Behind Closed Doors: The Intimate Journey of Engagement Ring Consultations at Lark & Berry

The journey to finding the perfect engagement ring is often shrouded in mystery. What actually happens during those private consultations? How do couples navigate the complex world of diamonds, settings, and designs to find a symbol that will represent their love for decades to come? Today, we pull back the curtain on the engagement ring consultation process, following real couples through their appointments at Lark & Berry, London's premier sustainable fine jewellery house specialising in lab-grown diamonds.

The Educational Journey: Understanding Lab-Grown Diamonds

For many couples, the consultation serves as their first in-depth exposure to the world of diamonds. At Lark & Berry, this education has an additional dimension: understanding the revolutionary benefits of lab-grown diamonds.

Michael and David visited Lark & Berry specifically because of their commitment to sustainability. "We had ethical concerns about traditional mining practices," Michael explains. "Our consultant walked us through how lab-grown diamonds are created, showing us certification that proved they're chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds."

This educational component typically covers:

• The 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat
• How lab-grown diamonds differ from mined diamonds (spoiler: only in origin)
• Certification processes and what to look for
• How different cuts affect a diamond's appearance and brilliance

"I was amazed to learn that we could get a larger, higher-quality diamond within our budget because lab-grown diamonds are typically 20-40% less expensive than their mined counterparts," David shares. "It felt like we were getting the best of both worlds—ethical sourcing and better value."

Personal Stories, Personal Rings: The Customisation Process

Perhaps the most magical aspect of the consultation process is watching as personal stories transform into tangible designs. Sophia and William came to Lark & Berry with a distinctive vision influenced by Sophia's grandmother's vintage jewellery.

The customisation discussion typically covers:

1. Metal selection (platinum, 18k gold in yellow, white, or rose)
2. Setting style (prong, bezel, cathedral, tension)
3. Diamond shape (round, oval, cushion, emerald, pear)
4. Side stones or accents
5. Engraving options

William adds, "When she brought out sample diamonds in different cuts, it became obvious that Sophia was drawn to oval shapes. There's something powerful about seeing the actual stones in person—it makes the decision much clearer than looking at pictures online."

The Emotional Moments: When 'The One' Reveals Itself

Almost every couple recounts a moment during their consultation journey when they knew they'd found 'the one'—that perfect ring that seems to speak directly to their relationship.

These emotional connections often surprise couples, revealing preferences they didn't know they had. Lark & Berry consultants are trained to recognise these moments and create space for couples to experience them.

Beyond the Centre Stone: Exploring Complete Looks

Many couples are surprised to discover that engagement ring consultations often extend beyond the main event. At Lark & Berry, consultants frequently introduce complementary pieces that create a cohesive look.

"Our consultant asked if we'd considered wedding bands that would pair with the engagement ring," Emma recalls.  Wedding ring designs that would complement the ring beautifully. It helped us think about the bigger picture."

This holistic approach ensures that the engagement ring works harmoniously with other jewellery pieces that might become part of a couple's collection over time.

The Decision-Making Process: Finding Clarity

Most couples don't make their final decision in a single appointment. The typical engagement ring journey at Lark & Berry can involve 2-3 consultations.

"After our first appointment, we went away with detailed information about three different designs we loved," Michael shares. "Our consultant encouraged us not to rush, and even sent us follow-up photos and specification details so we could consider our options carefully."

This breathing room is an intentional part of the process, allowing the emotional and practical aspects of the decision to align naturally.

Expert Tip: Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

• What is the timeline from order to completion?
• Are there maintenance or warranty considerations?
• How does the setting affect daily wear and durability?
• What are the options for insurance?
• Can the ring be resized in the future if needed?

The Proposal Timeline: Planning for the Perfect Moment

An often-overlooked aspect of the consultation process is the discussion of timelines. Custom rings typically take 4-6 weeks to create, which influences proposal planning.

"Our consultant helped us work backwards from our planned holiday to Greece, which is when I intended to propose," James explains. "She made sure we finalised the design with enough buffer time so the ring would be ready well before our departure."

For those planning surprise proposals, Lark & Berry offers discreet communication options and flexible collection arrangements to maintain the element of surprise.

The Collection Day: Completing the Journey

The day a couple (or an individual planning a surprise) collects their finished ring marks the culmination of the consultation journey.

"When they opened the box to reveal our finished ring, I actually cried," Sophia admits. "Seeing something that began as a conversation transformed into this beautiful, tangible symbol of our love—it's overwhelming in the best possible way."

This moment typically includes:

• A final inspection of the ring
• Discussion of care instructions
• Photography for insurance purposes
• A celebratory toast

FAQ: Common Questions About Engagement Ring Consultations

Do I need to make an appointment for an engagement ring consultation?

Yes, Lark & Berry recommends booking consultations in advance to ensure you receive dedicated, personalised attention. This allows consultants to prepare based on any preferences you share when booking.

How long does an engagement ring consultation typically last?

Initial consultations usually last 45-60 minutes, providing ample time for education, trying on samples, and discussing options without feeling rushed.

Should both partners attend the consultation?

While not required, having both partners present often leads to more satisfying outcomes. Even for surprise proposals, many proposers bring a friend or family member who knows the recipient's taste.

What's the typical budget range for engagement rings at Lark & Berry?

Lark & Berry offers exceptional lab-grown diamond rings starting from £2,500, with most couples investing between £5,000-£10,000. Because lab-grown diamonds offer better value than mined diamonds, couples often receive larger, higher-quality stones within their budget.

Can I customise any ring I see in the collection?

Yes, most designs can be customised with different diamond shapes, sizes, metal choices, and design modifications to create a truly bespoke piece.

Begin Your Own Engagement Ring Journey

The engagement ring consultation process at Lark & Berry transforms what could be an intimidating purchasing decision into an intimate, educational, and meaningful experience. By focusing on education, personalisation, and emotional connection rather than sales pressure, these consultations become an important part of a couple's engagement story.

Ready to start your own engagement ring journey? Book a private consultation with Lark & Berry's expert team to explore our collection of ethically-created, lab-grown diamond engagement rings. Whether you're drawn to classic solitaires, vintage-inspired designs, or completely bespoke creations, our consultants will guide you through every step of finding or creating the perfect symbol of your love.

Book your consultation today 

https://larkandberry.com/pages/appointments