going for gold

It is an Olympic year so make sure you choose a winner of a wedding band.

Choosing your wedding ring is a really exciting part of your wedding preparations. Wedding rings or bands come in a huge variety of styles, metals and settings not to mention prices. The main consideration is to choose a ring that reflects your individual style and taste. It is always best to try and buy the finest quality rings you can afford as they will stand the test of time better than anything else and hopefully increase in value.

The DO's and DON'T'S of buying a wedding ring;

DO decide on a budget and stick to it
DON'T leave it to the last minute to choose your rings - give yourselves plenty of time to find something that you really love
DO your research - speak to jeweller's to see the different styles and prices on offer
DON'T be persuaded into buying anything you don't absolutely love, it has to be a beautiful reminder of your day
DO consider your lifestyle. Bear in mind that you will probably wear this ring more than anything else you own so you need to choose a style that is suitable for your everyday life
DON'T pick something simply because it is on trend. Trends come and go but your own style will last.
DO think about designing your own ring. Here at Jewellery By we work with customers to create bespoke items that suit their needs and style that fit within their budget. You may have jewellery passed to you by family members that you may want to incorporate in your wedding ring, metals and even stones can be used in new items.
DON'T visit jeweller's without your engagement ring as you may need to try rings on alongside it, or discuss designs. Do you want your wedding band to sit flush against your engagement ring? You may need to choose a shaped band if so.
DO get you wedding and engagement rings insured. One in four people loses their ring within five years of marriage.

Platinum Engagement and Wedding Ring

Choosing a Design

Couples have never had such a rich choice in wedding ring design and you no longer have to settle for a traditional plain gold band. The world is your oyster when it comes to jewellery design. Matching his and her rings are also a popular choice these days many couples often shop together to buy rings at the same time. Some couples will opt to have the same metal but the bride might choose to add diamonds to make her ring a little different. Remember to choose what works for you as a couple.

Choosing a Metal

This is an important decision as it will affect the cost and style of the ring you choose. The options available are platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold, palladium, titanium and even tungsten.
Platinum is the most expensive but heavier and more durable than gold. If you like the look of platinum but not the cost, palladium and white gold are the more affordable options.
When buying gold you must remember that is comes in different purities known as carats. The easiest way of explaining carats is the higher the carat the more gold it contains. Remember your wedding band also has to sit well with your engagement ring, as such most people tend to use the same metal for both their engagement and wedding rings.

Two Colour 18ct Gold Wedding Bands

How Much to Spend?

Do make sure you have left sufficient budget left for your rings. Some people believe it is always difficult to suggest how much you should spend on your wedding rings, but really it isn't. You spend what you want to spend, if it is £50 or £5000 you need to do what makes you and your partner happy. Bear in mind that most of the items you will be organising for your wedding will only be for the day, your ring will be around for the rest of your life so you need to be happy with it. You do get what you pay for so try not to scrimp on quality.

Timing

Allow plenty of time before your wedding to order your rings, just in case...... Bespoke items can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the jeweller you use and you will need to allow for any changes to be made. Make sure you try your rings on before the big day. Standing at the alter is not the time to find out they don't fit!

Platinum Wedding Bands

Most importantly you should both enjoy this experience and so should never feel under pressue or that you cannot ask questions. Take your time, make notes if you like and ask as many questions if you like. If the jeweller is not accomodate to this, then they do not deserve your custom.

 Visit us at www.jewelleryby.co.uk to see our range or handmade jewellery collections.

a New York state of mind

Here at Jewellery By we love a bit of romance and a happy ending. We are so chuffed to have heard this week that a young gentleman who recently paid us a visit, to buy a ring for a special someone, got the answer to his question that he was hoping for.

A few weeks ago a slightly ovewhelmed chap came to see us and told us of his plan, to propose to his girlfriend of ten years in New York in the coming weeks. He needed a ring for the occasion but was already overwhelmed by the choice on offer and the tips he was given by everyone and their dog. After a cup of calming tea and a crunchy biscuit (and a long chat) it became clear he liked the idea of them chosing a ring together, something they both had input in and that they both loved. Some may see this as an easier less risky option and that may well be true, but who couldn't fall for the idea of two people buying a ring together that they both love and lets face it, another ring is no bad thing!

The ring of choice for this occasion comes from the design duo at Flash Jordan who are based in the California area of Derby. Their sleek designs are elegant and classy and perfect for such an occasion. The Luna ring that was chosen, is handmade featuring solid sterling silver and diamond accents, a perfect example of fine British craftsmanship.

Luna Ring by Flash Jordan

The newly engaged couple came in to visit us earlier this week and told us all about the proposal that took place in Times Square; the nerves leading up to it (from him), the surprise as he dropped to his knee (from her) and squeals of delight (from him after she accepted). It turns out that he made a fantastic choice in the Luna ring as not only does she love it because he chose it, but she is also a fan of the elegant design.

Visit us at www.jewelleryby.co.uk to see more of Flash Jordan's designs and other handmade jewellery collections.