10 Christmas Outfit Suggestions

 Choose your alliances

The choice of alliances is a very important and symbolic moment in the preparation for your marriage. The wedding ring is the symbol of your union; the only jewel that we wear throughout life without ever taking it off... or almost.

So how do you choose such an important jewel? How not to be mistaken if I am a man and I never wear a ring? Do our two alliances have to be identical? Does a wedding ring necessarily have to take the form of a metal ring or can it include stones?

Questions that many couples ask themselves when choosing the most important jewel of their life ... So, after our guide on how to choose your engagement ring, we wanted to help you in this new big step!

Why are we confident that we can help you?

For more than 10 years, we have accompanied thousands of couples in the choice of this very special jewel. Over time, our teams have developed real expertise to guide our customers in choosing the perfect jewel. This expertise is entirely delivered to you here in the form of a guide intended to accompany you in this very important choice.

The basics

Before getting to the heart of the matter, let's start by reviewing together some essential concepts:

——    What is a wedding ring?

A wedding ring is a precious metal ring that symbolizes the union between two people.

Wedding rings are usually exchanged at the time of a wedding ceremony, after consent, and to seal the union.

Historically, traces of this symbol can be found since ancient Egypt when braided reed rings were exchanged between the bride and groom. The Egyptians saw in the circle a symbol of eternity and therefore imagined through the wearing of a wedding ring the perfect ritual to mark the love which must last a lifetime ... and even more.

These are the same Egyptians who began to wear this ring on the left ring finger since they thought that a vein of this finger was directly connected to the heart... legend resumed later, but we will come back to it.

Originally, the alliance was a very simple ring, made of reed, ivory, or wood. It was not until much later that it became an accessory in precious metal, thus modernizing itself over the centuries. However, it has kept its first and essential characteristic: the round shape, a symbol of infinity. Today we find alliances of all types: simple gold bangle rings paved with diamonds or colored stones, and even more creative rings...

——    Which finger to wear your wedding ring on?

For those who don't want to bother with explanations, let's go straight to the point: in France, a wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand.

For the most curious among you, here is what history teaches us on this subject:

First, why the ring finger? Well, there are a lot of hypotheses on this subject: some say that the ring finger is the least used finger of the hand and that you risk less damaging your jewelry by wearing it on this finger. Another legend mentions the fact that the Egyptians thought that a vein directly connected the ring finger to the heart, called Vena Amoris​ (literally "Vein of love") and that they thus chose this precise finger to wear the ring sealing a union. In Chinese culture, each finger was symbolically associated with a family member, with the ring finger being the life partner. Thus, we can see that since always, in most cultures, the ring finger is the finger on which we wear a wedding ring.

Regarding the hand, however, things get a little trickier, and wearing your wedding ring on the right or left hand is a much less universal rule. In Mexico, Poland, Greece, or even Germany, for example, the wedding ring is traditionally worn on the right hand. In France, on the other hand, the alliance is mainly worn on the left hand, as in the United Kingdom and in most Nordic countries.

——    Should you wear your wedding band and engagement ring on the same finger?

Traditionally, the wedding ring is worn next to the engagement ring, on the left ring finger. To be even more precise, it is often said that the wedding ring must be worn first, closest to the heart and that the engagement ring is put on behind, like an additional ornament that is superimposed on the wedding ring. If this rule is respected most of the time, you should not focus on it either...

Indeed, it happens that two jewels cannot technically be assembled correctly. This is often the case for engagement rings adorned with a significant stone. The frame does not then make it possible to harmoniously associate an alliance, without space between the two jewels. In this case, a simple and elegant solution is to wear the engagement ring on the right hand., alone, without her alliance. It is the choice of many customers who prefer to favor creative engagement rings with perfect harmony between ring and alliance. Other people don't mind having a little play between the wedding band and the engagement ring...in which case they can perfectly wear the wedding band and the engagement ring on the same finger!

At Gemmyo, we have been working for many years to offer you models of engagement rings and wedding rings that combine perfectly. You should know that 85% of our customers tell us that the fact of being able to coordinate these two jewels, and that they are glued, is a real criterion of choice for them.

  What is behind this symbol?

The wedding ring is a symbolic object par excellence. Before being a jewel, a wedding ring designates a pact that can unite two people, even two clans, two families, or even two countries. A wedding ring, therefore, gives a status: it is a sign that a person is linked to another.

This symbolism is a legacy of our common past. Symbolism is universally shared by all countries of the world and all religions.

Our method in 8 steps

Now that the big basics have been covered, it's high time to get to the heart of the matter and tackle the thorny question of choosing your alliance. To do this, our team has designed a method in 8 successive steps to help you determine what your perfect alliances will be.

——    1. How long in advance to order wedding rings?

First of all, there is the question of timing: how long before your wedding should you start looking for wedding rings?

As we know, organizing a wedding is often a stressful and time-consuming moment. No need to add the risk of not receiving your wedding rings in time for the big day, don't you think?

Thus, it is generally recommended to order your wedding rings at least 3 months before D-Day. This will give you time to resize if necessary but also avoid any stress in the event of an unfortunate delay.

——    2. Do you need identical wedding rings between you and your partner?

The second question we recommend you ask yourself is: Do our two alliances have to be identical? The answer you give to this question is fundamental because it will condition the rest of your choices... you might as well answer it from the start of your research!

We often have this request when we advise a couple and let's be clear: you are obviously free to choose two completely different models of wedding rings. Remember that the wedding ring is a piece of jewelry that you will wear every day for many years; it is therefore essential to choose a pattern and a metal that really suits you so that you are comfortable with the idea of ​​wearing your wedding ring for life .

That being said, it is of course possible and rather touching to choose two jewels that match each other, as an additional reminder of your union and your osmosis. Most jewelry houses also offer variations of wedding rings in women's and men's versions, in order to guarantee this option.

This is the case, for example, at Gemmyo, with wedding rings such as the Gaillon for men or its feminine counterpart, the St-Germain wedding ring. This is also the case with more creative patterns such as the Ariane on the one hand for ladies and the Thésée model for men.

3. Should I choose a stone or all-metal wedding ring?

The third step of our method is to ask yourself whether or not you want stones on your jewel... and there, be careful, you obviously have to think about it differently if you are a man or a woman!

We will begin by dealing with the case of diamond wedding rings, which represent 95% of wedding rings adorned with stones, then we will discuss the particular case of colored stones. Finally, we will talk about all-metal jewelry.

has. You are a woman

What woman does not dream of a diamond jewel? However, not all of them want their alliance to be set with stones.

Diamond wedding rings are available in various ways: in a full circle of pavé, a three-quarter pavé, a half pavé, and sometimes even with a few diamonds dotted... the possibilities are multiple.

Whether you want to wear your wedding band on its own or with your engagement ring, a pavé wedding band is an ideal choice if you want a plush piece of jewelry. Indeed, a cobblestone wedding ring is much brighter and less discreet than an unpaved wedding ring... now it remains to be seen what the advantages and disadvantages of such a wedding ring are.

To discover our diamond wedding rings for women

One advantage and two disadvantages

The main benefit of a pavé wedding ring is simply that it is a beautiful piece of jewelry. Your diamond alliance will be luminous, elegant, and refined. The statistics don't lie, moreover: at Gemmyo, 57% of our customers choose diamond wedding rings.

Paved wedding rings have two main drawbacks: the price first, is naturally higher than that of a classic wedding ring, all in metal. The other disadvantage is that the diamond wedding ring requires more care than a jewel without stones: avoid sleeping or playing sports with it, for example! So, if you don't want to have to worry too much about your wedding ring, we advise you to opt for an all-metal wedding ring, which won't risk anything!

Find out more about our maintenance tips

Our advice based on your engagement ring

There is no hard and fast rule for pairing diamond wedding bands and engagement rings. However, here are some principles that we recommend to our customers... and that give them the satisfaction!

If the band of your engagement ring is not paved, we recommend a wedding band set with diamonds to give more shine to the whole and also allow you to better distinguish your two jewels.

If you want to wear your wedding ring alone, for example on the right hand and the engagement ring on the left, a pavé wedding ring will be ideal so as not to make it too simple.

Conversely, an already busy engagement ring may not deserve a cobblestone wedding ring!

What about colored stones?

It is extremely rare to set colored stones on a wedding ring: indeed the color of a stone comes largely from its depth and therefore its size. If it is too small, it will lose its shine and intensity.

Some alliances can however be paved with sapphire, ruby, ​​and emerald but it must be said, this practice is not widespread.

At Gemmyo, we work to measure to allow you to create your jewel and make it unique, to make it in your image. This is all the more important for a wedding ring which is one of the most important jewels of your life , it represents you and your couple!

b. You are a man

Yes, you can absolutely have a stone wedding ring if you are a man , there is no shame in that on the contrary: it is even more and more common! At Gemmyo, this even represents 8% of our customers' purchases.

Diamond, sapphire or even black spinel are stones that work very well for men's jewellery, if this is your desire, do not hesitate to consult us on the subject :)

vs. I want a classic all-metal wedding band

If you want a simple and refined alliance , this category of jewelry is made for you.

Classic wedding rings refer to models without stones and only in metal. It is often in this category that we find what first comes to mind when we evoke the idea of ​​a wedding ring: a minimalist and timeless jewel .

A wedding ring is a piece of jewelry that is worn permanently without being removed or very little: we therefore often favor a piece of jewelry that is not very complex and that will not go out of fashion or that we will not get tired of over time.

Classic wedding rings are generally unisex models which can therefore be worn by women and men for those who wish to have strictly identical wedding rings.

These types of wedding rings are traditional designs that have not changed for hundreds of years. It is the covenant of our parents. The one we cherish for its slightly outdated but oh so endearing side!

See all classic wedding bands for women

Advantage and inconvenient

The main advantage of a classic wedding ring is that it is rock solid. You will hardly feel it. You will forget it. You can wear it while playing sports, going dancing or sleeping. The classic wedding ring is definitely the easiest jewel to wear every day .

The downside (for women anyway) to this type of wedding band is simply that it's less polished than a diamond-paved wedding band . This type of jewelry can, for some, have a side that is too classic, sometimes even too simple.

Our tip  : if you are in this case but you are afraid of not being meticulous enough to wear a jeweled alliance, then we can suggest that you choose the best option: choose both  ! Some of our customers tell us that they choose the jeweled wedding band for their everyday life, but also want to have a classic wedding band for the holidays or times when they would feel less comfortable with a diamond jewel.

For men it's a different story: it must be admitted that more than 90% of men choose an all-metal jewel . So if you hesitate, put the statistics on your side :)

4. Which ring shape should I choose?

Now that you have determined whether you want to have a jewel set or not, you will have to determine the shape of the ring that will suit you best .

We often hear about rush, half-rush, ribbon... To see more clearly, let's start by clarifying the meaning of these terms and their specific characteristics.

Regarding the width of the ring, we dedicate a complete answer to it in the frequently asked questions .

The so-called classic wedding rings, without stones

has. The half ring

As its name suggests, the half-ring wedding ring takes the form of a round gold wire that has been cut in two: this is what gives it the name of half-ring , the ring being a completely round gold wire.

The interior of the half ring is flat which guarantees maximum comfort for the jewel . The slightly rounded exterior has the advantage of allowing the half ring to scratch less than a flat ring like the ribbon type .

The demi-ring is generally available in several widths to suit all hands and available in women 's and men 's versions for a perfect pair.

For purists, know that the inner outer edge of the Gemmyo half-rings is polished so as not to be too pronounced and thus ensure maximum comfort.

At Gemmyo, this model is called ​St Germain ​for women and Gaillon ​for men.

Our advice for you gentlemen  :​ If you are a little lost or want to make a simple choice, this type of jewelry is for you!

See all men's half-ring wedding bands

b. Tape

This type of wedding band has a flat interior and exterior for a more modern and contemporary design than the half-ring.

It is also a very comfortable type of alliance.

However, it should be noted that the ribbon shape tends to scratch slightly more than the half-ring type ring . Its flat surface is more easily subjected to small shocks or snags in everyday life, and above all, the resulting scratches are a little more visible than on a half ring.

The ribbon is also generally available in several widths to suit all hands and available in women 's and men 's versions for a perfect pair .

As with our half rushes, the inner outer edge of the Gemmyo ribbons is polished so as not to be too pronounced and thus ensure maximum comfort.

At Gemmyo, this model is called ​Rivoli ​for women and Arsenal (for the polished finish) or St Honoré (for the brushed finish) ​for men.

Our advice for you gentlemen  :​ If you are less attracted to the classic half-ring model, this category is for you. More modern models while remaining sober and elegant!

See all ribbon wedding rings for men

vs. The beveled alliance

The beveled alliance is a design studied to be able to associate perfectly with a solitaire . Indeed, in the center of the pattern, the ring tightens to the point of becoming only a line of metal.

This particular structure has the advantage of leaving room for the basket of an engagement ring (the part of the jewel that holds the center stone and often prevents the wedding ring from sticking against the engagement ring without any play). Thus, with a beveled wedding ring, your wedding ring will perfectly fit the profile of your engagement ring, without any play.

Disadvantage ? None, except that you have to appreciate this slightly original pattern!

At Gemmyo, this model is called Lady Jonc or Lady Jonc Pavée .

d. The creative alliance

Creative wedding rings are wedding rings meant to be worn alone . They are wider, generally paved or with center stones and allow you to have an alliance jewel without having to ask yourself the question of how to associate it with your engagement ring.

This type of jewel is adopted by those who want a more original alliance and not stop at traditional models.

There are other types of alliances possible and that is the magic of jewelry  ! These creative alliances are certainly less classic but can bring a nice touch of originality to a wedding adornment.

The Ariane Love​ or  ​Thésée Love​ alliance, for example at Gemmyo, takes up this idea: the interior is flat like a half ring for maximum comfort but the exterior is made up of a ridge in the center which separates two sides. for maximum shine and a touch of modernity and originality .

Focus ring Ariane Love

Focus thesee love ring

The Ariane Pavée wedding ring is a jewel paved with diamonds composed of two joined metal rods. Even if this jewel does not have a classic wedding ring design, it is often appreciated by couples who want a jewel that goes off the beaten track  !

Our advice for you gentlemen  : for decades, half-ring wedding rings have been legion among men, but the tradition has been shaken up and more and more customers are turning to more original wedding rings such as our Thésée or Thésée Love wedding rings. . If the idea of ​​a touch of originality tempts you, don't wait any longer :)

——    5. Choose the metal of your wedding ring

Now that you have decided what type of ring you are going to wear, it remains to be determined which metal will adorn your jewel ... here are some main principles to guide you in your choice.

The same metal for both partners?

First big question: should the same metal be chosen for both wedding bands?

There is still a reality here that should not be forgotten: even if you are made for each other, that does not necessarily mean that you like the same colors :)

Joking aside, we therefore advise you once again to listen to yourself and trust yourself without necessarily respecting a strict rule.

Even if choosing a wedding band is often a choice made by two, it is a jewel that you will wear yourself , so be comfortable with the color of the metal so as not to get bored or regret it in a few years. If your wife has a piece of white gold jewelry but you only appreciate colored metals, well, it doesn't matter! Don't worry, no one will hold it against you... not even your future wife.

Our advice for you gentlemen  :​ If you have trouble deciding, we advise you to choose yellow gold or platinum, which are the two metals most often appreciated for a men's wedding ring.

Do the wedding band and the engagement ring have to be adorned with the same metal?

If you don't have the constraint of matching engagement rings and wedding bands or don't particularly want to coordinate your choice with that of your life partner, here are some general principles that will help you determine which metal is right for you .

has. 18 ct white gold

White gold is one of the most popular metals for wedding rings. In this case at Gemmyo, it represents ​39%​ of cases.

Its white color is easy to wear and goes with almost everything... 18 carat gold is the most resistant material used in jewelry, it is the guarantee of infallible durability over time.

In the case of gold, whatever its version, we recommend that you be vigilant about the carat (which corresponds to the purity of gold) because there are a multitude of them (9 carats, 14 carats and 18 carats. ..). 9-carat, for example, is less expensive but also much less resistant than 18-carat gold. For your wedding band (a jewel that you will wear all your life) we recommend without any hesitation that you choose 18 carat gold .

Be careful however, white gold tends to patina and yellow over time because it is made from 18 carat gold and a thin layer of metal – white rhodium plating – which gives it its beautiful gray color. Over time, this surface treatment erodes and needs to be reapplied to the jewel. Do not hesitate to ask our advisers for an estimate for this type of repair , they are inexpensive and will give your jewel a new look.

Learn more about the characteristics of white gold

b. Platinum

Platinum is the second most popular metal for wedding rings, especially for men. It represents 18% of requests at Gemmyo. This naturally white metal (unlike white gold) will retain its color without becoming patinated over time . It is also the purest (95%) and rare metal used in jewelry.

What better way to symbolize your love?

Our advice for you gentlemen  :​ If you are used to wearing a steel or white metal watch, we recommend platinum, it's the perfect match :)

Learn more about the characteristics of platinum

vs. 18K pink gold

Rose gold is becoming more and more fashionable for wedding rings... even for men! It represents 21% of wedding ring purchases at Gemmyo overall, including 25% for women and despite everything 18% for men.

Softer and more modern than traditional yellow gold, rose gold is becoming more and more common and often surprises our customers, who, seeing it, change their minds and finally choose it.

One of the great characteristics of 18k rose gold is that it will never lose its color over time .

Learn more about the characteristics of rose gold

d. 18 ct yellow gold

Yellow gold has been the most widely used metal in jewelery since... well, always :). At Gemmyo, it is chosen in 14% of cases for an alliance and in particular for you gentlemen who favor it at 17%.

The natural color of gold , this metal has been used since the dawn of time to symbolize the precious , from pharaohs to kings.

Its incredible resistance to time and corrosion make it one of the favorite choices for a wedding ring , even if it is increasingly giving way to pink gold, white gold or platinum, more modern metals.

This metal will give a slightly classic coloring to your all-metal wedding ring... appreciated by aficionados of tradition! And like rose gold, its color remains perfectly stable over time.

Our advice for you gentlemen  :​ Yellow gold is a safe bet! If you have trouble choosing a metal, and you like to assume a touch of classicism, here you have your solution;)

Learn more about the characteristics of yellow gold

e. 18K black gold

Black gold is another version of white gold  : it is the same metal, but instead of using the surface treatment called white rhodium plating, black rhodium plating is used.

Black gold is chosen in ​4% of cases at Gemmyo. Almost exclusively in men.

It is a high quality metal , since it is always 18 carat gold, but it must be admitted that black gold ages less well than other metals . Indeed, the thin film of black rhodium plating on the surface of the gold tends to wear off over time, leaving traces of wear on the jewel.

If the re-rhodium plating (and therefore the refurbishment) of the jewel is quite possible (and even offered once at Gemmyo), it is nonetheless certain that owning a black gold jewel requires being sufficiently meticulous to maintain it over time.

Our advice  :​ we advise you to avoid black gold for your wedding ring. This metal requires a lot of maintenance and kindness, which is not ideal for a jewel that is intended to be worn every day. Reserve it for a jewel that you will wear less regularly.

Learn more about the characteristics of black gold

f. solid silver

Silver is appreciated for its white color and its affordable price, but you should know that it is less resistant to the wear and tear of time than gold or platinum . Over time, contact with water, creams, or simply skin, silver darkens and acquires a patina . This is also why very few Gemmyo customers (only 4%) choose silver for their wedding ring.

Indeed, the alliance is a jewel that will be worn on a daily basis; silver is therefore not a metal that we recommend for this type of jewellery.

If you are used to wearing silver, you know that it tends to darken on contact with humidity and is more prone to scratches and deformations than gold for example. In this case, think of white gold!

Our advice  :​ Avoid silver for your wedding ring and prefer white gold or platinum, even if it costs more!

Learn more about the characteristics of silver

——    6. The choice of engraving

You are coming to the end of this journey, I promise :) Now that you have determined almost all the elements that will make up your wedding ring, it remains to choose whether you want to add an even more personal touch to it, namely: an engraving .

has. Engrave your wedding ring... or not?

Let's get this straight: 88% of couples who order their wedding rings from Gemmyo choose to have their jewelry engraved .

Why that ? Quite simply because engraving brings both character and tradition to a jewel .

Traditionally, wedding rings are engraved with the first names of both spouses and the date of the wedding. Etiquette even says precisely that the following scheme must be followed: first the two first names in full, separate them with the ampersand sign, then follow them with a dash and then add the date also written in full. To be more explicit, here is an example:

Claire & Hugo – March 18, 2020

For purists, be aware that it is traditionally said that the engraving must be suitable for both men and women: the name of Madame first on the wedding ring of the husband and the name of the future husband first on the alliance of his wife.

So we would have for him: Claire & Hugo - March 18, 2020

And for her: Hugo & Claire - March 18, 2020

Although this tradition is fairly often respected, it should be said that at present we find that our customers regularly choose much more creative engravings  : a personal message, a significant place in your history, a quote that makes you think of your couple... anything goes!

This is also the second reason - beyond tradition - why we recommend that our customers engrave their jewellery: it gives them even more character.

For example, here are some engravings requested for a wedding by our customers:

"Forever..." and on the other covenant "...and forever"

"Beyond the sea to you"

or even the sibylline "Are you bald?"... no doubt a reference to an anecdote common to our two lovers!

b. What models can be engraved?

Engraving is possible on most wedding ring models .

To put it simply, at Gemmyo, if engraving is not available on a wedding ring, it means that it is not technically possible. This is the case for example on certain openwork jewels, or too thin.

vs. What can be engraved?

Depending on the space available, our workshops can engrave up to 35 characters on your wedding ring. Sometimes, on the other hand, the free space being reduced, we must confine ourselves to very few characters: in this case, it is better to privilege initials for example or a symbol.

In this regard, know that it is possible to engrave a multitude of characters  ! Most workshops - and this is the case with Gemmyo - can engrave various characters such as squares, infinity symbols, circles or hearts. On the other hand, it is difficult to engrave invented designs or intricate designs that would require skill in heraldic engraving.

In terms of the solidity of your alliance, do not worry: the engraving has no impact on the resistance of your jewel . Regardless of the technique used, an engraving remains superficial and does not damage the structure of a jewel :)

Regarding the possible typographies, there are two main categories  : the typographies called straight letters, and the typographies in English letters.

Example of typography in English letters:

Engraving English Letters

English letters are wonderfully elegant and often favored over wedding rings. Be careful however, capital letters or numbers are less readable in English letters. If you have your first names and the date of your wedding engraved, in this case it is better to write the date in full.

Example of typography in straight letters:

C&H - 18.03.2020

Straight letters are perhaps slightly less sophisticated than English letters but allow for maximum readability . We strongly recommend them for uppercase initials as in the example above.

d. Are sizing or exchange discounts possible even with an engraving?

At Gemmyo, resizing, exchanging or returning are possible even with engraved jewellery .

However, you should know that engraving is an important personalization element; thus many jewelry houses do not accept returns or resizes on a piece of jewelery that has already been engraved... be careful to have this in mind!

Our advice is therefore to check beforehand that exchange or resizing is possible in the event of engraving.

——    7. The quality of your jewelry

You have chosen the style, metal and engraving of your wedding ring, you are almost there!

Now all that remains is to ensure that your jewelry has the quality required to be worn for many years.

has. A few key principles to keep in mind

Before embarking on this subject and giving you our tips for determining with certainty the quality of your ring, let's review a few principles:

First, if a jewel is an object that must last a lifetime, it is nonetheless a precious object, which requires maintenance . In the same way that full-grain aniline leather shoes (the best possible quality, for those in the know) need to be pampered to avoid damage, a metal and precious stone ring deserves all your care to keep its shine like on the first day. Do not hesitate to consult our advice for maintaining your jewelry .

Then, for lack of precision, we are often used to hearing truths... which are not! Let’s break down some common misconceptions:

The diamond is unbreakable  : This is false. The diamond is the hardest stone there is, so it has the characteristic of being scratchproof (by something other than a diamond). On the other hand, a diamond can completely break . If the stone receives a badly placed or intense shock, it can split. So be careful not to mistreat your diamond!

Gold is forever : Yes and no. 18 ct gold is the hardest material used in jewelry , course, but it remains a precious metal that is subject to the vagaries of life. It scratches and acquires a patina, especially when it comes into contact with other metals. So be careful to avoid friction between your gold jewelry and any other metal, or to deform your jewelry. This sometimes happens inadvertently, carrying a very heavy shopping bag, for example… and even if gold is a very solid metal, it can bend and drop a stone.

Platinum is the hardest of all metals : And no! Platinum is a particularly ​beautiful and precious metal​, but it has the disadvantage of being a little more malleable than 18 ct gold​. Admittedly, it does not oxidize, is very pure (95%, compared to 75% for 18 ct gold), never changes color, is reputed to be hypoallergenic, but it can completely deform if it undergoes pressure, or get scratched! To learn more about platinum,​follow our guide ​.

Now that you've avoided these pitfalls, let's get down to business and talk about the quality of your jewelry!

b. Choose French manufacturing

One of the bases for ensuring the quality of your jewelry's finish is to understand how it was made. Here, our goal is not to be simplistic or demeaning for our colleagues, but we must also see things realistically: of course, certain Chinese, Thai or Indian products are of excellent quality; however, this is not always the case. Choosing a jewel made elsewhere than in France therefore says nothing about its quality .

A ​Made is today, on the contrary, a real guarantee of quality . Indeed, at present, few brands - even among the big houses, yes, yes - choose Made in France because of the cost it represents. Thus, the number of French jewelery workshops has shrunk to a trickle over the past 20 years: only the most careful and expert have survived relocations to Asia. De facto in terms of jewelry, choosing Made in France is a real guarantee to ensure a quality finish.

vs. Make sure that your jewel is really Made in France

There is a simple way to know if your jewel is well made in France, we talked about it above: the diamond-shaped punch affixed to your piece .

This certifies that such and such a workshop has indeed manufactured your jewel. It is unique for each workshop . A French workshop will always be characterized by a ​diamond-shaped hallmark ​.

In short, if your jewel has one or two small marks on the back, check their shape carefully: a diamond means that it is made in France . An oval or square shape means it is imported jewelry!

Our advice on the choice of wedding rings is therefore simple : if quality is an important criterion for you, then opt for wedding rings made of 18ct gold or platinum and favor the made in France!

——    8. The choice of budget

To finalize this guide, it is necessary to talk about budget, the last step to make your decision and definitively choose the wedding rings that will accompany you all your life...

How much should you spend on wedding rings? Should we spend more for madam than for sir? Are there any rules like when choosing your engagement ring  ?

The answer should make you happy: there are no hard and fast rules . And yes, everything is allowed! Each couple will adapt their purchase to their needs and desires of the moment. If, for example, your engagement ring is fine and delicate, why not treat yourself with a beautiful paved wedding ring for the lady? Conversely, if you already know that you want to wear an all-metal jewel that is as discreet as possible, well be! It's perfect, and this saved budget can be transferred to other elements related to the organization of your wedding.

To be able to guide you as well as possible, here are at least some factual elements concerning the budget for a purchase of two wedding rings  :

At Gemmyo, the average price of an order for pairs of wedding rings is €1,650 .

In general it must be admitted, the wedding ring of Madame has a higher cost since it is on average 870 €...

...and only €550 for Monsieur!

This represents an average of course since a wedding ring for women if it is a simple gold half-ring will represent at most 300 € while a diamond-paved wedding ring quickly rises around 1,200 €. .or much more.

The value of these amounts is obviously important, but let's not forget that these jewels are intended not only to symbolize your union, and to last a lifetime.

And one last tip for the road...

We know that choosing your wedding rings is a stressful moment: you want to do well, but you are afraid of making a mistake, and of regretting these jewels that you will wear all your life.

Most of our clients have gone through these same waves of conflicting emotions, and all have come out unscathed! As a jeweler, we should perhaps not admit this to you, but know that the secret to choosing the right wedding rings consists above all in doing it together ... and having a good time!

So, ready to take the leap?

frequently asked Questions

——    “Which alliance to choose when you have a family engagement ring? »

This is a really obvious unanswered question because it will of course depend on the precise structure of your jewel. Indeed, there are a plethora of types of engagement rings and the old models, often quite high and wide, (for example with a large center stone, or an elongated pattern, parallel to the finger) are generally not designed for s associate with a covenant.

Two solutions are then available to you: first, agree to wear your wedding ring and your engagement ring on the one hand on the right hand and on the other hand on the left hand . This is the most common solution in this case. Otherwise, opt for a curved wedding band that could marry the profile of your engagement ring. This solution will really depend on the appearance of your ring and therefore requires you to come and have a little fitting in store!

——    “Can you wear a wedding band of one metal and an engagement ring of another metal? »

Surely you have understood by now, we always advise you to listen to yourself. You are completely free to make this choice even if it is not a frequent choice.

As a jeweler, we advise you in most cases to choose the same metal for your engagement ring and your wedding band if you want to wear them side by side because this will allow the two jewels to evolve in the same way over time. .

Nevertheless, we find that more and more customers are choosing, for example , an engagement ring in white gold and a wedding band in rose gold . The combination of these two metals is particularly successful and makes it possible to distinguish the two jewels even more when they are worn. Even if this slightly daring choice does not represent the majority of our wedding rings orders, we find it stylistically very interesting and can only encourage you in this direction if the heart tells you!

Our advice : the mistake not to make is to mix platinum and white gold. Even if one can think that these two metals are almost identical visually, they do not age at all in the same way. So whether for budget or aesthetic reasons, if you want two different metals on wedding band and engagement ring, our advice is to make a frank choice that really allows the two jewels to be distinguished!

——    “What are those two small marks on the back of my jewellery? »

Have you noticed two small marks on the back of your wedding ring? Don't worry, this is not a manufacturing error, quite the contrary! These two small marks called hallmarks are a guarantee of quality for your jewel. Here are their specificities:

The diamond-shaped maker 's mark or workshop hallmark is a legal and compulsory mark which proves that your jewel has indeed been shaped by hand and in France . Each workshop has its own hallmark.

The State hallmark, which is affixed to jewelry weighing more than 3 grams and has a specific shape for each quality of metal (an eagle's head for 18-carat gold, a dog's head for 950 thousandths platinum and a neck brace head for 925 thousandths silver). This is a legal customs mark which attests to the quality of your metal and thus assures you that it is indeed the one you have chosen.

At Gemmyo, the hallmarks are generally on the outside of your jewel so as not to deform the piece because they are affixed in the traditional way with a hammer.

——    “I'm hesitating between white gold and platinum: what should I choose? »

Excellent question. We must already understand that it is almost impossible to visually discern 750 thousandths white gold and platinum . The difference between these two metals lies in their price, of course, but above all in their durability . Indeed, unlike gold, platinum is inherently white. Thus, it will always retain its wonderful white color over time, whereas white gold will tend to acquire a patina and slightly yellow over time.

Our advice for you ladies : choose the same metal as for your engagement ring!

Our advice for you gentlemen  : if you can afford it, opt for platinum instead, it will require less maintenance than a jewel in white gold.

——    “Should I worry about After-Sales Service right now? »

Yes. A piece of jewelry is certainly a precious object, but one that requires maintenance so that it does not get damaged. Choose a jeweler who can guarantee that your jewelry will be repaired over time . An unfortunate shock happens easily. This is not a quality story. Tell yourself that this jewel will be worn every day, for years.

To make a fairly down-to-earth comparison: imagine your jewel as a beautiful car. Would you dream of driving it every day without it ever needing a technical overhaul? Probably not. It is the same for a jewel. So, choose a House that offers a lifetime warranty against hidden defects and defects . This will allow you to apprehend the future in all serenity.

Also accept that good maintenance can sometimes cost a little money, because behind polishing, rhodium plating, or resetting a stone that has fallen, there is the work of craftsmen who do it with care for you!