PREMIER DISCOUNT JEWELLERY STORE
A Guide to Choosing the Right Engagement Ring
Traditionally, the man pays for the ring and one popular guideline is that it should cost him a month's salary. It should be left to the individual to decide whether that's net or gross!
Etiquette denotes that if the bride-to-be calls off the engagement, the engagement ring should be returned. However, if the man calls it off, she gets to keep it and, if she's got any sense, flog it to the highest bidder!
It's best to steer clear of second-hand rings, unless they are quality antiques or family heirlooms, and even then be careful. NEVER give a girl a ring you already gave to someone else and got back when it all went pear-shaped.
If you're giving her your great grandmother's engagement ring (potentially very romantic) make sure you offer to pay to have it re-set and fitted for her, as she might appreciate the gesture but not the design. Check this won't break your mother's heart first.
Planning a surprise? Be sneaky and check your girlfriend's ring size by 'borrowing' one of her other rings.
Always keep the receipt. If she doesn't like it, says no or if you ever need to make an insurance claim, you might need it. Insure your ring as soon as possible, just in case. And, if you plan to pop the question abroad, make sure it's covered by your travel insurance, just in case it drops from your pocket on the way to that deserted desert island.
A great idea is to buy a cheap silver ring with which to propose and then let the bride to be choose her own ring (make sure she realises this or you may not be popular!). Or to be really unique & very romantic you could design the ring yourselves with the expertise of a trained jewellery consultant from Strictly Bespoke.
Some couples exchange rings on engagement, usually a signet ring for the prospective groom.
Top ring buying tips:
Consider the type of wedding ring you'd like to wear, so the two will go together. Usually wedding rings are gold, white gold, red gold or platinum. The engagement ring generally looks better made from the same metal.
Have your ring size measured properly (in any jewellers). The ring shouldn't fit too tightly - in hot weather hands swell up and you won't be able to get it on or off. Equally, it shouldn't be so loose that it slides around on your finger or over your knuckle too easily.
Diamonds are traditionally the most popular stone for engagement rings. This is because the diamond's rarity and durability symbolises the constancy of the love declared by the couple! Sapphires come a close second, followed by rubies and emeralds. Many engagement rings are designed with a main (larger) stone, set with diamonds around it.
There are thousands of styles of engagement ring to choose from. Bear in mind that it will be worn for a lifetime so it's worth taking your time and choosing the right one. Don't be pressurised into a purchase instead shop around and make sure you buy from a reputable company. Why not consider buying in the comfort and relaxed setting of your own home, with superior custom made rings made to your personal specification by Strictly Bespoke.
"Choosing Your Engagement Ring" Written and kindly supplied by Gabrielle Stirling © 2006
Traditionally, the man pays for the ring and one popular guideline is that it should cost him a month's salary. It should be left to the individual to decide whether that's net or gross!
Etiquette denotes that if the bride-to-be calls off the engagement, the engagement ring should be returned. However, if the man calls it off, she gets to keep it and, if she's got any sense, flog it to the highest bidder!
It's best to steer clear of second-hand rings, unless they are quality antiques or family heirlooms, and even then be careful. NEVER give a girl a ring you already gave to someone else and got back when it all went pear-shaped.
If you're giving her your great grandmother's engagement ring (potentially very romantic) make sure you offer to pay to have it re-set and fitted for her, as she might appreciate the gesture but not the design. Check this won't break your mother's heart first.
Planning a surprise? Be sneaky and check your girlfriend's ring size by 'borrowing' one of her other rings.
Always keep the receipt. If she doesn't like it, says no or if you ever need to make an insurance claim, you might need it. Insure your ring as soon as possible, just in case. And, if you plan to pop the question abroad, make sure it's covered by your travel insurance, just in case it drops from your pocket on the way to that deserted desert island.
A great idea is to buy a cheap silver ring with which to propose and then let the bride to be choose her own ring (make sure she realises this or you may not be popular!). Or to be really unique & very romantic you could design the ring yourselves with the expertise of a trained jewellery consultant from Strictly Bespoke.
Some couples exchange rings on engagement, usually a signet ring for the prospective groom.
Top ring buying tips:
Consider the type of wedding ring you'd like to wear, so the two will go together. Usually wedding rings are gold, white gold, red gold or platinum. The engagement ring generally looks better made from the same metal.
Have your ring size measured properly (in any jewellers). The ring shouldn't fit too tightly - in hot weather hands swell up and you won't be able to get it on or off. Equally, it shouldn't be so loose that it slides around on your finger or over your knuckle too easily.
Diamonds are traditionally the most popular stone for engagement rings. This is because the diamond's rarity and durability symbolises the constancy of the love declared by the couple! Sapphires come a close second, followed by rubies and emeralds. Many engagement rings are designed with a main (larger) stone, set with diamonds around it.
There are thousands of styles of engagement ring to choose from. Bear in mind that it will be worn for a lifetime so it's worth taking your time and choosing the right one. Don't be pressurised into a purchase instead shop around and make sure you buy from a reputable company. Why not consider buying in the comfort and relaxed setting of your own home, with superior custom made rings made to your personal specification by Strictly Bespoke.
"Choosing Your Engagement Ring" Written and kindly supplied by Gabrielle Stirling © 2006
How to choose the right wedding ring?
Your wedding ring one of a few things that ends up reminding you of your wedding day for your entire marriage. You want it to last; you want it to be of a decent enough quality to ensure that it doesn’t tarnish or wear thin over the years. That is why generally we choose precious metals: traditionally yellow or white gold, platinum or titanium. Remember; you tend to get what you pay for.
What metal to choose?
If you are the bride-to-be you probably already have your engagement ring so this sets a precedent for your wedding ring. You should look to match it in choice of metal and shape.
Gold:
Gold is probably the most traditional metal. You can get a range of carats, traditionally in the UK in 9 or 18 carat. The rest of Europe tends to do jewellery in 14 and 18 carat and you’ll probably find 22 carat in some overseas countries.
What is the difference in carats?
Pure gold is 24 carats, but is too soft for jewellery, so other metals are added. 9 carat gold is 9 parts out of 24 gold and the rest is a mix of silver, copper and other metals. 18 carat is 18 parts gold out of the 24. 18 carat has double the amount of gold in it and is therefore roughly double the price and therefore perceived as being better quality.
Different carats have different hardness ratings and different densities. If you are wearing two or more rings together on the same finger you should really go for the same carat so that one doesn’t wear another more quickly.
Look for a hallmark: this is the guarantee that the ring has been proven to be a certain carat at an assay office; 9 carat’s number is 375 and 18’s is 750). Stamps, where you read ‘9K’ or ‘18K’, are not hallmarks and may not be so reliable.
Yellow gold:
9 carat yellow gold has less gold in it than 18 carat and you can see this in the colour difference; 18 carat is much more yellow than 9 carat.
White gold:
A lot of people don’t think yellow gold suits their skin colouring so go for white gold instead. White gold comes in all the same carats as yellow gold. White gold has yellow gold in it but has other metals such as palladium in it to give it it‘s ‘whiteness‘. It is normally rhodium plated to give it a nice finish however with time the rhodium plating will wear and you’ll notice the yellow colour coming through. It is relatively inexpensive to get your white gold rings re-rhodium plated, the thicker the plating, the longer it will last. Some manufacturers have managed to create white gold with the right mix of alloys so that they will retain their original colour; this is a real bonus as your rings don’t need to be rhodium plated. White gold prices can vary slightly to yellow gold, but are generally similar.
Rose gold:
Rose gold has a pink colour and tends to come and go with fashion. It seems to be getting quite popular again.
Other metals:
Platinum:
Platinum is a very hard and dense precious metal, it is much heavier than gold and much more expensive. You are really making a sound investment in buying platinum as it will last and wear better than any other precious metal.
Titanium:
Titanium is fashionable at the moment. It is ultra light in comparison to gold, but very hard wearing. Be aware that not all goldsmiths will be able to resize titanium rings.
Silver:
Silver is really on the fashion jewellery end of the scale, it tarnishes easily and doesn’t wear well with time. You are much better paying a bit more if you can and going for 9ct white gold to achieve a similar look that will last you much longer.
Rings with combinations of different metals:
There are countless variations on the ‘traditional’ plain wedding band. You can get rings which have a combination of all of the above metals, you can have white gold with thin grooves of rose gold, you can have titanium with a centre strip of yellow gold...
What finish to go for?
Traditionally weddings rings have a polished finish. Modern looks includes a matt, satin and frosted finishes. Try to choose something that will stand the test of time; you want to like it now and in fifty year’s time. Generally the finish can be changed if you don’t like it though.
What shape ring shank to go for?
You need to consider all dimensions of the ring; the width, depth and cross section. It is nice for a lady’s wedding ring to complement their engagement ring so it has the same or similar dimensions.
‘Flat’ wedding bands are totally flat on the inside of the ring shank, whereas ‘Court’ shaped wedding bands have a bevel on the inside. This makes them easier to get on and off over the knuckle (particularly with wider rings) and they tend to feel more comfortable to wear. You can have a heavy, medium or slightly courted ring depending on the depth of the inside bevel. A heavily courted ring can be hard to get the right size for.
Traditional shapes for the outside of the ring are totally flat or ‘D’ shanked with a curve. There are light, medium or heavy ‘D’s. There are all sorts of variations such as flat in the middle with rounded edges and even concave shanks.
Consider the shape of your finger when you choose the width of your ring. Generally gents’ rings are wider because their fingers are bigger. Proportionally chunkier rings suit bigger fingers and lighter rings tend to complement slighter fingers better. Obviously this is also a matter of taste!
Particularly ladies need to consider how much space they have on their finger for an engagement ring, wedding ring and potentially an eternity ring as well. You may not have space for a 6mm wide wedding ring and similar eternity ring and everyone has a different amount of space between the beginning of their finger and their knuckle.
Fancy shapes maybe your taste, but you need to consider how two or three rings will fit together. Your engagement ring may be a certain shape that means your wedding ring needs to curve around it. When making a wedding band by hand this requires starting with a wider ring shank and cutting the shape out of it. There is more waste metal in this process so shaped rings generally cost more in materials and labour. Another option is to have a shaped wedding ring cast from a mould which is much less wasteful and therefore can be more cost effective. Some companies offer computer aided design packages so you can have the exact measurements of your engagement ring taken to ensure the wedding ring will fit around it exactly. This also means that images of your finished ring can be seen before the ring is made.
How to get the right size ring?
The only accurate way to measure your finger size is with a metal ring sizer. Bits of paper or plastic variations just don’t replicate a ring well enough as different shape rings will need to be different sizes to be a good fit. It is advisable to note you should always be measured with a narrow ring sizer to get the ’ultimate’ finger size and then with a wider sizer similar to the actual width of your chosen ring. The wider the ring the bigger it needs to be to get over the knuckle.
It is impossible to have a ring that fits perfectly all year round. It is better to have a ring that is tight in the hotter months when your fingers will be slightly bigger than too loose in the winter when your fingers will be smaller. A good fit means that there is a bit of resistance in getting it on and off. The ring shouldn’t pinch your skin once it is on though. If you don’t have big knuckles you have less to keep the ring on so make sure it fits as snugly as possible without being uncomfortable.
Men often are not used to wearing a ring and particularly if it is a heavy, thick ring they may want it to be a looser fit than it should be. Remember the heavier the ring, the more easily it can fall off. Hand cream can help you get a tight ring on and off; it is a good idea for both the bride and groom to put some on their ring fingers on the wedding day as nerves can contribute to higher body temperatures and therefore swollen fingers! Be aware that lots of people loose their rings on honeymoon; sweat, sun cream and water all make your ringers more slippery.
What stones to choose?
It is popular to have diamonds set into wedding rings. The hardness rating of stones is 1-10 with diamonds the hardest at 10. Rubies and sapphires are 9 and then other stones are 8 downwards. Most setters will be reluctant to set anything below hardness rating 9 flush into metal as there is always a risk of the stone shattering. The stone can also get knocked or scratch during wear too.
There is much scope for variance in the cost of diamonds, go for the best quality you can afford. Worry less about size and ensure you get the best colour, cut and clarity you can afford. Diamonds tend to sell themselves; well cut diamonds of a nice colour and clarity are beautiful. Make sure you learn enough about the basics before committing to buy a diamond, just so you understand what you are getting.
If you want to go for other stones take further advice from your goldsmith.
What is the best way to have a stone set?
Generally for wedding rings the stones are set flush into the metal as this creates a safe and very wearable ring. It is also less likely to detract from the style of the engagement ring. This is a relatively safe way of setting stones as metal goes all the way around the edge of the stone. As there is no setting per say, the stone doesn’t protrude from the ring shank so there is nothing to catch on things or to get knocked. Be aware of ‘tension’ or similar settings, the less metal you have around the stone, the less secure it is to sideways knocks.
How to care for your ring:
Whatever metal you choose it will wear with time and if you never take your ring off it will wear more quickly, especially if you undertake activities such as housework, certain sports and gardening with your rings still on! Most knocks and scratches can be polished out. It is always advisable to take your ring into a goldsmiths for a check up every few years. You should have settings checked, the shank checked for wear and you can have it polished to bring it back to its original sparkle!
"How to choose the right wedding ring was written and kindly donated by Mitch Lloyd Petraetc © 2006
Your wedding ring one of a few things that ends up reminding you of your wedding day for your entire marriage. You want it to last; you want it to be of a decent enough quality to ensure that it doesn’t tarnish or wear thin over the years. That is why generally we choose precious metals: traditionally yellow or white gold, platinum or titanium. Remember; you tend to get what you pay for.
What metal to choose?
If you are the bride-to-be you probably already have your engagement ring so this sets a precedent for your wedding ring. You should look to match it in choice of metal and shape.
Gold:
Gold is probably the most traditional metal. You can get a range of carats, traditionally in the UK in 9 or 18 carat. The rest of Europe tends to do jewellery in 14 and 18 carat and you’ll probably find 22 carat in some overseas countries.
What is the difference in carats?
Pure gold is 24 carats, but is too soft for jewellery, so other metals are added. 9 carat gold is 9 parts out of 24 gold and the rest is a mix of silver, copper and other metals. 18 carat is 18 parts gold out of the 24. 18 carat has double the amount of gold in it and is therefore roughly double the price and therefore perceived as being better quality.
Different carats have different hardness ratings and different densities. If you are wearing two or more rings together on the same finger you should really go for the same carat so that one doesn’t wear another more quickly.
Look for a hallmark: this is the guarantee that the ring has been proven to be a certain carat at an assay office; 9 carat’s number is 375 and 18’s is 750). Stamps, where you read ‘9K’ or ‘18K’, are not hallmarks and may not be so reliable.
Yellow gold:
9 carat yellow gold has less gold in it than 18 carat and you can see this in the colour difference; 18 carat is much more yellow than 9 carat.
White gold:
A lot of people don’t think yellow gold suits their skin colouring so go for white gold instead. White gold comes in all the same carats as yellow gold. White gold has yellow gold in it but has other metals such as palladium in it to give it it‘s ‘whiteness‘. It is normally rhodium plated to give it a nice finish however with time the rhodium plating will wear and you’ll notice the yellow colour coming through. It is relatively inexpensive to get your white gold rings re-rhodium plated, the thicker the plating, the longer it will last. Some manufacturers have managed to create white gold with the right mix of alloys so that they will retain their original colour; this is a real bonus as your rings don’t need to be rhodium plated. White gold prices can vary slightly to yellow gold, but are generally similar.
Rose gold:
Rose gold has a pink colour and tends to come and go with fashion. It seems to be getting quite popular again.
Other metals:
Platinum:
Platinum is a very hard and dense precious metal, it is much heavier than gold and much more expensive. You are really making a sound investment in buying platinum as it will last and wear better than any other precious metal.
Titanium:
Titanium is fashionable at the moment. It is ultra light in comparison to gold, but very hard wearing. Be aware that not all goldsmiths will be able to resize titanium rings.
Silver:
Silver is really on the fashion jewellery end of the scale, it tarnishes easily and doesn’t wear well with time. You are much better paying a bit more if you can and going for 9ct white gold to achieve a similar look that will last you much longer.
Rings with combinations of different metals:
There are countless variations on the ‘traditional’ plain wedding band. You can get rings which have a combination of all of the above metals, you can have white gold with thin grooves of rose gold, you can have titanium with a centre strip of yellow gold...
What finish to go for?
Traditionally weddings rings have a polished finish. Modern looks includes a matt, satin and frosted finishes. Try to choose something that will stand the test of time; you want to like it now and in fifty year’s time. Generally the finish can be changed if you don’t like it though.
What shape ring shank to go for?
You need to consider all dimensions of the ring; the width, depth and cross section. It is nice for a lady’s wedding ring to complement their engagement ring so it has the same or similar dimensions.
‘Flat’ wedding bands are totally flat on the inside of the ring shank, whereas ‘Court’ shaped wedding bands have a bevel on the inside. This makes them easier to get on and off over the knuckle (particularly with wider rings) and they tend to feel more comfortable to wear. You can have a heavy, medium or slightly courted ring depending on the depth of the inside bevel. A heavily courted ring can be hard to get the right size for.
Traditional shapes for the outside of the ring are totally flat or ‘D’ shanked with a curve. There are light, medium or heavy ‘D’s. There are all sorts of variations such as flat in the middle with rounded edges and even concave shanks.
Consider the shape of your finger when you choose the width of your ring. Generally gents’ rings are wider because their fingers are bigger. Proportionally chunkier rings suit bigger fingers and lighter rings tend to complement slighter fingers better. Obviously this is also a matter of taste!
Particularly ladies need to consider how much space they have on their finger for an engagement ring, wedding ring and potentially an eternity ring as well. You may not have space for a 6mm wide wedding ring and similar eternity ring and everyone has a different amount of space between the beginning of their finger and their knuckle.
Fancy shapes maybe your taste, but you need to consider how two or three rings will fit together. Your engagement ring may be a certain shape that means your wedding ring needs to curve around it. When making a wedding band by hand this requires starting with a wider ring shank and cutting the shape out of it. There is more waste metal in this process so shaped rings generally cost more in materials and labour. Another option is to have a shaped wedding ring cast from a mould which is much less wasteful and therefore can be more cost effective. Some companies offer computer aided design packages so you can have the exact measurements of your engagement ring taken to ensure the wedding ring will fit around it exactly. This also means that images of your finished ring can be seen before the ring is made.
How to get the right size ring?
The only accurate way to measure your finger size is with a metal ring sizer. Bits of paper or plastic variations just don’t replicate a ring well enough as different shape rings will need to be different sizes to be a good fit. It is advisable to note you should always be measured with a narrow ring sizer to get the ’ultimate’ finger size and then with a wider sizer similar to the actual width of your chosen ring. The wider the ring the bigger it needs to be to get over the knuckle.
It is impossible to have a ring that fits perfectly all year round. It is better to have a ring that is tight in the hotter months when your fingers will be slightly bigger than too loose in the winter when your fingers will be smaller. A good fit means that there is a bit of resistance in getting it on and off. The ring shouldn’t pinch your skin once it is on though. If you don’t have big knuckles you have less to keep the ring on so make sure it fits as snugly as possible without being uncomfortable.
Men often are not used to wearing a ring and particularly if it is a heavy, thick ring they may want it to be a looser fit than it should be. Remember the heavier the ring, the more easily it can fall off. Hand cream can help you get a tight ring on and off; it is a good idea for both the bride and groom to put some on their ring fingers on the wedding day as nerves can contribute to higher body temperatures and therefore swollen fingers! Be aware that lots of people loose their rings on honeymoon; sweat, sun cream and water all make your ringers more slippery.
What stones to choose?
It is popular to have diamonds set into wedding rings. The hardness rating of stones is 1-10 with diamonds the hardest at 10. Rubies and sapphires are 9 and then other stones are 8 downwards. Most setters will be reluctant to set anything below hardness rating 9 flush into metal as there is always a risk of the stone shattering. The stone can also get knocked or scratch during wear too.
There is much scope for variance in the cost of diamonds, go for the best quality you can afford. Worry less about size and ensure you get the best colour, cut and clarity you can afford. Diamonds tend to sell themselves; well cut diamonds of a nice colour and clarity are beautiful. Make sure you learn enough about the basics before committing to buy a diamond, just so you understand what you are getting.
If you want to go for other stones take further advice from your goldsmith.
What is the best way to have a stone set?
Generally for wedding rings the stones are set flush into the metal as this creates a safe and very wearable ring. It is also less likely to detract from the style of the engagement ring. This is a relatively safe way of setting stones as metal goes all the way around the edge of the stone. As there is no setting per say, the stone doesn’t protrude from the ring shank so there is nothing to catch on things or to get knocked. Be aware of ‘tension’ or similar settings, the less metal you have around the stone, the less secure it is to sideways knocks.
How to care for your ring:
Whatever metal you choose it will wear with time and if you never take your ring off it will wear more quickly, especially if you undertake activities such as housework, certain sports and gardening with your rings still on! Most knocks and scratches can be polished out. It is always advisable to take your ring into a goldsmiths for a check up every few years. You should have settings checked, the shank checked for wear and you can have it polished to bring it back to its original sparkle!
"How to choose the right wedding ring was written and kindly donated by Mitch Lloyd Petraetc © 2006
Celtic Wedding Rings & Tying the Knot
The origins of the Celts dates back to prehistoric times when they emerged as a group of loosely knit tribes with a common culture and language.
Celtic settlements stretched from Turkey and the Balkans right across Western Europe. But it was the rise of the Roman Empire that would expose the lack of cohesion between the various Celtic tribes and would lead to them being overrun, expelled from their territories and being pushed back to the western fringes of the continent.
Although the ancient Celts flourished across Europe, it is in Ireland where their traditions have been most preserved.
One aspect of this culture that still survives today is the artwork and this is most commonly seen in jewelry
Their artwork was believed to be very symbolic often being based on nature using images of birds and animals and fish. The Celts believed firmly in the interconnectedness of all life and produced the familiar Celtic Knots, which are interlaced patterns with no beginning and no end.
Although perhaps the true significance of these patterns has been lost over the millennia, Celtic designs remain increasingly popular in our modern world.
The Claddagh is a traditional symbol of love and friendship and is thought to have originated from Claddagh in Galway as far back as the 16th century since when has been worn by many as a wedding ring and as a symbol of love.
The design of the Claddagh consists of a heart as a symbol of love, a crown as a symbol of fidelity or loyalty and the hands depicted friendship. Tradition states that if you are spoken to you should wear the Claddagh on your left hand facing inward but if you are unattached it should be worn facing outward on the right hand.
Celtic crosses, which predate Christianity, can symbolize the four quarters of the earth and or the four elements ? earth wind and fire.
They are equal armed crosses which are enclosed or backed by a circle.
Following the introduction of Christianity, it became more common to see Celtic Crosses on top of a matching pedestal, which gave it a more elongated look. Celtic crosses are often worn as jewelry such as rings or on chains around the neck.
Geometric designs have always feature prominently in Celtic artwork with spirals, chevrons, scrolls and knot work. Many of these patterns can be seen decorating stone carvings or ancient manuscripts and religious books.
The Celtic spirals are very symbolic with the single spiral generally thought to signify growth expansion and cosmic energy.
The dual centred spiral found often on stone carvings signifies duality and nature and is associated with motifs from other cultures such as the Ying Yang symbol.
Celtic knot work designs remain popular today and can vary from single elegant knot patterns to complex intricate interlaced patterns.
Although the symbolism of celtic designs may have been lost, many of the designs remain popular today and will often be seen used in the design of jewelry and in particular Celtic Wedding rings.
"Celtic Wedding Rings" kindly written and supplied by John Lewis of Love2Have who specialise in traditional gold
The origins of the Celts dates back to prehistoric times when they emerged as a group of loosely knit tribes with a common culture and language.
Celtic settlements stretched from Turkey and the Balkans right across Western Europe. But it was the rise of the Roman Empire that would expose the lack of cohesion between the various Celtic tribes and would lead to them being overrun, expelled from their territories and being pushed back to the western fringes of the continent.
Although the ancient Celts flourished across Europe, it is in Ireland where their traditions have been most preserved.
One aspect of this culture that still survives today is the artwork and this is most commonly seen in jewelry
Their artwork was believed to be very symbolic often being based on nature using images of birds and animals and fish. The Celts believed firmly in the interconnectedness of all life and produced the familiar Celtic Knots, which are interlaced patterns with no beginning and no end.
Although perhaps the true significance of these patterns has been lost over the millennia, Celtic designs remain increasingly popular in our modern world.
The Claddagh is a traditional symbol of love and friendship and is thought to have originated from Claddagh in Galway as far back as the 16th century since when has been worn by many as a wedding ring and as a symbol of love.
The design of the Claddagh consists of a heart as a symbol of love, a crown as a symbol of fidelity or loyalty and the hands depicted friendship. Tradition states that if you are spoken to you should wear the Claddagh on your left hand facing inward but if you are unattached it should be worn facing outward on the right hand.
Celtic crosses, which predate Christianity, can symbolize the four quarters of the earth and or the four elements ? earth wind and fire.
They are equal armed crosses which are enclosed or backed by a circle.
Following the introduction of Christianity, it became more common to see Celtic Crosses on top of a matching pedestal, which gave it a more elongated look. Celtic crosses are often worn as jewelry such as rings or on chains around the neck.
Geometric designs have always feature prominently in Celtic artwork with spirals, chevrons, scrolls and knot work. Many of these patterns can be seen decorating stone carvings or ancient manuscripts and religious books.
The Celtic spirals are very symbolic with the single spiral generally thought to signify growth expansion and cosmic energy.
The dual centred spiral found often on stone carvings signifies duality and nature and is associated with motifs from other cultures such as the Ying Yang symbol.
Celtic knot work designs remain popular today and can vary from single elegant knot patterns to complex intricate interlaced patterns.
Although the symbolism of celtic designs may have been lost, many of the designs remain popular today and will often be seen used in the design of jewelry and in particular Celtic Wedding rings.
"Celtic Wedding Rings" kindly written and supplied by John Lewis of Love2Have who specialise in traditional gold
A Guide to Choosing the Right Engagement Ring
Traditionally, the man pays for the ring and one popular guideline is that it should cost him a month's salary. It should be left to the individual to decide whether that's net or gross!
Etiquette denotes that if the bride-to-be calls off the engagement, the engagement ring should be returned. However, if the man calls it off, she gets to keep it and, if she's got any sense, flog it to the highest bidder!
It's best to steer clear of second-hand rings, unless they are quality antiques or family heirlooms, and even then be careful. NEVER give a girl a ring you already gave to someone else and got back when it all went pear-shaped.
If you're giving her your great grandmother's engagement ring (potentially very romantic) make sure you offer to pay to have it re-set and fitted for her, as she might appreciate the gesture but not the design. Check this won't break your mother's heart first.
Planning a surprise? Be sneaky and check your girlfriend's ring size by 'borrowing' one of her other rings.
Always keep the receipt. If she doesn't like it, says no or if you ever need to make an insurance claim, you might need it. Insure your ring as soon as possible, just in case. And, if you plan to pop the question abroad, make sure it's covered by your travel insurance, just in case it drops from your pocket on the way to that deserted desert island.
A great idea is to buy a cheap silver ring with which to propose and then let the bride to be choose her own ring (make sure she realises this or you may not be popular!). Or to be really unique & very romantic you could design the ring yourselves with the expertise of a trained jewellery consultant from Strictly Bespoke.
Some couples exchange rings on engagement, usually a signet ring for the prospective groom.
Top ring buying tips:
Consider the type of wedding ring you'd like to wear, so the two will go together. Usually wedding rings are gold, white gold, red gold or platinum. The engagement ring generally looks better made from the same metal.
Have your ring size measured properly (in any jewellers). The ring shouldn't fit too tightly - in hot weather hands swell up and you won't be able to get it on or off. Equally, it shouldn't be so loose that it slides around on your finger or over your knuckle too easily.
Diamonds are traditionally the most popular stone for engagement rings. This is because the diamond's rarity and durability symbolises the constancy of the love declared by the couple! Sapphires come a close second, followed by rubies and emeralds. Many engagement rings are designed with a main (larger) stone, set with diamonds around it.
There are thousands of styles of engagement ring to choose from. Bear in mind that it will be worn for a lifetime so it's worth taking your time and choosing the right one. Don't be pressurised into a purchase instead shop around and make sure you buy from a reputable company. Why not consider buying in the comfort and relaxed setting of your own home, with superior custom made rings made to your personal specification by Strictly Bespoke.
"Choosing Your Engagement Ring" Written and kindly supplied by Gabrielle Stirling © 2006
Traditionally, the man pays for the ring and one popular guideline is that it should cost him a month's salary. It should be left to the individual to decide whether that's net or gross!
Etiquette denotes that if the bride-to-be calls off the engagement, the engagement ring should be returned. However, if the man calls it off, she gets to keep it and, if she's got any sense, flog it to the highest bidder!
It's best to steer clear of second-hand rings, unless they are quality antiques or family heirlooms, and even then be careful. NEVER give a girl a ring you already gave to someone else and got back when it all went pear-shaped.
If you're giving her your great grandmother's engagement ring (potentially very romantic) make sure you offer to pay to have it re-set and fitted for her, as she might appreciate the gesture but not the design. Check this won't break your mother's heart first.
Planning a surprise? Be sneaky and check your girlfriend's ring size by 'borrowing' one of her other rings.
Always keep the receipt. If she doesn't like it, says no or if you ever need to make an insurance claim, you might need it. Insure your ring as soon as possible, just in case. And, if you plan to pop the question abroad, make sure it's covered by your travel insurance, just in case it drops from your pocket on the way to that deserted desert island.
A great idea is to buy a cheap silver ring with which to propose and then let the bride to be choose her own ring (make sure she realises this or you may not be popular!). Or to be really unique & very romantic you could design the ring yourselves with the expertise of a trained jewellery consultant from Strictly Bespoke.
Some couples exchange rings on engagement, usually a signet ring for the prospective groom.
Top ring buying tips:
Consider the type of wedding ring you'd like to wear, so the two will go together. Usually wedding rings are gold, white gold, red gold or platinum. The engagement ring generally looks better made from the same metal.
Have your ring size measured properly (in any jewellers). The ring shouldn't fit too tightly - in hot weather hands swell up and you won't be able to get it on or off. Equally, it shouldn't be so loose that it slides around on your finger or over your knuckle too easily.
Diamonds are traditionally the most popular stone for engagement rings. This is because the diamond's rarity and durability symbolises the constancy of the love declared by the couple! Sapphires come a close second, followed by rubies and emeralds. Many engagement rings are designed with a main (larger) stone, set with diamonds around it.
There are thousands of styles of engagement ring to choose from. Bear in mind that it will be worn for a lifetime so it's worth taking your time and choosing the right one. Don't be pressurised into a purchase instead shop around and make sure you buy from a reputable company. Why not consider buying in the comfort and relaxed setting of your own home, with superior custom made rings made to your personal specification by Strictly Bespoke.
"Choosing Your Engagement Ring" Written and kindly supplied by Gabrielle Stirling © 2006
Lets face it, a wedding or engagement ring is just about the most important piece of jewellery you'll every buy, so getting it right is critical. Bespoke manufacturing offers a personalised & individual touch, that most jewellers simply can't match - and designing your own ring makes an already special occasion one of immense personal involvement. And why shouldn't it be, when you are selecting something you will wear for the rest of your life?
In today's culture the wedding ring is a lasting symbol of love and commitment, and is worn by both husband and wife. The wearing of wedding rings on the third finger of the left hand is thought to stem from a belief in the vena amoris, which runs from that finger straight to the heart.
Nowadays because engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes they can be difficult to match with a suitable wedding ring. We however specialise in making wedding rings to fit perfectly with your engagement ring no matter how unusual the design. Have you considered choosing the rings in the comfort of your own home? It is always a friendly and informative occasion and allows you to choose in an unhurried and relaxed setting.
Also why not engrave your rings with the date of your special day, your names or even something more personal to you?
In today's culture the wedding ring is a lasting symbol of love and commitment, and is worn by both husband and wife. The wearing of wedding rings on the third finger of the left hand is thought to stem from a belief in the vena amoris, which runs from that finger straight to the heart.
Nowadays because engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes they can be difficult to match with a suitable wedding ring. We however specialise in making wedding rings to fit perfectly with your engagement ring no matter how unusual the design. Have you considered choosing the rings in the comfort of your own home? It is always a friendly and informative occasion and allows you to choose in an unhurried and relaxed setting.
Also why not engrave your rings with the date of your special day, your names or even something more personal to you?
Keeping Your Jewellery Clean
Fine jewellery will bring years of wearing pleasure with proper care and attention - common sense is your best guide, but here are some helpful tips to keep all your fine jewellery in tip-top condition
Care
Prevent the rubbing or hitting of rings on other hard substances. You should avoid rubbing against any other metals such as coins or hard surfaces.
You can bath while wearing precious metals without causing your jewellery harm. However remember that ordinary soap and water can coat it with thin film, leave your gold seeming dull.
Protect your gold jewellery from dust, moisture, perfume, hair spray and make-up. Never wear your jewellery before applying make-up. Instead wash your hands and after completing your make-up and then put on your jewellery.
Try not to wear your jewellery while doing housework. Any abrasive object could damage its surface. Avoid wearing jewellery while in contact with household chemicals, such as chlorine bleach. They can discolour or damage your jewellery mountings.
Take off your jewellery before doing rough manual work or playing sports. Stones could be jarred loose or chipped by a hard blow. Equally the metal can scratch.
When you're not wearing your jewellery, be careful that pieces do not tumble against each other to avoid scratching or dulling. Ideally, store each piece in its own soft cloth pouch or box.
Cleaning
Brand new jewellery is always shining and brilliant. After wearing for a while it tends to lose this brilliance. Some reasons include hand-lotion giving it a dull coating, food juices and greases obscuring the shine, or perhaps it simply collected tiny scratches through everyday activities. For whatever the reason, that shiny brilliance is easy to bring back.
Soap and a Soft Toothbrush.
The simplest method of home cleaning is with unscented hand soap and a soft bristle toothbrush. With warm soapy water simply brush away with the soft toothbrush. This should remove a good amount of any filmy build-up and let the metal glisten again.
Store bought Jewellery Cleaner.
Jewellery cleaner such as sold by Jewellers is generally inexpensive and lasts a long time. A little more effective than the soap and soft toothbrush method. There are different cleaners available. You should only use the cleaner specifically designed for the type of metals or gemstones you intend to clean.
Ultra-Sonic Machine.
The Ultra-sonic machine is the best method of cleaning jewellery, getting the smallest crevices with ultra-sonic vibrations. In addition to the Ultra-sonic, if you have many little scratches on your jewellery you may want to consider asking your Jeweller if you can get your rings polished as well. This in combination with the Ultra-sonic will make the most worn jewellery appear in an almost brand-new condition.
All precious metals need to be treated with respect, as they will scratch (even platinum). Scratches will be particularly evident in new highly polished rings but as the rings are worn and develop their own natural patina or mellow lustre these scratches will become less and less noticeable. Remember scratches are inevitable and show that the rings are used & loved - the only perfectly shiny and scratch free rings are ones that are kept in a box and are never worn!
If your jewellery has a textured finish please remember that this is only applied to the surface and can wear off relatively quickly. Brushed / satin finishes are particularly affected and whilst very popular & attractive especially in gents rings it will ‘rub’ off over time. A matt finish tends to last longer - if in doubt please ask us for advice.
Whilst most 18K white gold on the high street is finished with rhodium plating to make it look whiter and brighter. This will wear off and you will need to have it replated on a regular basis. We have therefore developed a white gold that is high in palladium content giving it a natural white finish. This means our 18k white gold does not require rhodium plating (unless specifically requested) and will avoid the need for future maintenance.
"Care & Cleaning of Jewellery" Written and kindly supplied by Gabrielle Stirling © 2006
Fine jewellery will bring years of wearing pleasure with proper care and attention - common sense is your best guide, but here are some helpful tips to keep all your fine jewellery in tip-top condition
Care
Prevent the rubbing or hitting of rings on other hard substances. You should avoid rubbing against any other metals such as coins or hard surfaces.
You can bath while wearing precious metals without causing your jewellery harm. However remember that ordinary soap and water can coat it with thin film, leave your gold seeming dull.
Protect your gold jewellery from dust, moisture, perfume, hair spray and make-up. Never wear your jewellery before applying make-up. Instead wash your hands and after completing your make-up and then put on your jewellery.
Try not to wear your jewellery while doing housework. Any abrasive object could damage its surface. Avoid wearing jewellery while in contact with household chemicals, such as chlorine bleach. They can discolour or damage your jewellery mountings.
Take off your jewellery before doing rough manual work or playing sports. Stones could be jarred loose or chipped by a hard blow. Equally the metal can scratch.
When you're not wearing your jewellery, be careful that pieces do not tumble against each other to avoid scratching or dulling. Ideally, store each piece in its own soft cloth pouch or box.
Cleaning
Brand new jewellery is always shining and brilliant. After wearing for a while it tends to lose this brilliance. Some reasons include hand-lotion giving it a dull coating, food juices and greases obscuring the shine, or perhaps it simply collected tiny scratches through everyday activities. For whatever the reason, that shiny brilliance is easy to bring back.
Soap and a Soft Toothbrush.
The simplest method of home cleaning is with unscented hand soap and a soft bristle toothbrush. With warm soapy water simply brush away with the soft toothbrush. This should remove a good amount of any filmy build-up and let the metal glisten again.
Store bought Jewellery Cleaner.
Jewellery cleaner such as sold by Jewellers is generally inexpensive and lasts a long time. A little more effective than the soap and soft toothbrush method. There are different cleaners available. You should only use the cleaner specifically designed for the type of metals or gemstones you intend to clean.
Ultra-Sonic Machine.
The Ultra-sonic machine is the best method of cleaning jewellery, getting the smallest crevices with ultra-sonic vibrations. In addition to the Ultra-sonic, if you have many little scratches on your jewellery you may want to consider asking your Jeweller if you can get your rings polished as well. This in combination with the Ultra-sonic will make the most worn jewellery appear in an almost brand-new condition.
All precious metals need to be treated with respect, as they will scratch (even platinum). Scratches will be particularly evident in new highly polished rings but as the rings are worn and develop their own natural patina or mellow lustre these scratches will become less and less noticeable. Remember scratches are inevitable and show that the rings are used & loved - the only perfectly shiny and scratch free rings are ones that are kept in a box and are never worn!
If your jewellery has a textured finish please remember that this is only applied to the surface and can wear off relatively quickly. Brushed / satin finishes are particularly affected and whilst very popular & attractive especially in gents rings it will ‘rub’ off over time. A matt finish tends to last longer - if in doubt please ask us for advice.
Whilst most 18K white gold on the high street is finished with rhodium plating to make it look whiter and brighter. This will wear off and you will need to have it replated on a regular basis. We have therefore developed a white gold that is high in palladium content giving it a natural white finish. This means our 18k white gold does not require rhodium plating (unless specifically requested) and will avoid the need for future maintenance.
"Care & Cleaning of Jewellery" Written and kindly supplied by Gabrielle Stirling © 2006
