Of all the things you will buy for your wedding, your rings are the one thing that will be with you for life, so it's worth making sure you get exactly what you want! To help you understand better how your rings will be made especially for you, we have put together this guide to the ring making process.

Step One - Consultation

Once you have contacted Rayne regarding the making of your wedding rings she will discuss with you, either face to face, by phone, or by email, your exact requirements for your rings. To confirm the sizes required there are a couple of options - at a face to face meeting we can use metal ring sizers (individual rings at half size increments), or for consultations by phone or email we can provide you with a plastic ring sizer which is a little like a tape measure to identify the correct ring size.

If your wedding ring is to be designed to fit around a shaped engagement ring then we can use your ring to identify the correct measurements, and will also need to use your ring to model around - we promise to keep your engagement ring for as short a time as possible and take the utmost care of it whilst it is in our posession!

Step Two - Model Making

Once we have determined exactly what you are looking for Rayne will make a model of your ring, either in wax, silver or base metals depending on the style. These less expensive metals are both easier to work with than gold or platinum, and mean that we can minimise wastage (and thus cost!). This model will be an exact replica of your ring which is used to cast the final form of the ring.

If you are in a rush for your ring and are looking for a relatively standard design, then we can sometimes buy in ready made components for your ring which just need finishing and polishing. Obviously this does not give you the same individuality for your ring but can be completed in quicker timescales and can be more cost effective if you are on a budget.

Step Three - Casting and Finishing

The model of your ring will be take to one of the reputable casting companies that we use to be cast into the chosen metal for your wedding rings. After casting, the ring will be finished using a combination of hand tools and specialist machinery to smooth off any lumps and bumps created by the casting process, and to provide a smooth surface ready for setting and polishing.

Step Four - Hallmarking

With the ring in the final stages of its production, it is taken to the London Assay office to have its metal content checked and UK hallmarks applied. These are a legal requirement for selling precious metal jewellery or objects in the UK, and identify the maker, metal used and the assay office who applied the marks. Rayne Holt's hallmark consists of the initials RH within a semicircular border.

Step Five - Stone Setting and Polishing

With hallmarks applied it is time for the final stages of making your rings. Any stones desired are sourced for the final ring, and any additional surface decoration applied. As stone setting is a highly specialist process we typically contract a skilled and specialist stone setter in order to ensure the highest quality finish.

Your ring is now given its final polish to give it a quality final finish. White gold rings are also plated with Rhodium to ensure a clean white colour.

Now that your ring is a reality, it is packaged for delivery. Your satisfaction is our utmost concern, and we are confident you will be completely happy with your final ring, and if you wish to have your ring resized, polished, or (in the case of white gold) replated in the future, we will be there to help keep your ring in perfect condition.