Wedding ring season is here!
I'm celebrating the small wins as we approach the end of January. The light is beginning to stay a little longer each day, snowdrops are beginning to poke their heads through the frozen, then wet, then muddy earth. And those organising their big days for later in the year are beginning to think about the bit they get to keep from the wedding. Read on for the process of commissioning wedding rings from me...
Often forgotten until the last minute, wedding bands, marriage or commitment rings, are the things that as a couple you can look at every day and be reminded of not only your ceremony, but the ongoing commitment made on that day.
I've made all kinds of rings for people to represent this bond between two people. Sometimes they are simply stand-alone wedding bands, sometimes a ring needs to fit around an engagement ring, other times one flamboyant ring for one lucky half is enough to represent the couples' devotion.
The approach tends to be the same...
I meet with the couple, we look through examples of rings I have in stock, any images of pieces they've seen on my Instagram, and discuss what they like and dislike. I take their ring sizes, usually the left hand ring finger, though there have been occasions where a different finger has more meaning to the individual, or is just more comfortable. These rings are intended to be worn everyday so this has to be considered. The metal options are discussed. Traditionally thought of as gold, wedding rings can be made in any metal, as long as it is hard-wearing and non-toxic! Either a design can be decided on at this first meeting, or we agree on ideas for me to develop and sketch in to design ideas and send quotes.
Once we have agreed on a design it usually takes me up to 6 weeks to make the rings. I work on them in my workshop, soldering, hammering and forging, making stone settings if part of the design. Once I'm happy with the shape, sizing and dimensions, I send them to be hallmarked. They are tested by London Assay Office and stamped with: my unique makers mark; symbols for the year they are made; where they have been tested; the metal used. This is your guarantee of quality and craftsmanship.
Once they return from London Assay Office I set any stones that need setting and do the final finish on the metal, either matt or shiny. The couple either collect from me at Made in Cley or I can ship to them in other parts of the UK.
The size can be adjusted later if needed though I usually suggest wearing them for a few weeks before deciding on a resize. The big test comes in the weeks after the wedding day as you get used to wearing a new ring and see how it feels on a day-to-day basis. Ring sizing can be affected by temperature, stress, exercise, so finger sizes fluctuate throughout a day/week/month - it comes down to personal preference as to whether you prefer it tighter or looser through these moments.
It is a special privilege to make wedding rings. A small yet significant part of a big moment in a couples' lives. When you commission rings like this from a Goldsmith, you are entrusting them to create a piece you want to wear for the rest of your lives. No small thing! These types of rings are why I became a jeweller. The social, symbolic and human aspects of adornment are encapsulated in these rings. I love making them!
If you would like to ask me about any ideas you've had for wedding rings, contact me on the details below...
ellen@ellenmonaghan.net
Mobile: 07960460043
Studio: 01263 740134
Or pop in to Made in Cley, High Street, Cley-next-the-sea, Norfolk, NR25 7RF