Couples often ask us about our wedding bands and when we got the opportunity to participate in 'Ask the Expert' we jumped at the chance to answer the questions that are on everyone's mind. Here are the questions and answers:
1)What are the main things brides and grooms-to-be should consider when choosing their wedding rings? E.g. material options (complement other jewellery/personal style)
complementing the engagement ring (why and how?)
Whether you choose a simple band or an elaborate design, the most important thing is that it is in proportion to your engagement ring or, in the groom’s case, to his hand. Your engagement ring is the star of your hand and the wedding ring should compliment it. I give my customers the benefit of my 20 years experience of fitting and designing wedding rings.
With regards to metals there is now a new precious metal to choose from, palladium. It is whiter than White gold, has all of the benefits of platinum but is much cheaper. I highly recommend it to couples who want the appearance of platinum but don’t have deep enough pockets for platinum.
2) How can couples make their rings personal?
e.g. Engravings / any individual touches
Gone are the days when the groom bought a flimsy washer type ring from Ratners. With all of the expense and thought that modern brides put into their wedding day, something more special is required. We have specialised in creating bespoke, personal wedding rings.
Our most popular ring is the “Fingerprint ring” on which we engrave the exact print of your partner’s finger onto the beautiful solid bespoke band. Some may just prefer their names engraved inside with a “with love” but our “Sonnet” ring has a romantic line from a Shakespearean sonnet engraved around the outside, “shall I compare the to a summer’s day......” With the skills of our award winning master engravers we can make your wedding ring as individual as your wedding is and our newest design could not be more personal. The “Heartbeat Ring” is hand-engraved with your loved ones heartbeat. It will certainly be a talking point for many years.
3) Can couples design their rings themselves with a jeweller? What is the process for doing this? How long should couples allow for the rings to be produced?
This is much more possible now than it used to be. However, the most important thing is to speak to the jeweller who is going to carry out the work or you may find your design changes when interpreted by the jeweller doing the work. I would ask the jeweller to show you the designs at a halfway stage so you can make any adjustments needed to the design before it is finished. I would allow 3-6 weeks for the rings to be made but I would make sure you think about your wedding rings at least 3-6 months in advance.
When I work with couples to design their wedding rings I always sit down with them and start to sketch ideas as we talk, so that I can get their immediate feedback of what they like/dislike. Once we all feel that I understand exactly what they want I make the rings up in silver for the fitting stage. I do this because it is easier to make changes to the design when the rings are in silver, than if they were made up in their chosen metals. Once the clients are 100% happy with the look, feel and design of their rings I make them up in their chosen precious metal.
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| A wedding and engagement set that I recently designed and made for a couple who wanted a bespoke design to their specifications |
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| I worked with the couple to design and make this unusual wedding and engagement combination |
4) Have you noticed any trends in the popularity of wedding ring designs – for men and women?
I think the biggest change in trends of wedding rings over the past five years is the almost total switch to white metals from yellow gold and the addition of diamonds to the bands, including the grooms. You can only go on what you prefer but if you like being different, why not go for the lovely warm colour of red gold.
5) If couples are on a budget what are the most reasonable materials to use?
Palladium wedding bands.
This is an easy question. The answer is palladium. It is very like platinum and is whiter than white gold and costs less than both. However, whith the increased popularity of this metal, I can only see the price rising in future.
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| Palladium plain wedding bands |
6) If the sky's the limit, how can couples splurge on their wedding rings (highest quality materials/diamonds)
We made these wedding rings for a couple that loved diamonds. They were both set with channel set princess cut diamonds in platinum and they loved the rings.
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| Diamond set wedding bands |
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| A diamond encrusted wedding band to really add the wow factor to the brides already sparkly engagement ring |
7) Is there anything couples should look out for to be sure they are using a quality jeweller?
I would always look for a jeweller who is well established, has been recommended and above all personable.
8) Do jewellers offer insurance or do couples need to seek outside insurance to protect their new rings?
Your household insurance should cover your wedding rings but look at the small print and check your excess. For higher value items over £1,500 you will probably need to have the items individually photographed and have valuations made for them. We do this for free with our jewellery and I would ask your jeweller to give you a complimentary insurance valuation with your purchase.
If you would like to ask Dominic any questions please feel free to email us at: info@dominicwalmsley.com
