It’s been a while since I blogged about my fast approaching nuptials (in fact, it’s been a while since I blogged at all, whoops). But what better motivation than a return to my favourite topic to share some research on that small yet oh-so-big part of the ceremony: the rings. With less than four months to go, Pete and I are about to buy the two little bands of gold (rose gold? white gold? silver?) that announce to the world that we’re husband and wife. Unlike my engagement ring, which I’d always intended to replace with a wedding band, this is a piece of jewellery that I’m going to wear for the rest of my life. So finding the perfect one isn’t something I’m taking lightly!
I know a few couples who physically crafted their wedding bands together which sounds tres romantique but in the case of clumsy-fingered me and Pete, not really an option. Still, I love the idea of having something a bit different from the standard gold band and so have turned to some of my favourite jewellery designers for inspiration…
Beautiful as my engagement ring is, there are a few reasons why I don’t plan to keep it on my left finger post wedding; it’s a difficult shape to marry up with a wedding band, plus it’s pretty far away from your traditional engagement diamond so very wearable as a regular ring. I chose it myself (Pete knows me well!) at a London boutique called ASSYA in Notting Hill, set up by designer Tessa Grazzini and inspired by the colourful precious stones of India. I’m in love with the moonlight rings, especially this one. Okay, so not exactly a wedding ring but woah it’s amazing.
So for my wedding band I’m after something slightly less ostentatious but, because it’s going to be worn solo, I can afford to go a little bit more glitzy than normal. Which brings me to the dream ring that I’ve had my eye on for some time now…
This is the Maleficent ring by Catbird NYC. I’m obsessed with it; it’s actually a lot smaller and more delicate than it appears here but the black diamond and tapered claws give it exactly the edge I’m looking for. And I love the rose gold setting and conflict-free rose cut diamonds. Yep, I don’t know why I’m bothering with the rest of this post because I’m clearly buying it. In fact, I just took delivery of Catbird’s tiny Threadbare ring which I ordered as a test run (good job I did as I bought it about three sizes too big – still, it looks great on my middle finger!) The quality is amazing and there’s a ring here to suit every budget, including Maleficent’s better behaved sister, the Sleeping Beauty ring, if you prefer your diamonds white. Some more of my favourites from Catbird are below:
So, pretending that I haven’t already chosen my ring, there are a few other amazing designers on my radar; first of all, Mairi, a Belfast goldsmith I found on Instagram whose new line doesn’t actually launch until the spring (you can still find her older designs here though). These beautiful minimal wedding bands are perfect if your fiance, like Pete, is worried about treading the line between unobtrusive and too feminine. Most guys don’t wear rings day to day so wearing anything on that finger is going to be weird; finding something that looks ‘manly’ but not chunky or heavy is a tough call. I love the way Mairi’s designs avoid being matchy-matchy but introduce a common thread between the male and female bands. Here are some standout designs from her Instagram feed:
For something more subtle, I love the pieces by LA designer Jess Hannah. Her philosophy is that each item of jewellery should make you feel connected to it and she aspires to create pieces that are “never taken off” – exactly what you want in a wedding ring! You can choose each band to be custom made in your choice of metal for a surprisingly affordable price. Here are my picks:
Over in Australia (well, via Pinterest), I found the amazing Sarah & Sebastian. The simplicity of this thin gold band belies its price, while the images below show some of the more elaborate pieces, still just as elegant and delicate.
Then there’s the incredibly talented Ana Khouri, a Brazilian sculptor whose New York jewellery line showcases her talent for making pieces that “speak directly to the body”:
For Khouri, designing jewelry is an art; it is about the myriad ways that a piece can take shape on the wearer, and the balance the work creates with the body. She focuses on limited edition pieces that look to the work of Calder, Serra and Bourgeois for guidance. Her approach is borne of the belief that jewelry, more than any other item, has the ability to create deep connection with the wearer.
Ana brings the notion of ‘fine jewellery’ into the 21st century and makes it accessible for the modern woman; a ring from her collection would be a discerning choice for any self-confessed ‘alternative’ bride. This white diamond leaf ring is my absolute favourite, followed closely by the Arachnid ring below… about as far from traditional bridal as you can get!
For something just as unusual yet less obviously out there, check out TARA 4779. Tara Elwin crafts her jewellery by hand in New York with recycled silver and gold, with the addition of conflict free diamonds. The brand name refers to the atomic numbers of these elements – 47 for silver and 79 for gold. Her rings are incredible, from the open circlet ‘negative space’ collection to the ‘Percentage’ rings which blend rose gold or gold into silver or white gold.
The final ring here is inspired by Alexander Calder’s ‘drawings in space’, the ring dangling a tiny white diamond. So good.
This isn’t to say that there aren’t some equally talented designers working here in London. I recently discovered Niza Huang via one of my favourite websites for new independent brands, Not Just a Label. Niza’s beautiful sculptural jewellery references the environment, her collection ‘Under Earth‘ modelling rings on rock formations using Herkimer diamonds, known for their perfect clarity. In an interview with Nu-Mode magazine she talks about her obsession with the ‘physical feel’ of jewellery, the way it reveals emotion, history, memories and personality. She has a dedicated Wedding and Fine Jewellery section on her website but there’s no reason not to look at the whole collection for wow pieces…
I can imagine the two rings above being a pair, the bride with the rose gold circle, the groom wearing the gold square…
Returning right back where I started, shopping for my engagement ring on Ledbury Road in Notting Hill, I popped into Wolf & Badger where I found Joana Salazar‘s Brazilian brand. Her collection is made in 18 carat gold with the most stunning gemstones I’ve ever seen. Take the first ring below, for instance – the brilliant blue is something really special. Okay, so these aren’t really wedding rings, but I couldn’t resist including them here!
And finally, saving one of the best till last; Maya Rolc Majeric’s stunningly dainty diamond rings. I found her Etsy shop MinimalVS via Pinterest (if in doubt, Etsy and Pinterest will always take you somewhere amazing) and fell in love with almost every piece. My picks are below. Happy wedding day, everyone!
really good article…