From bespoke engagement rings to Scottish gold wedding bands, three couples share the stories behind their rings – and the advice they’d give to anyone starting their own search
(Photo: Alex Mart Photo)
Choosing engagement rings and wedding rings in Scotland is about more than finding a beautiful design. For many couples, the right ring comes down to craftsmanship, personal meaning, heritage, timescale and trust in the jeweller. Here, three real couples share how they found their rings, from a bespoke engagement ring made in Glasgow to Scottish gold wedding bands and a surprise proposal ring chosen together.
Couples: Aidan and Chloe; Calum and Eilidh; Erin and Callum
Jewellers: Tom Coll Jewellery, Sheila Fleet Jewellery and James Porter & Son
Ring styles: Bespoke engagement ring, personalised wedding bands, Scottish gold wedding rings and a proposal ring chosen with the bride’s style in mind
Top advice: Start earlier than you think, try on different styles and choose a jeweller you feel comfortable with
What should you think about before choosing an engagement ring?
Before choosing an engagement ring, it helps to think about the person who will wear it every day. Do they like classic or contemporary jewellery? Would they prefer diamonds, coloured gemstones, Scottish gold, a bespoke design or something with family meaning?
For Aidan, the process began with a very clear idea and a jeweller he knew could be trusted with something personal.
Tom Coll Jewellery created bespoke rings for the happy couple, who eloped to Positano in Italy last year (Photo: Alex Mart Photo)
Aidan and Chloe: “We were blown away by Tom Coll Jewellery”
“I proposed to Chloe on 15th June 2024 on West Sands Beach in St Andrews, and kept everything a secret as best I could,” smiles Aidan.
“I chose Tom Coll Jewellery for the ring as the store had previously made a bespoke ring for Chloe’s mum and she’d raved about how good it was and the service she’d had. So, I sent them an email as I had something special in mind for Chloe’s engagement ring.
“Within an hour, Kieran at the store called me to say that although he didn’t have a ring like the one I’d described, his experienced team could make the design – and he had the perfect diamond for it. I was invited to come to the Glasgow showroom the following day to sketch out the design – from the setting of the diamonds to the shape of the shoulder and the design of the band – before Michael, who’s the head of the workshop, made it. I ended up visiting the shop three times, watching it progress. Chloe adored it when it was finally ready.
“We then decided to get our wedding bands made there too, using her gran’s heirloom rings and diamonds. Those rings were so special to us – we knew they had to be in safe hands.
“Both of our rings were personalised, and the team at Tom Coll kept us informed at each step of the manufacturing process and encouraged us to pop in any time.
“Our rings really are a symbol of our love.
“If I could give advice to any soon-to-be newlyweds, it would be to start shopping a lot earlier than you think. The timescale can be tight, even if you’re not going bespoke, and it can often take several weeks for a ring to be delivered.
“Luckily for me, when I explained my tight timeline to Kieran, he promised to squeeze the engagement ring into the job list and, in the end, he even managed to do it a week earlier than quoted!”
Chloe's bespoke and personal ring from Tom Coll Jewellery
Is a bespoke engagement ring worth it?
A bespoke engagement ring can be a good choice if you want something personal, have a clear design in mind or would like to include heirloom jewellery. Aidan and Chloe’s story shows how meaningful the process can be when the couple can see the design take shape, from the first sketch to the finished ring.
It’s also worth remembering that bespoke rings take longer than ready-made designs. Even wedding bands that are not bespoke may need to be ordered, resized or adjusted, so couples should start looking earlier than they think.
Why choose Scottish gold or a Scottish designer for your wedding rings?
For some couples, wedding rings are a chance to choose jewellery with a connection to place, craftsmanship and personal heritage. Scottish gold can add a sense of provenance, while choosing a Scottish jewellery designer can make the rings feel even more meaningful.
That sense of connection mattered to Calum and Eilidh, who chose Sheila Fleet Jewellery for their wedding bands after falling for the Matrix collection and learning more about the story behind the design.
Eilidh and Calum said ‘I do’ at St Conan’s Kirk at Loch Awe in April 2026 (Photo: AWP Photo + Film)
Calum and Eilidh: “We love Sheila Fleet’s Scottish heritage”
“Calum and I met at a friend’s wedding in 2021, and he proposed during dinner at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai three years later,” says Eilidh.
“We got married this spring, and opted to go to Sheila Fleet Jewellery for our rings. My family have always been fans of the designer’s work, and Calum loved the look of the Matrix collection during an impromptu visit to the store in St Andrews.
“We chatted with the staff and learned that the ring was made from Scottish gold mined in Cononish – and that Sheila Fleet is only one of two jewellers who are allowed to use the limited supply.
“After some deliberation, we visited the Glasgow store to make the final decision on Calum’s ring – but while we were there I had to try on a few for myself too!
“I ended up also falling in love with the Matrix band, although this one had diamonds. It meant our wedding bands would match and be from the same collection.
“Ultimately, we wanted something that had a connection to both of us, and also had an element of our Highland heritage [Calum is from Kyle of Lochalsh]. They ended up being perfect. We love that it’s textured, and quite different from a simple gold or silver band.
“Throughout the ordering process, the team at Sheila Fleet answered all our questions with ease. We felt so comfortable that we didn’t even look anywhere else in the end.
“If you’re about to start shopping for your wedding rings, my advice would be that unless you have a clear idea in mind of what you want, just go and try on lots of things and ask any questions you might have.
“The people at Sheila Fleet really wanted to help us and were very generous with their time and expertise.”
Calum and Eilidh's gold wedding bands from Sheila Fleet (Photo: AWP Photo + Film)
Should couples try on wedding rings before deciding?
Yes. Even if you have a clear idea of what you like, wedding rings can look and feel different once they are on your hand. Width, texture, metal colour, stone setting and shape can all change how a ring works day to day.
Trying on a range of designs also helps you compare simple bands with more detailed styles, such as textured rings, diamond-set bands or matching collections. Calum and Eilidh’s experience shows how useful it can be to stay open-minded and ask questions in store.
Should couples shop for engagement rings together?
Some couples still prefer the engagement ring to be a total surprise. Others choose to browse together first, especially if the person wearing the ring has strong style preferences.
Shopping together doesn’t have to take away from the proposal. It can simply help with ring size, preferred shapes, metal colours and stone styles, while the final choice and proposal remain a surprise.
That was the case for Erin and Callum, whose ring-shopping experience made the proposal feel even more personal.
Erin and Callum are now planning to marry next November in the Scottish Borders
Erin and Callum: “We chose a ring together at James Porter & Son”
“Venice is our favourite place, and we decided to go back for the third time in January at the start of this year,” says bride-to-be Erin.
“I didn’t know it, but Callum was planning to propose. He’d booked us a table in a private corner of this canalside restaurant that I’d always wanted to go to. And when the desserts arrived, so did the most gorgeous ring! Callum then got down on one knee. It was so special.
“We’d previously gone to look at rings before – but it was still a total surprise! I had figured that if I was going to be wearing a ring forever, I just wanted him to know the styles I liked.
“We’d only visited a couple of stores, and James Porter & Son was one of them. It had such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I remember feeling at ease instantly, and that really helped Callum when the time came… especially for ring sizes!
“The staff really made the experience stress-free and enjoyable for Callum. And their service and professionalism didn’t end the moment the ring was collected either.
“I absolutely adore my engagement ring and because we went together, there’s a special meaning behind it. Every time I look at it (which I do all the time!), it reminds me that I get to spend my life with my soulmate – and that never gets old.”
Erin’s sparkler – a 5ct oval diamond with platinum setting and 18ct yellow-gold band from James Porter & Son
Real couples’ advice for choosing engagement rings and wedding rings
The best engagement ring or wedding ring is not always the most expensive or the most elaborate. Often, it is the one that feels right for the couple and has a story behind it.
From these three Scottish ring-shopping experiences, a few clear pieces of advice stand out:
Start earlier than you think
Bespoke designs, special orders, resizing and deliveries can all take time, so do not leave ring shopping until the final weeks before the wedding.
Choose a jeweller you trust
Whether you are buying a proposal ring, choosing wedding bands or remodelling heirloom jewellery, good communication matters.
Try on different styles
Simple bands, textured rings, diamond-set wedding rings and shaped bands can all feel different in person.
Ask questions
A good jeweller should be able to explain metals, settings, sizing, aftercare, delivery times and what is possible within your budget.
Think about meaning
Heirloom diamonds, Scottish gold, bespoke designs and matching collections can all make rings feel more personal.
Looking for an engagement or wedding ring? Find the perfect jeweller for you on our supplier directory
FAQs about choosing engagement rings and wedding rings in Scotland
It is sensible to start shopping for wedding rings several months before the wedding, especially if you want bespoke designs, engraving, resizing or rings made using heirloom jewellery. This gives you time to try on styles, ask questions and avoid last-minute pressure.
A bespoke engagement ring is a good idea if you want a design that feels personal, have a specific style in mind or would like to include heirloom stones. It may take longer than buying a ready-made ring, so ask your jeweller about timescales early.
Yes, some jewellers can remodel family rings or reuse heirloom diamonds, depending on the condition and design of the original jewellery. The jeweller will need to assess the pieces first and explain what can safely be reused.
Choosing an engagement ring together can work well if the person wearing it has clear preferences. You can browse styles, confirm sizing and discuss favourite designs while still keeping the final proposal a surprise.
Ask about timescales, resizing, metals, stone settings, engraving, aftercare and whether the ring will sit well alongside the engagement ring. It is also worth asking how long delivery or bespoke work may take.
