Friday 22 April 2011

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High Street vs. Bespoke Design – The Future of the Jewellery Industry

JEWELLERY — BY THEODORA MARSHALL ON MARCH 23, 2011 AT 4:19 PM 
Engagement and wedding ring set




Allot of people today wonder about the future of their workplace and changes to come. But the big concern in the jewellery industry today is its future development. How is it likely to change with time, and what affect will this have on people’s experience? Will bespoke design dominate, or will the high street prevail? Or will we find ourselves with a combination of the two?
Bespoke
If you are looking to choose your engagement ring or wedding rings but really need a bit of guidance one of the things you might consider is approaching a jewellery design company. But the big question is why? What are the benefits and what are the draw backs of going in this direction?
Allot of people today still believe that having your engagement ring, wedding ring or eternity ring designed will naturally be the most expensive option. This is not the case, in fact most designs can be made to fit around the budget you are looking to stay within. So if you are worried about your budget, don’t fret you should be able to get the right advice and get a design that really suits you!
If you are worried about getting to your design appointment, not to worry! Allot of places are very flexible about appointments and can offer them via telephone or Skype, and allot of information can even be relayed via email! So really it’s even closer than your local jewellers… it could all be done in your own living room!
High Street
Ahh the high street jeweller, old faithful… local, easy to get to… but what are the implications of purchasing your engagement ring this way? In today’s world where people are becoming increasingly concerned with ethics you have to bear this in mind when considering your wedding jewellery purchases. Allot of high street jewellers today are unable to produce ethically sourced gemstones… and with exciting new products such as fairly traded gold and palladium emerging into the market you may find that a designer will be able to provide the options you might not have otherwise. If you are looking for an engagement ring that it truly unique, you may have some trouble at your local jeweller. Having a look around in your average jewellery store you may find the designs fairly similar, whereas bespoke designers may provide options that you didn’t even realise existed e.g. a variety of gemstones and cuts and even metals that you may not see on a regular basis such as palladium, rose gold or even natural non-plated white gold!
The Combination
Today a new kind of Jewellery Company has emerged across the globe. These companies incorporate an element of bespoke design with that of high street brands. Customers can choose between a selection of interchangeable items to create a look which suits their own look with adjustable designs for items such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets, without the price tag you would expect from bespoke design… but, is this actually the case? These interchangeable items often come with a price tag, and it seems allot of customers are charged of the luxury of participating in the experience. The other question you have to ask yourself is what is it you are paying for? And is it worth it? Much of these products are mass produced outside of the country, but if you are looking to purchase something with that little something extra to it then maybe the options of bespoke design are better suited to your needs. Design companies are often able to offer handmade bespoke products that are made exclusively in the UK.
Of course you have to wonder whether in a world where luxury is becoming a norm, should bespoke design companies start becoming a part of the high street? … We’ll keep you posted!
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Eloquent Engagements – Choosing the Right Message for your Wedding Rings

WEDDING RINGS — BY THEODORA MARSHALL ON MARCH 30, 2011 AT 4:05 PM 


Engraved Rose Gold Wedding Band
Engraving can be a fantastic way to give your wedding ring design that little special touch! This is one of the big things people like to consider when looking at their engagement ring and wedding ringdesigns. With so many options to choose from, the big question is; what should you have engraved? It’s a bit of a tough question… even I can’t decide what I would like to have done when faced with the same question! To make life a little easier here at Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design we have come up with a little guide to some great engraving ideas for your wedding jewellery.
Words
It can be really lovely to add that extra detailing on your wedding ring design with a little message. Don’t forget you don’t need to be limited as to where you have it engraved, most rings can be engraved on the inside or outside… or both even if you wish! You could go for something traditional like the date of your wedding or your partner’s name, or even a special nickname you have for one another. Of course if this doesn’t appeal to you, you could go for a popular phrase, saying or something religious. You might find that you would like to go for something a little more unique though. Customers looking to have an engagement ring and wedding ring set with a design theme might consider having something engraved which relates to this. Or you could go for something that little bit romantic like a part of a poem, song lyric, or quote from a book which expresses how you feel about your loved one. You could even have something incorporated into your design from your wedding vows! Just make sure it isn’t too long, as you might find the engraver might not be able to fit it all in! Of course if you are feeling a little secretive, or even shy, you could incorporate a secret message into your engagement ring or wedding rings. Why not consider having a message engraved in another language so that your message can only be understood by your partner. You could have something in the language of love; French, or even Italian or Spanish. Or if you want to embrace your geek, you could go for something a bit unusual like Ancient Greek, or Egyptian hieroglyphics… or even have a made-up language such as elfish or Klingon! If you want to make your engraving extra special don’t forget, allot of engravers are able to engrave in particular fonts. So if you would like to have a message from your loved one on your wedding ring, you could even have it engraved in their handwriting!
Imagery
Don’t forget though, if the written word doesn’t ‘float your boat’ there are a whole range of other options! Why not consider something a bit more visual for your wedding rings? Engraving can be a great tool to enhance the design and its themes. If you really want to emphasise the style you are going for why not consider having a pattern or motif to reflect this e.g. you could choose between floral, tribal, Celtic, and a whole other variety of ethnic themed designs. Or if this doesn’t take your fancy why not consider incorporating a patterned or line engraving into your design? In fact if you have a wedding jewellery set including a pair of wedding rings, an engagement ring and perhaps an eternity ring you could consider having engraving that matches or draws the designs together e.g. you could have a shape from the engagement ring etched onto the wedding rings to complement one another. Don’t forget though, there are a whole array of symbols you could have engraved onto your rings e.g. an eternity symbol, Celtic knot, star shape, or even a heart design.
And if you can’t decide in time… don’t worry you could always have the engraving added later!
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Northern Lights inspired engagement ring

ENGAGEMENT RINGS — BY SARAH ARNOLD ON MARCH 11, 2011 AT 2:07 PM 


One of the first design appointments I participated in was so inspiring I was cPalladium and sapphire engagement ring
ertain the lady in question is definitely going to say yes. Mark had thoroughly thought through the design, gemstone colour, engraving and even the proposal location. Linking the entire experience from the design appointment with Antoinette, the beautiful engagement ring to the exact spot of where he was going to pop the question.
I hope by sharing an inspired engagement ring with you all, will get peoples thinking caps on. After all your engagement ring will be passed down for generations and wouldn’t it be nice if you could tell your grandchildren a little story behind the reason why you chose that particular gemstone or pattern of engraving.
Marks inspiration behind his partner’s engagement ring is the auroras borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights. Named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for north wind, Boreas. The Northern lights have had several names throughout history, The Greeks call this phenomenon the ‘Dance of the Spirits’. If you were thinking of seeing this natural wonder the best places are above the Arctic Circle in North Norway at Lofoten, following the coast all the way up to the North Cape. In order to get full value you should avoid the full moon and places with a lot of light as the experience will be considerable paler. Also remember to wrap up warm.
The Northern lights are formed when particles thrown out of the sun into deep space meeting the Earth’s magnetic shield which are lead towards a circle around the magnetic North Pole where they interact with the upper layers of the atmosphere. The energy which is released 100 kilometers above our heads is the Aurora borealis.
Each eruption of the northern lights is unique. Often you see three green bands across the night sky, luminous greens, with a hint of pink along the edge and occasionally deep violet centre. Mark replicated this luminous green by choosing a sparkling pale green Sapphire as his centre piece for his partner’s engagement ring. The array of lights form flicking curtains or like rolling smoke, which Mark has incorporated by engraving flowing lines into the shoulders of the engagement ring.
I hope Marks story of taking an inspiration as a basis to design for his partner’s engagement ring and making the perfect proposal to link the whole experience together is an inspiration to all of us, as it certainly was for me.
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The Big Size Problem – Finding that Perfect Fit

ENGAGEMENT RINGS — BY THEODORA MARSHALL ON MARCH 9, 2011 AT 3:33 PM 


Palladium and diamond engagement ring
Now you’ve found the perfect partner, someone you want to spend the rest of your life with, the next question is how do you find out their ring size? Not to worry here at HKJD we have come up with some fun and unusual ways to wheedle out the perfect fitting engagement ring.
The Sneaky Options
Finding the correct size without ‘giving the game away’ can often be a challenging task. The best thing to remember when finding out their engagement ring size is to go for the method which best suits your situation and provides the most accurate results. Try to find some time when they won’t be aware that you are involved in a covert operation e.g. when: sleeping, washing the dishes, at the gym, or even whilst they are having a shower!
If you can, try to find a ring which she wears on the correct finger, and try to ‘nab’ their ring for a short period to get the size. The most accurate way… if you have the time, is to make a quick trip to a local jeweller who should be able to size the ring. You could also rent a ring gauge to use at the opportune moment, if you have a partner who isn’t often far away from their ‘bling’. You could go for the ‘imprint option’; this involves taking some kind of impression of a ring. This could be done very carefully using a pencil to draw out the interior of their ring. Or… if you are feeling arty you could take an impression of their ‘faux-engagement ring’ using something like clay or wax. You could also try using a tapered candle as a ring sizer! Try putting their ring on a candle; push it down slightly when the ring fits on snugly, leaving a slight impression to give the size. One effective way if they sleep heavily is to try looping string around their finger whilst they sleep, don’t forget to mark the ends where they cross over though!
Enlisting Help
Recruiting help can often be a great way of finding out an engagement ring size. You may find that this is something families might know from buying rings previously. If not you can always have a best friend take your partner shopping to find a new dress ring…. or take all the work out of it and have them ask for you!
Always remember if you if you have a suspicious partner, to find someone who can be stealthy, subtle… and can be trusted to keep quiet under questioning!
Up Front
Remember, you could always ask if you are really worried about getting it just perfect. If that element of surprise is what you were hoping for all is not lost… you can always keep that mystery with the proposal place, time and when choosing that perfect engagement ring.
Not to worry though, if you find that it’s still not quite right… you can always have engagement rings sized later. All you have to do now is to find that perfect ring from the many eligible engagement rings… one that will make your partner say that oh so perfect word… ‘Yes’.
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Suits You: Finding the Style that Fits

ENGAGEMENT RINGS — BY THEODORA MARSHALL ON MARCH 2, 2011 AT 5:21 PM


Platinum and diamond engagement and wedding ring set
So you have decided to get engaged… but what’s next? How to decide on an engagement ring?! If you’re not sure what your style is it can be a pretty overwhelming! The best place to start is to try and work out what style you are going for. Check out magazines, the internet and books to help you decide what you do and do not like. From here you should be able to get an idea of the style you are after. If you are still at a bit of a loss here is a little breakdown of some options you could consider.
Vintage
Vintage styles are and always will always be a classic popular option for designing engagement rings. If you love Victorian and Georgian styles this may be the option for you! Have a think about filigree detailing and intricate floral settings, if this is you cup of tea it might be the perfect option. Or perhaps Medieval, Gothic or even Celtic styles take your fancy!
Modern
Modern designs on the other hand steer away from the classic appeal of the antique solitaire engagement ring and instead favour bold and simplistic designs. Tacking inspiration from modern elements such as architecture and current trends they have a more youthful and uncomplicated feel to them.
Organic
Organic designs are another great option to consider and can open up a mass brainwave of possible designs! Consider the elements you could incorporate such as animal or insect deigns inspired by your favourite critters such as dolphins and butterflies. Or you could incorporate other elements of nature such as a seasonal themed item, or one based around an aspect of the world such as meadows, waves, mountains or the night sky. This can be a fabulous option for an engagement ring for a person inclined towards spiritually themed jewellery e.g. you could choose to have a moon inspired sing incorporating a moonstone as part of the engagement ring design.
Art Deco
If you gravitate towards more artistic styles when you consider your wedding ring or engagement ring perhaps Art Deco would be the best option for you. If baguette and emerald cut stones and floral motifs appeal to your sense of style this might be a good option. If motifs on the other hand are your forte, don’t forget you could always have a pattern engraved onto your wedding ring or engagement ring.
Thematic
Symbolic designs are another popular design with elements such as love hearts or flowers forming a regular part of the design of wedding rings and engagement rings. Or you could even have an engagement ring inspired by places around the world like India, Australia, Paris, Egypt or New York… just let your mind run wild!
You should hopefully be wearing it for many years to come so be sure you are happy once you have made your mind up…now all you have to decide now is what design to go for… the choice is yours!

A Brief History of Wedding Rings

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WEDDING RINGS — BY APRIL PAGE ON APRIL 19, 2011 AT 10:31 AM 


celtic-wedding-ring


In the run up to the Royal wedding next week it has been confirmed that Prince William will not wear a wedding ring. However his bride to be Kate Middleton will – a band made from gold from the Clogau St David’s mine at Bontddu, in north Wales. Gold from the Clogau St David’s mine has been used for a number of royal wedding bands, including those for the Queen, the Queen Mother and Diana, Princess of Wales.
This resent has sparked various discussions and debates about the importance of wedding rings and the reasons for and against wearing them.
A wedding ring symbolizes a promise of never-ending love, and loyalty. In short, it is the physical representation of the wedding vows. The history of the wedding ring, however, is not quite as romantic. Throughout history, the wedding ring has symbolized various parts of the traditional wedding vows, but rarely all at the same time.
The wedding rings shape represents an unbroken promise of love and commitment. The circle has no beginning and no end; therefore, the marriage has no end. It is believed that many past cultures shared the same beliefs about the circles.
The earliest wedding rings were not placed around the finger, but around the extremities. Since mortality rates were high and life expectancies were low, people came to the conclusion that a person’s spirit could just flow out of the body, ending his life. They often tried interesting and superstitious ideas to keep the spirit intact. For example, an ancient husband would wrap twigs and grass around his new wife’s ankles and wrists, believing this would prolong her life.
In ancient times, the Egyptians and the Romans shared the belief that a vein from the fourth finger lead directly to the heart. As such, it seemed a logical place for the placement of the wedding band. The practice was passed down and the fourth finger is now universally known as the ring finger. Science has since disproved that theory, but it is still romantic to think that our wedding rings are on a direct path to our hearts.
Archaeologists have found references to wedding rings among the Ancient Egyptians’ hieroglyphics. The Egyptians shaped twigs, hemp, or plant stems into circles and placed them on their brides’ ring fingers. The plant rings quickly decayed or were broken and had to be frequently replaced. The circles represented undying love, much as they do today. Apparently they did not represent fidelity, though, as many of the Ancient Egyptians were polygamous.
Although the Ancient Romans placed a ring on the fourth finger of their wives hands, the practice had little to do with love and devotion. Rather, wives were a possession to the Romans and the ring was a sign of ownership. Ancient Roman women had no voice in this decision; there was no proposal. Once the women were captured and “ringed,” they were married.
Men of the Far and Middle East had a unique way of ensuring that their brides remained faithful. They created “puzzle rings,” rings that were collapsible. If a wife tried to remove her ring, the ring would fall apart. The ring could be put back together, but only if the correct arrangement was known. If the husband had to travel for business or during wartime, the puzzle rings were used to keep the wife true.
In the early days of American colonization, the Puritan way of thinking said that any form of adornment was wasteful and immoral. Of course, this meant there were no rings. Instead, men gave their brides thimbles as tokens of undying love and devotion. The resourceful brides often removed part of the thimble and created makeshift rings.
As time went by and the rules became looser, the move towards modern rings began. Materials for the rings have varied through the years, depending on personal wealth and the nation’s economy. Wedding rings of the past have been made of leather, stone, aluminum, and metal. Today, wedding rings are almost always made of gold, silver, palladium or platinum.

18 Carat Gold Diamond Ring

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PRODUCT INFORMATION:

18 Carat Gold Diamond Ring18 Carat Gold Diamond Ring

Style code: SK18L1358

18 carat gold diamond ring.

 Ring size help
Supplied with a replacement valuation for insurance purposes at the typical shop price of £2,529.00.
This item is hand finished and delivered free in a hardwood 

Diamond Engagement Rings2

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1.43 Ct. Splendore Diamond Solitaire in 18K White Gold with 0.7 Ct. HRD Certified center stone 
1.43 Ct. Splendore Diamond Solitaire in 18K White Gold ...
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1.45 Ct. Splendore Diamond Solitaire in 18 k White Gold with 0.7 Ct. HRD Certified center stone 
1.45 Ct. Splendore Diamond Solitaire in 18 k White Gold...
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0.83 Ct. Three Stone Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold 
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$ 5170
 
  
0.79 Ct. Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18K White Gold 
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$ 5036
 
  
0.758 Ct. Three Stone Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold 
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$ 5023
 
  
 
0.735 Ct. Three Stone Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold 
0.735 Ct. Three Stone Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
$ 4698
 
  
1.06 Ct. Splendore Diamond Solitaire in 18K White Gold with 0.57 Ct. GIA Certified Diamond center stone 
1.06 Ct. Splendore Diamond Solitaire in 18K White Gold ...
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1.0 Ct. Splendore Diamond Solitaire in 18K White Gold with 0.3 Ct. Certified center stone 
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0.45 Ct. Splendore Three Stone Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold with 0.18 Ct. HRD Certified center stone 
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0.97 CT Splendore Diamond Solitaire in 18K White Gold with 0.51 Ct. HRD Certified Diamond center stone 
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0.6 Ct. Splendore Three Stone Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold 
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0.48 CT Three Stone Diamod Ring in 18k White Gold 
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0.85 Ct. Splendore Diamond Solitaire in 18K White Gold with 0.38 Ct. Certified Diamond Center Stone 
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0.5 CT Splendore Three Stone Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold 
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0.494 Ct. Splendore Three Stone Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold 
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What bigger can an occasion be than the engagement of a couple, the bride and the bridegroom!! This occasion marks their first official meeting as well as bonding. Thus the need for the most exotic engagement ring exhibiting the starry affect of the most precious gemstone, the diamond and the angelic white gold.
Diamond engagement rings are always in vogue when that especial moment is ahead. White gold engagement ring is equally in demand because of the virtuous silvery affect it creates, making it difficult to resist for the onlooker. The clearest of clear diamond, the purest of pure gold are all employed in the making of such prestigious rings, the solitaire engagement rings.
 

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