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3 Top Tips Engagement Rings

02.28.2019 by Eileen Moylan // Leave a Comment

Throughout my career as a jewelry designer, I’ve been lucky enough to have been asked to design countless engagement rings for couples here in Cork and around the country. You can see a tiny selection of the rings I have worked on here in my Engagement and Wedding Ring Gallery

With thousands of engagement rings adorning the windows of jewellers along with a daunting number of rings to be found online, shopping for that perfect ring may seem like a terrifying task.

Here I have shared my 3 Top Tips on how to choose your engagement ring for novice jewellery shoppers. These should help to keep in choosing the perfect engagement ring for your beloved and keep you on the straight and narrow!

1. Perfect Rings in Precious Metals & Carats

A good place to start is with your precious metal. If you are unsure, choose a colour that closely resembles the style of jewellery or rings she already wears. Sterling silver is generally the most popular precious metal for rings, pendants, and bracelets. Unfortunately, silver a little too soft to withstand a lifetime of daily wear and tear required for an engagement or wedding ring. If she wears silver, white gold or platinum are both great options. If she wears yellow gold, that one is easy.

At 24 carats, pure gold is a soft metal so alloys are added to make it more durable and hard-wearing. Pure gold is 24 carats. 9 carat gold is made up of 9 parts pure gold, 15 parts other metals. 18 carat is 18 parts and 6 parts metal alloy.

Platinum is also a very popular choice for engagement rings. It is quite a bit more expensive than 9ct or 18ct gold. It gives a beautiful finish and also wears very well.

Here are just another few interesting points to note that you may want to consider.

In terms of value, the purer the precious metal, the better it holds its value.
For the groom or bride-to-be living an active or outdoorsy lifestyle, it may be worth considering a lower carat white gold or gold. The harder metals used in these rings will take more wear and tear over time.
Those that suffer from skin sensitivities or nickel allergies, should opt for purer precious metals or higher carat

2. Engaging Diamonds 4Cs & Other Gemstone

Diamonds remain the most popular gemstone of choice. As jewellers, we spend our careers learning about the complex interplay of diamonds. So to that end, I would like to reassure you that you do not need to nor are you expected to be an expert. The below article is a useful guide from The Gemological Institute of American. This brings you through the 4 basics if you would like to know more.

Ultimately, you should seek advice and trust your jewellery designer’s expertise on this. As jewellery designers, our job is to source the best quality ethically sourced diamond available within your budget.

To learn more about the basics of the 4Cs Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight guide by the GIA.

http://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/4cs-diamond-quality/

For those of you looking for an alternative to diamonds, your options are plentiful.

All of the diamonds sourced for the pieces I create are ethically sourced and conflict-free.

From stunning sapphires to lab-grown diamonds and brilliant tourmaline engagement rings, your options are plentiful.

For a wide variety of reasons, a growing number of couples are choosing other precious stones for the centerpiece on their engagement ring. One Fab Day wrote a nice concise article on this very topic in A to Z Guide to Alternative Gemstones for Engagement Rings

3. Golden Engagement Ring Rules

For any of you that would like your marriage proposal to be a surprise, don’t be afraid to ask a trusted family member or friend for help!

Your significant other will wear this engagement ring for the rest of their life. This ring will be a symbol of your commitment. More often than not, this engagement ring will be the most valuable piece of jewellery they will ever wear. From very first sight, when you open the beautiful box, you want them to adore their engagement ring. So, this may not be the best time to start taking risks!

Pass your ideas and thoughts on the style of engagement ring by a close friend or even a trusted family member. In our experience, your nearest and dearest will be delighted to be asked to get involved.

Not only can a friend or family member help you determine the correct style of engagement ring, but they can also probe your partner with subtle questions to help you decide on the final design. And don’t be afraid to enlist help in figuring out her ring size!

Planning a Wedding Proposal

What next! Let us leave you with one important observation we’ve made during our time dealing with couples planning their weddings. It is a fact, that we have yet to hear a bride-to-be or newlywed say their future husband or wife put too much thought into planning their marriage proposal.

In fact, from the day you place this engagement ring on their finger to the day they walk down the aisle, they will be asked two questions, repeatedly!

Can I see your engagement ring? ” and ” How did they propose? “

These questions are not intended to be intrusive! Friends, work colleagues, and family want to share in the excitement of your upcoming wedding and the anticipation of your future life together.

We think most would agree, your proposal doesn’t need to be an extravagant affair. Often, the most simple and genuine proposals are the most memorable. Think about why you want to spend your life with this person and tell them exactly this.

Is there a place that means a lot to you both? Do you have a shared passion? What makes them happy? Do they live for live music? Or will the great outdoors capture their heart? Are they super excited about travel or an upcoming trip? Then consider ways in which you may be able to incorporate their passion into your proposal.

At this point in your lives, we have no doubt that you know them better than anyone else. And so, to make your wedding proposal special choose the approach that is personal to you both.

To discuss creating their perfect engagement ring contact me directly on eileen@eileenmoylan.com

Send me a brief description of the style and the budget you would like to work within.

Why Choose Bespoke Wedding Rings?

02.20.2019 by Eileen Moylan // Leave a Comment

Ordering bespoke wedding rings in Ireland has seen a huge growth in popularity over the past ten years. What was once reserved for the more affluent, is now widely recognised as the most convenient and cost effective way to buy wedding rings here in Ireland. Couples planning their ‘I do’s’ choose bespoke for many different reasons.

Here are your need to knows and just some of the reasons couples have given for choosing to buy handcrafted bespoke wedding rings over machine made rings.

Why choose custom-made bespoke wedding rings?

You Choose

You choose your wedding ring. Your ring will be made exactly to your specifications. If you need a little inspiration, we provide sketches for you to see the different options for the design. It is always helpful to share screenshots or photos of wedding rings that you like elements of. This provides an excellent starting point to base your personalized wedding rings on.

For those that have gotten lost in the sea of information on precious metals, you are guided through these options with recommendations based on your budget, style preferences and lifestyle. With bespoke wedding rings, we would recommend and work in yellow, rose or white gold, or platinum and palladium.

Your custom made wedding ring is made to fit your engagement ring. The band is adapted to allow for the setting of your diamond or gemstone. This way, you are guaranteed they will always sit neatly together.

An experienced jewellery designer knows exactly how to create a band to perfectly compliment your engagement ring. You receive expert advice on the right style of band so they look as if they were always made to be together. By opting for bespoke bridal jewellery, it offers you the opportunity to create an elegant bridal jewellery that look beautiful when worn together.

Take advantage of the one-to-one service with the maker and include a personalised touch to your wedding rings. Engrave a message inside your band for your significant other and share your secret inscription on the morning of your wedding to create a really special moment.

When shopping for wedding rings, it can be difficult to find that one ring with all of the little details you’d hoped for. These are the details that make your wedding ring unique. Whether you would like your wedding ring made to fit an engagement ring, in a specific style in mind or simply appreciate one-of-a-kind jewellery that’s made with love in Ireland, your bespoke ring will be made just for you.

Have questions about ordering a bespoke ring, feel free to get in touch through our contact us page

Time

Planning a wedding is such an exciting time but let’s be honest. For most of us, it is hectic. Use your energy and your time wisely.

Before contacting us, many of our customers will have spent hours trawling the internet and beating a path between jewellery shops, only to find their perfect wedding ring doesn’t exist. Rather than giving up on their dream ring, they chose bespoke. So please don’t give up, feel free to get in touch your idea and I can provide you with a quote.

Creating bespoke rings takes 4 to 5 weeks from the date the design is finalised. If you have left it until the last minute, don’t panic! Drop me an email and we will make sure we get your ring gets to you in time.

Cost

In my experience, couples are surprised to find handcrafted bespoke wedding rings, made here in Ireland often cost the same (and sometimes even less) than over the counter machine-made wedding rings. You set your budget. We can provide you with the best quality metals and various carats options available to you. These rings must last a lifetime and so, you can be assured you will receive the best advice on the quality precious metal to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Get it right first time

Unfortunately, many couples planning their wedding in Ireland overlook just how important these rings will be to them.

In a last minute dash, picking up the first wedding ring they see! I regularly work with customers remodelling engagement rings and wedding bands. Believe me when I say, you want this to be a last resort. Years later re-designing your ring will be an emotional decision that will not be taken lightly. It is difficult to describe the emotional connection we have with our wedding jewellery. After vows are exchanged and the big day is but a beautiful memory, you will wear these rings as a keepsake and a symbol of your commitment to one another.

Other than engagement rings, our wedding bands are the only possession we will wear each and every day, for the rest of our lives. Choose wisely and get it right first time!

Customer Service

By supporting a small business in Ireland, you are guaranteed superio

r customer service and aftercare when ordering your wedding rings.

Ireland is a small place. Recommendations and word of mouth is still as relevant as ever for small businesses. The success of my business locally and in the jewellery industry relies heavily on my reputation as a jewellery designer and silversmith.

As an established designer, my design studio would not exist were it not for the support of my repeat customers, the local Cork community and neighbouring counties including my hometown of Listowel, County Kerry and surrounding areas. It is extremely gratifying to hear of previous customer recommending and passing my details to their friends and family. Since I began my business I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for my work. Without this support, my business would not be what it is today! I am proud to say I have thousands of happy customers all over Ireland. Many of whom I am lucky enough to still be in contact with and continue to create pieces for many other happy occasions in their lives.

Quality and Design

Design and quality is at the heart of every piece I create. Your wedding ring will not leave my workbench until I am 100% satisfied that it is exactly what you had hoped for and more.

To schedule a phone, skype call or to arrange a consultation in Cork

We’ll get right back to you!

Wedding Ring Ideas

10.01.2018 by Eileen Moylan // Leave a Comment

For those of you searching for Wedding Rings Ideas, it may seem daunting right now! Here are a few pointers to help you on your way to getting them just right.

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times in your life! With a whirlwind of decisions to be made in the lead up to the big day, it is all too easy for your wedding rings to be left to the last minute. With a little bit of research and thought, you can avoid your wedding rings becoming a panic purchase.

Your ring is for life – Choose wisely, choose quality!

When organising the big day, there will always be places you can make savings. However, we strongly recommend against cutting corners when it comes to your weddings rings. You’ll always have your memories and beautiful photos of the lovely flowers and table settings to look back from your special day but you’ll wear this ring for the rest of your days. While sterling silver is a beautiful precious metal, it won’t offer the same durability as the precious metals commonly used in wedding and bridal jewellery. If your budget allows, choose White Gold, Platinum or Palladium. Also, there really are no rules when choosing your rings so feel free to choose the style you love. You and your partners rings don’t have to match.

Engagement Ring Considerations

Your wedding ring should be made in the same metal and carat as your engagement ring. The harder metal will wear and cause damage to the the softer metal. It’s best for your rings to compliment each other. For example, with an ornate engagement ring, a simple classic band will look great. To sit neatly together, consider opting for bespoke rings. A custom made wedding ring in Ireland generally costs the same as a wedding ring purchased in high street jewellers. If you’d like to find out more contact us with a photo of your ring and/or the style you like and an approximate budget and we’ll get back to you with details on the design

Personalise your wedding bands

When it comes to engravings, the good news is almost anything is possible. You can even have each others signatures engraved on. Or a simple name and date you exchange vows is always a lovely touch. You may prefer to declare your love to the world with an inscription on the the outside of your wedding rings. Or use ancient Irish Ogham lettering inside of your rings so only the two of you will understand your message.

Watch: Here we’ve compiled a collection of bespoke wedding rings to give you some ideas! From Ogham to diamonds anything is possible.