Couples cement their relationship by way of engagement and wedding rings. It has been that way for ages and will continue to be as long as engagement and wedding rings retain their significance and what they represent.
How they go about selecting the rings varies widely. Many carefully plan the bride's engagement ring design and purchase in advance. They may make the selection of wedding rings at the same time. But there are also, bless them, those fiances who enjoy a touch of intrigue and romance who choose, purchase and then present the ring in the right place at the right time, out of the blue, to the one they love. A word of advice here. This should not be done without some oblique questions inserted in day-to-day-conversation and other surreptitious research!
While sapphires, emeralds, pink diamonds and other coloured stones remain popular, the top player continues to be the white diamond. Diamonds are not only beautiful but their toughness is ideal for New Zealand women who, with busy lives, tend to wear their rings for much of the time.
Some jewellers stock ``Canadian Fire'' diamonds that are able to be traced back to their mine of origin. Of the many cuts available, the round 57-faceted brilliant cut is a major player. The square princess cut remains popular, as does the square or rectangular-shaped aleya. The baguette and emerald cuts are also among the top 10.
Also check out the ``crisscut'' and cushion cuts.
Styles of rings are endless, clusters having lined up alongside stunning solitaires in round, square and asymmetrical shapes to suit any hand.
Women marrying for a second time often prefer a large cluster ring to be worn on its own. Clusters are also popular for the right hand as an anniversary or recommitment ring.
Yellow and white gold remain popular for the usually more simply designed wedding rings. Interestingly, the low-maintenance palladium, also a white metal, is returning to the spotlight, while the world's most expensive metal, platinum, continues to have a large following.
DUNEDIN JEWELLERY STUDIOS
Many jewellers in Dunedin and around Otago custom-design wedding jewellery in their own studios.
These men and women are particularly talented in bringing a high degree of individuality to the rings for those who seek a strong point of difference. Check them out.
