Written by Taryn King
Engagement rings and wedding bands are the most important jewelry you’ll be wearing on your big day. And, arguably, for the rest of your life. Choosing those rings is also a significant part of the process. Personal style, cut, color, metals, symbolism—there really is a lot that goes into that final selection.
Lovely Rings by Hand
For some couples, the idea of a creating a custom designed ring meets all those requirements, with the added value of being one-of-a-kind. For jewelry artist, Heidi Lowe, creating custom rings is journey of discovery, “The design process starts with five words about what makes the couple unique; things you love to do, places you go, where you fell in love, and what carries meaning in your lives. I look for symbols, imagery, and layers to weave together to create a design that is truly unique. The rings become part of your story. I love the process because it asks you and your loved one to pause and really consider your core values and the crossover that has brought you together.”
In addition to custom designs, Heidi offers another, more intimate option for couples. Lovely Rings by Hand is a unique experience that allows the engaged couple to make their own rings, right in her studio. In a workshop that spans three to four hours, couples can choose their metals in two different profiles—flat and round, with multiple width options. Available metals include yellow, white, or rose gold in 14 karat or 18 karat. Platinum bands are an option, but the process differs in that the couple first carves their design into wax, which is then sent to a caster to be cast in platinum.
Participating in the design and creation of the rings from start to finish adds another layer of personal significance to any couple’s “story of us”.
For more information, visit https://www.heidilowegallery.com/ or call (302) 227-9203.
Heirloom Sparklers
‘Timeless’. ‘Classic’. “A Diamond Is Forever”. Words and phrases that bring to mind the sparkling glitz and glam of megawatt jewels worn by old Hollywood queens, or even your own fabulous great-grandmother.
For those of us lucky enough to have heirloom jewelry to place on our fingers, we recognize the symbolism and intrinsic value of something from days past, and the stories attached to them as we pass them down to future generations.
There’s also something to be said for the quality of jewels that hold more financial value simply due to their age and refined designs. Additionally, Varied gem cuts and band designs on heirloom wedding and engagement rings appeal to every bridal style.
Budgeting obviously factors in, but for the discriminating couple wanting a more sustainable bling for their buck, along with that one-of-a-kind factor, heirloom appeal can be found in places other than Gran’s jewelry box.
Many local jewelry stores keep a case or two full of estate and vintage jewelry, many of which are stunning, heirloom quality pieces. Kuhn’s Jewelers, located in Salisbury, MD., shared several dazzling wedding and engagement rings in their collection.
Estate Rings by Kuhn's Jewelers | Velvet Boxes by The Mrs. Box | Flowers by Masterpiece Flower Farm
