Taylor & Hart

Taylor & Hart was founded in London in 2013 and built its business online: you design a ring with a consultant, see it in 3D, and pay a price you can see upfront. It now has a showroom in Seven Dials, Covent Garden, a second by-appointment showroom in the City at 40 Gracechurch Street, one in Manchester, and its own workshop on High Holborn — a few minutes' walk from Hatton Garden, but not on it.

The bespoke process is the reason to come here. A consultant turns your idea into 3D CAD designs within 2-5 days. Up to three rounds of changes are free, after which each extra design costs £100. Once you approve the design, the ring takes around a month, hand-finished by goldsmiths and setters in the Holborn workshop. If you're short on time, there's also a ready-to-ship range that can be with you within a week.

Prices are published. Engagement ring designs start at £990, with most settings starting between £1,000 and £2,700 before the centre stone. You choose natural or lab-grown — natural diamonds come with a GIA report, lab-grown with GIA, IGI or GCAL. Metals are 18ct white, yellow or rose gold, or platinum.

The after-sale terms are better than most. Engagement rings have a 90-day return window, with exceptions: bespoke pieces, natural diamonds over £20,000 and lab-grown over £5,000 can't be returned, and exchanges cost £250. There's a lifetime warranty, one free resize within six months, and a free annual check-up.

Our view: Taylor & Hart is one of the best-run online-first bespoke jewellers in London. You get real design input, both diamond types, and the price before you commit. Book an appointment before visiting Covent Garden — or start with a free video consultation. Read the returns exceptions carefully if you're buying bespoke.