Everything you need to know about rings

An interview with Anne Vikman from Guldfynd

What trends can you see in ring design right now and in the future?

Wedding and engagement rings are the most important pieces of jewellery you’ll wear every day for the rest of your life. When choosing the perfect ring, I always recommend finding one that suits you, rather than following trends. Take your time when choosing, as there are endless styles and combinations to choose from. Classic and timeless designs are always a safe choice. The most popular styles recently have been vintage-inspired rings with romantic shapes, halo rings and oval-cut diamond rings. Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular. We’re also seeing growing interest in rings featuring a larger centre diamond accompanied by small side diamonds set along a slender, elegant band. Solitaire rings are always a bestseller and represent the most classic and iconic choice of diamond ring.

It can feel like a jungle of different metals to choose from. What is the difference between, for example, platinum and different shades of gold? Which is the best choice?

Pure gold is yellow in colour, but as it is too soft for everyday wear, it is alloyed with small amounts of silver, copper and zinc. White gold is also mixed with palladium, or in some cases other white metals, whilst rose gold contains more copper, which gives it a more pinkish hue. All gold alloys are good choices. The most popular choice is yellow gold, but it’s up to you which colour you prefer. White gold requires a little extra care, as it is plated with a layer of rhodium which makes the gold whiter. The rhodium wears off over time, but you can always bring the ring to one of our shops to have it re-plated. We recommend doing this once or twice a year.

Gold (regardless of colour) is also a good choice if, for example, the ring needs resizing at some point. It’s always possible to make alterations to precious metals such as gold, platinum and silver, which isn’t possible with much harder metals like steel and titanium.

What should I do if my partner and I have different tastes? Do our rings have to match?

The rings don’t have to match each other. You can choose completely different styles if you wish. It used to be more common for the bride and groom to choose matching plain rings, but nowadays it’s more common to choose a diamond ring for her and a plain ring for him. The shade and style don’t really matter either, unless you want them to be the same.

What are the advantages of diamonds?

The diamond is the most popular gemstone for wedding rings as it symbolises eternal love. It’s also a good choice because of its hardness and durability, qualities you won’t find in any other gemstone. You can, of course, choose a different gemstone, but if you opt for an amethyst, for example, you may need to replace it every few years, as it will wear out from daily use.

What is the difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds. They have the same chemical, physical and optical properties. The only difference is their origin: natural diamonds are formed in the earth, whilst lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory. Lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than natural ones, whilst natural diamonds retain a better resale value. The choice between lab-grown and natural diamonds is entirely a personal one. Only you know what’s best for you and what matters most to you. If you need advice and guidance on this matter, you’re always welcome to visit our shops and get more information from our trained sales staff.

How should you look after your rings?

To ensure your rings last for many years to come, it is important to store them in boxes or a jewellery box when not in use, so that they are not scratched by other jewellery or objects. Clean your rings regularly to maintain their shine and avoid exposing them to unnecessary daily wear and tear. For example, you should take your ring off when bathing, showering, washing up, gardening or exercising. You can always bring your diamond rings to our shops to ensure that the diamonds are securely set and the setting is undamaged. If the lustre or rhodium plating becomes worn or scratched, you can also get help with rhodium plating renewal, resetting and polishing. Always keep gold and diamond cleaning products at home for a quick and very easy refresh!

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