Walter Bull & Son in Cirencester prides itself on crafting personalised wedding rings that tell a personal story of love.
Forged in the fire of its workshop, the rings are as unique as the couples who share their stories with the family jeweller.
SoGlos settles down to discover more about the creative process and rising popularity of bespoke wedding rings.
When did the trend for couples designing their own wedding rings begin?
We’ve really noticed this trend grow over the last five to seven years. Couples today want their rings to feel personal, not just in style but in story.
Social media has helped inspire that shift, as people can now see behind the scenes of craftsmanship and want to be part of that creative journey themselves.
For us at Walter Bull & Son, it’s become one of the most rewarding parts of our workshop, helping couples bring their ideas to life.
What sort of designs do you create for couples?
Every design is different because every couple is.
Some choose matching rings with subtle differences, such as one in platinum and one in yellow gold, while others take inspiration from heirloom jewellery or their engagement ring.
We often create contemporary takes on traditional designs like soft curved profiles, hand-engraved textures or hidden gemstones set inside the band that only they know are there.
How does the consultation and vision of the ring work?
We work closely with each couple either in person or remotely.
The process often begins with an exchange of emails and phone calls to discuss ideas, lifestyle and budget.
From there, our goldsmiths bring the concept to life with sketches or CAD designs.
We also post out a wax version of the ring so couples can see and feel it in person before the final design develops.
It’s a collaborative and very personal process that allows clients to be involved at every stage.
Can the design be ‘edited’ during the process?
Yes, absolutely. We share visuals and wax prototypes so clients can make adjustments before the final metal is cast.
Sometimes we tweak widths, settings or finishes to ensure the ring feels just right.
The advantage of having our own in-house workshop is that we can make these refinements throughout the process.
What are some of the most unusual designs you have created?
We’ve created a wide variety of unique designs over the years, often inspired by a couple’s story or family connection.
Some have incorporated gemstones from inherited jewellery, while others have included hand-engraved dates, initials or even a tiny diamond set inside the band that only the couple knows is there.
One particularly special commission involved reworking diamonds from a grandmother’s brooch into a pair of wedding bands as a beautiful way to blend heritage with something new.
How long does the process take?
The process typically takes around eight weeks, depending on how simple or complex the design is.
We always recommend starting early, particularly during busier times of year, to allow plenty of time for design development and final fitting.
How does the cost range compare for a designed ring compared to a traditional ring?
There’s a common misconception that bespoke always means more expensive.
In reality, many couples are surprised at how comparable it is. Because everything is made to order, you’re paying for craftsmanship and materials rather than brand mark-ups or stock.
Most bespoke wedding rings begin from around £800 per ring depending on metal and complexity.
What do you love about the design process?
What we love most about the design process is how personal it is.
There’s a moment when couples see their finished rings for the first time that makes it all worthwhile.
It’s a lovely reminder that traditional craftsmanship still plays such a big role in modern love stories.
Do you hear any lovely stories about your couples?
We’ve had so many moving stories over the years.
Some couples choose to melt down inherited gold to form their new rings, symbolising two families joining together.
Brides often bring in stones from a grandparent’s or loved one’s jewellery to use within their ring as a beautiful way to carry that sentiment into the next generation.
One groom secretly engraved a line from their wedding vows inside the ring to surprise his partner.
How important is the perfect ring?
A wedding ring is the most personal piece of jewellery anyone will ever own.
It represents your story, your promise and your shared future.
When it’s designed especially for you, that meaning deepens and it becomes more than a ring, it’s a tangible reminder of your life together.
