What to look for when choosing a ring: Unique wedding rings.

Are you looking for wedding rings that no one else wears? Rings that are as unique as your love? We asked jeweler, master goldsmith and gemstone appraiser Andreas Ableitner what to look for when choosing wedding rings and how to give wedding rings an individual touch.

How much individualism can a classic symbol of connection like the wedding ring tolerate?

Andreas Ableitner: Every day we meet new people who are different from everyone we have met before. Just as we are all different, no two loves are the same. Couples want to express this with personally designed wedding rings. In our dual role as jeweller and manufacturer, we are definitely noticing a certain trend towards more and more individuality. This particularly applies to details such as engraving or small changes in the size of the stone or the colour of the gold.

But we designers and goldsmiths are particularly pleased when customers are brave and open to new, individual things and are looking for a unique pair of wedding rings that no one else has. An extraordinary pair of wedding rings can also create more emotion and connection to the rings.

As a jeweler, do you recommend designer rings or classic, simple wedding rings?

Couples usually know exactly what they are looking for or what style they want to go in. No matter how tastes change over the years, you are always on the safe side when choosing simple wedding rings. They are not subject to fashion and are timeless. Even small differences in the choice of profile and width can give the rings a very classic or modern touch. Expert jewelers can help you with a great deal of sensitivity. The most popular ring is timeless and has a small, individual touch.

This can be the setting of white or black diamonds in one of the many possible cuts or even an individual engraving . Modern laser engraving technology makes it possible to engrave almost anything. Personal symbols, handwriting, fingerprints, your children's footprints and much more. But master engraving by hand with a burin also gives the rings a valuable, unique touch.

What other inspirations are there here?

In addition to the engraving options mentioned, you can engrave a little love story, for example. We trace the love story with simple line drawings, vectorize the hand drawing and laser it into the outside or inside of the ring band.

The majority of customers opt for the classic engraving of first name and date. However, the proportion of engravings with personal handwriting is already very high. 10 to 15 years ago, this was absolutely unusual, and the same could be true for the "our love story" engraving.

But connection can also be expressed in other ways. We are particularly proud of our PUZZLE wedding rings . Few wedding rings capture the symbolism of connection and the harmonious intertwining of two lives, which from now on form a larger whole, so intensively and originally, while offering excellent wearing comfort.

What approach do you recommend if you want to have absolutely unique wedding rings?

If a jeweler can make his/her own rings and has his/her own workshop, then it is possible for you to have truly unique pieces made. In that case, you can discuss every little detail. The sum of the seemingly small details creates your unique pair of wedding rings. The template of rings in stock can serve as inspiration and gives the goldsmith/designer a feel for your taste and style. The jeweler/goldsmith begins to draw designs for you in order to start the process of creating unique dream rings. If desired, it should also be possible to hold a model in your hand before the actual production in precious metal in order to be able to fine-tune it. A ring size test can also be recommended. Only then will your rings be made in gold or platinum and finally engraved if desired. The jeweler/goldsmith can also confirm in writing that your rings are unique and, if necessary, engrave a unique number on your rings.

What amounts are we talking about when we think of custom-made rings?

The difference to a ring "off the shelf" does not have to be that great. When couples order wedding rings from one of the wedding ring chains and brands, the jeweler and the wedding ring manufacturer need to make a profit. As a manufacturer or goldsmith, if you really compare like with like, the price is often significantly lower than that of rings from international wedding ring brands. The problem is often that you are comparing apples with oranges. In a real comparison, all parameters must be taken into account: material, fineness (e.g. 585, 750 or 950), material thickness and width, as well as size, purity, color and cut quality of the diamonds. The place of manufacture and the level of workmanship also play a role. With international wedding ring manufacturers, you can usually assume very good quality if the material thickness is right. However, they often lack the flexibility to be able to meet every customer request.

Jewelry manufacturers like the Ableitner manufactory are rare in Austria. What advice can you give to couples who are looking for a jeweler in their local area?

With all the possibilities of producing rings of a high quality, one thing should not be forgotten: A decisive factor in a jewelry purchase that will be satisfactory for you in the long term - regardless of whether it is an engagement ring or a memoir ring, a pair of wedding rings or another piece of jewelry - is the ability of the sales staff to fully engage with the customer and listen. Knowing the field and passing on the joy of the job with enthusiasm is very important, in addition to the quality of the rings. This friendly, competent and genuinely interested approach is what customers expect on this special occasion and should also be fulfilled in our industry.