Category Archives: More than Diamonds

Matching rather than Identical

Many of you are unsure whether it is ok to choose a pair of wedding rings that are not identical. Well, there is actually no right answer – the choice is up to the both of you. Many people choose the same design for the bride and groom, but as you know we are made up of different shapes and sizes, so the same design, might not give the same results.The same shape of ring, but a slimmer one for the lady to go in proportion to her finger size. 

Majority of you, choose to make matching bands, rather than identical. And matching is a term that gives you a lot more flexibility. Here are a few examples of how to show that you are a pair, without wearing the exact same ring.

While using the same colour, this couple chose designs that suit their respective size and taste.

His works well as a contemporary statement ring with matte finish. Hers borrows the same element of round squarishness, but made to be worn together with her Diamond engagement ring.

Matching colour and finishing, but with different shapes. The lady’s band required square edges to fit the Princess cut Ruby. He chose a rounded band which he thought looked better on his finger.  

This couple chose to make their rings in an overall same shape, but with Diamonds for her.

As you can see, the options are endless when you open up to the idea of matching rather than identical wedding rings. As they say, opposites attract, and these are examples of how stunning different designs can look together. It also means that one party does not need to compromise on their wishes, as you can both get the design that you like.

Love at First Sight

As you know, we went to Sweden on an inspirational trip in August – and inspired we were! We were excited to see so many independent jewellers around different areas of the city. Can you imagine that some of these businesses close for the whole summer – and can take up to 5 weeks of personal time! You wonder if this is their secret for coming up with such beautiful designs.

One brand especially, caught our eye. At first, we only wanted to visit the shop and meet the designer for our blog, but after seeing the jewellery we knew we had to be part of it! As the first shop outside of the Scandinavian countries to sell these lovelies, we are proud to present Drakenberg Sjölin at More than Diamonds. Each piece is inspired by light and dark, which defines the seasons in the Nordic countries.

Winter, spring, summer or fall, now you can wear them all.

Showroom
131 Tanglin Road
#02-16 Tudor Court
Singapore 247924
Tel: +65 6235 8873

Every Diamond Counts

One of the important parts of custom designing, is getting the Diamond sizes and proportions right. Diamond accents are ‘supporting actors’ so they should enhance, but not over- shine the star of the show – the centrepiece Diamond.Finding the right proportion between the centrepiece Diamond, surrounding stones and the Diamonds on the band.

When we have decided on the right size for the design, we select the Diamonds.

An example of a stunning result! Large centrepiece can look even bigger with the right selection of surrounding Diamonds.Another reason to custom make is that you can make the wedding or anniversary ring match the size of Diamonds and band exactly. 

As you can see, the size of the surrounding Diamonds, affect the design more than the size of the centrepiece Diamond does.  Just as in Hollywood, it is often the supporting actors, who make a good  film great.

Men’s Fashion, in Gold and Silver

Be it wedding rings, or ‘just’ for fashion, men are becoming more creative with their jewellery. Gone are the days when men will get the thinnest or the most basic wedding ring, just because they have to. A ring can also be a statement, as you can see in these designs, custom made in the last few months.

Chunky Men’s Ring with Round Diamond. Unpolished White Gold leaves the yellow tone of the original colour and makes this design that extra bit special. What is even more amazing, is that the tiny gap on the side of the ring, is positioned to reveal the entire laser inscription on the diamond girdle. Now, that will give you an idea of how small those numbers really are. Another chunky design with a square Diamond to match the shape. Matte Finish for that rough, manly look.

Same shape in a much smaller version – for the pinky. Can be set with a gemstone of choice, and if you have a family crest or want to engrave your initials, that will sit just fine, too.

More about Men’s Jewellery: Signet Rings – Make your Mark

Tiny Masters Workshop

In Stockholm we took the opportunity to get ‘inside’ info and joined a Silversmith class. The students were a mix of beginners and more advanced students, so our workshop was very much a ‘learn as you go’ session and we all helped each other. After hours of sawing, filing, soldering, polishing and engraving we got some beautiful results. Enjoy!Simplicity wins again. Initials engraved on a pair of Silver Studs.Rough finish on these Pendants for men with hand stamped engraving, inspired by guitar picks.Flower Ring layered with thin sheets of Silver.Gorgeous twisted Silver bangle in Infinity design.

More from Stockholm: Wedding Rings of the moment and Inspiration on the Go.

Just a Minute: Anna Nilsson of Subclip Photography

We met up with our friend Anna, a wedding photographer based in Stockholm. And apart from admiring her beautiful wedding photographs, we were curious to see all the wedding rings that she has shot and find out what Swedish couples have been using to seal their love this year.

“One of the trends this year, has been to wear two rings of the same design together” explains Anna.

Since Swedish people often wear a band even for engagement, a ‘stacking’ effect is very common.

Yellow gold is still popular in Sweden. Here with a Princess Cut Solitaire and Eternity Ring for Her and Plain Rounded Band for Him.

Another trend – stamped names on the outside of the rings, paired with a flat band with matte finish for a contemporary look.

We are looking forward to seeing some colourful autumn weddings on  Subclip.se  soon! The website has not been translated into English, but if you email anna@subclip.se she will be happy to help you. She is also available for destination weddings, so whether you want to have your wedding shoot in Sweden, or add a Swedish eye to your Singaporean wedding, Anna might just be the photographer for you…

Our Wedding Rings

Since choosing your wedding rings can be a tricky yet important decision in your wedding planning, we’ll give you some insights into our own discussions.

Chris designed this engagement ring as a secret and threw it in the sea. Read more about the proposal on Wedding Guide Asia.

According to Swedish custom, both the lady – and the man – wear engagement rings from the time of engagement. So following the surprise proposal, we wanted Chris to wear a ring as well. The man will usually wear the same ring for the wedding, while the bride adds a second ring to the finger.

Since we designed Chris’ ring before considering wedding bands, his engagement/wedding ring matches Sara’s engagement ring – not the wedding ring.

When it came to Sara’s wedding ring, the choices were slightly limited because of the width of the engagement ring. The new ring needed to be slim to even fit the finger! Being a fan of 2-tone, Sara considered getting a very slim flat band in Yellow Gold to add to the first one, but did not want it to be too chunky and heavy looking.Checking the mockup to ensure that the size is right before setting the Diamonds

In the end, the result was a ring that was the total opposite of the engagement ring. A combination of a chunky, modern Engagement band and a vintage inspired delicate Eternity Ring.Two very different styles, yet somehow matching….

The Diamond Eternity Ring was made following the thickness of the engagement ring so that they would fit nicely together. Now, they fit so snug, that people often think that it is all one ring – and that must be a good sign that they are well matched…. :)

All three rings on display with Sara’s wedding shoes as ring pillows. 

We have Moved

Some of you noticed that we weren’t updating the blog during April/May. That is because we were busy moving and setting up our new studio.

Located next to Tanglin Mall (Taxi stand), we are perched on the second floor of this cute cottage looking Shopping Gallery called Tudor Court. Being smaller, we have a more intimate setting for discussing your custom jewellery ideas.

Us at Work; From left to right-  Sara Ooi, Chris Lim

Our DIY artwork; made from Marimekko fabric; Finnish design with leaves of the typically Chinese plant Ginko. Almost as mixed as Sara :)

We look forward to seeing you here soon! See More than Diamonds website for directions and more information.

The Power of Gemstones

Whether you are a believer of Feng Shui, the power of crystals, colour therapy or just happen to be a lover of pretty things, precious gemstones can be of great meaning and relevance to you. Apart from everyone having their special stone — the birthstone — each gemstone is also believed to have different characteristics and healing properties.

We recently found out that a dear friend was ill, and since we work with gemstones, we designed a pendant with healing powers.

Now, we cannot guarantee that the Pink Tourmaline that we made for her has stronger powers than other gemstones, but we are firm believers of sending love and happy vibes – and happiness is known to have amazing healing power.

Signet Rings – Make Your Mark

Signet rings are most commonly seen in Europe, originally used by royalty and aristocrats. A signet ring will have a family crest or initials engraved on the top. The engraving is meant to leave a mark on hot wax like a stamp and was traditionally used as a seal to sign and seal documents, instead of a signature.Chris wearing his father’s ring with engraved initials.

Nowadays, used more for commemorative purposes, signet rings are still passed down through generations. Some schools and clubs have their own seal for members to wear. Often used on the pinky, signet rings are mainly worn by men, although they can also be seen on fashion-forward women.

So, how would you leave your mark?