With a plethora of choice for wedding rings, often brides-to-be are baffled by what's actually available to them - especially if they feel restricted thanks to an unusual-shaped engagement ring. Luckily, nearly-weds will be pleased to hear there are many possibilities when it comes to choosing a wedding band to sit comfortably next to their engagement ring, especially here in the south-west.

"With engagement rings becoming more varied (especially if the groom-to-be had a hand in designing it), we have been making unique wedding bands to match," says Justin Duance, based in west Cornwall. "A shaped wedding band is an excellent way to give a more organic or contemporary feel to a traditional engagement ring. It can also be an opportunity to personalise a family heirloom, or tie contrasting designs together with matching or complementary flush set stones."

Cornwall jeweller Emily Nixon agrees. "I specialise in bespoke designs and am very happy to create the perfect wedding band to fit an existing engagement ring," says Emily, who creates rings using lost wax casting. This specialist technique begins by moulding each design in wax, allowing her signature sea-worn textures and organic forms to take shape. "This is also the perfect medium to shape a new design around an existing ring," she says. "Wax can be manipulated to flow around an existing ring, resulting in two rings that stack comfortably."

Plymouth is home to Michael Spiers' workshop, where the team can create tailor-made jewellery and amendments to older pieces, while Drakes Jewellery Hospital is another bespoke service that can make personalised jewellery. "Each shape-to-fit wedding ring created here is designed by our jewellery designer and goldsmith, Robert Robins," says Nicola, of Drakes.
"Before your bespoke ring is brought to life, you will be able to try on a sample so you can be completely sure the ring sits beautifully with your wedding ring. We recognise that wedding rings are a very sentimental purchase and it is important that they are just right."

And your only limit is your imagination when it comes to the shape, as Justin explains. "The 'wave' of the wedding ring can vary from fitting perfectly to a gentle wave," explains Justin. "Gentle wave bands are great as they look as good with an engagement ring as without."


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1.Emily Nixon emilynixon.com
2.Justin Duance justind.co.uk


words Lucy Higgins

Copyright Wed magazine 2017