Analysing their sales data, as well as Google trends, Manchester-based sustainable jeweller Lily Arkwright has pulled together insights on when the most popular time to propose is, as well as when to potentially pick up a bargain engagement ring too.

Autumn is the new Valentine’s Day

Surprisingly millennials no longer see Valentine’s Day – the day of love – as an ideal time to propose.

With no spike in engagement ring sales in February in recent years, Valentine’s Day appears to have become an unpopular time of year for engagements according to Lily Arkwright’s data.

This suggests that consumers now feel it is too predictable and cliché. Instead, sales of engagement rings typically rise in October with those in London, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire being the most likely to purchase a ring at this time.

Festively frugal

With pending wedding costs in mind, many shoppers are keen to ensure they get the most value possible on their engagement ring.

Lily Arkwright found that sales soared over 63% during 2021’s Black Friday sales, with savvy shoppers taking advantage of lower prices to ensure they had their ring ready for those Christmas and New Year proposals loved by couples across the UK. 

Summer loving

Just like weddings, proposals are immensely popular as the sun begins to shine in the UK and as more people prepare for romantic holidays.

Lily Arkwright sees sales rise by 38% in April as couples prepare for springtime proposals. This continues into the summer months as July proves to be a favoured month for engagement ring shopping

At the tender age of 20, Ariel Desiree McRae met her boyfriend online. After speaking together over the phone for hours every day, he drove for over an hour to take her on their first date. Ariel describes their love story; “we ate wings, had a burping contest, and drove around listening to music and singing”. They fell in love on their first date.

Ariel and her boyfriend had never had much. “We scrape and scrape to pay bills and put food in our bellies, but after almost 2 years of dating, we decided that we couldn’t wait anymore, so we didn’t,” McRae wrote in a public Facebook post.

All they wanted was to get married. Ariel didn’t care about a wedding ring with diamonds, or any ring, for that matter. “I just wanted to marry my best friend,” she said. She didn’t need a ring at all, but her fiancée wanted her to have a ring; “He scraped up just enough money to buy me two matching rings from Pandora” she says.

But when Ariel and her husband went into the popular jewellery store chain Pandora to buy the rings, they had a heart-shattering experience.

While they were trying the rings, another salesperson approached them and commented how “pathetic” it was that some men purchase their jewellery as engagement rings.

Ariel described how she watched her new husband’s face fall. Already insecure about not being able to afford one of the pear-shaped engagement rings that covered Ariel’s Pinterest page, her partner was shattered. In the store, he kept asking Ariel if she was okay, desperate to please his soon-to-be wife. Ariel said; “he was so upset at the idea of not making me happy enough and of me not wanting to marry him because my rings didn’t cost enough money or weren’t flashy enough”. He felt like a failure.

Instead of getting angry, Ariel said to the salesperson; “it isn’t the ring that matters, it is the love that goes into buying one that is.” They bought the rings and left the shop.

Her husband was so afraid of her not wanting him because he couldn’t afford a ring that cost thousands of dollars. Ariel was heartbroken that society had put these pressures on her partner.

Ariel and her partner decided that they couldn’t wait any longer, so they eloped and got married with the $130 Pandora wedding ring set. Ariel said; “I’ve never been this happy in my life and I couldn’t imagine spending it with anyone else, ever”.

She took to social media to tell her love story, and express her sadness that society makes people feel that “the only way a man can truly love a woman is if he buys her $3,000+ jewellery and makes a public decree of his affection”. She asks; “why do material possessions equate to love?”

It’s great if you’re lucky enough to afford a beautiful engagement ring and a wedding ring, but not all of us are that fortunate. What’s important is that you find your own unique ways to show your love, in your own special way.

True love knows no bounds and doesn’t require expensive jewellery. It’s often easy to lose sight of this fact, but marriage should be about the love between two people, not the jewellery you have.

Whether you have a temporary engagement ring, shopping on a budget, or buying a ring from Pandora, Ariel’s love story just goes to show that love is love no matter what kind of ring you have.

A Jeweller in Melbourne, Kalfin Jewellery, can help those impacted by COVID-19 or simply cannot afford an engagement ring, with a temporary promise ring in the meantime. We recommend reaching out to Kalfin Jewellery and asking them how they could help and assist you during these times to make one of these love stories come true for you. 

Read more articles on Engagement and Marriage at https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/category/weddings-and-bridal/

Understanding the different eras of vintage jewellery

The price and value of a ring changes with the era of its creation. Most of the vintage rings differ with the craftsmanship that went into building the ring. Usually, the longer that a ring has been in existence, the higher the price. Here are the jewellery eras:

•  Victorian: 1837 to 1901
• Art Nouveau: 1890 to 1910
• Edwardian: 1901 to 1920
• Art Deco: 1920 to 1930
• Mid Century: 1940 to 1960

Be sure to ask the year that a ring was manufactured. Be wary of dealers that cannot provide proof for the date of manufacture that they set on the ring.

Art Deco was the largest engagement session in history. Therefore, a good number of rings were created at this time. However, if you are looking for delicate designs with floral inclinations, Art Nouveau rings are the way to go. However, if you want solid platinum-diamond combination rings, look for rings created in the Edwardian period. These periods are not cast in stone. You will find styles and designs transcending for more than one period.

Benefits of choosing a vintage engagement ring

Unique and Luxurious

Most likely, the craft used in designing the ring is different from what is available today. Therefore, you are likely to come across a more unique and rare ring. Most of the rings come with extra and unexpected details that make them worthy gifts for a loved one.

Eco-friendly

When you are buying a pre-owned ring, you are taking care of the environment rather than contributing to the depletion of available minerals.

Value for Money

You can come across a really valuable ring at a reasonable price. This is because many pieces sell below the market value of new jewellery. Your loved one can sell it later for an equally good price when you get married.

Even if you get value for money, a vintage engagement ring is quite an investment. Therefore, you would want to ensure that you buy the best that you can at the set budget. Here are some budgeting and ring selection tips.

Set a Budget

If you are not sure how much you should be spending, you will likely be enticed into buying a ring that is way more expensive than you intended. It is important that you set a budget and stick to it so that you are able to weed out rings that are too low in value or too highly-priced. Do some online window-shopping and check out various offers from multiple shops. This will give you a rough estimate of what you could spend. Do not settle on an exact price. Instead, determine how much higher you can go if you get a good piece.

Ask the Finer Details

Attention is in the details, so do not just pick a vintage ring just because it looks exciting. Determine its qualities such as the cut of the stone, size and shapes. For example, if you are looking at a diamond ring, consider the carat weight, clarity and colour of the stone. These aspects are key to the pricing of a stone. A reputable dealer can give you a grading report or an appraisal for the ring. You can use the report to compare with other rings that are available in the market with similar characteristics.

Thing to consider when selecting a vintage ring

What is the Material Used to Make the Band?

A gemstone engagement ring can have a wide choice of band materials. The most popular among them are silver, gold and platinum. Among the three, platinum has been the choice material for aesthetics and practical reasons.

First, platinum is less likely to be bent and, therefore, survives for longer in good condition. Second, Platinum produces patina with time, which prevents further deterioration of the material with regular use.

You may also come across rings with bands made of white gold. This material is usually made from a mix of nickel, silver and gold and is also durable.

However, some people get skin irritation when they wear such rings for extended periods. Find a way to determine if your partner is likely to have a problem with the material or just stick to platinum.

Look At The Ring Colours

Diamonds are the most popular and desired precious stones used in making engagement rings. However, they only came into fashion in the early 1930’s.

Before then, various precious stones were used on engagement rings. Therefore, you are most likely to find a diamond ring with the inclusion of other stones such as rubies, sapphire and emeralds. These stones provide an awesome contrast to the clarity of the diamond ring.

Be open-minded. It does not have to be a pure diamond for the ring to look great. Coloured gems add some beautiful twist to the ring and make it unique.

Make it Personal

Unlike other rings that are worn as a symbol of prestige, wealth and status, engagement rings are a personal gift to someone that you love.

Therefore, do not be too focused on the characteristics such as the carats and an expensive cut. Rather, determine the taste of the partner so that you deliver a real surprise to them. They are more likely to like a vintage engagement ring that is personal, unique and backed by a loving soul than so many carats.

Consider if You Need to Resize Your Ring

People were generally smaller 100 years ago than they are today. It is possible to size some of the rings, either up or down, to some extent. However, there are cases where this is not practical or possible. Talk to your dealer about that possibility and the cost estimate. A few would do it free. However, if the dealer advises against resizing the ring, you better not do it. It is likely that the delicate nature of the ring may lead to lost stones or some irreversible damage. You do not want to spend a premium only for the ring to fall apart after a short time.

If you are thinking about an engagement ring for your partner, consider vintage rings. There are various styles and cuts that you are less likely to find with new rings. However, ensure that you check all the factors that are discussed above when making a purchase. You may also prefer to use professional dealers so that they help you find the best ring.

Read more tips on buying the perfect jewellery https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/category/jewellery-diamonds-and-gemstones/

Take a look at your finances

One of the most important details to assess for planning your future wedding is your finances. For starters, you should first sit down with your partner and set a budget on how much you are willing to spend for your wedding ceremony. Though it is a joyous moment and a day to remember, do not forget that life goes on after the wedding – you don’t need to spend too much! There may be many aspects of your wedding day that you will need to budget for such as your venue, wedding rings, wedding dress, and food. One expensive factor could be when you are choosing your wedding photographer so it’s important to think about how much you want to spend on photos.

Choose a theme and your wedding decor

The next step should be choosing and booking a wedding venue for your special day.

Do you want a traditional church wedding? Or do you want a beautiful beach ceremony?

After you have picked the ideal venue, choose a theme and decor that matches it! Vintage chic, rustic, beach, or a winter wonderland, are just some popular themes you could use.

Once you have chosen a theme you can then select decor to match such as your wedding invitations, table decorations, your bouquet, and bridesmaid dresses. If you are not great when it comes to decorating, you can consult a wedding planner to get practical and enticing décor tips based on your wedding venue.

Pick your wedding attire and choose a dress code for your guests

One of the most magical parts of planning a wedding is picking out your wedding dress/suit. It is your big day after all, so why not pull out all the stops? When choosing a dress, suit, or your preferred attire, consider your personal tastes, the theme of the wedding, budget and venue of the wedding.

For example, if you are having your wedding in the middle of summer, it’s probably not best to have a heavy long gown for your wedding day.

On a hot day, grooms can also ditch the suit jacket and could style up their smart shirt and waistcoat for a summer day. It is also important to decide what dress code you want your guests to follow. Do you have a colour scheme you want them to match? Is it a smart-casual wedding?

Think about what really matters to you

Organising a wedding is a unique journey that unfolds a tapestry of personal values, desires, and dreams. It’s a grand celebration, not just of love and commitment, but also of what truly matters to you as a couple. Whether you’re passionate about creating an ‘ethical wedding‘ with a focus on sustainability and fair trade, or you’re leaning towards a literary-themed event that reflects your shared love for books, the key is to let your personal ethos guide your choices.

Perhaps you cherish your cultural heritage and want to infuse your wedding with traditional rituals and customs. Or, you might be food enthusiasts, eager to plan a gourmet dining experience for your guests. Maybe you’re nature lovers who wish to exchange vows under the canopy of your favorite forest, or perhaps you’re committed to supporting local businesses and wish to source everything from your decor to your wedding attire from within your community.

Whatever elements you care about the most, let them take center stage in your celebration. Remember, there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ blueprint for a wedding. Your special day should be a unique reflection of your relationship and shared interests. As long as your wedding day feels genuinely yours, it will be perfect.

Don’t forget the important finishing touches

To complete your wedding attire ensemble, do not forget to choose some jewellery and beautiful accessories for your special day. The ideal jewellery should accentuate and compliment your attire. For the bride, you can’t go wrong with some silver or gold jewellery that matches your wedding band and engagement ring. For grooms, a luxurious watch would be an ideal addition to any attire you are adorning.

Treat your guests to thoughtful wedding favours

Planning a wedding is a time-consuming venture that requires a lot of effort. At some point, you will need help from the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other guests. For their effort and to show appreciation for their support during the wedding process, it is only right that you give a gift of thanks to everyone. Sweet treats like macarons, sweets, and cupcakes, are great to pair with your place settings for your guests. Make sure to personalise each one so that you make your guests feel special and part of your important day.

For more wedding ring inspired articles, view our wedding and bridal section here: https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/category/weddings-and-bridal/

Here are our top tips for finding your perfect bridesmaids dresses without blowing the budget. Because ensuring your girlfriends look as great as you do on your big day doesn’t have to cost the earth:

1. Choose a Dress That Will Suit Everyone

Finding a dress that each of your bridesmaids will feel happy and comfortable in can feel like an impossible mission. Whilst one wants to emphasise her curves, another wants to hide them. Whilst one wants a strapless gown, another wants a little more coverage. Luckily, there is a solution. Why not opt for a one shoulder gown that will suit everyone’s needs?

This modern and fashion-forward bridesmaid dress features an asymmetric neckline and flattering ruching across the body. This detailing can both hide and create curves, meaning that bridesmaids of all shapes and sizes will feel comfortable as they escort you down the aisle. It’s an instant recipe for happy bridesmaids, and pleasingly affordable too!

2. Invest in Accessories

Investing in high quality accessories is key to elevating your bridesmaid dress and making even the most inexpensive gown look high-end and glamorous. The right piece of jewellery is the finishing touch that will add polish and class to any outfit.

This beautifully detailed and delicate white opal necklace would make the perfect thank you gift for your bridesmaids. It’s a token they can wear on your wedding day and then treasure forever. It’s neutral enough to match any bridesmaid dress you choose, and it’s white stone will coordinate perfectly with your own wedding dress A gift of jewellery is a gift that no one will ever forget.

3. Help Them to De-Stress

Finally, being a bridesmaid is almost as stressful as being a bride. Bridesmaids have to look good, help the bride to get ready on the day of her wedding, and take care of any last minute problems so that she can focus on staying as relaxed as possible. Being a bridesmaid is hard work! With this in mind, why not add an accessory that will not only look good but will also help your bridesmaid to de-stress and remain calm throughout the day?

The Maharani spin and wish spinning ring acts as a worry aid, and has been used for centuries to aid anxiety and soothe away stress. This unique ring will compliment any outfit, and will give your bridesmaid something to fiddle with: ideal if she’s feeling so stressed that you’re worried she might bite away her fresh manicure! This is another great idea for a d gift that can be treasured forever.

View more articles on Weddings and Bridal at https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/category/weddings-and-bridal/ 

While maintaining a budget is important, you should remember that the ring will become the first thing many people ask to see, as well as an item your partner will want to show off for the rest of their life.

A ring is chosen as a symbol for your relationship, one that will be shared with the world. This is why choosing the right ring is important, especially in the age of social media.

With engagements being announced through Facebook and Instagram, it is the engagement ring that becomes the focus.

Celebrity announcements gain millions of comments and likes, immediately followed by articles discussing the stone and ring design. And, with this great attention placed upon the engagement ring, we are seeing designs becoming more creative so that couples stand out from the crowd.

No longer is simple elegance enough, now a ring should be unique and have creativity. Here are the key design factors and their trends, to help you choose the right eye-catching engagement ring for your partner.

Four C’s

Some of the first descriptors you will encounter when shopping for an engagement ring are the ‘four c’s’. They are cut, clarity, color, and carat. Each describes a different element of the diamond’s design.

1. Cut – the shaping of the diamond
2. Clarity – how perfect or unblemished the stone is
3. Color – there are many colors of diamond
4. Carat – the weight, not necessarily size, of the diamond

Each of these qualities are important to consider. America has two continued favorite cuts of diamond, the round and square cut. Together, they make up nearly three quarters of all engagement ring diamonds sold. However, many couples are beginning to leave these designs behind in favor of a more unusual alternative. Many famous engagement rings, such as Angelina Jolie’s and Lady Gaga’s, use different shapes and styles, making them iconic. It is the same for the color of a diamond. Clear diamonds remain the most popular, however, there is a rising demand for yellow and pink diamonds. Both Cardi B and Katy Perry proudly made use of pink diamonds in their engagement rings and has helped pique the public’s interest in the color for their own rings.

Setting

The setting of the ring is how the diamonds are placed and displayed upon the ring. Much like the ‘four c’s’, there is a traditional and widely-popular preference for the solitaire setting. Its simplicity is celebrated and it raises the central stone, elevating it for a wonderful sparkle.

Again, however, there are early indications of a shifting preference. Alternative settings, such as halo and pavé settings, are becoming more mainstream. There’s plenty of room to get creative with smaller, complimentary stones. Olivia Wilde was given an engagement ring set in an emerald halo, a vibrant green to match her eyes.

Stone

While the diamond is the most iconic stone for Designer Engagement Rings, there is no obligation to limit yourself. While the diamond is the strongest stone and most resilient to damage, there are excellent alternatives.

Two stones could even be combined such as on a halo setting. Now perhaps the most famous engagement ring in the world, Princess Diana’s sapphire was originally the cause of some commotion. However, since the beautiful blue stone has been adjusted for Kate Middleton’s hand, it has opened many people’s minds to a variety of diamond alternatives.

Things to consider when choosing an engagement ring

1. Know what ‘she’ wants. It’s her ring!

It is important that you have a clear understanding of what your girlfriend wants. It is her ring. She will be wearing it for life. So, what ‘you’ think she would like or what ‘you’ would like to get her is a recipe for your buying decision going horribly wrong. You should consider doing the following research:

• Does she want to play a role in selecting the engagement ring? If yes, then it is a process you should go through together.
• Has she been dropping hints as to what she would like? This could be leaving brochures/business cards of jewellers lying around; does she look at diamond rings in a jewellery shop when you go shopping together? Observe what kind of rings does she look at or try on.
• Has she clearly specified what she would like?
• Has she commented on an engagement ring that her friend has received?

2. Size or quality?

What is important for her – the size of the diamond or its quality? Do you want the biggest diamond for your money or of the best quality?

How important is it that the diamond is 1 carat or 1.50 carat and so on? A knowledgeable sales person will inform you that you can achieve a ‘1 carat look’ with a nice 0.80ct – 0.90ct diamond and save money in the process. Remember diamonds are cut for weight and there is a big price difference between a 1 carat and say, an 0.85 carat diamond which has been cut well and looks like a 1 carat in its sparkle.

Likewise, how important is it to get a high colour – like a D or an E? Remember, a high colour does not mean more sparkle. A high colour will add value to the diamond, so the higher the colour, the more valuable your diamond is. But I have seen lower grades of colour – like a G or an H which have amazing sparkle and hence are perfectly beautiful diamonds. And conversely, I have also seen a high colour stone such as an E colour but poorly cut and hence, looking dull and lifeless.

Most sales people are not qualified diamond graders and have a basic knowledge of the 4C’s that judge the value of a diamond. Their biggest tool of trade is to appeal to your emotional side. Which makes it imperative that you do adequate reading and shop around to get an idea of size, quality and value.

3. Have a budget

It is wise to work out your budget and stick to it because in due course you will have wedding and honeymoon expenses as well. To most women, more important than the size of the diamond is the fact that you have gone through the effort of choosing an engagement ring for her. And a genuine partner will value you sticking to your budget as well.

4. Bespoke or off the shelf?

What kind of ring design does she want? Or is it better that you propose with a loose diamond and go through the process of getting a jeweller to mount it into a ring together with her?

Would you like it to be bespoke and custom-made? Or can you find the ring of your choice ready-made? Unfortunately, I have not seen a jeweller who does not claim that their rings are “hand-made”, “bespoke”, “custom-made”. The truth is very few of them are truly manufacturing jewellers. The vast majority will get a cast or part of the ring as a cast and get a jeweller to complete the make. That is if they have not purchased it from a mass manufacturer in Hong Kong or Vietnam or some Asian country. Assuming the same size diamond and identical design, a cast ring will weigh less than a hand-made one.

If your ring is to be bespoke then you should carefully do research for manufacturing jewellers. And ask the salesperson where is their jewellery workshop? How many jewellers do they have on the bench? Will any part of the manufacturing process be outsourced?

5. Questions to ask the salesperson

By this stage, you (a) know what kind of an engagement ring your girlfriend wants; (b) have worked out your budget and (c) have done your research on which jewellers to go to. Here are some of the questions you might wish to ask the salesperson:

• What is the size, colour, clarity of the diamond in this ring?
• Does it have fluorescence? (for the uninitiated, it can be an intrinsic feature in some diamonds whereby in ultra violet light the diamond appears blue in colour. For example: in a disco. If it exists in slight levels it can actually enhance the look of the diamond, but in medium to stronger levels it will reduce the value of the diamond).
• Can you confirm that the diamond has been ethically sourced? (tip: research about the Kimberley Process)
• Is this diamond independently certified?
• Is this diamond fracture filled? (especially if the diamond appears to be too cheap when compared to others you may have seen of a similar size and quality as well – a big ‘no-no’ in spite of the attractive price. If it appears too good to be true, it often is!
• What are their after-sales services and warranties – especially if the diamond falls out of its setting without significant or heavy wear and tear (i.e. manufacturing issues with the ring)
• Can the ring be resized (not all of them can depending on the nature of the ring and the setting of the diamonds) and if yes, will they re-size it free of charge if it does not fit your girlfriend?
• What are the care instructions on how to clean and look after the ring?
• Will they give you a valuation for insurance purposes?

6. The price

By all means negotiate the best price. But be realistic. For example: don’t expect a retailer to give you a diamond ring at a price you could buy it online.

Instead, see what additional value the retailer can add within the price e.g. free resizing, free servicing, extended warranty, a guaranteed diamond buyback, etc.

Yellow gold is firmly back

A trend that we’ve seen over the last few years, and which we prodict will continue, is the transition back to yellow gold.

For years now white gold and platinum have dominated both the engagement ring and the wedding ring scenes, but already the move back to traditional yellow has been slowly gaining popularity. The precious metal is expected to gain more popularity than ever since the reign of white gold began. T

Matching your wedding band with your engagement ring

The engagement ring without an additional wedding ring is still the predominant trend. If the woman decides she only wants one ring, she is in good company–many women have chosen to go this route.

But, wedding bands are gaining momentum, and many couples are choosing to have both. The uniqueness of varying designs allows for any taste or preference, and the addition of a wedding ring to an already beautiful engagement ring is advisable for anyone.

Matching wedding bands

For the romantics in the world, the trend to have matching his-and-hers wedding rings has become extremely popular. More men are wearing wedding rings than ever before, and matching the ring to that worn by the woman proclaims a statement of dedicated unity.

With the abilities of most jewellers, almost any engagement ring can be examined and used as inspiration to create a complimentary ring for her and a matching wedding band for him.

Choosing durability

A wedding band, either for him or for her, needs to last, and this has prompted many couples to choose materials of a more durable nature.

Platinum has become a favoured metal both for its durability and its inherent value. Many people love both the white gold and the yellow gold looks and have a difficult decision choosing between the two. A new trend is to simultaneously incorporate the two metals, either by choosing one metal for the engagement ring and the other for the wedding ring, or by creating a ring that uses both.

Today, more young adults spend under a month’s salary on a wedding ring, and this number is only going down. With this lowering cost come more untraditional wedding ring options. Instead of diamonds, we’re seeing so many other stones and designs take center stage. Keep reading for the untraditional wedding ring guide for 2019.

1. Simple and Silver

One of the first options for wedding bands or rings is just to stick with simple and silver. These are a traditional choice that tones it down a notch. Instead of an extravagant, pricy ring that won’t age well, a simple silver band or ring will hold up to the test of time.

Even better, it’s easy to find wholesale silver jewelry that looks amazing. This is something you and your partner will wear every day. You want it to be durable, high-quality, and timeless.

2. Cluster Rings or Ring Stack

A cluster ring is particularly popular for engagement rings, though it’s very versatile. It’s a larger option that stacks several dainty, nontraditional stones into a single, larger band. It looks great, and it really makes a statement.

Similarly, ring stacks are a fun take on the traditional ring style. While ring stacks have been gaining popularity for a while, they’re finally becoming a normal wedding option. Stacking unconventional stones and mix-and-match bands is a great way to show off your style.

3. Pearl Rings

Did you ever think of using a pearl as your wedding ring? Pearls have a long and rich meaning. Traditionally, pearls symbolize wealth. Natural pearls are still extremely rare, and they can often come at a premium. However, farmed pearls are much more accessible to all budgets.

Today, pearls are a symbol of feminine beauty. They’re brilliant, resistant to damage, and look great no matter what you’re wearing. Swap out your diamond for something a bit more significant.

4. Opal Rings

Like pearls, opal is also becoming a popular untraditional choice for brides today. Opal is bright blue, and that makes it an unexpected option, but it’s a conversation starter none the less. Why opal? Like pearls, opals have a long history as well.

The word opal was given from Greek and Latin, and it means to see a color change. According to history, a Roman Emperor once offered to trade one-third of his kingdom for just one opal. Since then, opal has been used by royals and leaders throughout history.

5. Uncut Diamond Rings

Finally, maybe you’re not ready to go completely off the beaten path. If so, an uncut diamond might be just what you’re looking for. Most of the diamond rings on the market are in pristine, perfect condition. However, uncut diamonds are exceedingly beautiful in their natural form. The rough shape is one-of-a-kind, and this ring is sure to impress.

Final Thoughts

No matter what ring you choose, you’re sure to fall in love with it every day. There’s something so special about choosing a ring as a couple to share in your love. Saying “I do” is a big deal. Make sure your ring makes just as big of a statement.

Whether you choose something similar to the status quo or completely original, make sure you’re happy with your choice. Luckily, you no longer have to spend an exuberant amount to find something you love.

For further wedding and bridal articles check out:
https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/category/weddings-and-bridal/

Start looking early

Booking your wedding photographer should be one of the first things you do after you’ve booked your venue of course. The best photographers are booked up well in advance. The best wedding photographers usually develop a reputation and may be known locally to your friends and family. Ask them if they have any recommendations, either through personal experience, or word of mouth.

Create a shortlist

Once you have been through enough profiles, then arrange to meet each photographer and view their portfolios. Don’t just judge somebody from a website, try to get a picture of their personality. Photographers love to talk about portfolios, gear, albums and packages so it can all get a bit confusing. Colour schemes, how many bridesmaids you have chosen, who’s giving you away, what the cake looks like, the first dance and every little detail you can think of. It’s vital that the chosen person cares about your big day almost as much as you do. Then you can relax and feel comfortable.

What style works for you?

Think about what style of photographs you like. It could be traditional posed pictures, a more contemporary approach or even a documentary style. You should discuss your ideas with the photographer before you make the final decision, each photographer has their own artistic style. If you are drawn to a particular photographer, make sure you see their full portfolio and check the quality is consistent.

Be patient

Most photographers shoot lots of images, don’t expect every image they shoot to make the final cut. Let them curate their work and trust that you will see all the best pictures after editing. Find out how long post-processing takes so you are not seemingly waiting forever. Countless hours can be spent perfecting your photographs with image enhancement software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.

An engagement shoot

An engagement shoot is a great idea. You’ll get relaxed fun shots and the chance of working and relaxing in front of both the camera and your photographer. Lots of people are nervous about this kind of shoot scenario, but it’s best to lose the nerves ahead of your wedding day. Make sure your photographer has additional equipment, a cheap photographer may not have invested in a backup camera. This lack of professionalism is unlikely to happen away from the cheaper end of the market but ask the question anyway. It’s too big a gamble to book a photographer who only has one camera.

You can play the best UK roulette online prior to your wedding, so there is no need to gamble on your photographer. Online casinos are popular worldwide and NetBet is among the leaders within the industry.

Contracts are key

We can’t stress enough the importance of asking for a contract. In most cases, it doesn’t have to be anything more than what you have discussed and agreed. A deal will genuinely improve the situation for everyone and offers protection for all parties involved.

Make sure your insured

Check your photographer is covered by professional liability insurance. In my experience, nothing has ever gone wrong, but if something was to go wrong with the camera or it was to get lost or damaged, then the photographers insurance would cover the entire cost of re- staging the event (This is highly unlikely, but it makes everyone feel much more comfortable).

Enjoy the result

Getting amazing images from start to finish, creating the expected, capturing the unexpected, having a genuine connection with your photographer while feeling relaxed is the least you should expect from any professional photographer.

Read more:

Strange Wedding Customs

Weddings on credit? Average cost revealed

Proposing to your significant other is a momentous occasion. It’s no wonder that there’s so many different opinions on what ‘should’ or ‘should not’ be done, or what an engagement ring ‘should’ or ‘should not’ look like. Perhaps one of the most prevailing myths surrounding engagement rings is how much you should look to spend. In this guide, we will explore the different variations attributed to various rings that can alter the price range, and find out what should really be the focus of this iconic purchase.

Myth #1: You should spend a certain amount on the ring

This myth likely comes down to a few things — what we feel proves our love (extravagant gifts) and the pressure of celebrity weddings. Celebrity spending is always extravagant, the following are some of the famous engagement rings known to us:

• Taylor Kinney and Lady Gaga — a six-carat, heart-shaped diamond ring that cost around £400,000
• Prince William and Kate Middleton — a twelve-carat sapphire, priced at around £400,000
• Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones — ten-carats, close to £800,000

We are often told that the acceptable amount to spend on an engagement ring is two-to-three months’ salary, but this is not a hard and fast rule at all. In fact, research by insurance company Protect Your Bubble showed that couples are spending 19% less on engagement rings than they did 5-10 years ago. Now, the average spend on an engagement ring is close to £1,000. Also, 18% of people spend less than £500 on an engagement ring for their other half.

Myth #2: One type of ring is better than another

There are so many different types of engagement ring styles out there, and if you’re not familiar with jewellery, this can seem overwhelming. The truth is, you can’t really pick ‘the wrong one’. The appearance and cost of the ring are the two main considerations, and these vary across the board. The main thing is to know what your significant other prefers.

A choice of metals

Silver, gold, and platinum are some of the most popular metals for engagement rings. They differ in price and appearance and it’s all down to personal preferences!

Platinum is very durable, which is one reason many people prefer it. In fact, it was removed from the jewellery market around the time of the war as the resources were used for military use instead. It’s more expensive than gold as it is around 30 times rarer. Since it’s a strong metal, it is also the purest — often sold at 95% purity.

Gold is mixed with other metals, as it is too soft to use in its purest form. Yellow gold for example, is pure gold combined with a small amount of silver and copper — giving off a warm appearance. White
gold on the other hand is brilliant, it is pure gold combined with palladium and silver or with nickel, copper and zinc. It is a perfect backdrop for diamonds and complements them beautifully. Rose gold is one variation of gold that could be the unique spin you’re looking for. This is pure gold plus copper gives off a red tinge. The more copper that it is combined with, the redder it appears.

Sterling silver is another popular option, and the most cost-effective of the popular metals. Similar to gold, pure silver is too soft to make into jewellery. Therefore, it is combined with copper or other metals
to improve its durability.

Don’t let price sway you on your decision here — gold might be more expensive, but that doesn’t mean it is ‘better’. Your other half most likely has ap reference down to which they feel suits them more; cool
toned skin tends to look better with silver jewellery, for example.

Different settings

The price tag can also be impacted by the setting. Some settings have more diamonds in or require more craftsmanship — for this reason they can be more expensive.

For example, a halo ring features a large diamond or stone at its centre, with smaller stones encircling it. Often the band is bejewelled too which can increase the cost. Another ring with multiple diamonds in is
a three-stone engagement ring. These rings have three diamonds on the band, often the middle diamond is the largest — giving off a glitzy appearance.

The most popular setting for engagement rings is the solitaire setting. It is a traditional style where a single diamond sits on a metal band and fits nicely with a wedding ring. Tension-set engagement rings are similar as they often only have one diamond on the band. In these settings, the diamond is held in place by the pressure of the metal and it is designed to ‘squeeze’ the stone.

Again, people tend to have a preference and it has nothing to do with the price. Some people adore the sleek appearance of a solitaire setting, where others love the glitz of multiple stones catching the light.

All shapes are beautiful

The last thing you need to be aware of, in terms of affecting the price, is the shape or cut of the stone. Some are obvious, such as oval or round, but there are a few less-obvious names.

One of the more popular choices is a princess cut diamond. This cut is where the face-up profile of the diamond is square and the side view is alike to an inverted pyramid. Cushion cut diamonds are a mix of
round and square outlines and are considered to be more of an antique style. There is also a marquise cut which is quite a dramatic shape — like an elongated oval so it can appear bigger than it actually is.

One US retailers ranked the shape and cuts of a diamond in order of most to leas expensive. This can, of course, vary between retailers:

• Round
• Pear
• Marquise
• Heart
• Princess

Again, if your other half prefers a heart shaped stone to a round stone, then price shouldn’t get in the way of your choice. Spending more on a stone shape they aren’t as fond of won’t mean much at all! They are more likely to be impressed that you’ve noticed such a detail as their favourite cut of stones.

The main take away from this guide is that the main value of an engagement ring comes from the gesture and the question. Choose the ring based off what your partner would love, rather than assuming more money means a better choice!

Sources
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/a9557444/engagement-ring-average-cost-uk/
http://uk.businessinsider.com/celebrity-engagement-rings-2017-1?r=US&IR=T/#gabrielle-union-said-yes-to-nba-favorite-dwayne-wade-and-the-85-carat-cushion-cut-diamond-he-chose-for-her-5
http://www.jewelrywise.com/engagement-wedding/article/what-you-should-know-about-metals
https://www.weddingrings-direct.com/buyers-guide/wedding-rings/metal
https://www.bluenile.com/education/diamonds/shape/price-comparison

Read more about Jewellery, Diamonds and Gemstones here: https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/category/jewellery-diamonds-and-gemstones/

Find your ring size with our handy guide – https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/find-my-ring-finger-size-conversion-chart/

Imperfect information sources of the customer
I have always witnessed customers grapple with understanding the 4Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat Weight) of a diamond and their influence on the price of the diamond. Unfortunately, the customer has limited or incomplete information. They are not expected to be knowledgeable or experienced, hence they obviously rely upon the salesperson to provide that knowledge.

However, most salespeople are not diamond graders either. They may have been given a degree of training by the employer to interpret the 4Cs; but essentially, a salesperson will work on your emotional side to build that trust and secure a sale. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that all salespersons are dodgy and are just out to get your money. Sure, there are those who are aggressive in their sales techniques, sadly speaking. However, I have worked with a number of salespeople who even though they may not have an in-depth knowledge of grading, they were very genuine in their sales approach with a view to build truly wonderful and long cherished customer relationships. Diamonds are after all a luxury product and the process of building trust, providing genuine information, and thereby, creating long lasting relationships matter hugely.

The other source of diamond information for customers is the internet, media and friends. Neither of which are perfect sources.

I often find a customer who wants a high colour and high clarity diamond and their entire buying decision process is reliant upon the information in the diamond certificate. There are two issues here. First, the concept that a high colour and high clarity equals a sparkling diamond. Wrong. I will address this later in this piece. Secondly, the customer will waste weeks and often months “shopping around” and comparing numerous certificates before they make their final decision. This has made the buying process as though one is buying a commodity. Wouldn’t it be much better to enjoy the experience of choosing a beautiful diamond regardless of what the diamond certificate says?

How do you know you are getting value for money?
Imperfect information on the 4Cs and their impact on price can make things very confusing. It becomes hard for the customer to know whether they are really getting good value for money.

I give below, a table of the 4C’s of a diamond and rate their effect on price and beauty:

                                               Price                   Beauty

Cut                                             $                          Most
Colour                                      $$                        A Lot
Clarity                                     $$$                      Some
Carat Weight (Size)            $$$$                         ?

I have seen low colour and low clarity diamonds with an amazing sparkle and conversely, high colour and high clarity diamonds which look dead as a door knob. Colour and clarity do not add to the sparkle of a diamond. They add value to it. So, the higher they are the more expensive your diamond will be.

What is your definition of beauty in a diamond?
With this in mind, ask yourself:

• How important is it that you get a high colour and high clarity (and hence pay the high price)?
• Is the size of the diamond your definition of beauty (‘big is better’)?
• How important is a high clarity for you? Is it important that if you squint your eyes you may see those one or two imperfections in the stone? And trust me, as you get older, your eyes will find it harder to spot those imperfections, but they will still see the sparkle in the stone.

What if I show you a diamond with slight fluorescence and excellent light return (sparkle)? Fluorescence is a naturally occurring feature in some diamonds which will give the diamond a blue-ish hue in ultra-violet light. The degree to which it exists in a stone can vary from strong to medium to slight. Stronger grades of fluorescence will devalue the stone. I view fluorescence just like we have our own naturally occurring skin features.
A slight level of fluorescence actually gives the diamond a beautiful glow and hue and the stone will be somewhat cheaper. So, it is certainly worthy of consideration.

Then there is the issue of carat weight. How important is it that you get the 1 carat or 1.50 carat? “Magic sizes” are more expensive than their slightly lesser sizes: the 0.80 – 0.90ct or the 1.30 – 1.40ct range. The physical difference in dimensions between say a 0.80ct and a 1ct diamond is so miniscule but the price difference can be 25% or more. It is a demand and supply factor. Diamonds are cut for weight. For some people, size is an ego factor.

Trust your eyes!
In some cultures, high colour and high clarity reflect purity. My best suggestion is to actually look at the diamond. Every pair of eyes are different and what is beautiful for you may not be for someone else. So regardless of whether it is a high colour, high clarity or a low colour, low clarity or something in between, if it sparkles to you that is your answer. Enjoy the experience of this process. Don’t base your decision on the diamond certificate. Yes, the diamond certificate is important, but it should be a means to confirm that the information given to you by the salesperson is true and certified.

What can you do to ensure you get what you pay for?
That brings me to another critical factor in your diamond buying process. The importance of the diamond certificate and a valuation for insurance purposes. Here I would simply like to site an example – extreme and unique as it may be; however, a worthy one to learn from:

Paul Alfonso purchased two diamonds from the international master jeweller, Nirav Modi. Nirav Modi was once ranked by Forbes as India’s 84th richest person with a net worth of US$1.74 billion. The first diamond Alfonso purchased was a Round Brilliant, 3.20ct, D/VVS1 for US$120,000 and the second an oval cut, 2.5ct for US$80,000. Money was wired to Modi’s bank account and the stones delivered. The customer was promised that the diamond certificates would be couriered to his house. The certificates never came. The customer subsequently discovered that the stones were false and soon after, news broke that Modi was responsible for the biggest bank fraud in Indian history. The customer lost his money and his fiancée. Read the full story here.

This is not to suggest that every jeweller is a fraud. It is an extreme example. But it highlights the fact that even though you should not base your buying decision solely on the diamond certificate, having that certificate and an appraisal from a valuer is important for your peace of mind.

So, shop wisely and most importantly, enjoy the process of looking at the sparkle of the diamonds. Your eyes never lie and you will get to a stage in the process where you will be able to see which stone sparkles the most to you. That is your answer.

This article was written by Amit Laxman, Radiant Diamonds, Melbourne, Australia.

Radiant Diamonds specialise in the manufacture of bespoke jewellery using naturally sourced fancy coloured diamonds and colourless (white) diamonds.
http://www.radiant-diamonds.com/

For further education articles all about jewellery:
https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/category/jewellery_education/

Calculations have shown that in 2018 some estimated 16,000 couples are expected to turn to credit or to take out a loan to finance at least part of their perfect day.  The investigation has uncovered that whilst 20.9% of men wish that, in hindsight, they had splashed out much less on their wedding, 14.5% of women regretted not spending enough. Of course, this could be partly due to the additional costs all would-be grooms have to cover, as even before the bride-to-be has even accepted the proposal, there’s the substantial cost of the engagement ring to consider.

Aspects such as the dream dress, a professional photographer, an extravagant cake and wedding bands for both the bride and groom can all add up, but the study has shown that men and women often have different priorities when it comes to the big day. When it came to the honeymoon, both men and women voted this to be their number one priority, and many couples now ask for monetary donations in place of gifts to cover the cost of this element.

The difference in opinion amongst the age groups could not be more vastly different. The survey showed that it was the 25-34 year-olds who are the most likely to turn to a loan or credit card to cover the cost of their big day, whereas those falling into the 45+ category would not or have not. When it came to rating the importance of key elements of their wedding, those who were 65+ deemed the engagement ring to be the most important factor, whilst for the younger generations the honeymoon claimed number one spot.

Full findings, graphics and methodology can be found here: https://likelyloans.com/news/spending-on-weddings

Despite Londoners claiming the crown of being the biggest spenders on weddings, 40% of those living in Bristol and Belfast were the one’s wishing they’d spent less. Belfast also joined Sheffield bride and grooms as the locations that were most likely to take advantage of either a loan or credit card to cover their wedding day expenses.

Kirsty Spickett at Likely Loans commented on the results of the survey:  “Every couple want their special day to be one to remember, not just for their guests but for themselves too. Unfortunately, more often than not, this comes with a hefty price-tag – even if you do opt for the understandably popular homemade wedding.  “Naturally, not everyone is lucky enough to have vast amounts of savings (or the bank of Mum and Dad) to fall back on for such occasions, and whilst you’d hope to be able to cover the majority yourself, it’s not always possible to do so. This survey has certainly helped to highlight the need for personal or specially tailored wedding day loans, as they can certainly make having your dream wedding a reality for many.”

For further wedding and bridal articles check out:
https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/category/weddings-and-bridal/

Zirconium Ring Z062B – by Suay Design

Wide contemporary Zirconium ring with segmented detail and a satin finish. This Zirconium ring is custom made and will take 4 weeks before delivery. A great alternative and very modern design. The final tones of grey look fantastic.

Twin Edge Titanium Ring – by Ogham Jewellery

This wedding ring from Ogham Jewellery is a flat profile Titanium ring with a twin edge 1/2 round rails. It’s Available from 6-12mm and has a nice bevel finish on both the edges. The two tone colour looks subtle but very designer like.

Metal Geo Elipse Slim Ring Palladium – by Stephen Einhorn

This ring is made from titanium with a filling so to speak, or a sandwich effect of solid sterling silver, platinum, palladium or gold held together with matching rivets. This Wedding ring has a very smooth finish and the two colours complement each other very well.

This wedding ring from justmensrings.com has polished beveled edges giving it a beautiful sculptural look. The 7mm men’s seranite wedding band is naturally black throughout. This gorgeous design will not tarnish, fade or scratch. Men love the comfort and durability of this handsome wedding ring.

Hand Engraved Gents Platinum Ring – by Joule

Discover a passionate union of wedding bands. Bind your future as a couple with this rounded band with subtle hand-engraving on the interior.

MaeVona, founded by Scottish Designer Maeve Gillies in the USA in 2005, has built a dedicated following for unique Diamond Engagement Rings with a beautiful Celtic twist. Maeve Gillies, a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, wants to bring her sought after creations home, with the launch of a dedicated UK website at www.maevona.co.uk.

“Choose up to 4 bestselling ring designs to Try at Home, with no commitment to buy and free postage both ways”

“MaeVona rings are loved by women all around the world, and we wanted our UK customers to have easy access to our unique designs” explains Maeve. “Our Try at Home service allows you to choose up to 4 designs to try on in the comfort of your own home before making a purchase. From our experience in America, we found our customers love this service – it gives them not only access to an independent Designer brand they couldn’t find locally, but also a very relaxed and different shopping experience, where they can try the rings in an easy, natural home environment with zero pressure. We know this service results in sales – thanks to the convenience and the unique style of our rings – so our Try at Home package has zero commitment to buy, the small deposit is fully refundable, and we cover all postage costs.”

With more and more couples taking to the internet to find their dream engagement ring, this service allows them to be sure that their chosen ring will feel perfect for them after they receive it. The confidence of working with a passionate, independent and trusted company reassures couples their ring is coming from a genuine and trusted source.

Visit https://www.maevona.co.uk/products/maevona-try-at-home or purchase your sample designs directly below

Try your Engagement Rings on at Home

Try on your favourite Maevona Designs in the comfort of your own home. Simply choose your favourite designs, and we send you samples to try on with friends and family. These samples are Silver metal set with sparkly Cubic Zirconium stones, which appear exactly like the real thing – so you can imagine how they will look and feel in Gold, Platinum and Diamonds.

Return the rings to us within 2 weeks of receipt and let us know what you decided. There is no commitment to then buy a ring from us – yet we are sure when you see how beautiful our designs are in person, you will want to!

The cost for this service is £35 per ring, which is refundable upon receipt of return, with free postage both ways. Add your chosen ring names to the Order Notes in the Checkout or Reply or our Order confirmation email stating which designs you wish to receive.

Exchanging rings during a wedding ceremony is an ancient tradition which generally consisted of a crudely fashioned, simple metal bands, has grown into the creation of beautifully crafted, precious metal bands made of Gold, Silver and Platinum.  Simple wedding bands are still a popular choice but more modern alternatives can enhance and compliment your engagement ring and add a touch or personalisation.

So what are people actually buying for their wedding day? What ring designs are more popular than others and which designs are the favourable choice and stand out above all others? My simple guide below will delve into this topic a little more and hopefully help you make the all important decision and be sure to have a browse through our designer wedding ring selection.

1.0  Classic Plain Wedding Rings (For Bride & Groom)

Plain wedding rings are the most popular ring designs purchased by couples. Aside from their classic beauty and simplicity, they also are steeped in tradition, which makes it very hard to change. If purchased without diamond accents or engraving they can also be quite cost effective too. The video below presents the classic D shape wedding ring with a flat inside profile, making it easier to slip on the finger but giving a beautiful reflective surface on it’s curved outside surface.

The most popular of all wedding rings however is the Traditional Court Wedding Ring which looks great in smaller widths for women and larger widths for men. Due to it’s curved inside surface (sometimes referred to as comfort fit), it is very comfortable to wear all day long and it’s subtle outside curved surface, especially if polished to a mirror finished provides a stunning companion to any diamond engagement ring.

2.0 Diamond Set Wedding Rings (For the Bride) 

Making your ring stand out is becoming more popular in wedding ring styles nowadays with additions such as Milgrain edges for a more modern touch, which break up the flat surfaces to adding rows of neatly set diamonds into the band to provide a beautiful sparkle. Diamond set bands tend to work best with slightly deeper rings so that the diamonds can be secured better which also provides the added benefit of giving the ring a flat edge so it sits better and more securely against your engagement ring.

3.0 Personalised Finger Print Wedding Rings (Trending For the Bride & Groom)

Personalisation is becoming a very popular addition to wedding rings designs. With new technology paving the way for personalised engraving, signatures, handwriting, photographs and even fingerprints making their way onto the wedding ring surface their really seems no limit as to what can be achieved. These types of designs work better when added to a plain flat or courted ring profile as mentioned above in section 1.0. but can really be added to most popular styles.

4.0  Titanium or Black Zirconium Wedding Rings (Trending For the Groom)

The sleek dark look of Black Zirconium is fast becoming a popular trend among grooms. Lightweight, shatterproof and very durable, these rings offer a  much more cost effective eye catching alternative to traditional precious metal wedding rings. Titanium rings which have been around for a long while now offer a more traditional look and feel but with light weight and durable qualities, making these types of rings a great alternative to Gold and Platinum Rings.

5.0 Shaped Wedding Rings (For the Bride)

Due to the nature of some engagement ring styles, the necessity of shaped wedding rings has grown in popularity over the last decade. Certain engagement rings will have low set central diamonds with claws that get in the way of a wedding blank trying to sit flush with it. To combat this most engagement rings will either already have a shaped set designed to sit either side of the ring, which can make the buying decision that much easier, or they can be created for you as a bespoke commission. This involves measuring your ring in multiple angles and views to achieve the correct space to fit a more bespoke ring.

Bespoke Wedding Rings (For the Bride & Groom)

A truly bespoke, one off ring breaks traditions and provides the wearer with their own story to tell. From sentimental design features to a fitting shape for an engagement ring, a unique wedding ring can be created just for you. Mayfair Jewellers have provided hundreds of happy couples with beautiful wedding rings to mark their wedding day. Contact us to find out more.

Looking for Help?

Mayfair Jewellers can help you find your perfect wedding ring to suit your style and budget. We has an exquisite range of designer rings and can help you customise your bands to make them truly unique. Call us on  +44 (0) 203 205 7169 or email us at sales@mayfairjewellers.com to discuss your ideas or arrange a private appointment in our Mayfair based offices in London.

1. Buy your bridesmaid-to- be cake

Imagine. You’re out for afternoon tea with your best friend. You take her somewhere where you now she can’t resist the chocolate cake. After placing your order, you sneakily pass by the kitchen and ask the chef to write ‘will you be my bridesmaid?’ in chocolate sauce on the side of her plate. Her reaction is priceless and within seconds, the two of you are all over Instagram posing in front of the most delicious dessert in the entire city. Perfect.

2. Invest in bridesmaid proposal t-shirts

If you’re home alone one night, invite your best friend around for a girly evening. Pour them a glass of wine, put on one of the best chick flicks you own and crack open the nibbles. When everyone is relaxed and the banter is in full flow, suddenly disappear and come back with a bag full of gift wrapped t-shirts each reading ‘will you be my bridesmaid?’ Give one to each of the girls and watch their reactions. If they accept, whip off your jumper to reveal your own t-shirt which should read something like ‘stay calm, they said yes.’ Celebrate by posting all your snaps to social media.

3. Give your bridesmaids a customised jigsaw

If the love of your life has just popped the question, you may want to shout the news from the rooftop. While phoning your loved ones is a natural reaction, why not build suspense by sending a hidden message on a customised jigsaw? Make sure the parts are completely broken apart and have your chosen girls work for the news that they will soon be slipping into glamorous bridesmaid frocks.

4. Hide a message on the back of a photograph

When it comes to bridesmaid proposals, it’s great to be as innovative and inventive as possible. This is a big moment in your lives, so how about presenting your special few with a beautiful photograph of the two of you together. They’ll think that’s sweet but when you ask them to open the frame and look at the back of the picture… they won’t believe what’s written on the back.

5. Pop a personalised label on her favourite bottle

Is she a prosecco fanatic? Perhaps she goes mad from white wine? Whatever the case, buy her favourite bottle and pop a personalised label on the front asking if she’ll be your bridesmaid – but don’t tell her what you’ve done. Instead, pour your drinks as usual and see how long it takes her to realise that you’re trying to tell her something.

Bridesmaid proposals are one of the latest wedding trends, so go ahead and pop the question in an elaborate way.

Today the trend expands to solid bands of precious metal or eternity rings with small ‘melee’ diamonds embedded into the ring.

While wedding rings are generally less expensive than engagement rings, there can still be a bewildering number of decisions to make, including choosing the metal, colour, width, style and the extent to which personalised options like engraving are added.

In this guide, we’ll talk you though each of the choices to consider before you arrive at your perfect wedding ring.

1. Choosing the Right Metal for your Wedding Ring

The first thing to know when choosing a wedding ring that will be worn next to an engagement ring is that it should be the same metal as the engagement ring.

This is because each metal has its own individual hardness rating, and wearing a softer metal next to a hard one with mean that the soft metal becomes scratched.

In general, white gold is the hardest metal because it is covered with a thin layer of rhodium, which is very scratch-resistant. Platinum can therefor

If you have a yellow gold engagement ring, it’s important to match the purity of the engagement ring ie. if you have an 18k gold engagement ring, choose an 18k gold wedding ring.

Rose gold is a beautiful addition to the wedding ring family with its copper content giving the lustrous pink/red hue.  Although not Hypoallergenic and widely available like its white and yellow counterparts it can be more durable and offers an eye catching alternative with a vintage appeal.

2. Choosing the Right Ring Profile

Wedding rings come in a variety of different profiles, which is the shape of the ring if cut through the middle:

Each profile has a different look, style and feels a little different on the finger.

• The traditional ‘full court’ with the curve on both the inside and outside is the most commonly chosen profile in the UK.
• The ‘D court’, or ‘Slight Court’ is a slighter flatter but more contemporary version of the Traditional Court. It still maintains some curves and has become very popular over the last several years.
• The D-Shape is totally flat in the inside and heavily rounded on the outside which looks high on the finger. This is more popular with gents compared to ladies.
• Flat Court is the opposite of D-Shape – flat on the top and rounded on the inside for complete comfort but still giving a contemporary look with the flat surface.
• Flat profile is totally flat on all sides with 90 degree angles, which can give a solid appearance to the ring.

For men, the right profile will depend on your lifestyle, personality and personal taste.  If you tend not to wear much jewellery a light to medium weight ring should be fine. However, if you are accustomed to wearing rings, consider medium to heavy.

For Ladies it’s always best to choose the same profile as your engagement ring as you are used to wearing this style; it will feel comfortable and match your engagement ring.

3. Choosing the Right Width for your Wedding Ring

The width and depth of your wedding ring will determine its weight and therefore its cost.

Thinner rings are often worn by women due to the smaller finger sizes, with men being in favour of the wider ring covering more of the finger and offering a more comfortable fit. 

The thicker the wedding ring the more hard wearing it will be. Thinner rings are harder to engrave with deep patterns or set with precious stones. The width of a ring is the measurement from one side to the other, however the weight of the ring can also be determined by its depth. Deeper rings will often weigh more as it uses more metal.

If you’re comparing rings across jewellers, it can be a good idea to ask abut the weight of the ring in grammes as two rings which are the same width may be different depths, with the lighter weight ring having less precious metal in it.

4. Engraving Options and Patterns

There are a number of ways that your wedding ring can be personalised to make it eye catching, unique and interesting.

Options such as metal finish e.g polished or brushed can have a dramatic effect along with patterns and personalised engraving to make it truly special or an added surprise, including touches like fingerprint engraving, a matte texture or a machined pattern.

5. Consider Diamonds and Accents

Diamonds can be a perfect way of enhancing your wedding ring to provide that added sparkle and complement your engagement ring.

Popular setting styles include channel set or ‘rubover’ designs, which ensure that the small diamonds are held securely. One thing to know with wedding rings with diamonds set all the way round the ring (“full eternity”) is that that they can’t be resized. It’s therefore important to ensure that you are 100% sure if you are choosing a full eternity ring.

Textured rings have proved hugely popular in anything from a simple satin finish to more adventurous patterned designs. We’ve also found our new sparkle-cut pattern has been embraced by customers who want a little glitter in their ring but can’t wear a diamond-set band for lifestyle reasons. We are finding vintage style patterns, such as milgrain are still going strong, and these can be a beautiful option for people who want a balance of romantic and classic style.”

Textured rings can also add some sparkle to a ring for those who can’t wear a diamond-set band for lifestyle reasons. Other options can be vintage style patterns, such as milgrain to give a balance of romantic and classic style.

6. Bespoke & Designer Wedding Rings

If you want something truly individual, or a ring set that has been designed to fit perfectly together, then working with a designer or specialist in designer engagement ring sets is a great option. A ‘flush fit’ wedding and engagement ring combination means that the wedding ring’s features perfectly fit with the engagement ring’s contours:

When designing wedding rings, I always think about how the complete set will look when worn together. The wedding ring can change the look of your engagement ring, changing the set from vintage to modern or delicate to chunky. The perfect wedding ring in my opinion is the right ‘visual weight’ to compliment and enhance yet not overpower the engagement ring.

This can be important because a wedding ring can change the look of an engagement ring – making it feel more vintage, more modern, more delicate or more chunky. It’s important to consider the ‘visual weight’ or a wedding ring, to ensure that it compliments and enhances, rather than overpowering the engagement ring.

When celebrating a wedding in winter, style and comfort should be married along with the bride and groom. Ensure you check the weather forecast before finalising your outfit, and remember that in the UK the weather is always changeable, so expect the unexpected.

Even if the skies look as though they’ll be clear and the temperature reasonable throughout the day, don’t forget you may be standing outside for long periods, either waiting for the bride and groom to emerge from the church, posing for photos, or walking from church to the reception. Also, many churches can be draughty old places. Follow this guide to avoid a winter wedding frock-up…

His

Look for heavier fabrics such as tweed, flannel or wool in your suit, for warmth. Tweed is very popular right now, especially for country weddings with a rustic flavour, and you can find many excellent options around from Dobell formalwear.

If wearing a suit, in winter you should go for darker colours. You can get away with a pastel shade of shirt, but the best look is probably going to be a white or striped shirt with a contrasting dark tie. You don’t want to wear an undershirt, so consider a waistcoat instead.

For a more informal look then a pair of smart trousers with either a sports jacket or a v-neck sweater can work, both in dark or tan shades. Bring a light, rainproof coat unless you’re expecting very cold weather, in which case a long, thick overcoat is obviously appropriate.

Accessorise with a stylish umbrella, maybe a hat, warm scarf and gloves, always making sure of course that they match well with your suit. And don’t forget a hip flask for a stiffener that you can pass around at points – guaranteed to make you popular.

Hers

Dresses with heavier fabrics such as tweed and velvet, and longer sleeves, are the order of the day for ladies. Anything that will keep you protected from the wintery weather. Luckily there is no end of fashionable options around to choose from that will look great whether you’re in the church or on the dancefloor at the evening do. Dresses in shades of green, navy or dark orange give a lovely autumnal look.

There’s nothing to say you can’t wear a shorter dress to a winter wedding, but good sense requires that you should wear tights or stockings with it. Dark tights can give a more formal sheen to even the most casual of dresses.

Skip open-toed shoes, obviously, and consider trying to find some stylish fur-lined boots instead.

Since most body heat escapes through the head, a winter wedding gives you another reason, if required, to track down an attention-grabbing hat. A fascinator is not going to do the job.

Mix textures, and layer clothing. Cardigans are a good move, as they are easy to put on and take off as you prefer. Just ensure that all layers complement your dress.

If you anticipate being outside and exposed to the elements for any length of time, a wool overcoat or a faux-fur stole are good options and give a hint of luxury too. Alternatively, just grab hold of the nearest man and insist he give you his coat!

Last but not least, if you’re driving to the wedding, put a flask of something warm in the car such as coffee, hot chocolate or soup that you can dip into if you really feel you need it.

It’s time to scour eBay, the charity shops and your parent’s loft for those trophy finds and hidden gems, for the table decorations and everything in between! Here’s what the vintage bride can add to her list of budget buys:

The dress

You don’t need to fork out thousands of pounds on a dress like some brides do. In fact you can pick up a vintage bridal gown for a fraction of the price and have it altered to fit you. This will not only allow you to truly stick to your vintage theme, it will also save you some pennies for other things (i.e. the amount of wine you can put on the tables.)

Pearls

Draped over floral arrangements and across tables, pearls are very much a classic vintage item and you can pick up relatively cheap strings and necklaces online these days, to use in your décor. Local charity shops or eBay are your best options when it comes to sourcing pretty pearls for use in your wedding decorations and work with anything and everything colour scheme wise.

Pearls are also great to wear of course; don your Gran’s vintage necklace or wear them entwined within your updo to instantly become a vintage bride on a budget.

Rustic signs

Vintage tin signs and billboards are easy to find these days and can help tie in the vintage theme. Look for signs that refer to weddings, chapels and love, they can even work for the perfect engagement gift for a future friend’s wedding.

Birdcages

High street stores, such as The Range, Wilkinsons and even Asda all stock pretty ornamental birdcages that work perfectly for any vintage themed wedding. Fill them with flowers or even tea light candles for simple but elegant decorations you can place around your venue.

Lace

You might need to have it cleaned, but lace instantly adds a vintage feel to any wedding and can be picked up relatively cheaply from sites such as eBay or even John Lewis and Hobbycraft. Local markets will also stock rolls of lace for you to take away.

Here are some items that are difficult to source for a reasonable price:

Teacups

While vintage teacups would look great as part of your theme they can be costly. If you absolutely must have them then pay a visit to Camden market where vintage stores located there stock tonnes of vintage crockery for affordable prices. Online auction sites do not offer the best value for money when it comes to getting your hands on vintage teacups

Vintage table linen

While it might be lovely to use real vintage table linen for your wedding breakfast, don’t expect to find such items for a low price.

Photography

Don’t expect to find a photographer who will drop their price just for you, if you can enlist the help of a friend or family member who is great behind a camera that’s a cheaper option instead of paying for a professional.

A final tip, and if you want to keep prices reasonable, don’t mention the word wedding when booking anything, unless you really have to!

Many people hate the idea of having their wedding during pregnancy at any stage, firstly you have to find a dress that fits and still makes you feel beautiful. Then the worry of the heels! Swollen ankles, the fear of toppling over? Probably the worst part is the thought of not even being able to have a drink at your own wedding! You can also forget any idea of the classic strict diet and exercise routine to fit into that endlessly dream of dress that lurked in the back of your mind since the age of 5!

Now lets look at some more positive angles before you decide to cancel the big day. Some brides will actively choose to get married during the stages of pregnancy. Why not tie the two most significant and beautiful things in life that a couple will experience together?

It has become increasingly common today to marry with a bump. No longer dis the issue exist of finding a perfectly fitting and flattering dress weather you are 3 months or 9 months pregnant. Everybody loves the wonder and romance of a wedding and equally the same goes for any woman who carries a life inside her.

There are many beautiful jewellery designs out there that actually signify your pregnancy and could be a nice touch to add to your special day or even make for a lovely gift for guests to give.

Adorable items such as this custom made photo ultrasound necklace.

Perhaps a stunning pregnancy necklace, a fertility bracelet, or maybe a mummy and me necklace- both elegant and meaningful. Below are some images of items to give you some ideas.

Keep it simple, no need to go overboard with an intricate, over the top gown or tons of statement jewellery. If you are a bride to be with a bump, you need to remember that your bump should be thought of as an oversized accessory, don’t try to compete with it.

People often assume a woman who chooses to marry with a bump has maybe decided to marry because she is pregnant or has chosen to get pregnant because she is intending to marry. Neither of these are actually relevant or matter in any way, shape, or form-excuse the pun! Both pregnancy and marriage go hand in hand with each other. What matters is that a wedding and pregnancy are two of the most momentous events in a couples life.

“Be proud and a hundred percent positive that there is no bride more beautiful than a bride with a bump”.

Credits with thanks
Custom Photo Jewelry – Ultra Sound Picture Necklace.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/185012888/custom-photo-ultrasound-necklace-custom?ref=market

Bola, pregnancy necklace, harmony ball necklace, pregnancy gift, shower party.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/234544151/bola-pregnancy-necklace-harmony-ball?ref=shop_home_active_6

Mommy and Me necklace, Mom to Be, Pregnancy Necklace.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/181851777/mommy-and-me-necklace-mom-to-be?

Damara Fertility & Pregnancy Bracelet.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/124501965/stella-fertility-and-pregnancy-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_13

Unique Design Harmony Ball with a 925 Sterling Silver ‘Mother and Baby’ Design on a Highly Polished Brass Harmony Ball | Pregnancy Gift.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/235717138/unique-design-harmony-ball-with-a-925?ref=shop_home_active_20