Chris Wood x Fergus James: A Striker’s Proposal with a Bespoke Diamond Ring
At Fergus James, we believe that fine jewellery is never just about diamonds and gold — it’s about meaning. It’s about capturing something real: a moment, a memory, a promise.
From first goals to lifelong goals, every story is unique. And recently, we had the privilege of helping Premier League footballer and New Zealand international Chris Wood mark one of the most significant moments of his life — his engagement.
Chris came to us looking for something special. Not flashy. Not overcomplicated. But something timeless, heartfelt, and deeply personal. The result? A bespoke engagement ring designed with love, purpose, and precision.
A Footballer with Focus
On the field, Chris Wood is known for his strength, consistency, and focus — qualities that have earned him admiration throughout the football world. Off the pitch, those same traits shone through in his approach to creating a ring for his partner.
From the very first conversation, Chris was clear: this ring had to be a reflection of the woman he loves and the future they’re building together. He didn’t want something generic — he wanted a custom-designed engagement ring that would mean something real.
At Fergus James, we specialise in this kind of detail. For us, creating bespoke jewellery isn’t about trends — it’s about telling a story. And Chris had a beautiful one to tell.
A Private Design Journey in Dubai
Chris travelled to the Fergus James showroom in Dubai, where we offer a completely private and fully personalised design experience. Known globally for our work with elite athletes, creatives, and public figures, our Dubai studio has become a leading destination for custom engagement rings and celebrity jewellery design.
In a relaxed, one-on-one setting, Chris collaborated with our team — from discussing initial ideas and reviewing diamond options to seeing the ring come to life through 3D CAD models.
He approached every stage of the process with patience and purpose. Every decision was made with his partner in mind — her style, her taste, and what the ring would represent for them both.
The Fergus James Experience
We’ve worked with clients from across the world — from professional footballers to artists, CEOs to newlyweds — and one thing always remains the same: the importance of trust.
Chris put his trust in us to create something worthy of one of life’s biggest questions. And in turn, we treated every part of his project with the care and confidentiality that all our clients receive.
Our atelier in Dubai handles everything in-house — diamond selection, CAD rendering, goldsmithing, stone setting, and polishing — meaning we control the quality at every single step. That’s why we’re known not just for our designs, but for our flawless craftsmanship and discretion.
A Moment to Remember
We always protect the privacy of our clients — especially during deeply personal moments like a proposal. But we’re happy to share one detail: she said yes.
The ring, the moment, the setting — everything came together perfectly. And knowing that something we created was part of that life-changing memory? That’s the real reward.
It’s easy to focus on carats and clarity (and yes, we’re obsessed with those too), but what truly matters is what the ring represents. For Chris and his partner, it symbolises love, partnership, and the journey ahead.
A Ring That Reflects the Couple
What stood out most about working with Chris was his sincerity. There were no grand gestures for show — just genuine care and thought behind every choice he made.
The final piece was clean, elegant, and completely custom-designed. Every angle, every setting, every sparkle was made to honour their relationship. It wasn’t just a ring — it was a tribute to the bond they’ve built and the future they’re stepping into.
It’s easy to see why custom engagement rings have become the go-to choice for couples around the world — because love stories aren’t one-size-fits-all. And neither are the rings that represent them.
Thinking of Designing Your Own Engagement Ring?
At Fergus James, we specialise in helping couples bring their vision to life — whether that’s in the form of a modern solitaire, a vintage-inspired design, or something that’s never been done before.
Whether you're ready to propose or simply starting to explore the world of bespoke engagement rings, our team is here to guide you every step of the way — from initial ideas to the final polish.
Chris Wood’s journey with us was thoughtful, collaborative, and deeply meaningful — and we’d love to help create something just as unforgettable for you.
Book Your Private Consultation
Our Dubai showroom offers one-on-one appointments in a calm, luxurious space, away from the crowds and pressure. Here, you’ll have the freedom to explore ideas, view diamonds, and design a ring that’s truly yours.
Your story is unique — your ring should be too.
