Behind the Brand
The Heart of Durham Rose
At Durham Rose, we believe that every love story deserves to be told through beautifully crafted, bespoke jewellery. But our journey didn’t start in a workshop—it began with one man’s frustration and determination to change the way engagement rings are designed.
The Beginning: A Frustrating Search for Perfection
When Manu set out to find the perfect engagement ring for his partner, Pip, he realised how difficult it was to bring a truly unique vision to life. After visiting over twenty jewellers and scouring online stores, he encountered the same challenges again and again—lack of transparency, unclear pricing, and outdated design methods. Most jewellers relied on rough sketches, vague estimates, and a “trust us” approach, with little room for personalisation. Any adjustments were either dismissed as impossible or came with additional costs. Worst of all, many required upfront payment before even showing him what the final piece would look like.
Determined to create something special, Manu took matters into his own hands. He spent over 60 hours learning CAD software to design the perfect ring himself—one that captured Pip’s personality and their unique love story. Yet even after completing the design, he struggled to find goldsmiths willing to bring his vision to life with the precision and quality he expected.
From a Proposal to a Passion
In 2010, Manu proposed to Pip with his self-designed ring, surrounded by 400 metres of fairy lights, a group of friends, and some of London’s most iconic landmarks. The excitement of that moment sparked something bigger. Friends soon began asking him to design their engagement rings, eager for the same level of customisation and craftsmanship. What started as a fun challenge quickly turned into a business idea—one that redefined what bespoke jewellery could be.
Manu and Pip launched Hot Pink, their bespoke jewellery company, and even pitched it on Dragons’ Den (the UK’s equivalent of Shark Tank). Although they didn’t secure investment, the business continued to thrive. As they expanded, they realised they weren’t just creating rings—they were telling love stories through jewellery. This led to the birth of Durham Rose, a brand that blends cutting-edge technology with master craftsmanship to bring truly one-of-a-kind rings to life.
What Defines Us
Crafting Timeless Pieces: The Durham Rose Commitment to Exceptional Jewellery
At Durham Rose, we take pride in the artistry and exclusivity that goes into each piece of jewellery we create. Our master craftsmen, with decades of experience, blend traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to produce pieces that are not just beautiful but also everlasting. Every gemstone is carefully selected, and every metal is meticulously shaped to bring out the inherent brilliance and uniqueness of each design.
Your Story, Our Craft: A Concierge Experience
We believe your bespoke jewellery should reflect the uniqueness of the moments it commemorates. We work closely with you to bring your vision to life, whether it’s an engagement ring, a milestone anniversary gift, or a personal celebration. From the initial sketch to the final polish, every step is a collaborative journey. We ensure transparency by providing regular updates, keeping you informed about your piece’s progress and milestones. Our goal is to make your bespoke jewellery experience memorable and personal, combining your vision with our exceptional craftsmanship.
Our Promises
- Your Vision, Our Priority: Every design starts with your story, ensuring your ring is as meaningful as the moment it represents.
- Truly One-of-a-Kind: No two rings are the same. Your bespoke piece is designed exclusively for you.
- Collaboration & Communication: We guide you through every step, keeping you informed and involved in the design process.
- No Limits to Creativity: If it follows the laws of physics, we can create it. We love pushing boundaries to bring intricate, bold, and meaningful designs to life.
- Complete Transparency: Every cost element is clear from the start, so you always know what you’re paying for.
- Excellence at Every Budget: Whether your budget is £1,000 or more, we ensure exceptional craftsmanship without compromise.
- Timeless Craftsmanship: Every ring is expertly crafted using high-quality materials, built to last for generations.
- Fair & Honest Pricing: We believe in offering true value without inflated costs.
- Respect for Your Privacy: Your details remain confidential, and we communicate only when necessary.
- Passion Fuels Our Craft: We love what we do, and your ideas inspire us to create something truly special.
Ethical Practices
We believe true beauty lies in both design and integrity. Every piece we create reflects our commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and responsible craftsmanship. Fine jewellery should not only be exquisite—it should also honour the people and processes behind it.
We carefully select our materials to ensure they meet the highest ethical standards. Our mined diamonds adhere to the Kimberley Process and the World Diamond Council System of Warranties, guaranteeing they are sourced responsibly. We are equally mindful of our metals, prioritising responsibly sourced and recycled metals wherever possible.
As part of our dedication to transparency and accountability, we work exclusively with suppliers accredited by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)—a globally recognised organisation that upholds ethical, human rights, social, and environmental standards within the jewellery industry.
At Durham Rose, we don’t just craft jewellery—we create meaningful, responsibly made heirlooms that you can wear with pride.