Rings
Choosing a ring design is personal and often emotionally driven. Whilst there are factors involved with regard to what style may suit you, such as the length and shape of your fingers and hands, it’s often more about what the piece represents for you. Choosing the perfect design needs to take into account whether you are drawn to classic or contemporary styles, large or small stones, coloured stones, white, yellow or rose gold. It is also important to consider your work and home environment and whether you are looking for evening or everyday wear. Most significantly though it’s always about how it makes you feel.
Earrings
As everyone’s shape of ear and earlobes are different, it is certainly worth discussing with your jewellery consultant what styles may suit you best; studs, drops, and hoops, can look different depending on the size and angle of your earlobes, what colour your hair is and whether you wear it long, short, up or down. At SECRETS we are confident we will find the perfect look for you!
If you are buying online we recommend our classic range of studs as a starting point, they suit all ear shapes and the .75ct – 1ct is a lovely size for most people. It is also a great size if you are buying as a gift, this in mind however if you know the person you are buying for is either more conservative or flamboyant then you can choose smaller or larger stones as appropriate.
Pendants and Chains
Solitaire pendants look good for every occasion, during the day or as a simple accent piece in the evening. Choosing the stone size and shape for you is usually best done in store where you can try on a range of pieces. However if you are purchasing online, a 1ct version of any of our classic pendants is a lovely size and will dress down or up depending on the occasion. when choosing a pendant and chain the chain must enhance the pendant and the length of the chain must complement the shape of your neckline and create the look you desire.
Fancy pendants are available to make a real statement and should be considered in light of the earrings you are choosing and the outfit you are wearing.
We have a range of chains and omega wires in various lengths and styles; sparkly, plain and slinky; 40cm, 45cm and 50cm lengths.
Choosing for a friend
if you are choosing for a friend, whether it be a pendant, ring, earrings or combination of these, Finding out a few basic pieces of information will really assist your selection and decision making process.
- Gold colour, what does your friend usually wear?
Do they already have a lot of jewellery and enjoy wearing different pieces every day?
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is their personal style classic or contemporary?
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Do they like large stones or are they more conservative?
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Are they attracted to colour or do they resonate with the white stones?
If this is a very special gift, you may want to spend a bit more time on research than normal! If you are considering a ring as a surprise and you would like to make sure that it fits, you can note the size of their rings on your own finger, alternatively bring one with you if can manage this, or make a quick drawing round the inside of the ring. Any of these would give us the information we need for size. Alternatively you can purchase the ring and we will complimentary resize it for your friend after you have given it to them.
View
∞ Ring Size Chart
Our experienced sales assistants will guide you as best they can but if you are not sure, then be comforted that your friend can always exchange for a different piece or you may consider a gift certificate as an alternative.
Our resizing is complimentary at the time of purchase.
Stone shape
As you can see from our section on stones, there are many to choose from. Certainly some shapes are perfect for everyday wear, and some are considered more suitable for the evening or an occasion. Classic and contemporary shapes can be worn at any time. The brilliant cut has been a favourite for hundreds of years because of its exceptional sparkle. A piece of jewellery containing brilliant cut stones always looks fabulous and can be considered an essential part of every well-dressed wardrobe. Your choice of size is what makes the difference between an every day design and a sensational piece of evening wear.
Cuts and shapes
Pear shapes are often considered more glamorous and can really set off an evening outfit.
Emerald cuts, radiant and oval are classic, elegant, gorgeous and have a timeless nature.
The Princess cut is enjoying something of a revival and is particularly popular with brides.
Stone Size
Larger stones form statement pieces and can be very effective as cocktail or evening wear; coloured stones really come into their own here and when complementing an outfit will have real impact.
Smaller stones are often considered more realistic in relation to diamonds and suitable for someone with a smaller frame, or simply to create understated elegance.
Coloured stones
SECRETS has a range of simulated gemstones from which to chose. These can be placed into any of our designs which will be specially made for you. Often coloured stones are most beautiful when adjacent to white stones and they are especially gorgeous when matching an outfit or have real impact with a big stone as a signature piece. Champagne coloured stones naturally suit most skin tones and look fabulous in a yellow gold setting, whereas pink or aquamarine stones are stunning in white gold.
Gold
There is no doubt that skin tone plays a part in which type of gold suits you best; you probably know your preference already! Gold has warm tones and can really glow and enhance olive skin. White gold is a sharp look and looks spectacular on dark and light skins. Some people can wear only one or the other but many can wear both. Recently there has been a trend for wearing both at the same time. Rose gold has a particular lustre due to the pink or coppery tones and usually it is a matter of personal preference.
Setting
Our jewellery designs come in many different settings which suit all occasions and personal preferences. Some showcase the stones to particular effect and others maximize the gold in the band and setting. Sometimes your need is purely practical, around small children there is a preference for channel or bezel settings so there’s no chance of scratching someone accidentally.
As with all our designs it’s best to try the piece and see how it looks on you.
The most common settings used are claws, channels and bezels. Claw settings allow the stones to be the hero of the piece. Regardless of the colour of the band, often the claw setting is made in white gold as this enhances the sparkle of a white stone. Many of our bands are channel set which makes a practical and easy piece of jewellery to wear. Bezels, where the gold encircles the stone gives a different look and sometimes a heavier gold look will suit a person rather than purely the stones. Again there are no rules about this! It is just something that you recognise when you put the piece on.
We have examples of the following settings in our designs;
Claw, bezel, semi bezel, end set, channel, grain, pave, and some pieces elegantly combine these settings.
Other considerations
- Am I looking for a timeless classic piece or am I buying it as a fashion accessory for a single occasion or outfit?
- What other jewellery do I usually wear nearby? A wedding set that is never taken off or a watch may have colours or features that need to be complemented?
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Can I buy other pieces like this to build up a collection?
- Do you want this piece to complement your usual style or are you after something different to make a statement?
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Price; almost all our jewellery is available in 14ct gold and some, especially the more elaborate pieces can also be ordered in 10ct gold as a more cost effective option. There are some special ranges which come in silver with a platinum coating and these start at around $100.
When all is said and done, our desire is to ensure that you are delighted with your choice, you are comfortable with the stone size and feel confident, glamorous and wonderful when wearing it.
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