Foto (above): Jewelry: Eline Fransen - Photographer: Erine Wyckmans
Infinite love
A wedding ring carries a special meaning that dates back to Roman times. Then—as is still the case today—the ring was seen as a symbol of eternal love between two people. It represents eternity because a ring is circular in shape and therefore has no beginning or end. The circle stands as a guarantee of perfection and wholeness. In those days, the wedding ring was often fitted with a key as well. This made it clear that someone had, as it were, stolen their partner’s heart.
You decide
Because of the special meaning of the wedding ring, it’s very important that it suits you perfectly. After exchanging rings, the intention is that you’ll wear it for the rest of your life. A wedding ring isn’t just a piece of jewelry you can show off—it also says a great deal about your personality. Everyone is unique and has their own style. Designing your own ring is therefore the perfect opportunity to turn your ideas for your dream ring into the perfect design.
Time to design!
Not all jewelers offer the option of designing your own ring, but some do! This is also the case for certified goldsmith Eline of Eline Fransen Jewellery Design. The jewelry designer will guide you in your search for the perfect design. When designing your own wedding ring, there are a few choices you’ll need to make.
Step 1
“During an initial meeting, I sit down with the client to discuss all their wishes, measure their size, and then calculate the price,” Eline explains_._ To begin with, you’ll need to decide what color your wedding ring will be. This depends on the material chosen for your ring and the alloy of the precious metal. Next, the ring size is determined.
Step 2
After the first conversation, the client receives a tailored quote. “If they agree with it, they can proceed with the order and pay a deposit so I can get started on the base model,” Eline says.
Step 3
As a final step, you can try on the base rings. “During this final meeting, the rings are fine-tuned. Among other things, the choice of engraving and the placement of any small diamonds that are to be set in the women’s or men’s ring are determined,” Eline adds. Nowadays, there are also very modern techniques, such as using a 3D printer to design a ring. This allows you to follow the entire process and see how your dream ring is built.
Inspiration
If you don’t yet have the slightest idea what your dream ring will look like, you can find inspiration by taking a look at your jeweler’s current collection. There you’ll discover that an immense variety of styles and materials exists. Some jewelers offer the option to design your ring online, so you gradually get a sense of what it will look like.
Something old...
Make your custom-designed ring even more special by having an existing piece of jewelry, such as an heirloom, melted into your ring. “With gold prices so high, more and more people are looking for alternatives. Many clients also have heirlooms they no longer wear and would like to give a modern touch to, or have incorporated into their wedding jewelry. Reusing or re-cutting gemstones and pearls is also among the options,” Eline adds.
Let the muse’s inspiration descend upon us and our rings!
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