ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Whether you begin with a Bernard James design or create something entirely new, our engagement rings are developed around the stone, the wearer, and the life the piece will enter. Choose a customized setting or work with us on a one-of-one bespoke commission.
From the beginning, we consider how your engagement ring may live alongside a future wedding band, allowing the two pieces to feel intentional together - whether the band is chosen now or later.
TWO WAYS TO CREATE YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING
-
CUSTOMIZED
START WITH A BERNARD JAMES DESIGN
INQUIRE ABOUT A CUSTOMIZED RINGChoose an existing Bernard James setting and make it your own through your selection of center stone, metal and available design details.
-
BESPOKE
A PIECE ENTIRELY YOUR OWN
INQUIRE ABOUT A BESPOKE RINGCreate something entirely new, our bespoke service begins with a conversation and develops into a one-of-one piece designed for you.
BESPOKE RINGS
-
MARQUISE DIAMOND RING
An elongated marquise diamond set on a pared-back gold band, designed to keep the stone in focus.
-
EMERALD & DIAMOND RING STACK
A vivid emerald framed by diamond bands, balancing color, geometry and proportion.
-
CUSHION DIAMOND RING
A cushion-cut diamond on a clean gold setting, with softened corners and a substantial profile.
-
EMERALD-CUT THREE-STONE RING
An emerald-cut center diamond flanked by tapered side stones, built around clarity of line and scale.
WEDDING BANDS
DESIGNED TO STAND ON THEIR OWN OR LIVE ALONGSIDE YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING.
Choose from existing Bernard James bands, customize one of our designs, or work with us to create a band specifically around your engagement ring.
We design engagement rings with the future wedding band in mind, considering from the beginning how the two pieces may eventually live together.
CONSIDERED FROM THE START.
-
SOURCED FOR YOUR RING
We work exclusively with natural diamonds, sourcing through a trusted network of partners in accordance with the Kimberley Process. For customized and bespoke engagement projects, we source stone options around the priorities of each client - from shape and proportion to color, character, size and budget.
Our team guides you through the selection before the design is finalized, allowing the stone and setting to be considered together.
-
CRAFTED IN NEW YORK
Each Bernard James engagement and wedding ring is crafted in New York. From stone selection through setting and finishing, every detail is considered as part of the whole - from proportion and wearability to how the piece will live alongside the jewelry that follows it.
OUR PROCESS
1. CONSULTATION
A 45-minute consultation, in person or virtually, to discuss your vision, stone preferences, budget, timeline and how you want the piece to feel.
2. DESIGN & STONE SELECTION
We develop the direction for your ring and present stone options and design details based on your project.
3. APPROVAL & CRAFT
The design is confirmed with you before production begins. Your ring is then crafted in New York.
4. FITTING & DELIVERY
Your finished piece is inspected and prepared for pickup or delivery, along with applicable stone and insurance documentation.
8–12 WEEKS FROM CONVERSATION TO RING
We recommend beginning your project 8-12 weeks before you need your ring. Rush timelines may be available depending on the project and stone availability.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Engagement rings, stone selection and the journey to your finished piece.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CUSTOMIZED AND BESPOKE?
Customized begins with an existing Bernard James design. Bespoke begins with a new idea and is developed specifically for the client.
HOW MUCH DOES A BESPOKE ENGAGEMENT RING COST?
Bespoke engagement commissions begin at $25,000.
HOW IS A CUSTOMIZED RING PRICED?
Pricing varies depending on the selected setting, metal and center stone. Our team will discuss options based on your priorities and budget during your consultation.
HOW LONG DOES AN ENGAGEMENT RING TAKE?
We recommend beginning the process 8-12 weeks before you need your ring. Rush timelines may be available depending on the project and stone availability.
CAN BERNARD JAMES SOURCE MY CENTER STONE?
Yes. We source natural diamonds based on the individual needs of each project.
DO YOU WORK WITH LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS?
No. Bernard James works exclusively with natural diamonds.
DO YOU OFFER VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS?
Yes.
DO I NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I WANT BEFORE BOOKING?
No. The consultation is intended to help determine the right direction.
WILL MY RING INCLUDE GIA OR INSURANCE DOCUMENTATION?
GIA reports accompany GIA-certified stones. Documentation for insurance is available where applicable.