This article first appeared in the Jersey Evening Post, written by Emily Moore, October 2023.
ONCE the last drop of champagne has been enjoyed and the final note of music has been played, many elements of the painstakingly planned wedding will be consigned to memories and photo albums.
But unlike the food, flowers and festivities, one part of the wedding which will last forever is the ring which is why, as Rivoli Jewellers manager and jewellery designer Deb Macklin explains, it is important that this memento is not just aesthetically pleasing but also created to reflect its wearer’s lifestyle.
“Commissioning your wedding ring is one of the most important parts of planning your wedding, as not only is the exchanging of rings a hugely symbolic part of the ceremony but this piece of jewellery will last a lifetime,” she said.
“Because of this, we usually suggest that the couple come together to the initial consultation, which takes place in a lovely new seating area within our Brown & Newirth boutique.”
Over a cup of coffee, Deb then talks to the couples about their ideas and, just as importantly, budgets, while introducing them to range of sample rings on which the final designs can be based.
“For women, one of the key considerations is the engagement ring, as it is important that the wedding band complements this piece,” she explained. “Generally, both rings need to be made from the same metal alloy. One of the most popular choices is platinum, often set with diamonds, and a diamond-set platinum wedding ring will, on average, cost around £900.”
Platinum is also, says Deb, a popular choice for men’s rings.
“The three most popular metals – in price order – are nine-carat gold, platinum and then 18-carat gold,” she said. “In many cases, I recommend going for a 6mm nine-carat gold ring, as this a hard-wearing choice, which will cost you around £500.”
At the initial consultation, both partners will try on several samples in different widths, colours, patterns and diamond cuts.
‘While the woman’s band is influenced by her engagement ring, the man’s band is dictated by the shape and size of his hand,” said Deb. “There are also lots of lovely matte finishes, which are popular with men who don’t like the idea of a stark, highly polished ring.
“In all cases, once we have an idea of the couple’s tastes, we can work with them on factors such as the diamond quality, metal alloy and ring weight and width to bring the finished pieces within budget.”
Recommending that couples come in for the initial consultation at least ten weeks before the wedding, Deb says that quotes can be provided immediately and that Rivoli also offers an informal payment scheme.
“We require a 20% deposit when the order is confirmed and, after that, couples can come in at any time to make adhoc payments of any amount before settling the balance when they collect the rings,” she said.
“Within the price, we also engrave the rings and offer a full refinish on the bride’s engagement ring and any other pieces of jewellery she is planning to wear on the big day. With our in-house ultra-sonic jewellery cleaner, we can have all these precious pieces looking brand-new again and back with the couple within 24 hours.”
- For more information, pop into Rivoli Jewellers or visit the team at the Marquee Solutions Wedding Fayre at the Royal Jersey Showground on 21 January 2024.