How to Choose the Perfect Shaped Wedding Ring to Fit Your Engagement Ring

How to Choose the Perfect Shaped Wedding Ring to Fit Your Engagement Ring

by | Nov 9, 2024 | Wedding Inspiration

The Importance of Choosing the Right Shaped Wedding Ring

Your wedding ring is more than just a symbol of your commitment—it’s a beautiful piece that complements and enhances your engagement ring, creating a pair that captures your unique style. Finding a wedding ring shape that fits around your engagement ring can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. In this guide, we’ll help you explore popular wedding ring shapes, including wishbone, curved, twist, overlapped and wave styles, so you can choose the perfect match to complete your bridal set.

When it comes to selecting a wedding ring, it’s not just about finding a design you love but one that sits harmoniously with your engagement ring. Some engagement rings have a high setting, intricate design, or larger stone that can create gaps if paired with a traditional straight wedding band. Opting for a shaped wedding ring allows for a snug fit, emphasising both rings’ elegance and keeping them comfortable on your finger. Don’t confuse a shaped wedding ring with choosing your wedding ring shape that I have discussed earlier here.

Let’s dive into the different styles that work best for shaping around your engagement ring.

Shaped wedding rings - Straight band

Can a Straight Wedding Band Fit with My Engagement Ring?

While shaped wedding rings are often chosen to ensure a perfect fit around an engagement ring, a straight wedding band can also be an excellent option for many engagement ring styles. If your engagement ring has a slightly raised stone setting—common with solitaire, prong, or cathedral settings—a straight wedding band can usually sit comfortably beneath the centre stone without leaving a noticeable gap. This classic, straight band provides a timeless look that’s both versatile and elegant.

Wishbone Wedding Ring

A wishbone wedding ring is a classic and elegant choice, easily recognized by its subtle “V” shape. This type of ring has a gentle dip in the centre, allowing it to nestle perfectly under an engagement ring with a raised stone or halo setting. Here are some of the benefits of a wishbone shape:

Perfect for Raised Stones: The gentle curve of the wishbone design works well with engagement rings that have a solitaire or raised centre stone, allowing the ring to sit closer without leaving a gap.

Sleek and Timeless: The “V” shape adds a unique but timeless look, creating a seamless flow between the two rings. 

Versatile: This style complements various engagement ring shapes, from round cuts to marquise and pear-shaped stones, making it a versatile choice.

A wishbone wedding ring’s elegant simplicity is ideal for brides looking for a ring that’s both distinctive and functional.

Shaped wedding ring - wishbone wedding ring
Shaped wedding rings - curved wedding ring

Curved Wedding Ring

Curved wedding rings feature a gentle, continuous arc designed to sit alongside an engagement ring in a more subtle way than the wishbone shape. If your engagement ring has a lower profile or a delicate design that you don’t want overshadowed, a curved wedding ring might be your best choice.

Customizable Fit: Curved rings are often available in a variety of arc depths, from barely curved to a more pronounced curve, allowing you to find a fit that follows the contour of your engagement ring perfectly.

Highlighting the Engagement Ring: This shape draws attention to the engagement ring without overpowering it, letting it remain the main focal point while enhancing its elegance.

Less Pronounced: Unlike a wishbone, which features a more noticeable dip, a curved ring is a softer, subtler choice. It can be an excellent option if you prefer a seamless look where the wedding ring looks like an extension of the engagement ring.

A curved wedding ring works well for any engagement ring with a low-to-medium setting and provides a more understated, classic look.

Twist Wedding Ring

Twist wedding rings are a more unique option, featuring a design where the band appears to wrap around itself in a spiral or intertwined pattern. This style not only provides a striking visual but also pairs well with various engagement ring settings.

Dynamic and Modern Look: The twist style adds a touch of modern elegance, giving the set a lively, flowing look that represents two lives intertwining.

Perfect for Round and Oval Stones: Twist bands often look best with round or oval engagement stones, as the curves of the twist mirror the circular shape, creating a cohesive feel.

Extra Sparkle: Some twist rings include small diamonds or gemstones embedded in the twists, adding a hint of sparkle that complements your engagement ring without overpowering it.

While twist wedding rings may not be for everyone, they’re a beautiful choice for couples looking for something more artistic and symbolic.

Shaped wedding rings - Twist Ring
Shaped Wedding rings - Overlapped wedding rings

Overlapped Wedding Ring

Overlapped rings are a bolder choice for couples seeking a more dramatic look. These bands feature layers that overlap or intertwine in a way that provides a textured, dimensional effect. Overlapped rings can be slightly adjusted to ensure they fit around various engagement ring settings.

Statement Piece: An overlapped wedding ring creates a statement that stands out from more traditional wedding bands, making it perfect for a bride who wants something unique.

Best for Bold Engagement Rings: If your engagement ring has a unique or elaborate setting, an overlapped wedding ring will pair beautifully, adding interest without competing for attention.

Adjustable Fit: Many overlapped bands can be custom-made to fit precisely with an engagement ring, so it’s worth consulting with a jeweller for a bespoke fit.

The overlapped style often works best when paired with simple engagement ring designs, as it adds a bold and artistic touch that brings the rings together.

Wave Wedding Ring

A wave-shaped wedding ring is a unique and elegant option that, as the name suggests, has a gentle wave-like curve along the band. This design is both subtle and artistic, and it can be a beautiful way to add dimension to your wedding set while allowing the ring to fit more naturally around your engagement ring.

Soft, Flowing Design: The gentle curves of a wave ring add an organic and flowing shape, which pairs beautifully with engagement rings that have intricate or nature-inspired details. Its softer wave is less dramatic than a wishbone or overlapped band, making it perfect for those who want a slight curve without a pronounced dip.

Seamless Fit for Low-Profile Rings: A wave ring’s curve allows it to sit flush against many engagement ring settings, especially those with low-to-medium profiles or solitaire stones. The wave helps the two rings sit snugly together without creating too much separation.

Complementary to Round and Pear-Shaped Stones: This style works exceptionally well with round, pear, or oval-cut engagement rings, as its organic shape mirrors the soft curves of these stone cuts, creating a balanced and harmonious look.

Wave-shaped wedding rings are ideal for brides looking for a touch of elegance and subtle movement in their wedding set. The gentle wave makes it an excellent option for a seamless, natural fit that enhances the charm of your engagement ring without overpowering it.

Shaped wedding rings - Wave wedding ring

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect wedding ring shape that fits around your engagement ring adds the final, meaningful touch to your bridal set. Whether you choose a wishbone, curved, twist, or overlapped wedding ring, selecting a ring shape that complements your engagement ring ensures both rings sit harmoniously together. Take your time to explore your options, consult with a jeweller if needed, and remember that the right choice is the one that feels like it was meant just for you. Choosing a wedding ring is a significant part of your journey together, so enjoy the process, and find a ring that reflects your unique love story.

Because every engagement ring is unique, and the best fit can depend on the exact height and design of the stone setting. If you’re unsure whether a straight band or shaped wedding ring is the best choice for your engagement ring, feel free to reach out to me, Elizabeth, for guidance. I’d be delighted to help you find the perfect pairing that enhances the beauty of both rings and ensures a comfortable fit!

 

Wedding Rings: A Comprehensive Guide

Wedding Rings: A Comprehensive Guide

by | Sep 14, 2024 | Wedding Inspiration

Elopement wedding shoot by Sophie Mort

The Timeless Allure of Wedding Rings: A Comprehensive Guide

The Rich History of Wedding Rings

Wedding rings have been a symbol of love and commitment for thousands of years. The circular shape, with no beginning and no end, represents eternity and the unbreakable bond between two people.

This powerful symbolism has endured across cultures and centuries, evolving in materials and design while maintaining its core meaning.

Ancient Beginnings

The ancient Egyptians are often credited with starting the tradition of wedding rings. They believed circles were symbols of eternity and exchanged rings made from braided reeds.

These rings were worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which they believed contained a vein that ran directly to the heart – the “vena amoris” or vein of love.

In ancient Rome, iron rings symbolised strength and permanence in marriage. The material choice reflected the Romans’ value of durability over opulence in marital bonds.

As the Roman Empire expanded, so did the tradition of wedding rings, spreading throughout Europe.

Mediaeval Traditions

During the Middle Ages, wedding ring customs varied widely. In some parts of Europe, elaborate puzzle rings became popular.

These intricate designs would fall apart if removed, supposedly ensuring fidelity.

In mediaeval England, couples often exchanged rings made of rushes, replacing them annually as a renewal of their vows.

The gimmel ring, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, consisted of two or three interlocking bands. During the engagement, the couple would each wear one part, joining them together during the wedding ceremony.

The Rise of Precious Metals

The Renaissance period ushered in the popularity of gold rings, setting the stage for the precious metal traditions we see today. Gold’s malleability, resistance to corrosion, and lustrous appearance made it an ideal choice for jewellery that was meant to last a lifetime.

By the Victorian era, ornate designs featuring gemstones, enamel work, and intricate engravings became fashionable. These rings often incorporated romantic symbols like hearts, flowers, and intertwined initials.

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Elopement shoot by Sophie Mort 2

The Diamond Revolution

While diamonds had been used in engagement rings for centuries among the nobility, it wasn’t until the 20th century that they became the norm for the general public. This shift can be largely attributed to a brilliant marketing campaign by De Beers in the 1930s and 1940s.

The slogan “A Diamond is Forever,” created in 1947, cemented the gemstone’s place in popular culture as the ultimate symbol of enduring love. This campaign boosted diamond sales and established the modern tradition of diamond engagement rings followed by wedding bands.

The Anatomy of a Modern Wedding Ring

Today’s wedding rings are marvels of craftsmanship, combining precious metals, gemstones, and intricate designs. Understanding the components and options available can help couples make informed decisions when choosing their perfect rings.

Precious Metals

Gold stays a popular choice for wedding rings, available in several colours:

  • Yellow gold: The traditional choice, with a warm, classic appearance.
  • White gold: Offers a similar look to silver or platinum.
  • Rose gold: A trendy option with a romantic, pinkish hue.

Platinum has gained favour for its durability and hypoallergenic properties. It’s more expensive than gold but maintains its colour and shine without re-plating.

Alternative metals like titanium, palladium, and tungsten offer unique looks and properties:

  • Titanium: Lightweight and strong, ideal for people who have active lifestyles.
  • Palladium: A member of the platinum family, offering similar properties at a lower cost.
  • Tungsten: Extremely durable and scratch-resistant, but cannot be resized.

Design Elements

The design possibilities for wedding rings are virtually endless. Some popular styles include:

  • Classic plain bands: Timeless and versatile.
  • Eternity bands: Featuring gemstones all the way around the ring.
  • Vintage-inspired designs: Incorporating filigree, milgrain, or engraving.
  • Mixed metal rings: Combining two or more metals for a unique look.

Engraving adds a personal touch, allowing couples to include dates, names, or meaningful phrases inside their rings.

Techniques like channel-setting, pavé, and bezel-setting can create stunning visual effects with gemstones.

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Elopement shoot by Sophie Mort 3

Cultural Significance and Global Traditions

Wedding ring customs vary widely across cultures, reflecting diverse beliefs and traditions around marriage and commitment.

Western Traditions

In many Western countries, the ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, stemming from the ancient belief about the “vena amoris.” The exchange of rings typically occurs during the wedding ceremony, symbolising the couple’s vows and commitment.

In some countries, like Germany and the Netherlands, the engagement ring becomes the wedding ring, simply moving from the left hand to the right during the ceremony.

Eastern Orthodox Traditions

In many Eastern Orthodox Christian traditions, wedding rings are worn on the right hand rather than the left. This custom is based on the belief that the right hand is the hand of blessing and authority.

Jewish Traditions

Jewish wedding ceremonies often feature a plain gold band without stones or engravings. This simplicity symbolises the purity of the couple’s love and the unbroken circle of marriage.

The ring is placed on the index finger of the right hand during the ceremony, though it’s typically moved to the ring finger afterward.

Hindu Traditions

In traditional Hindu weddings, the bride may receive a toe ring (bichiya) or a ring worn on the left hand. The groom might receive a ring, but it’s not always part of the ceremony.

Intricate henna designs often adorn the bride’s hands and feet, serving as temporary, symbolic “rings.”

Chinese Traditions

In Chinese culture, wedding rings are a relatively new adoption from Western practices. Traditionally, other jewellery like bangles or necklaces held more significance.

Today, many Chinese couples exchange rings along with other traditional gifts.

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The Modern Wedding Ring Landscape

Today’s couples face a wealth of options when choosing their wedding rings. Several trends and considerations are shaping the industry:

Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability

Concerns about conflict diamonds and the environmental impact of mining have led to a rise in ethically sourced and sustainable wedding rings. Many jewellers now offer transparency about their supply chains, allowing couples to make informed decisions aligned with their values.

Recycled metals are becoming more popular, reducing the need for new mining. Some companies even offer programs to create new rings from old family jewellery, adding sentimental value to sustainable practices.

Alternative Materials

While precious metals stay popular, many couples are exploring choice materials for their wedding rings:

  • Silicone rings have gained popularity among those with active lifestyles or jobs where metal rings might be impractical or dangerous.
  • Wood rings offer a natural, eco-friendly option with unique grain patterns.
  • Ceramic rings provide durability and hypoallergenic properties in a range of colours.
  • Meteorite inlays give rings an otherworldly touch, appealing to science enthusiasts.

These choice materials allow couples to express their personalities and lifestyles through their ring choices.

Customization and Personalisation

Advances in technology have made it easier than ever for couples to create truly one-of-a-kind rings:

  • 3D printing allows for complex designs that would be difficult or impossible to create by hand.
  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software let’s couples visualise and adjust their ring designs before production.
  • Laser engraving enables intricate patterns and personal messages to be added to rings.

Some unique personalization ideas include:

  • Incorporating fingerprints or DNA patterns into the ring design.
  • Creating rings based on sound waves of the couple saying their vows.
  • Embedding small mementos or materials from significant locations in resin inlays.

Gender-Neutral Designs

As societal norms evolve, so do wedding ring designs. Many jewellers now offer gender-neutral collections, moving away from traditionally masculine or feminine styles.

These designs often feature clean lines, mixed metals, or unique textures that appeal to all genders.

Choosing the Perfect Ring

Selecting a wedding ring is a deeply personal decision that requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Budget Considerations

Determine what you’re comfortable spending, remembering that a ring’s value comes from its meaning, not its price tag. Consider the long-term value:

  • Durability of materials
  • Potential for resizing or upgrading
  • Insurance costs

Don’t forget to factor in long-term maintenance costs, especially for rings with intricate designs or delicate gemstones.

Elopement shoot by Sophie Mort 4

Lifestyle Compatibility

Your ring should fit seamlessly into your daily life:

  • If you work with your hands, consider a low-profile design or durable material.
  • For those in medical or food service professions, smooth, easy-to-clean rings are ideal.
  • Active people might prefer silicone rings for everyday wear, saving metal rings for special occasions.

Personal Style

Your wedding ring is a reflection of your personal taste:

  • Consider how it will pair with your other jewellery.
  • Think about whether you prefer classic styles or more modern designs.
  • Decide if you want your ring to stand out or blend in with your overall look.

Don’t be afraid to buck tradition if it doesn’t suit you. Your ring should be something you’re excited to wear every day.

Matching vs. Complementary Rings

Decide whether you and your partner want matching rings or complementary designs:

  • Matching rings can symbolise unity and shared taste.
  • Complementary rings allow for individual expression while maintaining a cohesive look.
  • Some couples opt for completely different styles that reflect their unique personalities.

Comfort and Fit

A comfortable fit is crucial for a ring you’ll wear daily:

  • Consider different profile shapes (flat, curved, or domed) to see what feels best.
  • Try on rings at different times of day, as fingers can swell.
  • If you have large knuckles, consider a hinged or split-shank design for easier removal.

Future Considerations

Think about how your ring choice might evolve over time:

  • Will the style still appeal to you in 10, 20, or 50 years?
  • Is there potential to add to or upgrade the ring for anniversaries?
  • How will the material age? Some develop a patina, while others stay unchanged.

Ethical and Environmental Impact

If sustainable wedding rings are important to you:

  • Research the policies of different jewellers and manufacturers.
  • Consider recycled metals or reused gemstones.
  • Look for certifications like Fairtrade Gold or conflict free diamonds.

Caring for Your Wedding Ring

A wedding ring is meant to last a lifetime, but it requires proper care to maintain its beauty and integrity. You can read my care guide for wedding rings here.

The Future of Wedding Rings

As technology advances and societal norms evolve, the concept of wedding rings continues to adapt:

Technological Integration

  • Embedded NFC chips could allow rings to store digital information or make payments.
  • Augmented reality might enable virtual try-ons or customization experiences.
  • Advanced materials could create rings that change colour or pattern on demand.

Changing Traditions

  • Some couples are opting for matching tattoos instead of or in addition to rings.
  • Temporary or dissolvable rings are being explored for cultures or people who prefer non-permanent symbols.
  • Multi-functional jewellery that can transform from rings to pendants or bracelets offers versatility.

Sustainability Focus

  • Increased demand for ethically sourced materials may lead to innovations in lab-grown gemstones and recycled metals.
  • Biodegradable or compostable materials could offer eco-friendly alternatives for temporary wear.

Personalization and Storytelling

  • Advanced engraving techniques might allow for microscopic photos or entire love stories to be etched into rings.
  • Custom alloys could incorporate meaningful materials, like sand from a favourite beach or metal from a significant object.
Elopement shoot by Sophie Mort 5

Key Takeaways

  • Wedding rings have a rich history dating back thousands of years, evolving in materials and design while maintaining their core symbolism.
  • Modern couples have a vast array of options, from traditional precious metals to choice materials and smart technology.
  • Cultural traditions significantly influence wedding ring customs around the world, reflecting diverse beliefs about marriage and commitment.
  • Choosing the perfect ring involves considering budget, lifestyle, personal style, and ethical concerns.
  • Proper care and maintenance can confirm your wedding ring lasts a lifetime, preserving its beauty and significance.
  • The future of wedding rings may include technological integration, changing traditions, and a greater focus on sustainability and personalization.
  • Despite evolving styles and preferences, the basic symbolism of eternal love and commitment stays at the heart of wedding ring traditions.

Photo credit – Thank you to the team: Concept and Photography: @sophiemortphotography, Models: @ts_modelcouple, Hair: @sirenhairart, Makeup: @charlottelily.makeup, Florist: @inbloomflowers.studio, Dress: @romanticdreamsbridal, Rings: @eanjewellery, Hair accessories: @rocks.revival.accessories, Venue: @buttonfactorybirmingham

5 Tips how to measure partner’s ring size

5 Tips how to measure partner’s ring size

by | Feb 2, 2024 | Wedding Inspiration

how to measure partners ring size

5 Tips how to Measure partner’s ring size

With Valentine’s day just around the corner here are my 5 tips how to measure partner’s ring size. With this being a leap year, 2024 might just be thinking seriously that you want to propose? If you’re about to pop the question, and need to get a sustainable engagement ring, you’re in the right place! You don’t know your partner’s ring size but want to understand how to get it right and stop guessing? Yes! Read on.

Stop guessing, start measuring!

Getting the right ring size must be the most worried about aspect of buying a sustainable engagement ring for your partner. Don’t worry, I’m here to help. In this post I will give you 5 useful tips for how to measure your partner’s ring size.

You may have already read my ring sizing 101 article? If not, please give that a few minutes of your time as there is some excellent information in there.

My top tips for getting your partner’s ring size correct

Jumping straight in, below you’ll find easy to follow paragraphs. Each paragraph details my 5 tips how  to measure partner’s ring size.

1 Besties come in handy, literally – Ask your partner’s friend if they can help you to get the ring size right. They may have a ring your partner loves. Maybe ask them to lend it to your partner for a while and see which finger it fits on. Then get their friend to measure the diameter.

2 Become a detective – If you’re able to swiftly pick up any rings lying around, make a quick imprint of one. You can push her favourite ring into a piece of blutac, wax, bar of soap, air drying clay, playdough or fresh slice of bread. Once you have your imprint you can measure the inside diameter in your own time.

3 Measure a ring – If you are able to take a ruler and measure the inside diameter of one of your partner’s rings. Also not which finger it fits on. Any expert will be able to guide you from this information.

4 While they are sleeping – If you are bold enough or your partner sleeps soundly enough you can measure their ring finger when they are asleep using this inexpensive Ring Size Tool. 

5 Put a ring on it – If your partner wears a ring on their ring finger on the right hand you could try it on yourself. Put the ring on and mark your finger with a pen line below the ring, nearest to your hand. Then pop to a jewellery shop and get your finger measured at that line.

 

With these measuring tips, I thee wed

Thanks for reading my 5 tips how to measure partner’s ring size. I’m sure you feel much more confident to get measuring now. If there is anything you still need to ask please do so in the comments below where I can help you out.

This handy ring size chart should come in handy for you too. Also feel free to browse our sustainable engagement ring collections, made from 100% recycled gold with ethical gemstones.

 

how to measure partners ring size 2
A Care Guide for Wedding Rings

A Care Guide for Wedding Rings

by | Dec 6, 2023 | Wedding Inspiration

A Care Guide for Wedding Rings

So you’ve spent a memorable afternoon making your wedding rings, your wedding is just around the corner, you’re excited! Just in time here is your jewellery care guide for wedding rings to keep yours looking as special as the day you made them.

10 Top Tips to care for your wedding ring 

I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to help couples, like yourselves, make their own wedding rings like this. 

Now that you have your handmade wedding rings in safe keeping for your wedding and beyond it is time to make a mental note of how to look after your special rings. Below are my 10 top tips to care for your wedding ring:

 

A Care Guide for your Wedding rings 1

1 Inspect your wedding ring regularly

This may sound like a simple tip but worth your consideration. If you inspect your wedding ring every so often you can easily check on its condition. It will only take you a second or two to inspect your ring regularly but this can make a big difference in the long run. So what do you need to look out for when inspecting your wedding ring? Firstly check for any build up of soap or general grime inside the ring, around any stones or inscription. Check to see that your wedding ring is still round by holding it up to the light and rolling it in your fingers. If your ring has become misshapen have you been wearing it during heavy duty activities? Feel your wedding ring for any sharp edges.

2 Clean your ring with warm soapy water

During your inspection, see paragraph above, you may have noted that you need to clean your wedding ring. It is very easy to clean your wedding ring at home and you don’t need any specialist equipment. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a small amount of detergent, I recommend using a sensitive or fragrance free washing up liquid or an eco friendly alternative. Then using an old soft bristled tooth brush scrub your wedding ring inside and out with the warm soapy water. Once your ring looks clean rinse it in clean water and dry it with kitchen paper or a soft cloth. If this method of cleaning your wedding ring at home doesn’t work you can always contact myself or a jeweller to have it professionally cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner.

3 Buff your ring with a polishing cloth

Every couple who makes their wedding rings with me receives a complementary gold polishing cloth or silver polishing cloth. If you made your wedding rings with me then remember to keep your polishing cloth somewhere to hand. The polishing cloth is easy to use. Before you start, your wedding ring must be dry. Take the polishing cloth out of the packet and rub it on your wedding ring. Applying a little pressure onto your wedding ring with the cloth will speed up the cleaning process. Work your way around the inside and outside or your wedding ring with the polishing cloth to bring back the sparkle!

4 Protect your ring from harmful chemicals

Some chemicals found in your home are not good for your wedding ring. Care must be taken to avoid some chemicals getting onto your ring. Either take your ring off or wear gloves when using chemicals that may damage your silver or gold wedding ring. Chemicals that you should take extra care with are bleach, clothes washing detergent, nail varnish remover, toothpaste and baking soda. If you accidentally get any of these chemicals on your wedding ring, wash it with plenty of fresh water and then clean your ring in warm soapy water as detailed above.

5 Hand sanitiser is a big no! no! 

During the pandemic we all got used to slathering our hands in sanitiser but did you know that hand sanitiser is not good for your wedding ring. Always remove your ring before applying hand sanitiser or hand lotions and let your hands dry before putting it back on again. Your ring may become dull or tarnished after contact with some hand products. If in doubt avoid the contact.

6 Store your ring in a specific container 

Once you get used to taking your ring off for certain activities why not have a dedicated container to put your wedding ring in or on. For example you could have a lush wedding ring dish by the sink where you wash up? Or a wedding ring box by your bed? Set up a waterproof dish by the shower? Make sure your wedding ring dish or box is made of a protective material that is less hard than your wedding ring. This will protect your wedding ring from scratching. 

7 Swim with your ring on at your peril!

There are 2 valuable reasons you need to know. Learn from my mistake here, don’t swim with your ring on! Firstly, the cold water makes your fingers contract and the water itself acts as a lubricant and will make the ring slide off very easily. Secondly, the chlorine in a swimming pool, spa pool, jacuzzi or similar will tarnish your wedding ring. I’m still saddened by the loss of the first ring I ever made, lost in the sea near Portsmouth somewhere.

8 Take off your ring before heavy duty activities

It is a really good idea to take off your ring before heavy duty activities. This might be the most important point in this care guide for your wedding ring. The reason this is especially important is where it could fall off and be lost. Also, using tools or machinery can damage your ring or loosen stones on your ring. The kind of activities you should take your ring off for are DIY, gardening, manual labour, bouldering/climbing, adrenaline activities, clearing drains and taking out the rubbish. I have heard too many stories of wedding rings and engagement rings being lost or damaged in this way. Please take a mental note.

9 Avoid removing your ring in public places

Right, here comes a slight contradiction, having told you to take your ring off in various scenarios, I’m now telling you not to take your ring off in public places. I particularly mean do not take your ring off in a public toilet when washing your hands. I’ve had customers accidentally forget to put it back on and then it’s gone and lost forever. You do not want the cost of replacing that ring and if you’ve made your own wedding ring it is irreplaceable. If you really must remove your ring in this situation I recommend safely storing your ring in an inside zip pocket of your jacket prior to going into the public toilet. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

10 Insure your wedding ring

For your peace of mind, why not insure your wedding ring? The same goes for your engagement ring. Take lots of photos of your rings, from different angles and keep them somewhere safe. You may be able to add your rings to your home insurance. For more advice on this I recommend contacting your insurance provider.

A Care Guide for Wedding rings 3

Wedding ring care round up

Now that you’re armed with 10 top tips to care for your wedding ring you can feel more confident keeping it safe and sparkly! 

If you have any great tips to add to this care guide for your wedding ring I’d love to know. Please share your top tip in the comments below. It will be useful to others plus I’m always looking for advice I can pass on to my wedding couples. Thank you.

If you need a polishing cloth for your wedding ring you can order yours here

Was this Care Guide for Wedding rings useful. Please let me know in the comments below. Every comment lets me know that you’ve read my guide and I appreciate everyone who does. Don’t forget to let me know below. Best wishes, Elizabeth

 

Choosing your wedding ring shape

Choosing your wedding ring shape

by | Mar 15, 2021 | Wedding Inspiration

Wedding ring shape is the first hurdle

wedding ring shape post

When I start talking with couples about design ideas, choosing the wedding ring shape seems to be your first hurdle. The problem might arise from the different descriptors or language that a jeweller uses? Newly engaged partners, having measured their ring sizes, can now start on their journey to choose their wedding rings. But not understanding the lingo and the options available can make things confusing or overwhelming at first. I’ve written this article to explain to you the different wedding ring shape options. I hope this will help simplify the first step in the process of finding your perfect wedding rings.

The difference between shape and style

wedding ring shape

There are 6 main wedding ring shapes, and I don’t mean other than round. Most rings are round unless you are going for something really out of the ordinary. By the word shape we mean the shape of the ring if you were to cut a slice through the band and look at it sideways. Shape refers to the shape of the ring band itself, the metal part if you like. The image above shows a drawing of what I mean. The main 6 ring shapes are court, D shape, flat court, flat sided court, halo and flat.

Flat shaped wedding ring

If we start with the flat shaped wedding ring because it’s the easiest to describe. A flat ring band is flat on the top, flat inside and has flat edges.

D shape wedding ring

A D shape wedding ring is flat on the inside and curved on the top edge. The depth of the curve can vary making the ring lightweight, medium weight or heavy weight.

Halo shape wedding ring

A halo shape wedding ring has a completely round cross section.

Flat Court

A flat court shape wedding ring is flat on the outside and curved on the inside. It’s almost like the opposite of a D shape ring. This shape gives the illusion of being a flat shape ring but the inside curve makes it more comfortable to wear. With less metal touching the finger is doesn’t feel as wide. This shape works well for wider rings.

Court

A court shape wedding ring is curved on the outside and curved on the inside. This shape gives the appearance of a D shape ring but the curved inside makes it more comfortable to wear.

Flat sided court

Finally a flat side court wedding ring is very similar to a court wedding ring shape but with the addition of flat edges. The nearest I can compare it to is a flat shape ring but with rounded off edges. It makes it a very comfortable ring to wear. This shape works well when the height measurement is bigger.

Width vs Height of your wedding ring

wedding ring shape post

It’s good to understand the dimensions “width” and “height” when you are discussing wedding ring designs. The image below helps explain the width and height measurement of a ring. 

The width of your wedding ring is how wide it is across your finger. Typical ring widths are anything from 2-8mm wide. 

The height of your wedding ring can also be referred to as thickness because it is determined by the thickness of the metal that’s used to make your wedding ring. A typical height of a wedding ring is 1mm-2.5mm.

Match to your engagement ring

If you are still unsure about which ring shape to pick, it might be a good idea to match these to your engagement ring, if you have one. A professional jeweller can help identify the shape, width and height of your engagement ring.

Good as Gold ?

I hope this post has defined the different wedding ring shape options available to you. It can help to try on different shaped wedding rings to see what shape and width you prefer. If you need any guidance in choosing your wedding ring feel free to contact me with any questions. You can click here to call me or here to message me. Thanks for reading, Elizabeth

You could make wedding rings like this

You could make wedding rings like this

by | Jan 10, 2019 | Wedding Inspiration

You could make wedding rings like this

Do you like the look of these wedding rings made in my wedding ring making workshop? Many couples have spent the day with me so I thought I’d show you the variety of the wedding rings that they made. If you book before 14 January 2019 there’s £50 off too.

Here’s a selection of rings couples have made

The make your own wedding rings workshop is exclusive for one couple and is held at our Birmingham workshop. After a consultation to discuss wedding ring designs couples made their wedding rings themselves in gold and silver. The process was demonstrated step by step from experienced teacher and jeweller Elizabeth Anne Norris and these are the results.

Tom and Lixi made their rings in sterling silver

Tom and Lixi make wedding rings

 

Emma and Jamie made their wedding rings in 18 carat yellow gold

Emma and Jamie make wedding rings

 

Amy and Sam made a patterned ring and a chevron ring

Amy and Same make wedding rings

 

Tasha and Tom made gorgeous hammered rings in 9 carat yellow gold

Tasha and Tom make wedding rings

 

Cherese and Dave made traditional rings 9 carat yellow gold

Cherese and Dave make wedding rings

Don’t forget, if you book in to make wedding rings for yourselves before midnight on 14 January you will receive a £50 discount.

Watch this short video to see Ali and Alex making their wedding rings recently

 

Want to make your rings with me?

Do you like the look and style of the wedding rings shown here?

Would you like to make wedding rings like this in Birmingham?

If the answer is yes then don’t miss this fantastic offer, valid until 14 January 2019. Book your place to make your own wedding rings today for £250, normally £300 (excluding materials).

Book Today

Check availability and book your wedding ring workshop now

Click Here