If you’re popping the question this year, you’ve got some serious ring-related choices to make. Roccabella’s Vikki George proposes some stellar options.
Bespoke design Start from scratch and work with Vikki to design the ring that communicates your love story through metal and stone. “It needs to express not only your love, but your design style and who you are right now,” Vikki says.
She designs for the hand the ring is going on. “The worry with bespoke is, will you like it? So I’ve solved the problem by offering a 3D print sample for you to try on before creating the ring in metal. As a designer, I love this part. I can check the balance and size on your hand and know that you love the form, and my clients love it because it eliminates the risk of the unknown.”
Demi-couture Find a design you like, and customise it with the metal and gemstone that suit you. Roccabella works with amazing international jewellers to create jewellery that simply can’t be found elsewhere in New Zealand.
“I’m working on a ring at the moment with Selin Kent and a Hearts on Fire diamond. Selin is making the ring in New York and I’ll set the stone here in New Zealand. You can’t go to New York at the moment, but you can wear a piece of its style.”
Special stones Diamonds are the traditional choice for engagement rings, but did you know there are different choices when it comes to diamonds? Vikki recommends two types of beautiful diamond, each from a very different source. “For traditional, below-ground diamonds, there’s only one choice and that’s Hearts On Fire diamonds. There’s just nothing else as perfectly cut,” Vikki says. Hearts On Fire is internationally recognised as the top of the line in round brilliant cut diamonds.
“If you want to go down the carbon-neutral route, go for Diamond Foundry above-ground diamonds. They’re a high-quality and ethical choice, and as a bonus they also cost a bit less.” Diamond Foundry grows genuine, beautiful diamonds using renewable energy, with no mining. “We always find something different and special, but not just for difference’s sake.”
Bespoke wedding bands When it comes to tying the knot, you can pick high-quality pre-made wedding rings, or have Vikki custom design them for you. Talk to Vikki about different forms, metals, and subtle stylings. Wedding bands can be made with different coloured golds, titanium, mixed metals, or even metal recycled from heirloom jewellery. “We can make anything you want.”