Your
rings for your day - and every day after
Brief history of the wedding ring
Did you know the wearing of wedding rings on the
third finger of the left hand dates back to the 17th Century BC? Ancient
Egyptians believed that this finger contained the "vena amoris",
the vein of love that runs directly to the heart. By placing a continuous
band of precious metal on this finger, it was thought that you ensured
your everlasting love.
Choosing your wedding rings
There are many things to consider when choosing
your wedding rings. It’s important that it matches and sits
comfortably next to your engagement ring. Many people choose to combine
both rings into one design. Or design the engagement ring and wedding
ring at the same time.
What materials can be used?
Metals for your ring: gold, silver, platinum or
even titanium. See our guide to metals below to compare.
Guide to precious metals
The gold myth
In New Zealand, there is a choice between 9,14 and
18 carat (ct) gold. It is a common misconception that 9ct gold is
harder wearing than 14 or 18ct gold. 9ct has a Vickers hardness of
120 and 18ct has a Vickers hardness of 125. While this shows that
18ct is harder, in practical terms 9ct and 18ct are much the same.
9ct is however, more difficult to bend and is a little springier than
18ct. Therefore a thin 9ct ring may be less likely to bend out of
shape than a thin 18ct ring. This is why a lot of the lightweight
and cheap jewellery is manufactured in 9ct gold. However, if your
jewellery is of good sturdy construction, neither metal will be likely
to bend out of shape.
The gold content in 9ct gold is very little, it
has more parts copper and silver than actual gold.
Below you can see a typical gold alloy recipe.
9ct Recipe
Pure Gold = 37.5%
Silver = 12.1%
Copper = 44.4%
Zinc = 6%
18ct recipe
Pure Gold = 75%
Silver = 16%
Copper = 9%
The colour of gold
The difference in colour between yellow, white and
rose gold is determined by the metals used in the alloy mix. The colour
of any gold alloy will not chip, fade or wear off with age.
Yellow gold
Yellow Gold is an alloy of pure gold with metals
such as copper and zinc. In yellow gold the copper content determines
the colour of the alloy. For instance, 24ct is pure gold, whereas
18ct gold has 18 parts of pure gold and 6 parts of copper and zinc;
therefore 9ct gold only has 9 parts pure gold content and the rest
(15 parts) copper and zinc.
Rose gold
Rose gold has a higher copper content than yellow
gold, giving it a rose-reddish colour.
White gold
White gold is an alloy of pure gold and white metals
such as silver and palladium. Often, white gold jewellery is plated
with Rhodium.
Silver
Silver is quite soft and not as durable as other
metals, the advantage however, is the price, when compared to gold,
platinum etc. Silver will tarnish, requiring regular cleaning. Some
people may experience skin reactions to silver.
Rhodium
Rhodium has similar properties to platinum. It is
used predominately for plating, (mainly white gold jewellery). The
natural colour of white gold is actually a light grey but rhodium
plating gives the gold a whiter and brighter appearance. Rhodium plate
is only a thin surface coating and will wear off eventually, however
it can be re-applied Platinum Platinum is a white metal, but unlike
gold it is used in jewellery in almost its pure form (approximately
95% pure).
Platinum
Platinum is extremely durable, and retains it’s
brightness, so it does not need to be rhodium plated. Platinum is
very dense metal, so a platinum ring will feel heavier than an 18ct
gold ring. Platinum is, however, significantly more expensive than
gold. As a rough guide, a platinum ring will be approximately twice
the price of an 18ct white gold ring.
Palladium
Palladium is a relatively new metal to the NZ jeweller
but it has been used in Jewellery worldwide since 1939. It's natural
colour properties mean that it doesn't need any plating to enhance
its white appearance. It has been used as an alloy for making white
gold for many years. As a PGM (a platinum group metal) it is a great
alternative to white gold and with a lighter specific weight than
platinum - it is an affordable option.
Titanium
Titanium is a natural element, which has a silver-greyish
colour.Titanium is the hardest natural metal in the world and yet
is very lightweight. Pure titanium is also 100% hypoallergenic, which
means that it is safe for anyone to wear, and will not cause skin
reactions. Titanium is very strong, giving it more dent, bend and
scratch resistance than gold, silver and platinum. One factor to consider
with titanium is that it cannot be soldered. This limits the design
of your jewellery and also means that titanium rings cannot normally
be resized.
Design Considerations
Do you have an active lifestyle?
We have a wide range of standard ring models for
you to try on in different widths and textures. You might want to
consider a ring that has a smooth and rounded profile to allow it
to slide off easily, avoiding injury.
How can I afford the ring I really want?
If you are restricted in your budget we can advise
you on several options to help save you money. If you have your heart
set on a diamond ring but your budget doesn’t stretch we can
set it with a cubic zirconia. (A clear semi precious alternative.)
Most settings can be re-set with a diamond at a later stage which
allows you some time to save for one.
How long does it take?
We usually recommend four weeks to manufacture your
rings. This allows adequate time for any adjustments required. We
are happy to talk over any ideas you may have at any stage in your
wedding plans. We also offer a free quote and design consultation.
Come and see us!
The Design Process
A bespoke “Jewel Beetle” piece starts
on a special journey from its concept to completion. Along the way,
we listen to your thoughts and ideas, stirring them into a melting
pot together with our design style and professional expertise to create
a finished piece that is profoundly individual. Whether you've already
got an idea or no idea at all, we're here to help you through the
design process. At Jewel beetle, we’ve developed a talent to
clearly interpret just what you’ve been thinking of.
Step 1
Ignite your imagination by browsing through our
extensive photo album of past designs and commissions. We’re
sure you will find them inspirational and we can give you an idea
of what something similar may cost. Let us know your budget as this
determines what is possible and what alternatives or other options
are available to you.
Step 2
Your commission starts with a consultation with
one of our designers. This can happen on the phone (if you live too
far away) or face to face at our Nelson studio. Although it is great
to be able to meet you in person location really isn’t a problem,
and many of our customers have been equally satisfied with conversing
over the phone and exchanging ideas by email. During your consultation
we will discuss your style, what clothes you wear, what jewellery
you currently like wearing and colours you prefer - this is our chance
to start to create a picture and the perfect design for you. If you
come with a very clear idea for your commission, we will use our expertise
to make this a reality for you. And possibly advise you on some options
you may not have thought of.
Step 3
If it’s appropriate we may do a series of
hand drawn sketches either during or after the appointment to clarify
the ideas discussed. See example below. If you find drawings hard
to visualise, on some occasions, we can often make a scaled 3-D wax
model Once you have decided on a design and are happy with the quote
given, we ask for a 50% deposit to confirm the order. Then the commission
begins!
Step 4
If your commission involves gemstones, we will source
them from our suppliers. Every gem is of course different, and if
the stone is a main feature in the design we can often get some gemstones
on approval for you to choose. We take your ring size and then the
manufacturing process begins! At Jewel Beetle, we work together as
a team and utilise each other’s strengths and technical skills.
Together we can create the rings you deserve and that truly reflect
your personality and the relationship they represent. You can be assured
of the highest When your rings are ready, you can come in and try
them on for size or we are very happy to send it to you by courier
(special insurance cover may apply) We hope we can add you to our
list of delighted customers, all of whom have discovered the real
benefits of individual design and the delights of a unique handcrafted
wedding ring.
What our customers say
Allison and Yvon-- "Kathryn and I want
to thank you for your beautiful work on our wedding rings. We have
them hidden pending our wedding but take them out from time to time
to admire them. We look forward to wearing them permanently in October
and fondly appreciate your advice, professionalism, promptness, and
artistry in creating our rings." Sincerely,
Stan Biderman and Kathryn Minette Santa Fe,
NM "
"Julie and I chose to seek out a manufacturing
jeweller who would manufacture our wedding rings to a style and standard
that we determined must result in them being very special to us. We
are very delighted with the rings and we expect we shall receive many
favourable comments about our choice in their style. Murray did work
as a watchmaker for a number of years and worked alongside two very
skilled & experienced manufacturing jewellers, it is from this
experience of some 25 years ago, that the personal crafting skills
of jewellery manufacture are known to be very evident in the finished
pieces when compared with off the shelf bulk manufactured items."
Murray brown – Blenheim "
"After searching for a wedding band I decided
to get Jewel Beetle to make it as they had created a beautiful ring
for my then fiance and now wife. As I am based in Wellington I sent
Allison an email describing what I wanted and she emailed me back
with the design. Allison
made creating my wedding band an easy and enjoyable process."
Matthew Flanagan - Wellington
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