If you appreciate symbolism and meaning, you may like to consider a Celtic-style wedding ring. Many elaborate styles follow traditional Celtic designs (as well as non-traditional designs) to express particular qualities, for example unity, love, desire or strength. Interestingly, many jewelry makers have noticed a big rise in demand for rings with meaningful symbolism since the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Understandably, everybody wants something different. If you really can’t find the perfect wedding ring already made, you can have one custom designed.
Each option has different advantages. Buying an already made ring in a shop gives you absolute certainty that what you are getting is precisely what you want. In a store, you can also more easily match up various engagement ring and wedding band combinations to help with your choice.
On the other hand, commissioning a custom-made ring gives you control over your unique design. I would encourage people to make the design of their ring a priority. Get something that you like– after all, you’re going to wear it for a long time. The vast majority of couples these days don’t have matching wedding bands; instead, they each go for the style, material and design they most prefer.
A design can be commissioned from a manufacturing jeweller based in a retail store, or by an independent designer/jeweler. Whoever you choose to create your ring/s, make sure you have total confidence in the jeweller’s intergrity and skill. And be certain that they understand precisely what you want. Having a ring made can be a big investment, so if you aren’t totally comfortable with a jeweller, ask more questions or choose someone else.
A couple I know wish they had chosen someone else after they commissioned a jeweler to make their rings while living in Singapore. The jeweler they selected offered very little advice and input into the process, so they were left unaware of key issues that should have been considered.
They ended up negotiating with the jeweller to have their wedding rings melted and totally remade, which of course is not a situation you’d want to find yourself in.