Ask the expert Editor Kelly Andrews chatted to Mark Smith, CEO of Titcombe Bespoke, about all things wedding rings With showrooms in Bristol and Cirencester, Titcombe Bespoke is one of the UK’s premier bespoke jewellery companies, with decades of experience in creating unique and special pieces. The team’s expertise allows them to transform your ideas or simple sketches into heirloom pieces you will be proud to own, and are with you through every step of the process. MEET THE EXPERT We spoke to Titcombe Bespoke’s CEO Mark Smith, posing the top questions we get asked to help you shop for your wedding rings with confidence. My engagement ring, while stunning, is an unusual shape and we’re finding it impossible to find a wedding ring to sit comfortably alongside it. Do you have any suggestions? “Of course. This is a request we often encounter. There are several ways around this issue, all of which can be discussed with our multi-award-winning team of experts. The most common approach is to create a wax model of the wedding band, making sure it fits perfectly around the shape of your engagement ring. This is entirely made by hand by our onsite goldsmiths and once completed is sent to be cast in the metal of choice. The other option we often suggest over just a standard shaped band that doesn’t work well with the vast majority of unusually shaped engagement rings is to 3D scan your engagement ring. Here, an exact replica of your ring is made into a CAD programme and then a bespoke fitted wedding band is made to fit perfectly around your ring. You can be as involved in the process as you wish – lots of customers like to see the wax replicas, while others prefer to wait to see their beautiful, finished wedding band.” My husband-to-be has a manual job, so wear and tear on his wedding ring is a concern. What metals do you suggest he choose from? “We’d always suggest for someone who works all day with their hands to go for a platinum ring as this is the hardest metal that jewellers usually work in. Also, 18ct gold is another incredibly resilient metal and will be able to be worn every day. It’s often stated that 9ct gold is harder than 18ct gold. While technically true, it doesn’t tell the full story; 9ct gold is more brittle than 18ct or 22ct gold so it’s more susceptible to wear and tear and doesn’t last as long. “We’d never recommend metals such as tungsten carbide or titanium for people who work manual jobs though as, although incredibly tough and hard-wearing, they can’t be removed if an accident was to happen. Other things I wouldn’t suggest are plated rings such as white gold or zirconium as the rhodium plating won’t last well on white gold and the black of the zirconium can wear off if very heavily treated.” How can we personalise our wedding rings? “Engraving is a great option, both on the inside with your wedding date or maybe a little nickname, or on the outside such as a floral pattern, which is becoming very popular. You can even engrave the flowers of your bridal bouquet! “Another way is to set a small gemstone in the inside of your bands. This can be a birthstone, a diamond or other precious stone. We’d always suggest the rings fit first though before this is set. So, do make an appointment for a personal fitting to check the size before adding these details.” CONTACT TITCOMBE BESPOKE 2-4 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4DR 39 Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NX 0117 973 3178 titcombebespoke.co.uk 55
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