First of all, well done on making your first step in researching to find your perfect engagement and wedding rings. There is a broad range of wedding jewellery available across a wide variety of outlets - on the high street and online directly from manufacturers and goldsmiths, via third party resellers and from antiques dealers, and so the process can quickly become overwhelming.
If done correctly, it’s something that will hopefully pay you in dividends for years to come. Buying engagement and wedding bands is a high involvement purchase, and so getting it right is of paramount importance; in this article we will cover the various types of wedding and engagement jewellery available, how careful selection and curation of the best materials can help them complement each other and work in harmony from a design standpoint. We will also cover the importance of a bespoke approach to jewellery design and manufacture, along with the planning required to get it right and really ‘wow’ your other half.
What are the different types of engagement and wedding rings available?
When looking for the perfect materials and design, the first thing to consider is the person who will be wearing the ceremonial jewellery. What is her/his and your style and taste? While some people prefer a vintage style of the Victorian Era, others may prefer a more contemporary solitaire design (single stone at the centre of the band), trilogy (with three diamonds of equal or similar size, or cluster (daisy style with art deco features for a modern look and feel).
Once you have decided the general design the next step is to consider you and your other half’s favourite colours. This will influence their stone and metal combination. There is an enormous variety of stone types popular for engagements and weddings. From amethyst to sapphire, emerald to pearl, ruby and onyx, diamond isn’t the only option.
Why it’s so important to use the right metals
As for the ring itself, as budgets increase, so to does the robustness, shine, durability and desirability:
- One of the most popular choices is platinum thanks to its hardness, rarity and fade-free shine.
- For buyers on a small budget, stainless steel is relatively strong and durable, but lacks any defining qualities.
- Palladium is popular for its white colour and the fact that it does not require re-plating.
- White gold provides an excellent backdrop for diamonds.
- Yellow gold (the most popular choice) comes in a variety of carats, the higher they are the harder and more durable.
- Silver (while it will scratch more easily, it is very malleable and so easier to customise into more intricate designs)
How to make jewellery work in harmony
There is no ‘correct’ design. It totally depends on your tastes. If the queen can get away with a slightly unconventional ring combination then so can you; Queen Elizabeth II's rings combine white gold with platinum in wildly different designs, and we think they look absolutely fantastic, because the complement each other in a unique and interesting way. It's fine to mix and match style across vintage and contemporary, so long as they do not clash. If you and your other half would prefer a more orderly style it's possible to commission matching wedding bands, and wishbone rings which give space for the engagement ring stone. The most elaborate of layouts, a bridal set arrangement will have a perfectly matching wedding band and engagement ring, made to fit together so that the engagement ring's stone sits snugly, nestled within the wedding ring's curves.
What are the benefits of bespoke handmade jewellery?
Jewellery on offer online or in the high street might not be exactly what you want, and so getting your engagement and wedding rings handcrafted by a goldsmith will ensure greater attention to detail and a higher degree of quality. Furthermore, expert design consultancy is often the preserve of tailored commissions, therefore you will reap the benefits of working with a company who is experienced getting bespoke wedding and engagement rings right the first time. Whether you are looking for custom engraving, a certain type of metal or jewel, a master craftsman can design and make bespoke pieces of jewellery perfectly tailored to your requirements. Once your design is agreed upon, then a highly intricate process begins; first of all the ring metal is melted and shaped, after which the stone is set. The final touch after cooling is the polishing process.
How can I look after my jewellery going forward?
In the longer term, the type of material you use for your marriage proposal and ceremony will impact the type of jewellery services you require. Some metals and crystals are easier to repair, re-string, re-size and engrave than others so ideally you will get it right first time, but after decades you may decide you want a new custom design feature.
About Anthony Paul Jewellery -
EXCELLENCE IN JEWELLERY SINCE 1982
Established more than 30 years ago, Anthony Paul jewellery is a family-run business specialising in fine antique jewellery and handcrafted bespoke pieces. With a fully-equipped workshop on-site in Windsor, we’re proud to offer everything from the simplest of repairs to restorations and one-off creations.
Get in touch with Anthony Paul Jewellery to discuss how we can help you find your perfect engagement and wedding jewellery.
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