VISIT SITE
Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourhampshiredorset.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Looking Your Best
| Q | What advice can you share to help me find the perfect bridal jewellery? |
| A | Natalie Manifold says: The main thing to consider when choosing bridal jewellery is to think about what's important to you – think sustainability, budget, colour scheme, family traditions and safety. Many British jewellers use recycled metals these days, so there are plenty of options for modern nearlyweds. Some suppliers will make your family gold into a new piece for you, which offers a lovely way to reuse pieces while honouring your ancestors. You might see something that catches your eye and think, 'This goes with my theme,' but what happens afterwards? Will you sell the jewellery or wear them again? If it's not something you'll wear again, maybe it isn't the right piece. Anything we can do to avoid jewels languishing in jewellery boxes can only be good. It's worth looking harder to find something you'll love and cherish. Sometimes, that means spending a bit more or even borrowing an heirloom. It's relatively safe to assume the pieces are made fairly if handmade in the UK. The only exception to this might be the stones in your jewellery. Ask the jeweller if these are responsibly sourced. If so, the team will be happy to share this information. If they're reluctant, then be sceptical as they either don't know or have not factored this into their designs. Consider the stones used! Diamonds are 10 on the moth scale, the industry standard for measuring the hardness of a gemstone. Diamonds aren't always affordable, and there are equally suitable plus less expensive stones like rubies and sapphires available, which come in a rainbow of colours – both are nine on the moth scale. Safety is most important! Buying from abroad can be cheaper, but it's risky. Places like the US also have no hallmarking requirement, so you cannot be sure that what you buy is genuinely gold or silver. If purchasing jewellery at the lower end of the market, there's the added risk of toxic metals such as cadmium in your jewellery. There are no laws in these countries to guarantee your safety. |
Natalie Manifold, Seraga England
It's A Bling Thing
| Q | What advice can you share when it comes to creating bespoke wedding jewellery? |
| A | Charlotte Cornelius says: Know your style, as the pieces will be with you for a long time! Do you want a sleek contemporary look, something more romantic and traditional or an art deco style – there are many design styles available. Consider your precious metal as you can have white and yellow gold in the same carat weight, while platinum has always been considered the purest of metals and rose gold has made a big comeback. Next, think about the carat size in mind for your gemstones. You may want the most dazzling or clearest possible diamond despite the carat count. Buy a diamond just shy of desirable half and whole-carat weights to save money. Ensure you get measured correctly, as you don't want a ring too tight or large, as you'll risk losing it. Consider how your engagement ring and wedding band will look together, especially if you've opted for an unusual engagement ring. Most of us will have a budget in mind for our rings, but remember it will be a forever purchase. Sometimes it's worth going a little further to achieve the rings of your dreams. |
Charlotte Cornelius, Charlotte Cornelius
