Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Jan/Feb 2020 (Issue 78)

MEET THE EXPERTS Burrells, burrells.co.uk Carina Rose Bridal, carinarosebridal.co.uk Charlotte Cornelius, charlottecornelius.co.uk Laings, laingsuk.com Liz Tyler, liztyler.com Pearlescent Accessories, facebook.com/pearlescentaccessories RJ Morris, rjmorrisjewellers.co.uk When it comes to the rings there’s a wealth of choice nowadays from traditional styles to one-of-a-kind bespoke creations. Southsea-based jewellery designer Charlotte Cornelius specialises in creative and ethical jewellery, individually designed and handmade on site. She reports, “Coloured gemstones are making a comeback as the centre piece for engagement rings.” Apart from classic blue sapphires, rubies and emeralds, there’s a whole range of colour variations available. “Sapphires come in many exquisite shades from dusky pink, through lemon yellow and forest green. Following in royal footsteps the crystal clear facets of aquamarine are also very sought after.” Award-winning Liz Tyler of Dorset-based Liz Tyler Designs creates beautiful jewellery with a sense of movement in the flow of the design. She says: “Diamonds will always be a popular choice as a good brilliant-cut diamond has such life and sparkle and is the hardest wearing precious gemstone. Women today have busy lives and a delicate claw-set ring is not always up to the job. I like my settings to be integral to the ring, protecting the gemstone with the design flowing from the shape of the stones. This often means that the wedding ring needs to be made to fit around the engagement ring, sometimes plain or diamond-set. I’ve noticed an increase in clients choosing coloured gemstones especially sapphires, second only to diamonds in terms of hardness, they come in a wonderful choice of colours and are more affordable so they can have a bigger ring!” Aquamarine diamond 18ct yellow gold Amora ring What to l ook out for Pear-shape rose-cut Amora engagement and wedding rings Rose gold and platinum halo ring with pastel shades of sapphire and a cognac diamond centre Charlotte says: ❤ Unusual colours and diamond cuts Unusual shapes are ideally paired with a bespoke wedding ring made to fit and, most importantly, complement your engagement ring. Many couples forget to consider this when they get engaged, which can limit their choices. To solve the dilemma we’ve created our own range of ring pairings that sit together beautifully. ❤ Modern metallics Rose gold has been popular for a while and now the gorgeous rich buttery yellow of 18ct gold is making a welcome return. These are both often combined with white gold or platinum to provide maximum versatility with your existing jewellery. Also certain stones often look better set against different shades of precious metal. ❤ Two become one One-off bespoke combined engagement and wedding rings are an alternative option, creating one amazing piece to symbolise both commitments – the sky’s the limit! ❤ Responsible sourcing and practice This is increasingly in the front of people’s minds. Choose a jeweller who can tell you about the provenance of your gemstones, where your ring has been made and by whom. Also ask about aftercare, future ring sizing and cleaning. Sapphire and diamond carved platinum ring commission Amora Kalei Rose TOP TIP Ask your jeweller for advice on which combinations work both practically and aesthetically. JEWELLERY 65