aurum-jewellers-v2

Lab grown vs mined Diamonds

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:46:09 GMT

Handmade Diamond Engagement Rings

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 11:10:19 GMT

Aurum designer-jewellers in Worthing, West Sussex is a jewellery business specialising in handmade engagement rings and wedding rings.

For more than thirty years we have been creating handmade engagement rings for discerning clients, not just from Sussex but from right across the UK.

Propose with a handmade engagement ring created just for you

Whereas normal retail jewellers will want to sell you a ring that they have in stock, Aurum will design and make the ring that's perfect for you.

Yes, we do occasionally sell a ring from our stock, but we really do specialise in creating handmade one-off engagement rings for individual customers.

We believe the best way to buy an engagement ring is to deal direct with the craftsman who will make it.

This is why Aurum doesn't employ sales-people. - If you come to our showroom for a design-consultation you will speak to one of the skilled designer-goldsmiths from our on-site workshop.

Sussex jewellers with customers across the UK

We happen to be based in Sussex, but we are not just a "local jeweller".

Over the years we have worked with many clients from East Sussex and West Sussex, but we actually get far more clients from outside the locality.

Many people from London come to Worthing to purchase their engagement ring from us rather than going to Hatton Garden.

We often receive commissions from across the UK and Worldwide.

Our highly-skilled goldsmiths design and hand-make each piece in our workshop which is situated above the showroom.

We supply GIA certificated diamonds of all sizes and qualities, as required.

Designing your own unique engagement ring

When you opt for a bespoke engagement ring anything is possible!

First we listen to any initial ideas you might have about the design. We can then focus our discussions on ideas that are appropriate for you.

We'll do sketches and probably illustrate ideas by showing similar features on rings in our stock. Gradually, between us we'll come up with a design that is perfect for you.

Naturally, we'll talk about the diamond or other gems that you would like in the ring. Sometimes we'll have exactly the right stone in our stock, but if not, we can have a selection of suitable stones sent to us for you to view.

Because we start from scratch we are able to tailor the design to suit the budget of the individual customer.

Contemporary handmade engagement rings from Aurum jewellers

At Aurum designer-jewellers we have a "signature style" of engagement ring that was developed by our lead-designer Andrew Leggett.

The Flick engagement ring is what you might think of as a "Contemporary Classic".

We find that the Flick design appeals to those people seeking an engagement ring that's a a different to the styles found in virtually every retail jeweller.

The Flick Engagement Ring .

Customers searching for ideas for their own engagement ring often find inspiration in the selection of handmade engagement rings that we have in our stock. Features from different rings can be combined to create a unique ring.

The Infinity Engagement Ring is another style that is unique to us.

If you want something totally different to anything we have in stock. - That's not a problem. With decades of experience of producing unique handmade rings for individual clients, we have the experience to work in any style you wish.

Handmade Engagement Rings

When shopping for an engagement ring don't limit your choice to the factory-made rings on the High Street! Aurum jewellers can design and produce a handmade engagement ring just for you in our Worthing workshop!

Why not book a free design-consultation to discuss ideas with one of our goldsmiths? You can have a hand in the design process. Whether you are intending to surprise your partner or are shopping as a couple, we'll lead you gently through the design process. Some people arrive with a clear idea in mind, and others are just looking for inspiration. Everyone is different.

We start every consultation by listening to your ideas. There's no rush. - We'll spend as much time as it takes to design a ring that is perfect for you. We offer you helpful suggestions and expert advice you need.

For inspiration take a look at our engagement ring images showing pieces we have made for customers.

LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 11:10:19 GMT

In recent years there has been a huge increase in the number of companies producing laboratory-grown diamonds, sometimes known as man-made diamonds.

Some people choose Lab-grown diamonds because they see them as ethical or more environmentally friendly than mined diamonds, or because you get a bigger stone for your budget.

Man-made diamonds should not be confused with diamond simulants, such as Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite.

The chemical and physical properties of lab-grown diamonds are identical to those of natural diamonds. Many come with a certificate stating their origin.

At Aurum, we use both natural, mined diamonds and laboratory grown diamonds.

How much does a bespoke engagement ring cost in the UK?

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:44:00 GMT

Commissioning a bespoke engagement ring is one of the most personal purchases you'll ever make — and understandably, one of the first questions people ask us is about cost.

The honest answer is that it varies, but it's often more accessible than people expect.

This guide explains what drives the price, what you can typically expect to spend, and why bespoke can represent better value than buying off the shelf.

What determines the price of any engagement ring?

Whether you buy from a high street jeweller or commission a handmade ring from a bespoke maker like Aurum, the price comes down to two things: materials and labour.

Materials means the precious metal — platinum, 18ct gold, or a combination of the two — and any gemstones, most importantly the diamond. Diamond prices are set by global markets, so the stone itself will cost roughly the same wherever you buy it. The weight of metal used will depend on the design.

Labour is where bespoke jewellery is often misunderstood. Handmade rings are more labour-intensive than mass-produced rings cast in moulds — but because bespoke jewellers like Aurum are both the manufacturer and the retailer, there is no wholesale markup and no retail margin added by a third party. That additional craft cost is very often offset by cutting out the retail middleman entirely. In many cases, a handmade engagement ring costs no more than a comparable piece from a high street chain — and is made specifically for you.

What about the diamond?

The diamond is typically the most significant cost in any engagement ring, so it's worth understanding how diamonds are priced and graded.

All diamonds we source for our clients are GIA certificated — meaning they come with independent verification of the four internationally recognised quality criteria: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat weight. This gives you complete confidence in exactly what you're buying.

During a consultation we'll discuss your priorities and help you find the right balance. Most people find that the choice between a slightly larger stone of slightly lower quality, or a smaller but higher-quality stone, comes down to personal preference and budget. There's no single right answer — only the right answer for you.

Typical price ranges

Because every ring is designed to the customer's brief — and budget — there's no fixed price list. As a guide:

A bespoke platinum solitaire engagement ring with a modestly sized, GIA certified diamond typically starts at around £2,000
Many customers spend between £3,000 and £6,000 for a more elaborate design or a larger stone
There is no upper limit — some commissions are significantly higher, depending on the diamond specification and complexity of the design

We always design within your stated budget. Once we have a clear picture of your ideal ring, we calculate the approximate cost of metal and labour, which tells us how much of the total budget is available for the diamond — and from there we can show you what's possible at different size and quality combinations.

Why commission a bespoke engagement ring?

Beyond the price, there are reasons many people choose to commission rather than buy ready-made:

It's made for her, not for stock. Every detail — the profile of the band, the height of the setting, the exact proportions — is designed around the person who will wear it.
You're involved in the process. Many of our clients tell us the making of the ring becomes part of the story of the proposal.
No compromise. Rather than choosing the closest thing on a shelf, you get exactly what you had in mind.

Book a free consultation

The best way to get an accurate sense of what your ring will cost — and what's possible within your budget — is to speak with us.

Call us on 01903 207944 or book a free consultation online.

There's no obligation, and no pressure — just an honest conversation about what you have in mind.

What is the difference between Bespoke and Custom jewellery?

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 10:01:12 GMT

If you have started looking for an engagement ring, a wedding ring, or any other piece of fine jewellery, you have probably come across both of these terms.

They are often used interchangeably — but they do not mean the same thing, and the difference matters enormously when you are commissioning something as important as a ring.

What Does "Custom" Jewellery Mean?

Custom jewellery — sometimes called "customised jewellery" — typically means choosing from a set of pre-designed options and making selections within those options.

You might pick the metal type, the setting style, and the stone shape from a menu of choices.

The result is a ring that is personalised, but it is still built from standardised, often mass-produced components.

Many jewellers advertise this as a "bespoke" service. It is not. It is a customised service — which is useful and perfectly valid, but it is not the same as truly bespoke.

What Does "Bespoke" Jewellery Actually Mean?

Truly bespoke jewellery starts from a blank sheet of paper — or in our case, a blank workbench.

There are no pre-made components, no standardised settings, no templates.

Everything is designed from scratch based on your brief, and then made by hand specifically for you.

This means complete creative freedom. If you want an engagement ring that incorporates a family heirloom diamond, is made from a metal that matches your wedding ring, has a profile that is comfortable for someone who uses their hands a lot, and is designed in a style that is contemporary but not fashion-led — a bespoke jeweller can achieve all of that. A customised service cannot.

The Aurum Approach

At Aurum designer-jewellers in Worthing, we have been making truly bespoke jewellery since 1985.

Every piece — whether it is an engagement ring, a wedding ring, an eternity ring, a pendant or a pair of earrings — is designed in a one-to-one consultation and then made by hand in our on-site workshop.

You will not speak with a sales assistant. You will speak with a goldsmith — someone who actually makes the jewellery. This means the conversation is informed, practical and genuinely collaborative.

If you would like to explore what is possible, we offer a free, no-obligation design consultation at our Worthing studio. We welcome clients from across Sussex, Surrey, and the whole of the UK.

Platinum vs Gold for an Engagement Ring: Which Should You Choose?

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:20:38 GMT

One of the most common questions we are asked during an engagement ring consultation is: should I choose platinum or gold?

The answer depends on several factors — aesthetics, durability, lifestyle, and budget.

Here is an honest guide from the goldsmiths at Aurum.

Platinum: The Premium Choice

Platinum is the most prestigious metal for fine jewellery, and for good reason. It is naturally white — it does not need rhodium plating to achieve its bright silver colour, unlike white gold.

Over time, platinum develops a natural patina that many wearers come to love; it does not lose metal when it scratches, it simply moves. It is also hypoallergenic and extremely durable.

Traditionally, a yellow gold engagement ring would have the diamond set in platinum, as it is the best metal for holding stones securely.

Platinum is denser than gold, which means it is heavier — and historically, was much more expensive per gram. Currently gold is considerably more expensive than platinum.

At the time of writing, a platinum ring will cost around the same an an identical ring in 18ct white gold.

Gold: Timeless and Versatile

Gold comes in three colours — yellow, white, and rose — each with its own character.

Yellow gold is classic and warm; it has enjoyed a significant resurgence in recent years, particularly in contemporary bespoke designs.

Rose gold has a romantic, vintage feel.

White gold offers a modern, silver-toned look at a lower price point than platinum.

We typically work with 18ct gold (75% pure gold) for our engagement and wedding rings, which offers an excellent balance of richness of colour, hardness, and value.

9ct gold (37.5% pure gold) is also available and considerably more affordable.

Our Recommendation

For an engagement ring that will be worn every day for decades, platinum is hard to beat for longevity and prestige.

However, for those who prefer yellow or rose tones, 18ct gold is the natural choice.

The most important thing is that the ring is made to suit you — and that is exactly what a bespoke consultation at Aurum is designed to establish.

Call us for a free chat: 01903 207944.

A wedding ring to fit with your engagement ring

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 11:21:24 GMT

If your engagement ring does not have perfectly flat sides, it probably won't fit with a straight wedding ring.

Although traditionally, a wedding ring was a plain gold band, running straight round the finger in a straight line, these days many wedding rings are not straight bands.

One reason for this is that many engagement rings don’t sit well alongside a straight wedding ring.

Some engagement rings are perfectly straight on the sides, which means a straight wedding ring is what’s needed.

However, if your engagement ring has curved sides, or the stone setting is wider than the band, you will find that a straight wedding ring will only touch on certain points, leaving gaps between the two rings.

This can look awkward and feel less comfortable, but the main problem is that it allows them to move against one another, which causes friction, resulting in excessive wear.

To overcome this we can create a fitted wedding ring (also known as a "shaped wedding ring")

It is designed to follow the shape of your engagement ring, swerving around any protrusions and eliminating gaps between the two rings.

The visual effect is more elegant and more comfortable, and because the scope for movement is limited, friction is reduced, resulting in less wear-and-tear to both rings.

How can you tell whether you'll need a fitted wedding ring?

To find out whether you need a straight wedding ring or a fitted one, try on a straight band of the correct finger size. - Don’t worry about the width or the design at this stage. All you are looking at for the moment is how the edge of any straight band meets the edge of your engagement ring.

Do the two rings sit together so that the sides touch one another all the way around the band? Or does the engagement ring push the wedding ring away, not allowing the two bands to sit together?

If they sit together with no gaps, then you need a straight wedding ring.

If there is a gap, you probably need a fitted wedding ring.

If the engagement ring is not straight it will touch the wedding ring on two places. One is the widest point , usually in the centre of the top, where the stone is, and the opposite point on the underside of the ring. These parts will rub against the wedding ring and wear away.

When you have a fitted wedding ring that fits correctly the two rings will interlock, and they will be in contact all the way around. This looks neater and reduces movement between the two rings, so friction is minimised. This means less wear.

Why bespoke is best

Although ready-made fitted or wedding rings are available to buy off-the-shelf in some jewellers, the chances of finding one to fit perfectly with your engagement ring are very slim. This means there will still be movement and problems with wear.

On the other hand, a bespoke fitted wedding ring is designed specifically to fit your engagement ring, reducing wear to a minimum. It can also be made with the right profile and depth to complement your ring perfectly.

How we do it

The process usually starts with us making a wide plain wedding band in the correct finger-size. The goldsmith then cuts away metal on one side so that the client's engagement ring sits perfectly alongside it. This leaves us with a shaped wedding band that fits perfectly, and is flat on the other side.

We can leave the shape of the ring with one flat side, or alternatively, we can cut the other side to follow the same curve. We then file the surfaces to match the profile of the engagement ring.

This is a highly skilled and very accurate process, which results in a perfect fit.

See our Fitted Wedding Rings page.

How can you tell it’s a diamond?

andrew@aurumjewellers.com (Aurum Jewellers ) — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 13:12:26 GMT

If you want to know that what you are looking at is a real diamond, you need to be aware of the other materials that it could be.

Diamonds have always been highly desirable and valuable, so through time, there has always been a demand for “lookalikes”.

Sometimes these have been intended to deceive, but often they are to enable those who cannot afford the real thing to achieve a similar look for a much lower price.

DIAMOND SIMULANTS

In antiquity, stones such as Quartz, Zircon, and Topaz were used as alternatives to diamond.

In the 18 ^th century, Flint Glass first made an appearance. This is glass with a high lead content. "Stones" made of this material are also called known as Rhinestones, or Paste.

During the first half of the 20 ^th century, the most commonly seen diamond simulants were synthetic white sapphire, and synthetic white Spinel.

These lack the brilliance and the lustre of diamond, and because they are comparatively soft, are easily damaged.

Synthetic Cubic Zirconia began to be widely available in the late 1970s. At first glance, and to the untrained eye, this is a much more convincing simulant, and is the one most commonly seen today.

During the late 1980s Synthetic Moissanite entered the market.

Initially, because of production costs, Moissanite was very expensive, and tended to have a greenish yellow hue. These days the Moissanite on the market is colourless, and the price is much lower.

Moissanite has more brilliance and higher dispersion than diamond. This means it has more sparkle, and gives off more flashes of colour than “the real thing”.

DURABILITY

Diamond is no longer considered to be the hardest substance on Earth, but in the World of gemstones, it is the hardest material you will find, and it is still the most scratch-resistant material on Earth.

Diamond will stand up to wear and tear, much better than any simulant.

Mohs’ Scale of Hardness describes how a substance can scratch another material or be scratched by it.

At 10 on the scale, a diamond can scratch everything below it.

Cubic Zirconia, at around 8.3 on the scale, might look a convincing diamond lookalike when new, but because it is much softer, when worn in a piece of jewellery, will be subject to surface damage that will spoil the effect.

Tip:

Look through a 10X lens or loupe. If you can see that facet edges are abraded or look rough, it is not a diamond, and is likely to be a CZ.

SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS

Man-made diamonds should not be confused with diamond simulants, such as Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite.

Lab-grown diamonds have chemical and physical and optical properties that are identical to those of natural diamonds.

Natural diamonds are formed deep in the earth’s crust, which takes about a billion years, whereas synthetic diamonds stones can be grown in just a few days. Consequently, the value of a natural diamond is much higher than that of it’s lab-grown equivalent.

If you are buying a diamond, it is important to know whether it is natural or man-made, and is not possible to tell them apart without specialist knowledge and equipment.

Fortunately, these days most diamonds will come with a gemmological certificate from an independent organisation such as the GIA.

A GIA certificate shows that the stone has been assessed by the Gemmological Association of America, and the certificate number will be laser-engraved on the girdle of the stone.

This is invisible to the naked eye, but can be read using a 20X lens. There are GIA labs across the world, and certificates can be checked online.

The certificate shows a lot of technical information regarding a stone, and crucially, specifies it’s origin.

Unless you are knowledgeable regarding diamonds and the simulants on the market, it is easy to be taken in by an unscrupulous dealer.

This often happens when people are on holiday abroad, feeling relaxed, and with limited time to consider their decision.

Don't get caught out. Remember that the diamond market is global, and there are no places where prices are much lower than elsewhere.

Buying from a reputable and established jeweller in the UK is the best way to ensure that the diamond you buy really is a diamond.

How to buy Ethically Produced Jewellery

andrew@aurumjewellers.com (Aurum Jewellers ) — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 16:53:59 GMT

If you want to ensure that the jewellery you buy is sustainable and environmentally responsible, you need to ask questions about the sources of the materials, and also where and how the item was produced

Mining can have an impact on the environment, so you should check that the metals and stones in the jewellery you buy are responsibly sourced.

Conflict-Free Diamonds

Conflict Diamonds, or “Blood Diamonds” are stones that are produced in areas controlled by rebel forces that are opposed to internationally recognized governments. These diamonds are sold to buy arms or fund civil war.

Conflict Diamonds originate from Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Blood Diamonds are often produced using forced labour, or stolen from legitimate producers, and then smuggled into the international diamond market.

The trade can involve bribery, threats, torture, and murder. - Hence the term “Blood Diamonds”

The United Nations developed a certification program called The Kimberley Process to combat this insidious trade. Participating nations are required to certify that all rough diamond exports are produced through legitimate sources.

All rough diamonds exported from these nations are to be accompanied by certificates.

These certificates state that the diamonds were produced, and exported through legitimate channels.

The certification process follows diamonds through every step of their journey, from mine to retail sale.

It has significantly reduced the number of Conflict Diamonds reaching international gem markets. The World Diamond Council estimates that 99% of all diamonds are now conflict-free.

Buying from an established jeweller in the UK should ensure that your diamond is legitimately-sourced and conflict free.

Single Mine Origin Gold

Single Mine Origin denotes gold that has been produced by a legitimate mining operation which holds no ties to conflict, where miners are being paid a just wage under secure employment.

SMO strives to ensure that the communities living locally to the gold source benefit from sustainability initiatives carried out by the mining operation. These include programmes relating to education, healthcare, safe drinking water and agricultural prosperity.

All new gold jewellery produced by Aurum designer-jewellers used Single Mine Origin gold.

Recycling Precious metals

Old gold jewellery can be smelted and re-refined. This removes all impurities leaving only pure precious metal. This is then re-alloyed to produce brand-new bullion, which is can then be used in to produce new jewellery.

Recycling Gold, Platinum, and Silver in this way avoids the environmental impact of mining new metal.

There are bullion dealers that specialise in 100% recycled gold.

Jewellery Remodelling

Remodelling is another way of reusing precious metals and gemstones.

Items of jewellery that you don’t wear can be taken apart, and the materials reused to make new pieces.

It involves un-setting any stones and melting down the precious metal, which is poured to form an ingot, which can then be used to create new jewellery.

The metal and stones from, inherited jewellery can be given a new look, whilst retaining the sentimental value of the original item.

Designing Your Own Wedding Ring

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 11:04:13 GMT

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Have a hand in the design of your own unique wedding ring!

There are plenty of wedding rings on the market...

You could just walk into any jeweller’s and pick one from a tray of rings in stock...

That's what most people do.

but your wedding ring should be special!

These are the rings that you will place on one another’s fingers as you make your vows, and they will be there as a symbol of your commitment to one another for the rest of your lives.

When you opt for a bespoke wedding ring you have control over every aspect of the design.

Whether it's a perfectly plain band, or something quite complex, you can specify everything. - It's amazing how a few tiny tweaks can make a huge difference to how a ring looks.

This is especially true when you design a wedding ring to sit alongside your engagement ring.

It is definitely an art rather than a science, and every case is different, but you need to think about what is going to complement your engagement ring best.

If you don't intend to wear your engagement ring all the time, you should also consider how the wedding ring looks when it is worn alone.

When an engagement ring requires a wedding ring to be shaped to fit with it, there are more design choices to be made. Find out more about Fitted Wedding Rings .

The thought of designing your own wedding ring can be a daunting prospect for some people.

Don't worry! We are here to guide you through the design process !

Creating bespoke wedding rings is a speciality for us. - We've been doing it since 1985, and we've helped thousands of couples get involved in the design of their own unique wedding rings.

Each commission starts with a free design-consultation at our showroom.

This is a chance to sit down with one of the skilled goldsmiths from our workshop and discuss what your ideal wedding ring would be like.

We start by listening to any ideas you already have, and then lead you through the design process .

We'll ask questions, and offer expert ideas and suggestions, steering you away from any pit-falls. By the end of your consultation, we'll have the exact specifications of your perfect ring.

At this point we'll be able to calculate prices for you, based on the cost of materials and labour needed to create your ring.

Designing your own wedding ring really consists of making lots of tiny decisions that will make it unique to you.

There is no need for any artistic ability. - It's our job to ask questions to draw out of you the details we need to create your ring.

A consultation is completely free, and without obligation.

If you have any questions, or would like to book a consultation, please get in touch.

Taking care of your engagement ring

Wed, 05 May 2021 16:18:59 GMT

How to keep your ring looking it's best.

Because we specialise in creating custom-made engagement rings , clients often ask us for tips on how to look after their ring.

The following advice should help ensure that you keep your ring looking its best, and avoid damage that could drastically affect its value.

Preventing damage to your ring

Precious metals and gemstones can be scratched by coming into contact with hard materials and rough surfaces.

For this reason we advise that you do not wear rings in any situation where they will come into contact with anything hard or abrasive. This includes activities like housework, gardening, DIY, working on car engines, going to the gym, (especially using free weights!).

Be aware that many things can cause damage. For example, if you need to hold a metal handrail, do so in such a way that your ring is not squeezed against it. Some cleaning products (like bathroom cleaners) contain abrasives, which will dull gold or platinum. Wear rubber gloves, or better still, don't wear your ring when doing housework.

If you are wearing rings on both hands, try to avoid clapping. Bringing your hands together with considerable force can completely wreck one or both rings. Metal can be dented and stones shattered. My advice is that when going to a performance where you will be applauding, wear rings on one hand only. – Alternatively, make sure you clap palm to palm, or the fingers of one hand to the palm of the other. Never clap rings against rings!

Don’t “test your diamond” by seeing whether it will cut glass! Lots of stones will cut glass, so it won’t prove anything, and you just might damage your diamond by doing so.

Storing your ring

When you are not wearing your ring, keep it in the original box, or in a jewellery box with separate slots or compartments.

Alternatively, pop it into a little self-seal polythene bag.

Bear in mind that one piece of jewellery can damage another. This is because the materials from which jewellery is made have different hardnesses.

For the same reason, never tumble your jewellery together in a box. Never put it into a purse or a pocket containing coins!

Cleaning your ring

Like everything else you own, jewellery does need an occasional clean.

Even after 45 years in the jewellery trade, it still amazes me that the majority of people never clean their jewellery!

A ring that is clean looks so much better when it is clean! If you do it regularly, it is a very simple thing to do.

Diamonds have an affinity with grease. Hand-cream, soap, etc. tend to form a greasy film on the surface, that dulls a diamond and stops it sparkling.

Whilst the front of a stone will get “wiped” when you dry your hands, oor when you put your hand into a sleeve, there are inaccessible areas, like the underside of the stone, and between claws, where the stone never gets touched. This is where you’ll get a build-up of grease and dirt.

A regular clean will easily remove the grease and restore the sparkle of your diamond. The longer you leave it between cleans, the harder it will be.

We often see customer’s rings that have not been cleaned for years, where the setting is completely clogged up. Sometimes it’s so hard that even after soaking for hours, we have to pick it out with a pin. (Yuk!)

You don’t need jewellery cleaner. Save your money.

I know that some people use gin for cleaning jewellery. - I suggest you drink your gin, and use soapy water to clean your jewellery!

If it is set with diamond, sapphire, or ruby pop your ring into a small bowl containing hot (but not boiling water), with a good squirt of washing-up liquid.

By the time the solution has cooled enough to put your fingers in and fish out the ring, any grease should have softened, and you can use a small brush to get into all the nooks and crannies, and gently remove the dirt. (I recommend keeping a baby's toothbrush or this purpose.)

Then, just rinse under the hot tap, to remove the cleaning solution. Do this over a bowl, just in case you have loosened a stone. Dry on a paper towel. Your stone should now be sparkling beautifully!

With stones other than diamond, sapphire or ruby, make sure to use warm rather than hot water. With porous stones like Turquoise or opal it is best to avoid immersion in liquid if possible.

Transporting Your Jewellery

Taking your jewellery on holiday? Pack each item separately.

Customers often bring in several items for us to look at, with all of them jangling together in a single box or bag. Never do this! - Not even once! . Just pop each piece into a separate polythene bag.

Occasional Maintenance

The process described above will clean your diamond (or other stones), but it won’t bring back the shine to metal that has been dulled. This is not something you can do at home.

A professional clean and polish

Once a ring has lost it’s shine It will require a professional polish to bring it back. If you look after your ring, and avoid abrasive substances, you might never need this done. - A simple clean will be enough.

If your engagement ring is made from white gold, it will probably need to be replated occasionally. White gold is usually rhodium-plated, and this wears off. Depending on how hard you wear it, your ring might need replating every year, or every few years.

Have it Checked

Have you ring professionally checked over by a jeweller every year or so, to make sure your stone is still secure. Over time, claws can wear, and might eventually need to be re-tipped.

Also, if you accidentally catch your ring on something, have it checked by a jeweller. - If you have damaged or lifted a claw, your stone might have been loosened. Don’t risk wearing the ring until you have been assured that all is well. If there are any potential problems, your jeweller should advise you if any remedial work that is necessary to make it safe to wear.

Insurance

No matter how careful you are with your ring, accidents can happen, so make sure your engagement ring is insured against loss or damage. We strongly advise you take out a specific Jewellery Insurance policy.

As with most things, the price of jewellery tends to rise over time. Your ring should be revalued every few years. It needs to be insured for what it would cost to replace if you lost it now , not for the original purchase price.

When you have your ring valued it will be checked over and professionally cleaned at the same time.

Handmade Jewellery - Why it can be more exclusive than big-name designer branded jewellery

Sat, 10 Apr 2021 16:01:57 GMT

Handmade jewellery is something of a rarity these days.

Many people don’t realise that the vast majority of jewellery on the market, even from the top “luxury “jewellery brands, is actually mass-produced in factories, using moulds.

The well-known brands will, of course, hand-make their very finest pieces. I'm talking about the sort of jewellery, worth hundreds of thousands, or even millions of pounds, that you might see featured in full-page spreads in glossy magazines, or maybe being worn at red-carpet events by film-stars and celebrities.

However, most of the jewellery in their shop windows, and certainly those shown in their brochures are actually factory-made! International jewellery brands, with shops around the world need to be able to offer identical product in all of their outlets. The only way they can do this is bu using mass-production techniques.

These companies build their reputations based on those “star” pieces featured in magazines. It is not unlike the fashion industry, with it's designer catwalk shows. For 99.9% of the population pieces like that can only be a dream.

Often these items are made primarily for marketing purposes, and the chances are they will never actually sell!

Many will be broken-up and turned into something else, but they will have served their purpose, which was to generate publicity for the brand.

The public is seduced by the aura of Luxury around the designer names, and buy into the illusion that anything bearing that company’s label is equally "exclusive", not realising they are buying something mass-produced in a factory.

Let’s take a step back from the hype surrounding the “status symbol” brands, and consider what "exclusivity" actually means.

If you define "Exclusive" as “being limited, individual, rare or hard to access”, you can’t really apply this term to items that are manufactured in bulk, probably in the Far East!

The fact is, if you want a piece of jewellery that really is exclusive, you would almost certainly be better-off looking beyond the obvious worldwide brands, and seeking out much smaller businesses.

You might have to search a bit harder.

You probably won’t see full-page adverts for them in the glossy magazines, and their websites might not come up on the first page of Google, but it’s not too difficult to find jewellery designer-makers here in the UK hand-making wonderful pieces of jewellery on a one-off basis.

Rather than churning out standard product to feed an empire of big- brand outlets around the World, the small maker is able to work with each individual client, focussing on exactly what it is they want.

These businesses are not seeking “World domination”. They are usually run by craftsmen and women with a passion for what they do, and who take pride in creating jewellery of the highest quality, serving a select following of “those in the know”.

By seeking out a jeweller that is not a household name you will have access to superb jewellery that you won’t see anywhere else. A unique piece of jewellery individually designed and handmade just for you is about as exclusive as it gets!

If that is what you are looking for, we would love to receive your enquiry.

By Andrew Leggett

Aurum designer-jewellers

The skills needed to hand-make fine jewellery take years to acquire.

Andrew Leggett has been making handmade jewellery since 1975, and set up Aurum in 1985 after spending ten years in the workshops of top London jewellery designers.

Andrew and his small team of expert craftsmen continue to hand-craft beautiful items of bespoke jewellery, using traditional hand tools such as saws, files pliers, hammers etc.

When taking on a new goldsmith he selects a new graduate with a degree in jewellery design and trains them to work in his unique style.

Aurum employs no sales-people, so when you come for a free design consultation you deal direct with one of the highly-skilled designer-makers, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about creating a unique piece of handmade jewellery.

Why you should consider Jewellery Remodelling

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:11:10 GMT

Jewellery remodelling is the process of producing new jewellery from existing pieces.

It is a form of recycling that involves taking apart the unwanted items, melting them down, and starting from scratch.

Do you have precious jewellery sitting in a drawer, and that never gets worn?

It might be just one item that you are bored with, or it could be a collection of bits and pieces, like odd earrings, broken chains, worn-out rings, items with stones missing, or anything made from precious metal.

If it is made from precious metal why not turn it into a piece of jewellery that you will enjoy wearing?

Perhaps you have something of great sentimental value that you can’t wear in its current form.

Sentimental Gold

We are often asked to turn an inherited item into a special piece that can be worn in remembrance a loved one. Many people have inherited family jewellery that simply sits in a drawer, but it could be turned into new jewellery that can be worn by another generation. - If you need a wedding ring and have, say, your grandmother's ring, you could consider incorporating.

If you have unwanted items with no sentimental value, you could consider exchanging some or all of them for different metals. For example, if a customer has yellow gold pieces, but would actually prefer platinum, we can take the scrap gold and swap it for platinum to the same value.

Every project is different.

Sometimes it will be just precious metal, like gold or platinum, and sometimes diamonds or other stones are involved.

If you are thinking of having jewellery remodelled you need to find a jeweller capable of doing this sort of work.

Ideally, you need to speak to the person who will actually carry out the work.

Jewellers have different specialisms, and work in different styles, so look for someone with experience in producing the type of jewellery you have in mind.

For example, a jeweller who makes heavy, rustic-looking jewellery is probably not the person to go to if you want something, fine and delicate, and vice versa.

Turn your old jewellery into brand new pieces.

At Aurum designer-jewellers, remodelling work is a big part of what we do.

The process begins with a free design consultation at our showroom. You deal directly with one of the goldsmiths from our on-site workshop.

The first stage is to take a close look at your item(s) to find out exactly what materials you have that can be repurposed.

We’ll check what the metal is, and weigh it.

If there are items in different carats of gold we need to sort the 18ct from the 9ct and the 22ct, and weigh them separately.

If you have diamonds or other gems, we’ll examine these too, to find out what they are, and see what condition they are in.

Sometimes, stones that are chipped or scuffed can be re-polished.

Once we know exactly what materials you have now, we can move on to discuss what you would like to have made from them. This is the exciting part!

You may have a clear idea about what you want made, but if you need some inspiration we’ll be happy to give you some ideas, and our expert advice.

Anything is possible!

What was a large item can be turned into several small items, or lots of small pieces can be combined into one.

We'll lead you through the design process offering ideas and advice as necessary.

Once we have come up with a design we’ll be able to quote a price which will be based on the amount of labour required to create the jewellery you want. ,

When making a piece of jewellery, you always need to start with more than the finished weight of the piece.

If it turns out that you have insufficient metal, we can supply extra gold or platinum to make up the shortfall.

And if you need an extra diamond or two we will quote for supplying these too.

Any of your metal that is left after we have made the new item is either returned, or alternatively, can be taken at scrap value, in part payment for our work.

Sometimes a repair is enough

Often jewellery that has seen better days can be given a new lease of life with a simple repair or a bit of jewellery restoration.

We would be happy to take a look and advise you on the most appropriate course of action.

Book a design consultation.

This is free-of-charge, and without obligation, so why not call and make an appointment to discuss how we could breathe new life into your unwanted jewellery?

Jewellery Restoration and Repair

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 11:34:45 GMT

Putting your precious jewellery back into good condition.

Whether the result of an accident, or just wear-and-tear, problems can arise with jewellery that require some attention from an expert.

Like everything you own, jewellery sometime needs a little TLC to keep it in good condition.

As well as designing and making new items of jewellery, at Aurum jewellers, in Worthing, we also undertake restoration, and repair work on customers' jewellery.

This ranges from minor jobs, such as straightening a bent claw, through to much more extensive work involving rebuilding worn areas and replacing lost parts.

Often, a piece that appears to be damaged beyond repair can be rescued and given a new lease of Life.

Sometimes a problem appears much worse than it really is, and some minor refurbishment will return your item to its former glory.

If you spot a problem with a piece of your jewellery it is best to deal with it straight away.

Don't just ignore it and carry on wearing the item.

Remember - "A stitch in time saves nine"!

If we catch it at an early stage, we can often carry out a fairly simple repair that will prevent the problem from developing into something that is much more complex and costly to sort out.

So, if you notice a stone is loose don't wait until it falls out and is lost! - We can tighten or perhaps re-tip the claws so that the stone is safe.

Replacing lost stones

I f you do lose a diamond or other gemstone we can find a suitable replacement.

At the same time, we'll also check that any other stones are safe in their settings. Sometimes it is necessary to strengthen or re-tip claws.

Claiming on your Insurance

When it is a case of accidental damage, including loss of a gemstone, it might be possible to make an insurance claim. (You cannot insure against wear-and-tear).

We would be pleased to take a look at the damage and supply a written estimate for your insurance company. The claim should be made and settlement agreed before any work is carried out.

Our goldsmiths love sorting out problems with clients' much-loved pieces, and returning them to their former glory.

Do you have a piece of precious jewellery that is in need of attention?

We would be delighted to take a look at it and advise you on what needs to be done.

Please call to arrange an appointment with one of our highly-skilled goldsmiths.

It was fantastic to get my Nan's ring back...

"I wanted to say how grateful I am for the amazing job you did on my ring. I was devastated when the ring I inherited from my Nan fell apart. It was fantastic to get my Nan's ring back, looking better than I can ever remember! I shall definitely recommend you to my friends."
Jess D
(Horsham)

To make an appointment, or to ask a question please give us a call or fill in the form below.

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Jewellery Repair and Restoration FAQs

Men's Wedding Rings

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 15:50:37 GMT

Choosing the ring that's right for you

When it comes to wedding rings, we believe that everyone, regardless of gender, should have the ring that's perfect for them.

Whatever wedding ring you choose, you'll be wearing it for a long time, so it's important that you make the right choice. Your ring should suit your taste and your lifestyle.

The main difference between men's wedding rings and women's is the dimensions.

On average, men have larger fingers, so they tend to prefer wider bands.

How to choose a man's wedding ring

For many men, their wedding ring is the first piece of jewellery they own.

If you are one of these men, it is likely that you have never given a thought to jewellery.

You might be unsure of what you're looking for and you might find the wide range of rings that are available a bit bewildering. Do you know what sorts of styles your prefer or what suits you?

Our experience has shown us that when looking at a wedding ring on their hand for the first time, many men think it looks strange. If you have never seen a ring on your hand before it is going to look and feel alien at first.

Don't be put off!

Keep looking at different styles of rings until you see something you like.

Have a look at the wedding rings that your friends and family members wear. Take a note of how they look and try to work out what it is that you like or dislike about them. It might be the colour of the metal, the width, the profile, or perhaps, the texture.

This should give you some pointers regarding the types of metal and the widths of band that appeal to you, and will give you a starting point for thinking about your own ring.

We find that many men, once they start to explore the subject, get into the whole process!

Men's wedding rings sometimes need to be stronger

Whilst this is a generalisation, experience has shown us that men's wedding rings do tend to be subjected to harder treatment than women's.

When choosing your bespoke wedding ring, it's important to take your lifestyle into account.

If you do a manual job you should bear this in mind when choosing your ring. Even if you work in an office, you might undertake activities in your spare time that could damage a wedding ring.

In some occupations, and some work environments, wearing a ring presents a danger. If this is the case, you might decide only to wear your ring at weekends, or when you go out.

In some jobs it is safe to wear a ring to work, but you are likely to subject it to heavy wear. You should take this into consideration when choosing your ring, and avoid going for a ring that is too flimsy.

Choosing the metal for your wedding ring

At Aurum jewellers we create men's wedding rings in a variety of materials. Each metal has different properties that will affect how suitable it is for your lifestyle. Traditionally wedding rings are made from precious metals like Gold or Platinum. Silver is not used because it is considered too soft for wedding rings. More recently, palladium, another precious metal has become a popular choice, especially for men's wedding rings.

Platinum

Platinum is one of the rarest of the precious metals and is, therefore, the most expensive. Unlike white gold, platinum is naturally white so it requires no plating. It is a very tough and hard-wearing metal, making it very suitable for men's wedding rings.

Palladium

Palladium is one of the ‘platinum group’ metals. It shares many properties of platinum itself but is less dense, so lighter in weight. It comes two purity grades: 950/1000 pure known as 950 Palladium and 500/1000 pure, or 500 Palladium. Palladium is less tough than platinum, but much tougher than white gold. It is naturally white in colour like platinum, so doesn’t need plating.

Men's gold wedding rings

Gold comes in four different purities and in different shades. 18ct yellow gold is the most popular for wedding rings as it combines a good depth of colour with durability. 18ct red gold contains more copper giving it a reddish tinge. 18ct white gold has an off-white or greyish colour, and is usually rhodium-plated to make it appear whiter. This wears off quite quickly, especially on men's wedding rings.

Some men like the darker colour of un-plated white gold, so this overcomes the problem of plating wearing off. We can also offer unusual tones of gold.

Blush gold is a subtle shade that falls somewhere between red and yellow gold.

Men's titanium wedding rings

Titanium is not a precious metal, but has become a popular option for men's wedding rings. It is dark grey and very tough, making it suitable for someone with a manual job. It is also very lightweight. A disadvantage is that it is not usually possible to re-size if your finger-size changes.

Matte finished wedding Rings

Many men prefer a matte finish to polished. If you don't normally wear jewellery you might find a polished finish to be too ostentatious. A matte finish is more low-key. It is also much less reflective, so, if you have different metals in your ring, the colour difference will be enhanced.

Textured wedding Rings

If you have a manual job or an active lifestyle you are likely to put marks into your ring. If you think that your wedding ring will be exposed to a lot of heavy wear, you might like to steer clear of the plainer finishes, and go for something with a more rugged texture, that will tend to disguise any dents and scuffs.

Hammered wedding rings

Hammered finishes are popular textures for men's wedding ring. A hammer-finish can be very fine through to very heavy, depending on the size of the hammer and how hard the ring is hit! Some men chose a hammered wedding ring because they do a manual job, but many men who work in offices choose it because they like the look.

Custom made men's wedding rings

Since we started back in 1985 bespoke men's wedding rings have been a big part of what we do. When you go bespoke rather than off-the-shelf you can have a hand in the design of a ring that is unique to you. It can be as simple or as complex as you wish. When you choose Aurum jewellers, you're involved in the design process and our skilled jewellers will help you achieve a special and unique wedding ring, designed and made just for you.

See examples of men's wedding rings we have made for past clients.

Can I make my own wedding ring?

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 14:40:21 GMT

Exchanging wedding rings that you designed yourselves is a lovely personal touch.

However, we certainly don’t suggest that you attempt to make your own wedding rings.

There is a trend for couples to make their own rings, but, as goldsmiths with many years of experience, we know that making jewellery isn’t as simple as it looks!

It takes years of training to make jewellery to a professional standard. - It is not something you can learn overnight!

Making even a perfectly plain wedding ring requires skill and practice.

The thought of couples with no experience at all being thrown in at the deep end with a lump of platinum or gold is quite scary!

After all, would you consider making your own wedding dress or suit?

Unless you are a seamstress or a tailor, it is highly unlikely!

Are you going to make your own wedding cake? Probably not, and we suggest you don’t consider making your own wedding rings unless you are a jeweller!

Leave it to the experts

In the same way that you might use the services of a professional dress-designer or a wedding cake-maker, you can commission a professional goldsmith to create your wedding rings.

We’ve been making bespoke wedding rings since 1985, so we have a wealth of experience in helping clients design their own rings.

Let us turn your ideas into reality! You’ll be wearing your wedding ring for the rest of your life. - It needs to be right.

Design your own wedding ring

There is no reason at all why you should not design your own ring.

We specialise in working with couples to create bespoke wedding rings t hat are perfect for them.

Our clients can have as much creative input as they wish in the design of their own unique rings.

We offer a free design-consultation to discuss ideas with one of our goldsmiths.

You might arrive knowing exactly what you want or you might be looking for inspiration.

It doesn’t matter. - We’ll lead you gently through the design process , offering you all the advice you need.

To find out more, why not give us a call?

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8 things to do consider before you buy an engagement ring

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 11:47:42 GMT

Expert tips to make sure you get the perfect ring for your partner

At Aurum jewellers we understand that planning a proposal is a major event in your life, so we’ve put together a list of things that you should at least think about before you get down on one knee….

1.Are you going to ask the parents?

In earlier times it was definitely expected that you would ask the parent’s permission to marry. These days, most couple marry later in Life and not everyone asks the parents any more. However, in some families it is expected and it is a good idea not to upset your future parents in Law!

2. Do you know your partner's taste in rings?

This is going to be a piece of jewellery that your partner will wear everyday for the rest of their life, so it’s important that you choose something they’re going to love.

Take notice of jewellery they already wear. This might give you some clues about their preferences.

Traditional or contemporary?
Fine and dainty or bold and chunky?
Which colour metal? - White (silver-colour, like platinum or white gold), or yellow ( normal gold colour), or maybe rose gold ( a coppery colour)
How many stones? A solitaire diamond, two, three, or five diamonds? Maybe a cluster or halo design?
A coloured stone? If they like a bit of colour, you could consider having ruby or sapphire rather than all diamonds.

If you are really not confident, you could ask a friend or family member to help. Another option would be to propose first, and then choose the ring together.

3. Do you know the correct finger-size?

Finding out the right ring size without arousing suspicion can be difficult.

If your partner knows that a proposal is on the cards, and it isn’t a secret you can just ask. However, if you’re planning a surprise proposal you’ll need to find it out in another way. You might be able to enlist the help of a friend or family member to help you.

Alternatively, you could check your partner’s jewellery box for a ring that they wear regularly on the ring-finger. Rings worn on other fingers are of little use. It is best to take it to a jeweller to be measured, but if that isn’t possible, draw around the inside with a sharp pencil.

Trying it on your own finger and getting that measured is really not very accurate, but is better than nothing.

It’s not the end of the World if the ring is not a perfect fit, as it can always be re-sized later. However, in an ideal World, you would want to propose with a ring that fits perfectly and can be worn immediately.

4. What's your budget for the ring?

Tradition says that an engagement ring should cost around three months’ salary, but there are no rules.

Decide on the figure that you’re comfortable spending. Whatever the price range, you'll find rings that fit it.

5. Do you understand diamond quality

When you start looking at engagement rings you’ll notice that diamond prices vary enormously.

Size is a factor, but quality makes a big difference too. For any given budget you could get a range of sizes and qualities. You could go for the biggest stone you can get, and never mind the quality, or you could go for the best quality you can get and not worry about the size. In reality most people want something between these two extremes. It’s a matter of striking a balance between size and quality. This really comes down to your priorities. A good jeweller will be happy to advise you.

6. Would you like to design the ring yourself?

Most couples buy their engagement ring from high street jewellers, which means they are almost certainly mass-produced.

If you want something more individual you could consider commissioning a bespoke ring .

Having a hand in the design process will ensure the ring that is unique to you.

Look for a jewellery designer or goldsmith who offers a bespoke service. Custom-made engagement rings don’t have to be expensive as a goldsmith can tailor the design to suit your budget.

7. Which jeweller?

Jewellers vary enormously. The place where you take your watch to have a new battery fitted, is not necessarily the best place to buy your engagement ring.

This will possibly be the most important piece of jewellery you'll ever buy. Do some research to find the right jeweller for you. Ask friends or family members for recommendations. Search online for a jeweller whose style you like and who has some great reviews.

8. Keeping the ring safe

From the second you’ve purchased the ring, make sure that you keep it safe. It’s also important to invest in insurance straight away, then find a safe place to hide the ring.

When you’re ready to propose, safety is still key, make sure that the ring is zipped in a pocket or safely in a box, somewhere where you can reach it easily without dropping it.

How to commission a bespoke engagement ring

derek.oliver@infoserve.com (Derek Oliver) — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 16:18:46 GMT

You don't get engaged every day, so here is some expert advice to point you in the right direction...

First you need to decide whether to surprise your partner with a ring or to involve her in the design process.

If you are planning a surprise proposal, you will obviously want her to love the ring. – You’ll need to find out about your partner’s preferences.
Unless you already have a good grasp of her likes and dislikes, don’t risk a stab in the dark! – You could get it totally wrong. Do a bit of research so that you can be confident that the ring you buy is totally her. (Don’t forget that you will also need to find out your partner’s finger-size.)

Get some help

You could seek the advice one of her friends, a sister or her mother. They might well have a good idea of the style of ring she would like.

(Make sure you choose someone you can trust not to let the cat out of the bag!)

If you are not confident that you know your partner's taste in rings you could propose with a temporary ring. – This could be costume jewellery, a ring from a Christmas cracker or even a Haribo ring! – You can then design the real ring together. – This can be just as romantic and memorable an experience as a surprise proposal. It also means that she’ll get an engagement ring that she loves!

Designing the ring together

A nice alternative to the surprise proposal with the ring already purchased is to design your ring as a couple.

This way you can both have an input into the design. Many couples find this an exciting and enjoyable experience.

Engagement and wedding ring sets

If you would prefer to buy the engagement ring and the wedding ring together we can, of course, design and make them at the same time. However, most clients start by commissioning their engagement ring and then at a later date they come back so we can create the wedding ring to go with it. Often this will be followed by an eternity ring designed to complete the set.

Design your own Engagement ring

It is natural to want your engagement ring to be unique to you.

Of course you could personalise a mass-produced ring with an inscription inside the band. But why settle for that, when you could have a hand in the design of your own unique ring?

There is no need to be able to draw. – If you can describe what you have in mind, our expert craftsmen can turn your ideas into reality.

Even if you have no idea what you are looking for, you can design your own engagement ring! How? Come along for a design consultation at our showroom. One of the talented designer-jewellers from our on-site workshop will lead you gently through the whole process. Over the years we have worked with thousands of couples. Our craftsmen have the experience and skills to ensure your ring fulfils everything you imagine for your engagement.

The design process

The purpose of a design consultation is for us to find out what your perfect ring would be. Once we have the exact specifications we can then calculate a price for you.
We’ll start by listening to any ideas you may have. This will give us an idea of the general direction we need to go in. We will make suggestions about every little aspect of the design, and gradually by process of elimination, we will arrive at the precise specifications for your perfect engagement ring.

Once we have established the exact specifications we will be able to calculate prices for you. If you decide to order from us it is generally the goldsmith you meet at your consultation who will create your handmade engagement ring. – Very few jewellers, even those offering custom-made engagement rings, work in this one-to-one way. The Design Process

Classic Engagement ring styles

If you don’t know what style of engagement ring you would like it’s a good idea to start by looking at the classic categories of engagement rings:

Single stone or “Solitaire” engagement rings

Probably the most popular engagement ring style.

With a Solitaire the emphasis is usually on the stone itself, and the ring is just a way of holding the stone.

Two-stone rings

Two-stone rings usually have two diamonds, but sometimes have one diamond and one coloured stone like a sapphire or ruby. Generally the two stones will be the same size.

Three-stone rings

Often called Trilogy rings, three-stone rings are almost as popular as solitaires.

The three stones might be the same size or the centre-stone might be larger than the outer two. The engagement ring of the Duchess of Sussex is an example.

Five-stone rings and seven stone rings

These are less popular now than they once were. Usually the stones graduate from the largest in the centre to the smallest on the ends. Choose from all diamond, or diamonds alternating with a coloured stone such as sapphire, ruby or emerald.

Cluster rings

A cluster is any ring where the stones are grouped rather than in a line.

Again, these can be all diamond or feature a different stone in the centre. From a distance a diamond cluster can resemble a single-stone ring. Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now belonging to the Duchess of Cambridge, is a classic example of a sapphire and diamond cluster. This oval blue sapphire surrounded by smaller diamonds has been much imitated.

Halo rings

Diamond halo engagement rings are currently on trend.

A halo is similar to a round cluster.

A larger centre diamond surrounded by small diamonds set a little way away from it giving the halo effect.

Each of these categories could be interpreted in an infinite number of ways. You might prefer a classic or traditional version or something more contemporary. Vintage engagement rings are popular with people who love the fashions of a particular era such as the 1940s or 1960s or 1970s. If you can’t find a genuine period-piece we could make you a new ring made in that style.

If you don’t have a particular style in mind, start narrowing the field.

Eliminate the types you like least, and gradually focus in on what appeals to you the most.

Designer engagement rings

Jewellery designers tend to have their own specific style that they like to work in.

Often, a designer’s “signature style” immediately recognisable to those "in the know".

Where mass-produced rings tend to be rather “vanilla”, so that they will appeal to the greatest number of people, a designer engagement ring can be much more “niche”.

One-of-a-kind engagement rings from Aurum Jewellers

The bespoke engagement rings we produce for our clients vary enormously in style, ranging from contemporary to classic. The rings in our stock often provide inspiration for our customers.

If you are looking for an unusual engagement ring take a look at these pages Flick engagement ring and Infinity engagement ring .

These contemporary engagement ring styles appeal particularly those people wanting a something different to what is generally available. Each one is designed and made to the exact requirements of the customer, so no two are ever the same. If you prefer something more traditional, we can design a Unique engagement ring that is classic in style.

Our Flick engagement ring is our signature style. Each one is individually designed and handmade for a particular client. What makes a Flick engagement ring different is that it is not symmetrical, having one flat side so that it will next to a straight wedding ring. This causes the diamond to be pushed down the finger and one shoulder flicks down to meet it. – Hence the name! Some people prefer a chunky engagement ring and some a really delicate one. – The Flick concept can be adapted to suit your own personal taste. To see examples visit Flick Engagement Rings

Choosing the diamond for your engagement ring

If you are going for a solitaire engagement ring (that’s a ring with just one diamond) choosing the stone is a big part of the design process. Where the diamond weighs more than 0.35ct we use GIA certificated stones.

No two diamonds are exactly the same so when selecting your diamond you won’t be comparing like with like.

Certificates from independent gem grading organisations like the GIA are useful when deciding which is the best stone for you.

We can supply GIA certificated diamonds of any size and quality.

However, we suggest you don’t base your choice wholly on the certificate.

Buy with your eyes! Often a diamond that is not quite as good on paper as another, just has something about it that makes it stand out.

Once your diamond is set in your ring you’ll probably never look at the certificate again, so it’s how the stone looks to you that is most important.

We can show you a selection of certified diamonds that fit your criteria, so you can pick the one that appeals most to you

Choosing the best metal for your ring

Whether you prefer yellow gold or a white metal your ring will be on your finger for the rest of your life. The metal you choose needs to be durable in order to stay in shape and hold your diamond securely.

Platinum engagement rings

If you prefer white metal platinum is undoubtedly the best choice. Platinum is tough and hard-wearing, making it highly suitable for setting diamonds. As it is naturally white it does not need plating and will not change colour.

White gold engagement rings are popular but many people don’t realise that they are rhodium plated to make them look whiter than they really are. If you buy a white gold ring you should be aware that the white colour you see is a very thin coating. This is rhodium that has been electroplated onto the white gold, and it will wear off. Some people who find their engagement ring is changing colour think that it is tarnishing. In fact, the plating is wearing away and the true colour of the white gold is showing through. White gold was originally developed as a cheaper alternative to platinum.

Palladium is another alternative metal to platinum. It is part of the platinum group of metals and shares some characteristics with platinum itself. Palladium is tougher than white gold and it is naturally white so does not need rhodium plating. However, it is not as tough as platinum and is not as suitable for setting diamonds.

If you prefer yellow or rose gold it is still a good idea to have the stone setting in platinum. This is for two reasons. Platinum is tougher and better for holding stones, plus it will not reflect yellow into your diamond.

Getting the right finger size

We advise against using tape-measures or paper ring sizes downloaded from the internet. These are not accurate at all.

The most reliable way to find get the right ring size is to go into a jeweller’s and have the finger measured properly using metal ring sizes. If you are planning to surprise your partner you will need to find her size without giving the game away.

A ring should slide on easily and come off with just a little tug. There does need to be some resistance, usually on your knuckle, so that the ring cannot fall off. Aim for a fit that is comfortably snug but not tight. Bear in mind that your fingers change size according to the temperature. They expand in hot weather and shrink when it’s cold. For this reason it is best to measure your finger when the temperature is neither very hot nor very cold.

If we are going to make your ring we prefer to do the measuring ourselves. Ring sizing sounds straightforward but there is more to it than you might think. It is more art than science. Years of experience have shown that we need to take into account various factors including the width and the profile of the band, how fleshy or bony the finger is and how big the knuckle is relative to the part where the ring will sit.

If you can’t find out the size it is not the end of the world. – We can always adjust the finger-size after you have proposed.

Engagement ring designers

When you choose Aurum to create your engagement ring you can trust that you’re in safe hands. Since we started back in 1985 our highly-skilled jewellery designers and goldsmiths we have created bespoke engagement rings for thousands of clients. Countless couples have marked their engagement with a bespoke engagement ring designed and made by Aurum. We could do the same for you.

We design and individually hand-craft each ring in our on-site workshop. Our talented designer-craftsmen hand-make unique engagement rings in platinum, gold and palladium with diamonds and precious stones of all kinds. We specialise in GIA certificated diamonds.

When you give or receive an engagement ring, you’re announcing to the world that you’ve found your other half.

make sure you do it in style with a bespoke engagement ring.

If you are looking for the perfect engagement ring the craftsmen at Aurum designer-jewellers can produce it for you.

With a wealth of experience in creating bespoke engagement rings for clients across the UK and Worldwide, our skilled jewellers would be delighted to discuss your requirements.

To discuss ideas for a bespoke engagement ring speak to Aurum jewellers today!

If you like the idea of proposing to your partner with a custom-made engagement ring but you just don’t know how to go about it, give us a call. We’ve been making bespoke engagement rings since 1985 so we are experts in coming up with the right design for a particular person.

You know your partner better than anyone else, so we need you to give us as much detail as you can about their style, taste and interests. We’ll ask you lots of questions in order to find out what makes them tick. As we move forward with the design process you can have as much creative input as you wish. By the end of the consultation we will have arrived at a design that is perfect for her.

Aurum designer-jewellers has been designing and making bespoke wedding rings for more than 30 years. We offer a free design consultation to discuss your requirements. There is absolutely no obligation.

The first step is to give us a call….

Custom-made engagement rings Vs ready made

andrew@aurumjewellers.com (Aurum Jewellers ) — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 16:16:14 GMT

Are there any advantages to a bespoke ring?

If you are wondering what benefits there might be to commissioning a bespoke engagement ring, rather than buying off-the-shelf, ask yourself this question:

Which of these would your other half rather receive?

(1) An engagement ring that was mass-produced in a factory, by semi-skilled workers using moulds; a ring that is absolutely identical to thousands of others, out of the same mould and offered in any number of jewellers all over the country.

(2) A unique ring that was individually created, specifically for her by a highly-skilled artisan, and that you actually helped to design?

Which do you think would delight her more? Which would make her feel more special?

Proposing with a bespoke engagement ring says so much more than a mass-produced off-the-shelf ring ever could.

Designing the ring together

These days it’s not unusual for couples to go shopping together for their engagement ring.

If you decide on this route, both of you can have an input into the design.

The excitement of designing your engagement ring together adds an extra dimension to the purchase, and is a shared experience you’ll remember forever.

Find out more about bespoke engagement rings .

So, how do you go about commissioning a unique engagement ring?

Click to see our Design Process

Why choose Aurum designer-jewellers?

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 11:10:17 GMT

Why you might want to talk to us about your jewellery requirements.

Our jewellery is designed and handmade in-house, by our own highly skilled craftsmen/craftswomen.

We specialise in one-off and bespoke pieces.

We do not sell online.

We believe that purchasing a wedding ring or engagement ring is a unique moment in anyone's life, and that personal one-to one service from an expert is the way to achieve the best possible result.

As a client, you can have as much creative input as you wish in the design of your piece of jewellery.

Because we are both maker and retailer, we are able to offer exclusive bespoke designs at prices that are comparable with those of good quality factory-produced pieces.

You don't deal with a salesman, but with one of our expert jewellery designers, goldsmiths, and diamond mounters.

Our craftsmen and craftswomen follow the whole creation from the initial design consultation through to handing over the finished item, and take great pride in producing jewellery that completely fulfils the brief, and exceeds the expectations of the client.

To keep your jewellery looking it's best, we offer a free annual clean for items purchased from us.

We are a well-established bespoke jeweller near Brighton

Aurum designer-jewellers is a contemporary jewellers based in West Sussex.

The business was set up in 1985, by jewellery-designer Andrew Leggett, who had spent the preceding 10 years making high-class contemporary jewellery in the London workshops, of eminent London jewellery designers John Donald and the late Geoffrey Turk.

Having set-up business in his home town of Worthing, Andrew continued working alone in the workshop for the first sixteen years.

Moving to a slightly larger premises in 2001 meant there was room for more benches, and there are now three goldsmiths creating contemporary jewellery in the workshop above the showroom.

Virtually everything is produced to commission.

When recruiting a new goldsmith the company takes a graduate with a degree in jewellery design, fresh from university and trains them in-house to produce work to Andrew Leggett’s exacting standards.

"Aurum jewellers' "house style"

We love creating contemporary jewellery, with clean, simple lines, and our own style tend

The scale of our work ranges from fine and delicate to chunky and even "outsize".

Our stock pieces are often used as inspiration for our clients when designing their own pieces, although much of the bespoke jewellery we create bears no resemblance whatever to our "house style".

Our talented team thrives on the challenges that come with each new commission.

Although most of our clients visit us in person, we frequently undertake commissions for bespoke contemporary jewellery from all over the UK and abroad, with all arrangements being made using e-mails and phone calls.

Commissioning jewellery from Aurum

When you commission a piece of bespoke jewellery from Aurum, you deal direct with Andrew Leggett, or with one of his small team of highly-skilled jewellery designers and goldsmiths.

Because we are the makers we understand the technicalities involved in the design, and can give you expert advice along the way.

We guide you through the design process, answering questions and giving you all the advice you need.

Usually the goldsmith you speak to will be the one who actually makes your piece of jewellery, if you decide to order. - A very personal one-to one service.

If you have an enquiry, please give us a call, for a brief initial chat.

The next step would be to book a free design consultation.

Design your own wedding ring

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 10:29:36 GMT

Your wedding ring is the only part of your wedding that you'll be wearing every day for the rest of your life. Instead of buying standard off-the-shelf wedding rings, you could design your own ring.

You don’t have to be able to draw in order to design your rings!

If you can describe it, we can create it for you! Even if you don't have the faintest idea what style of wedding ring you would like you can still have a lot of input into the design of your own unique ring. We have plenty of ideas and we'll offer all the expert advice and suggestions you need.

It is really a case of making lots of small decisions about every aspect of the ring, and when you put them all together you have produced a design that will be unique to you.

With a bride's wedding ring we'll usually start by looking at the engagement ring. The two rings need to complement one another.

In most cases the engagement ring is the main focus of attention, and the wedding ring needs to enhance it rather than compete with it.

We'll advise you on how to strike the right balance to arrive at the effect you are after.

You can decide on the width of band that works best. It's usually a good idea to go for the same depth of band.

If the shape of your engagement ring means it will not work with a traditional straight band, the solution could be a fitted wedding ring . Just as with a straight wedding ring, you have control over the width, depth and cross-section, and it can be plain or diamond-set.

Choose a bespoke wedding ring from Aurum jewellers

Why buy a mass-produced ring on the high street, when for a similar price you could have a unique engagement ring created just for you? Make your engagement even more special with Aurum designer jewellers.

The size of your finger needs to be considered when deciding on the width of the band. There is no right or wrong width. - It just has to look right to you!

Lifestyle is something we consider when designing your wedding ring. If you have a manual job or have "heavy-duty" hobbies you are likely to put marks into your ring. For this reason you might want to go for a surface finish that will disguise these marks.

A dent or scratch on a plain polished ring will stand out but on a heavily textured wedding ring it will blend in with the texture.

Make Your Own Wedding Ring?

Really? - Are you intending to make your own wedding dress? - Are you going to bake and decorate your own wedding cake?

Unless you are an expert seamstress or baker or cake decorator, you'll probably be leaving these tasks to people who are experts in their respective fields. In spite of the current craze for "make your own wedding ring", we suggest you have your wedding ring made by a professional too.

It takes years of training to become a goldsmith, and even making something as simple as a wedding ring takes a long time to master. However, if you would like to design your own wedding ring, we can turn your ideas into reality.

Aurum designer-jewellers has been helping couples design their own wedding rings since 1985.

We have a huge amount of experience, and would be pleased to discuss ideas with you. Consultations are FREE and without obligation.

To see examples see our Wedding Rings page.

BESPOKE DRESS RINGS IN SUSSEX

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 09:40:34 GMT

Spoil yourself or a loved one with with a custom made dress ring.

At Aurum designer jewellers, our specialist jewellery designers create a range of custom made rings for clients in Sussex and across the UK. We have the skills and experience to craft the most beautiful pieces of jewellery.

Unique Rings from Aurum Jewellers

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, it can be one of the most important times and memories in your life time. Proposing to your loved one is a very special milestone and something that should involve a lot of thought. At Aurum Jewellers we provide an extensive selection of engagement rings in custom designs, whether you're looking for antique, modern, classic styles, art deco or something contemporary.

Whatever your requirements, we can help, we have experience working with opal, diamond, emerald, pearls, sapphire, ruby, white gold, gold, rose gold and platinum engagement rings. Our professional jewellers will turn your ideas into reality.

Choose Sussex Jewellers

Since 1985 we have been creating bespoke jewellery of all kinds, particularly engagement rings, wedding rings and eternity rings. Our highly-skilled goldsmiths design and make each piece in our on-site workshop in Worthing, Sussex.

Over the years we have worked with thousands of clients in Sussex, across the UK and even overseas, to produce their perfect engagement ring and our specialists would be be delighted to discuss with you how we could do the same for you. Should you wish to visit our showroom in Worthing to discuss ideas with one of our goldsmiths from our jewellery workshop, then simply call our team to book.

You can have as much or as little creative input as you wish in the design process, whether you have a specific design in mind or no idea all, it doesn't matter, we understand that every client is different which is why we offer a FREE design consultation. Each consultation starts with a blank sheet of paper, and we design your ring specifically to fit your requirements.

Unlike normal retail jewellers, we don't try to sell you a ring that we already have. Our aim is to design a ring that will to suit the taste and the lifestyle of the person who will wear it. Equally, because we start from scratch we can tailor the design to fit your budget. You will receive as much expert advice and as many ideas as you need.