Decisions. We hate them. But when it comes to your wedding ring, there’s a lot to consider. A band in precious metal, rose gold or platinum? A gemstone setting? What can you afford? It’s all too much. Thank goodness for Alice Walsh and Shakti Ellenwood, two professional jewellers who gave us the scoop on trends, materials and what to consider when shopping for your perfect wedding ring.
Wedding Ring Trends
“Coloured stones have made a big comeback,” says Shakti, whose playful coloured designs are becoming increasingly popular. “I think it is because people are looking for products that bring joy in these challenging political times.”
“People have definitely become more interested in finding something unique,” says Alice, from Alice Made This jewellers. “The provenance, the materials and the story behind their ring are just as important as the symbol itself.”
As with fashion, trends are constantly shifting in the wedding ring industry. For Shakti, the biggest change in consumer habits has been the awareness around ethics. “Clients are rightly asking questions,” she says. A big believer in ethical jewellery herself, Shakti always recommends considering whether the ring has been responsibly sourced, whether there is transparency in the way the ring has been made, and if anyone or anything was harmed during the ring’s making.
“Research is key here,” agrees Alice. “Read a brand’s story, look at their code of conduct or their environmental policy; search for their values to see if they align to you and yours, then you can make your decision with confidence.”
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Ethically sourced or not, there are some ring trends that are timeless.
“Gold has long been seen as a divine metal,” Shakti tells us; “it dates back to ancient times, and many people are now looking for authentic artisan, handmade gold rings, as opposed to commercially manufactured bands.”
“A yellow 18-carat gold wedding band is still very much a thing,” adds Alice. “What I find so beautiful about gold, whether yellow, rose or white, is its softness. It’s hard enough to hold its shape well but soft enough to wear over time, telling the story of your life with you.”
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But don’t discount silver.
“Platinum allows you to have a slightly more gun silver-tone to your wedding band and offers a precious metal with robustness to it,” explains Alice. “In contrast, silver offers you a brighter look at a more economical price point.”
How to Choose A Wedding Ring
“My number one piece of advice is to make sure the ring is ethically made,” says Shakti. “Jewellery is a product that is usually associated with love, romance and luxury but there is no romance in exploitation.”
“Shop for your wedding rings together and look at it as much more than just a ring that sits on your finger,” advises Alice. “It will represent the past that got you to this moment, the presence of the ceremony, the future it celebrates and the journey it starts.”
Prefer something vintage? Be sure to research the era, styles, metal and stones that you like beforehand. Alice recommends viewing vintage like construction work: “If you show an element of technical knowledge, you get a lot more for your money.”
Go Bespoke?
Your choice of wedding ring is a nod to your personality and your relationship; the easiest way to achieve this is by commissioning a bespoke wedding ring design. “Many of my clients will see a ring of mine they love but want to change up the number of stones or the colour combinations to something that resonates with them personally,” says Shakti. Though bespoke designs tend to come with a higher price tag, it’s a one-off and an heirloom that can be cherished for generations.
“We have worked with individuals to smelt jewellery from their past and remould them into pieces for their future,” says Alice. And, in that way, jewellery weaves a story into your own…
About Alice Made This
Based in London, Alice Made This uses industrial engineering methods to create refined and bespoke, precisely cast and hand-finished wedding bands that can be tailored to your personal style. Every element in the process is carefully considered to produce timeless pieces that tell stories of the past, present and future.
About Shakti Ellenwood
Artisan jeweller, Shakti Ellenwood, creates ethical wedding and engagement rings using certified 18-carat Fairtrade gold and conflict-free jewels that have been handpicked from trusted sources around the globe. Inspired by ancient cultures and sacred symbols, her beautiful, organic designs are handcrafted in her own studio.
Author: Kate Lovell
Our very first writer for The Gay Wedding Guide with over 300 articles written. Unfortunately, she no longer writes for us as she left to focus on other copywriting and projects but she'll always have a dedicated place in our hearts here at The Gay Wedding Guide.
