Once, when it came to The Ring, a bride's heart's desire was anything from Tiffany & Co. Now, some are thinking outside the robin-blue box.
Sure, a sparkler from the famous jeweller will never go out of style but, nowadays, it's got to reflect your personality.
In other words, matching bands are boring.
For Big Day baubles that capture the trend, brides can go for coordinated themes, matching materials or stones, or just opt for something completely different from the groom's ring.
Florence Neo, director of German jewellery brand Charlotte, says: 'People have their own ideas about what they want and ask for something unique or customised. They are not interested in what's available off-the-rack and mass-marketed.'
For example, the couple may have a theme that symbolises a common interest or hobby. Or a bride could pick a stone that both she and her man like, and then choose her own style of band.
Urban suggests eight places to rock on beyond Tiffany's.
IF BLUE IS YOUR THING
A DIAMOND MARKS THE SPOT
GOTHIC KICK
You may have dared to look beyond that robin-blue box, but the colour blue does it for you. So think sapphire for a sea change from diamond white. What's more, these sapphire creations enable you and your man to express your own styles.
Flower Diamond Blue Sapphire ring in 18K white gold, $4,100; and Dick Lee for Flower Diamond sapphire ring in 18K white gold, $1,950, both from Flower Diamond Boutique, 02-12B Ngee Ann City
For the guy who has trouble remembering his wedding anniversary, this 18K white gold band solves the problem. It marks the 31 days in a month on one surface, and the month and year of your big day on the other. A 0.051 carat diamond sits at the correct spot to mark the date when you tied the nuptials.
Unforgettable Wedding Bands, $1,380 each, from Poh Heng Jewellery, 01-02 Park Hotel Orchard (the former Crown Prince Hotel)
Goth need not be garish. These edgy pieces by home-grown designer Lee Ker Shing are from her brand Argentum, which is Latin for silver. They are ideal for those who shudder at all things sugar and spice.
Argentum rings, $313 and $373, from Blackjack, 01-10 Forum
FAIRYTALE FANCY
SILVER STRUCK
BRANDED FOR LIFE
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who kissed a toad and now they're going to wed. Celebrate the frog-prince in your life.
Froggy ring with moonstone and rhodolite pave, $484, and bezel ring with 18.86K African amethyst cabochon, $696, from Dave's Fine Jewellery, Level 2 Tangs Orchard
Although not part of a set, these two pieces match effortlessly. Just right for a couple of individuals.
Black onyx and 925 sterling silver rings, $115 each, from Evnur Solid Silver and Fine Jewellery, 03-01 Tanglin Mall
Never thought you'd be buying your luggage and wedding bands in the same store? Think again. You'll definitely want to bag Louis Vuitton's new venture into wedded bliss, complete with the French brand's distinctive signature mark.
Empreinte collection, ring in white gold with diamonds, $6,200; and Empreinte collection ring in white gold without diamonds, $4,750, from Louis Vuitton, 01-20 Ngee Ann City
PERFECT FIT
G WHIZZ
The shoe may fit, but the ring may not. Sometimes even a Cinderella who has found her handsome prince ends up with a ring that doesn't sit right. That won't be a problem if you opt for these rings. They're designed to mould to the shape of your finger perfectly.
3D Contour Band with six diamonds, $2,280, and Palladium Wave Band, $2,305, from Charlotte, 01-073 Suntec City
Famous for its bold fashion, Italian label Gucci has now worked its magic on wedding rings. Its new wedding band range means that a fashionista bride's walk down the aisle will be red carpet-worthy.
Gucci Icon Twirl in 18K yellow gold, $1,370, and Gucci Icon Twirl in 18K white gold, $1,370, from Gucci, 01-40 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on July 31, 2008.
