Wedding Bands Explained

Wedding Bands Explained

Wedding bands – Depths, Widths & Profiles Explained

When looking for the perfect wedding band or ring, you are looking for something special that catches your eye and makes you say, “That’s the one“. After all, you are choosing a band that will be worn for the rest of your life, so ensuring it’s the right design and style for you is essential. Most importantly – something often overlooked when wedding band shopping – is the consideration of a wedding band’s width, depth, and profile.

In this blog, we will break down each definition and guide you on the most popular profiles to help you choose one that suits your comfort and requirements.

Depth

When talking about Depth in wedding bands, we refer to the thickness of a band, which is visible by looking at how high the band sits on the finger. A thicker band tends to be more durable and can withstand engraving and diamond settings. A thinner band allows you to stack engagement and anniversary bands, which may suit someone with smaller hands. There are 3 standard variable depths: lightweight (1.3mm), medium weight (1.7mm) or heavyweight (2.1mm). However, you should remember that depths can vary slightly between different jewellers.

Width

Wedding bands are available in various widths, affecting the wearers’ comfort. The width of a band refers to how wide the band itself is and impacts the overall look when placed on one’s finger. These can range from 2mm to 10mm, with the most common width for women being 2mm – 4mm and for men 5mm – 7mm. Select the width that feels right for you and consider opting for a wider width if durability or wanting a statement piece is your main priority.

Wedding Band Profiles

What are wedding band profiles? If you were to cut through the wedding band, the shape that you can see inside is called a Profile. Here are 7 of the most common profiles you can find today.

Court

A traditional court wedding band is designed for a comfortable fit, with a rounded inside and outside.

Flat Court

 

A court profile on the inside for comfort with a contemporary flat outer edge.

D Shaped

The D shaped look on the outside gives a modern rounded look, while the inside has a flat fit.

Rounded Flat

A rounded top and inside with rounded edges.

Paris

A Paris profile has a rounded outer band with a rounded inside for comfort.

Cushion

A cushion profile band has a comfort fit with flat edges.

Bevelled Edge

A flat profile with bevelled edges on the top and bottom.

Selecting the perfect wedding band involves considering all of the above factors. Understanding these elements will guide you toward a wedding band that symbolises your commitment and reflects your unique style. Take your time exploring the options, and remember that the ideal wedding band is the one that resonates with you and your partner.

We are happy to take you through this exciting process in person. Contact us to book an appointment, or come and see us in-store.

Gems of the Sea, Pearls

Gems of the Sea, Pearls

Pearls, Gems of the Sea

Pearls are renowned for their shine, lustre and smoothness, bringing a timeless elegance that makes them a popular choice for people of all ages. Throughout the centuries, pearls have been an emblem of elegance and style and remain the preferred choice for jewellery today. Whether worn on pendants, necklaces, bracelets or earrings, they can add a layer of beauty and class to your look.

But have you ever thought about where Pearls come from?

Unlike other precious gemstones such as Diamonds or Rubies, Pearls are not made in the earth and mined. Living sea creatures, specifically oysters or freshwater mussels, make them. This happens when an irritant, usually a food particle, gets trapped inside the oyster’s shell, and the animal coats the particle in the same substance it uses to build its shell.

Gemstones mined in the earth can take millions of years to form under immense heat and pressure. Pearls can develop in as little as six months, with larger Pearls taking up to four years. Humankind has taken advantage of this short timeline with Pearl farming. The farmer introduces the irritant to thousands of molluscs to develop and grow the Pearl. These days, natural Pearls made without any human intervention are rare. Only 1 in about 10,000 oysters will produce a Pearl, and only a tiny percentage of them would be considered good enough to use for jewellery.   

Types of Pearls

Pearls are categorised into Natural and Cultured. We already know that natural Pearls are extremely rare. Most natural pearls on the market today are antique.   

Cultured pearls, on the other hand, make up the majority of today’s pearls. These Pearls have been farmed and cultivated by humans creating the ideal conditions for the Pearl to grow fast without the quality being affected. Four major types classify cultured pearls: Freshwater Pearls, Akoya Pearls, Tahitian Pearls, and South-Sea Pearls, each boasting unique characteristics.

Freshwater Pearls

The most common and least expensive of all Pearl types are Freshwater Pearls. Cultivated in freshwater ponds and lakes, they come in various shapes and colours. Their irregular off-round shape makes beautifully unique jewellery, and although they can be dyed any colour, white, pink, and pastel colours are the most common to occur naturally. 

Akoya Pearls

When you think about the classic Pearl, it is probably the Akoya Pearl that comes to mind. They are the most commonly used with jewellery due to their quality and rounded shape. Akoya Pearls tend to be white but can come in various neutral colours.   

Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian, or Tahitian Black Pearls, come in a range of neutral dark colours. The most popular is dark green with overtones of the colours of oil. The only naturally occurring dark-coloured Pearls, they are not actually grown in Tahiti but in a different area of French Polynesia. Much larger than Akoya Pearls, they also carry a heavier price tag, although this is mainly due to the difficulty colour matching a string of them. 

South-Sea Pearls

The largest and most valuable of all Pearls is the South Sea Pearl. They come in two colours, white and gold, with gold being the most valuable. The deeper the gold, the more valuable the Pearl becomes.   

Pearl Size and Colour

In most cases, pearls are within the 7.0mm and 9.5mm range, which is universally considered the most traditional and versatile pearl sizes to buy. As a rule of thumb, the larger the pearls get (all other attributes like Luster, Shape, and Surface Quality being equal), the more valuable they are   

When it comes to the colour of your pearls, the most commonly associated is the classic white shade. You can also find pearls in many other colourations, such as gold, pink, silver, black, and green.   

Each colour is associated with a different attribute, white for Purity, Sincerity, and Peace. Gold for Wealth, Prosperity, and Freedom. Pink is typically associated with Love, Kindness, and Compassion. Last but not least, Blue pearls portray a sense of Tranquillity, Loyalty, and Courage. 

Caring for your Pearls

Care is more critical for Pearls than for most other gemstones and jewellery. Almost anything that comes into contact with pearls can easily damage them due to their soft and relatively delicate nature. This is especially true of hairspray, perfume, cosmetics and even sweat. Always put your Pearls on last and take them off first to help avoid these chemicals. Using warm soapy water for an occasional clean is safe, with no ammonia or detergents. Always make sure the string is completely dry before wearing it again, and if you fear damage has happened to the string, consult a reputable jeweller for re-threading.

Pearls at HC Jewellers. 

When we think of pearls, it tends to conjure an image of a classic white round beauty. In reality, many sizes and colours are available to us. We can offer a wonderful variety of pearl necklaces, pendants, bracelets and earrings at HC Jewellers. No longer saved for only special or formal occasions. Enjoy them daily, this marvellous treasure, the gem of the sea.    

silver pearl pendant
round grey pearl studs
pink round pearl necklace
gold pearl bracelet - gold bracelet - 9ct - HC Jewellers - Royston
Browse All Pearl Jewellery

Natural VS Lab Created Diamonds

Natural VS Lab Created Diamonds

Natural vs Lab Created Diamonds

 

With lab-created Diamonds becoming more available, it may be worth considering if this is the type of Diamond for you.

The notion of a natural Diamond may be a more romantic concept than a lab-created Diamond; after all, we have been doing this for centuries. But with a lab-created, you will get more bang for your buck and still be able to say you have a real Diamond.

What is a Lab Created Diamond?  

A lab-created Diamond is just that, a Diamond created in a controlled laboratory setting. The two popular methods used are Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamonds (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature Diamonds (HPHT).

With CVD, a tiny “Diamond seed” is put into a chamber filled with heated gasses. At the correct temperature, carbon layers will start to form on the seed diamond and cause it to grow.

HPHT is a process meant to replicate how a natural Diamond forms in the earth. A piece of graphite is crushed and heated to the extreme; these conditions cause the graphite to turn into a Diamond.

What is the Difference Between a Natural Diamond and a Lab Diamond?  

Natural Diamonds take millions of years to form under immense pressure in the earth’s crust. They are then mined, cut and polished. Lab-created Diamonds form using the methods above, (CVD and HPHT), but the time scale takes only a few months! They are then also cut and polished. It is tough to tell the difference between a natural and lab Diamond. A natural Diamond will contain small traces of Nitrogen, whereas a lab-created one will not. This is one of the signs a gemmologist will look for when trying to tell the difference between the two, as no differences can be seen with the naked eye.

Their differences are so slight that they both adhere to the same grading policy set out by the GIA and will come with the same certification as a natural Diamond. In the GIA Diamond report, there will be an assessment of the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight of the Diamond.

It takes sophisticated technology and a gemmologist with experience in Diamond grading and identification to spot a lab-created Diamond as they have the same chemical makeup as a natural one. They even test as Diamonds when using a Diamond tester.

Can I get a Lab Diamond in Different Colours?  

Yes, you can! When the technology was new, manufacturers could only create Diamonds in either white or small ones in yellow. Now they can make all the same colours as natural Diamonds. But how? The same way that mother nature does. When a coloured or ‘fancy Diamond’ is formed in the earth, tiny traces of impurities can change the colour. Inside a pure natural Diamond, you would only find the element carbon. In a blue Diamond, traces of Boron give it a blue hue. With a lab Diamond the same trace impurities are introduced in the controlled setting. In fact, scientists are constantly experimenting in a way we could not with natural Diamonds. This means more exciting colours are available in lab-created Diamonds!

Lets take a closer look

YELLOW, BROWN & ORANGE DIAMONDS

When different Nitrogen levels are introduced to the carbon, it creates varying shades of these wonderful colours.  

BLUE DIAMONDS

When the carbon is mixed with trace amounts of Boron, it makes blue shades.

GREEN DIAMONDS

Are created with gamma radiation. Please don’t panic; they are 100% not radioactive!  

PINK DIAMONDS

Altered pressure or intense heat change the crystal structure of the Diamond, making the light refract differently. We then see the Diamond as pink!  

Are Lab Created Diamond Real?  

Yes they are. They have the same chemical, and physical properties as Diamonds mined in the earth. With shape, size, colour and clarity grades and come with a Diamond certification, just like natural ones.  

What are the Pros of Buying a Lab Created Diamond?  

The main pro is the price. You can purchase a much larger Diamond with your budget than a natural one. For example, a 2ct lab Diamond graded colour D, and clarity VS1 will cost about £4,000. The same size and clarity of a natural Diamond will set you back around £50,000. That’s quite a difference!

What are the Cons of Buying a Lab Created Diamond?  

Simply put, supply and demand. With natural Diamonds, there is no never-ending supply, meaning they will hold their price much better than a lab-created one. Scientists can produce created Diamonds at will; as the market becomes more saturated, the prices may decrease.

It’s fair to say that this is only a negative if you are thinking about the resale value of your Diamond. If you do not think you would consider selling, then this is not really an issue.

Amoré Diamond Engagement Ring
Should I Buy a Lab Created Diamond Engagement Ring?  

This is probably down to the receiver of the ring. To be fair, they would never be able to tell the difference other than maybe getting a larger Diamond than they were expecting. As it’s an engagement ring, resale value shouldn’t be a factor but your budget might. If you have a modest budget, you could get a more spectacular ring with a lab Diamond. It would definitely be worth having a conversation about it, as there is no right or wrong answer.  

Final Thoughts  

We have learned that lab-created Diamonds are real Diamonds! The only difference between lab vs natural is their origin story. If your value of a Diamond comes from its origins, this is the only difference. In the end though, if you love the jewellery, does it matter? Remember, there is no right or wrong answer, only beautiful jewellery.

Contact us if you are interested in Lab Created Diamonds, we shall be happy to discuss the options available to you and help to create something beautiful that will last a lifetime. 

 

If you would like to know more about Diamonds, have a read of our other Diamond blogs!

Diamond in matrix blog header image
Diamond 4C's Explained Blog

Browse our range of beautiful Fiorelli jewellery

Our brand new online website provides us with the opportunity, to source some of the best brands in the world to provide to our customers. With this in mind, our Fiorelli collection has been a staple in our store and hence, holds a prominent position on our e-commerce products.

Fiorelli is one of the leading accessory brands in the UK, renowned for innovative and high perceived value fashion accessories for the modern individual – designed to show off your feminine side. From classic-cut silver pieces to colourful costume jewellery, delicate to bold, modern to classic. Each piece is made from high-quality materials, being meticulous in how best to show off the precious stones in their collection. There is no doubt that Fiorelli boasts a stunning collection for women and we are honoured to be a reseller of their items online and in-store.

Fortunately, here at HC Jewellers, we feature a range of jewellery from the Fiorelli Silver collection. Our collections host classic and contemporary designs that are crafted from sterling silver and adorned with sparkling Swarovski elements, all at affordable prices.

Take a look below at our top 5 picks:

Fiorelli Silver Twist Navette Aqua Crystal Earrings
Add a pop of colour to your jewellery collection with the Aqua Navette Twist Earrings by Fiorelli Silver. Featuring twisting aqua bohemia crystal stones, set into polished sterling silver and finished with an anti-tarnish coating. Why not team up with the matching earrings for a coordinated look.

 

Click here to purchase the item or here to view our category of Fiorelli items.

 

Fiorelli Silver Two Tone Cubic Zirconia Waterfall Earrings
These Fiorelli Two-Tone CZ hook Earrings are both unforgettable and iconic, the chic design captures the Fiorelli signature style and embraces sophistication that’s within their core. The earrings are made from rhodium plated 925 Sterling Silver with gold plating and clear cubic zirconia.

Click here to purchase the item or here to view our category of Fiorelli items.

 

Fiorelli Silver Crystal Organic Circle Earrings
Sparkle from day to night with these Round Organic Crystal Earrings. Featuring synthetic crystal stones set into sterling silver and finished with an anti-tarnish coating. Why not wear with the matching Fiorelli Silver Crystal Organic Circle Pendant.

Click here to purchase the item or here to view our category of Fiorelli items.

 

Fiorelli Silver Cubic Zirconia Spiral Design Pendant
Dazzle with this unique spiral pendant, featuring an abstract design and adorned with sparkling cubic zirconia detail. Crafted in sterling silver with a polished finish, this versatile necklace will compliment your outfit day or night. Wear alone, or team up with the matching earrings for the complete look.

Click here to purchase the item or here to view our category of Fiorelli items.

 

Fiorelli Silver Cubic Zirconia Spiral Design Earrings
Dazzle with these unique spiral earrings, featuring an abstract design and adorned with sparkling cubic zirconia detail. Crafted in sterling silver with a polished finish, this versatile accessory will compliment your outfit day or night.

Click here to purchase the item or here to view our category of Fiorelli items.

Browse our range of beautiful Fiorelli jewellery, including Fiorelli necklaces, earrings and more by simply clicking here, and do not hesitate to chat to us Live, if there is an item you cannot find but were specifically looking for. Our jewellers will do their best you source the item you are looking for, or offer gorgeous alternatives for your special night or collection.

Have a look at our other blogs on our website that have more in-depth information about everything jewellery including ‘A Guide to Jewellery and Metals’ and keep an eye out for our upcoming blogs on: ‘Caring for your jewellery’ – ‘Wedding bandwidths and profiles’ and ‘The ultimate diamond” for more tips, guides and useful information.

We’d love to hear your view so do not hesitate to contact us, subscribe to our newsletter for FREE, send us an email at info@HCJewellers.co.uk or simply follow our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Google, Instagram

The HC “Guide to Wedding rings”!

Many of you out there have dreamt of the day you officially “tie the knot” with your partner and look forward to a life full of happiness. For some yet, this is even closer than a dream as they may have already received their engagement ring or being proposed to. Our wedding band guide helps you ensure you are picking the right wedding ring to suit your engagement, lifestyle and taste on that magical day you have always been looking forward to. So now you have been given you a perfect engagement ring, it’s time to start thinking about what wedding ring would be best suited to you. There are many important factors when choosing the wedding ring that is right for you, from styles that will compliment your engagement ring, to durability if you are planning on wearing it every day for the next 50 years. Thinking long term Thinking long term about your wedding ring is something that can be sensible, sentimental and priceless. Going for the latest fashion sometimes isn’t the best idea as fashions and tastes change over time and after being blessed with these symbolic rings it’s nice to think you will be wearing the same ring ‘til death do us part’. Although there’s nothing wrong with an upgrade or alteration, it’s something couples choose to do to mark a special anniversary or when the budget isn’t so much of an issue after paying out for that big white wedding. Going through the options Narrowing down wedding ring options can seem overwhelming with so many styles and factors to take into consideration.  Think about the following questions to help give yourself a better idea of what you want. Remember we are happy to answer any questions or advise you on all your wedding ring needs. What metal should I pick? We suggest wearing the same types of metals together to prevent one ring wearing down quicker than the other. So, if you have a platinum engagement ring, go for a platinum wedding ring rather than white gold. The same applies to gold try to wear the same carat golds together, 18ct gold is softer than 9ct or 14ct. Feel free to read our Blog, “All you need to know about all the different jewellery metals’ for more information here and do not hesitate to contact us. Do I go for a plain or diamond set wedding ring? This all depends on the style of your engagement ring and how you want the set to look. If your engagement ring is a classic solitaire, a fine diamond set band can complement it beautifully. If your engagement ring is already full of ‘bling’ a plain wedding band can enhance the stones and style of your engagement ring. But remember it is all personal preference and there’s no harm in trying lots of different styles to be sure you are making the right decision. Do I need a shaped band? If you have a uniquely shaped engagement ring that doesn’t sit right with a traditional band there are many options. Lots of wedding rings are shaped to accommodate a perfect fit. Some with a slight curve or V shape. You can also buy a traditional wedding band, and have it altered to fit your engagement ring. Buying a thicker band and having a goldsmith alter the band so your ring interlocks perfectly is a great option. Read our blog ‘the ultimate diamond guide’ to learn more about the ‘5 C’s’. Do we get matching wedding bands? There’s no right or wrong answer to this question! Some couples want matching wedding bands, some couples don’t. Don’t worry if you like platinum and your partner likes yellow gold. There’s no set rule! Marriage is all about compromise so why not blend the two metals together with a bi-colour wedding band or be totally different and pick different styles altogether. The important thing is you are both happy with your choice of a wedding ring. Choosing the right wedding bands for your lifestyle There are lots of factors to take into consideration when looking at the practicality of your wedding ring. Are you planning on wearing it every day? Most people do so if you have a hands-on job a plain solid band may be better than a stone set ring as a band with stones set in it can pose the problem of stones become loose and falling out through wear and tear. Dirt can also get trapped under the carving of the stones which will make the stones look dull. If you have a less physical job stone set wedding bands are more appropriate and with a little TLC can stay looking their best. Also take into consideration what activities you like doing, for example, if you play a lot of contact sports a stone set band may not be for you. Which wedding band profile is right for you? There are quite a few wedding band profiles available on the market today, from a traditional D shaped band to a more contemporary looking flat court band. It is an important factor to determine the look you are trying to achieve as well as the comfortability you desire. Look at the profiles below to give yourself a better understanding of what each profile looks like. For gents a popular choice is a comfort fit band that is curved on the inside as well as the outside of the ring, making it feel a lot more comfortable to wear. A lot of gentlemen, do not tend to wear much jewellery so a lightweight or medium weight ring may suffice. For the ladies, we suggest the same profile as your engagement ring because it will match your engagement ring well and feel more comfortable. Read our blog ‘wedding bandwidths and profiles’ and information Which bandwidth is suitable for you? Wedding bands come in all different widths and depths. The depth will determine the weight of the ring and the width will determine the overall look of the ring. Gents tend to go for a wider band that covers more of the finger and the thicker the depth the more lasting the ring will be. Ladies quite often go for a finer band as they will be wearing two to 3 rings on their wedding finger (because there’s always room for the eternity ring to follow!). Don’t be shy in trying different bandwidths of 1mm or 2 can make your wedding and engagement ring look completely different together. Have a look at our other blogs on our website that have more in-depth information about everything jewellery including ‘A Guide to Jewellery and Metals’ and keep an eye out for our upcoming blogs on: ‘Caring for your jewellery’ – ‘Wedding bandwidths and profiles’ and ‘The ultimate diamond” for more tips, guides and useful information. We’d love to hear your view so do not hesitate to contact us, subscribe to our newsletter for FREE, send us an email at info@HCJewellers.co.uk or simply follow our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Google, Instagram
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