels considered and comfortable, allowing decisions to be made with confidence rather than pressure. Whether selecting an existing design or creating something bespoke, there is always a thoughtful solution, without compromise on craftsmanship or quality.

Bespoke commissions can take up to eight weeks, with additional time sometimes required for resizing or refinements. Planning ahead ensures each detail is completed calmly and to the highest standard, without unnecessary urgency. No matter the nature of your design, an open conversation with our team allows us to find a thoughtful solution and make it work beautifully for you.

Not knowing her exact ring size is not a big concern. If helpful, one of her existing rings can be discreetly borrowed as a guide, but this should never cause stress. Resizing is straightforward and always an option, ensuring the ring can be adjusted to fit perfectly.

Where are your gemstones sourced, and are they ethically sourced?
We source our gemstones through long-standing relationships with trusted, independent gemstone dealers and specialist stone cutters, many of whom Cassandra has worked with for decades. These close partnerships allow us to carefully select stones for their quality and character. Many gemstones are sourced directly from their countries of origin, and we also frequently reimagine heirloom stones and recycle precious materials, extending their life while reducing environmental impact.

How bespoke can my ring be?
Anything is possible. Our bespoke process allows you to create a ring that is entirely personal, whether that means adapting one of Cassandra’s existing designs, altering proportions or settings, or creating something completely new from the beginning. You may select a specific gemstone, incorporate meaningful elements, or rework heirloom stones. Each commission is guided closely to ensure the final jewel reflects your vision while remaining true to Cassandra’s design principles.

Is there a design fee?
There is no design fee when adapting or personalising one of Cassandra’s existing ring styles. Our team will guide you through the available options and refinements as part of the process, ensuring each detail is thoughtfully considered without additional design cost.

Is bespoke more expensive than an existing design?
Bespoke commissions are not inherently more expensive than existing designs. The price is determined primarily by the materials chosen, particularly the gemstone, its size and quality, and the metal. We source gemstones across a wide range of price points, allowing us to create a bespoke ring that aligns with your vision.

Will the setting affect how bright or dark the stone appears?
Each setting is carefully designed to support and protect the gemstone while allowing light to enter and enhance its natural character. Cassandra works closely with each client to understand how they want their ring to look, whether that means prioritising brilliance or wearability. She will then recommend and design settings that achieve this balance, ensuring the stone remains vibrant while secure for everyday wear.

Should diamonds be set in white gold, platinum or yellow gold?
This is ultimately a personal preference, as the choice of metal creates a different overall feel. White gold and platinum offer a neutral, cool-toned setting that enhances the natural brightness and clarity of diamonds, allowing them to appear brighter and often larger. For yellow gold rings, Cassandra often recommends setting the diamonds in white gold to maximise their sparkle while preserving the warmth of the band in yellow gold.

Are your diamonds certified? Can you source certified diamonds for engagement rings?
Many of our larger diamonds are accompanied by certification from recognised gemmological laboratories such as GIA, providing independent confirmation of their quality. Smaller diamonds are not always individually certified, as certification is typically reserved for stones above a certain size. We can always source diamonds of specific certification for engagement rings upon request, and will guide you in selecting a stone that meets both your aesthetic and certification preferences.

What diamond grade should I go for?
Diamonds are graded according to internationally recognised criteria, known as the Four Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Each characteristic influences the diamond’s appearance and overall character. Our boutique team will guide you through these factors, helping you select a stone that achieves the right balance of beauty, presence, and value according to your priorities.

Do smaller diamonds, such as pavé set stones, come with certificates? What is their quality?
Smaller diamonds, including pavé set stones, are not individually certified due to their size. However, they are carefully selected for their cut, clarity, and colour to ensure consistency and harmony across the design. These diamonds are chosen to complement the central gemstone, ensuring the overall ring feels balanced and refined.

What does gemstone cut mean?
The cut refers both to the shape of the stone, such as round, oval, or cushion, and to how its facets interact with light. This influences how the gemstone reflects light and expresses its character, whether bright and lively or softer and more understated. Each stone is selected not only for its shape, but for the unique way it interacts with light.

Do sapphires come with certification?
Sapphires are not typically certified by GIA in the same way as diamonds, but they may be accompanied by certification from specialised gemstone laboratories that assess characteristics such as origin and whether the stone has received treatments. Cassandra works closely with long-standing, trusted gemstone dealers who source exceptional and unique sapphires, ensuring each stone is carefully selected for its colour, character, and beauty.