Put a ring on it

 With Summera of The Diamond Studio

Choosing your Engagement and Wedding Rings are the most important pieces of jewellery you will ever buy. Hopefully like your love they will last forever and be passed on as an heirloom. This is a happy occasion so enjoy it and experience the pleasure as something to remember always.

Here are my top tips for getting the wedding ring that your heart desires that suits your hand and fits in with your personal style.

Top tips for choosing your wedding rings

1.  Pick a colour, pick a metal

Yellow gold, white gold, and platinum – the popular metals each come with different qualities and price tags. Your colour preference and budget will help you decide. However, don’t let your budget alone dictate the metal of your bands as bespoke jewellers will work with your budget.

2. Decide whether to match or not to match wedding band wise

The word on the modern bride and groom grapevine is that the traditional thought of matching his and her wedding bands can be thrown out with the cupcake wedding dress if you don’t feel the same design truly reflects each of your preferences. The wedding bands themselves need not match BUT they should be the same colour.

3. Select the stone

You have the metal now you need to the select the stone (if you are having one). Diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald and aquamarine are all popular. Add to that amethyst, garnets, and peridots there is quite a few to choose from. Though there are a number of options some stones are less durable in smaller sizes, for example amethyst, garnets and peridots; also round stones are stronger than square.

4. If its diamonds that tickle your fancy get to grips with the 4Cs

The 4Cs of cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight contribute most to the value and look of a diamond.

The CUT refers to the proportions, symmetry and finish of a polished diamond. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut.  A well-cut diamond reflects maximum light and so sparkles the best. Shallow-cut and deep-cut diamonds let the light escape at the sides or bottom.

The COLOUR of the diamond is a key factor in determining the value and the beauty. Known as “fancies” in the trade the faintest yellow or brown, to the rare pinks, blues and greens offer a choice of colours, however, it is still no colour at all that remains most desirable. A completely colourless diamond allows white light to pass through it effortlessly, allowing the most reflection of light (that’s your sparkle girls) dispersing it again as rainbows of colour.

The CLARITY of a diamond is determined by the visibility, number and size of its inner inclusions that occur in the formation process (wee birthmarks if you will – the vast majority have miniscule ones). The smaller and fewer the inclusions, the more light can pass through the diamond, contributing significantly to its rare beauty.

The CARAT is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds so the price of a diamond rises exponentially to its size.

5. Adorn and accentuate your hands

It’s important to try on different designs to look at what suits your hand and fits in with your personal style. Though you may love something in a magazine or display cabinet it may not look the same as you imagined once it’s on your finger so don’t be afraid to try on a number of different styles.

… not hinder them

As wedding bands are worn all the time you may need to consider your vocation when selecting the ring. A jewelled setting ring may not be the best choice for hands that see a lot of action. However, if your heart wants what the heart wants and the day to day hands don’t mind a plain inexpensive band for everyday wear then the official ring can be protected and worn when appropriate.

6. Never be put under pressure by a pushy sales person

Your shopping experience should be relaxed, comfortable and personal to you and your partner. Having even a hint of sales patter can change a perusing trip into a wee bit of an uncomfortable viewing. More likely than not you will try on a number of rings in the double figures (though triple figures is not unheard of!) so do not let sales people influence you negatively.

7.  Compare quotes

I know your not shopping round for a bargain when it comes to wedding rings but it is always worth comparing prices once you have selected you final specification. You may be surprised at the differences between X,Y and Z stockists for the same core elements – it may be a pleasant or face pulling surprise but you won’t know until you ask.

8. Always ask for a valuation for insurance

It is important to have cover for your jewellery so always ask for a valuation for insurance purposes.


The Diamond Studio: Summera Shaheen MD

Our popular Bespoke service allows you to have something unique created to suit your style and budget – it is essential that you enjoy this memorable time and be sure to select something you will love and wear always.

Please feel free to call, email or just pop in for advice and guidance

A: The Diamond Studio, Suite 2/2, Argyll Arcade, Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G2 8BD
Website // T: 0141 248 2389  // Email

We look forward to seeing you.


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