Planning a proposal involves one practical logistics question that's easy to underestimate: how long does it actually take to get the ring you want, ready to go, before the moment itself?
Timeline for a Ready-Made Design
If you're choosing an existing catalogue design in a standard size and configuration already available, timelines are shortest — in-stock pieces typically ship within 5-7 working days domestically in India, or 15-25 business days internationally including transit.
Timeline for a Made-to-Order Piece
If your chosen design needs a specific carat, metal, or size combination not currently in stock, it moves to made-to-order production, typically taking 15-25 business days total including shipping. This is the most common scenario for engagement rings, since exact size and specific diamond size combinations often aren't pre-made in every possible variant.
Timeline for a Fully Custom Design
If you're designing something bespoke — a unique setting, a specific stone shape and carat not in the standard catalogue — plan for 15-21 working days from finalising the design brief to completion, plus shipping time on top. This includes 3D CAD rendering for your approval before production begins, which is worth building into your timeline rather than skipping.
Our Recommendation
For a ready-made design: order at least 3-4 weeks before your planned date to comfortably account for shipping and any unexpected delay. For made-to-order or fully custom pieces: order at least 6-8 weeks ahead, particularly for international delivery, to leave a genuine buffer rather than cutting it close to a fixed date like a trip or an anniversary.
What Can Cause Delays
Customs clearance for international orders can add unpredictable time beyond the standard shipping estimate, particularly during peak shipping seasons. Design revisions on fully custom pieces — if you change your mind on a detail after CAD approval — restart part of the production clock. Building in buffer time accounts for both.
If Your Proposal Date Is Fixed
Tell us your target date upfront when you place an order or start a custom consultation — email help@inashadiamonds.com or WhatsApp +91 6003557006 with your timeline, and we'll confirm whether it's realistic for the specific piece you're considering before you commit, rather than finding out too late.