When Jolene Riley asked her boyfriend Ben McDowell to bring her back a penny from Afghanistan as a sentimental gift, she got more than she bargained for. Ben turned an authentic Afghan coin into a beautiful ring in a touching gesture that saw the two get engaged immediately. Now Bay Rings, the leading custom ring retailers in the UK, are speaking out to more couples in order to encourage them to create their own personalised, individual rings ahead of the big day.

A spokesman for the company, which specialises in gold, silver, titanium and platinum wedding rings, says, “The heartrending gesture from a serving soldier to his girlfriend was a wonderful example of how custom rings can be more meaningful and powerful than standard shop-window style pieces. At Bay Rings, we can personalise rings by offering engravings and a range of different stones in order to make a ring truly personal and unique to a couple. We’re speaking out to all men wondering how on earth they’re going to find a special ring for their ideal woman – we urge them to get creative and allow the ring to do the talking for them!”

Bay Rings is the online subsidiary of a well-known jewellery provider – their online-only store means that they can pass on incredible cost savings to their customers. Rather than spending thousands on custom rings, customers can reduce their outlay to just a few hundred pounds, for a high-quality personalised ring that will stand the test of time.

Their selection of rings is expansive; from platinum bands to the more intricate Russian and Celtic rings, there is a wide selection to choose from. Each and every ring can be customised with engravings that come in a multitude of different fonts; whether you want something bold and traditional, or a more contemporary, elegant script, Bay Rings delivers. There is also the possibility of adding hearts, double hearts, arrow-pierced hearts and infinity symbols, to add a truly romantic touch to the band.

Taking their cue from the serving soldier, all men are now being urged to pour their heart into the creation of their future wife’s wedding ring. Whether they want to mould their own from a precious coin, or simply personalise it using Bay Rings’ value customisation services.

Visit the Bay Rings Facebook page for more wedding stories, ring-choosing tips and gorgeous rings to inspire you!

The couple, Greg and Sarah Lindsay, had their rings inscribed with a message personal to them, taking inspiration from the classic TV show, Friends. Their wedding bands were engraved with the message, ‘My Love, My Life, My Lobster’, in a reference to Ross and Rachel’s long-lasting love that endured the show’s ten seasons and beyond. But when Greg’s ring went missing on the beach in California, the two assumed that the band had been washed into the Pacific and they would never see the beloved piece of jewellery again.

In an incredible stroke of luck and fate, a woman walking along the beach just a few days later saw what she initially thought was a bottle cap. On approaching the item, she realised it was a wedding ring with a unique inscription, and she set about using social media to find the owners. Thanks to the unique engraving on the inside of the ring, the post went viral and just four days later Greg was reunited with his one-off wedding ring.

The story demonstrates that engraving a ring can have a myriad of benefits besides the sentimental touch. There are many situations where couples may need to remove their wedding ring – whether they’re at the gym, at a place of work or simply just getting in the bath – and having a personal message or unique touch added to the ring can help people to identify the ring  if they’ve removed them.

If a ring is lost, many people nowadays turn to social media in an attempt to be reunited with their most personal and precious jewellery. They often cite the ring’s special features in order to help people to identify it, but if the ring is purely generic with no unusual or individual characteristics, they may have trouble claiming their ring back if it’s found. By engraving special dates, quotes or meaningful lyrics on their rings, they give their jewellery a crucial identifier should it ever go missing, protecting and personalising their wedding band with one simple decision.

Summer is traditionally ‘wedding season’ in the UK, with August generally being the most popular month to get married. The summer sun, the school holidays and the fact that there is a bank holiday at the end of the month generally means that August is prime wedding time, and those who have chosen the eighth month as the time they will say their vows will already be deep into the planning process. But with venues to arrange, guest lists to finalise and menus to consider, the actual wedding rings are often written off as a one-day task which can be taken care of in an afternoon!

Au contraire, say the staff at Bay Rings – with so many choices regarding metal, style, stones, cut, carat and cost, choosing a wedding ring can be a very time-consuming activity. It’s important for couples getting married this summer that they pick out their rings in advance to avoid last-minute jitters about their bespoke wedding ring arriving on time.

A spokesman for Bay Rings says, “The time leading up to summer is often our busiest, and we urge all customers to get their orders in way ahead of their wedding in order to ensure that, by the time they are ready to say their vows, their rings are exactly how they imagined them. If purchasing a bespoke ring, it is always wise to leave plenty of time between ordering and delivery, as the ring has to be made up. What’s more, if you are unsure of your ring size and worry that you may need to send back a ring and order a replacement, which takes yet more time – time that many couples don’t have when they leave their rings as the last order of business!”

He adds, “Buying a budget-friendly ring early in the process also gives couples an idea of how much they have left to spend on a wedding, rather than having little to no money left at the end of the planning process for the all-important marital jewellery.”

Bay Rings have a comprehensive selection of wedding rings in various different materials and finishes on their site, and they also specialise in bespoke offerings that are personal to each couple.

Research has shown that 21% of couples struggle to pay for their big day, and are forced to take out loans, credit cards or borrow money from family.  The staggering cost of getting hitched is rising rapidly, leaving newlyweds unnecessarily starting their marriage in debt unless they sacrifice elements of their dream day.  However, budget wedding suppliers such as Bay Rings are offering brides and groom-to-be affordable wedding rings, without compromising on quality.

The certified online shop is a budget friendly supplier of wedding jewellery, catering to bride and grooms-to-be who are trying to keep costs down.  However, the online jewellery store goes much further in making the wedding planning process stress-free. By purchasing the wedding rings online, couples can enjoy the hassle-free ordering system and wait for their jewellery to be delivered directly to their door – absolutely free.

“We know how stressful it can be with so much to organise and coordinate for the big day, which is why we make purchasing your wedding rings as simple as possible,” explains a spokesman for Bay Rings.  “We assure you we offer the best value for money with out price beater guarantee, and then we allow you to sit back and relax while we deliver your rings at no extra cost.”

The established family business have been trading jewellery for over 60 years, but if customers need further reassurance before buying from the website Bay Rings offer a money back guarantee.  For 21 days after receiving the rings, if any couples are dissatisfied for any reason they are welcome to a full refund.

The Bay Rings spokesperson added, “As an online retailer, we do everything we can to put our customers’ minds at ease.  We are a trusted, certified jewellery company and have specialised in wedding rings for a long time.  We understand the level of quality that newlyweds expect, as these rings will be cherished for a lifetime.  With our affordable collection, free delivery and money back guarantee, our service is unbeatable.”

The website offers a variety of wedding rings in platinum, white gold, yellow gold and titanium, in addition to providing a bespoke design service.  For a more personalised ring, couples can design a customised piece of jewellery to give to their lover on their wedding day.

Why a circle? The circular shape of the ring is thought to be an ancient symbol of everlasting love, an eternal commitment that has no beginning and no end.

Engagement rings

The quintessential engagement ring is unarguably going to feature a diamond. Today the dazzling gem is one of the most sought after stones in the world. So what’s so special about this remarkable mineral? The word diamond is derived from the Ancient Greek word adámas, meaning ‘unbreakable’, making it a well suited symbol of eternal love. It’s also said that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds. Put two and two together and it’s no wonder that the diamond is the unanimous gemstone of choice for declaring undying love.

The history of the engagement ring dates back to the Middle Ages when marriage ceremonies were sealed with a diamond, the gesture considered reflective of the gemstone’s unbreakable properties. It’s thought to have made its debut appearance in 1475 when Italian lord, Constanzo Sforza presented his beloved Camilla d’Aragona with a diamond ring on their wedding day. The ring is said to have first been used as a symbol of betrothment in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, his wife-to-be. Today the romantic representation of the diamond engagement ring is more prominent than ever and remains a resounding symbol of love and devotion.

Wedding Rings

Wedding rings date back to ancient Egyptian times when water plants, rushes and reeds were braided together and used to make rings. As the tradition developed the delicate woven rings were replaced with more durable materials such as bone, ivory and leather and eventually metals. As their popularity grew the value of the ring material became intrinsically linked with the level of love and devotion shown to the recipient. It was not until around 860 that traditional gold rings were used in Christian marriage ceremonies.

The tradition of wearing wedding rings on the left hand ring finger is derived from the Roman belief that the finger was home to the ‘vena amoris’ or the ‘vein of love’, thought to be directly connected to the heart. While scientists have rained on the parades of hopeless romantics everywhere and proven the theory false, the romantic tradition has resounded and wedding rings continue to be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.

Nobody wants to have a similar wedding to a friend or a member of the family, but there are limited ways in which to make the wedding ceremony unique.  Moreover, many distinctive elements available such as live music or releasing doves are extremely expensive.  Most couples can’t afford these added extras when their budgets are already stretched to the max just by accommodating all their guests.

A special way to honour the wedding vows and ensure you have something exclusive to your ceremony is to design your own wedding rings.  While an extravagant wedding day is a priority for some people, the most important part of the day is the vows the couple make and the commitment to marriage.  The rings are the outward symbol of this love and commitment which you will wear forever; therefore we believe the wedding rings are one of the most important elements of a wedding and a marriage.

Wedding rings are cherished for eternity, so what better way to signify your love for each other than creating a bespoke ring? Knowing that you are the only couple in the world with those exact unique rings will reinforce your relationship and make your wedding day distinctive and special.  Designing your own bespoke wedding ring is:

• Personal and individual – you will be personalising your vows, wedding ceremony and long lasting marriage by creating your own individual wedding ring.
• Easy – rather than shopping around for months for your ideal design, simply describe to the jewellery the style of ring you would like.  Designing a bespoke ring is the easiest way to buy your perfect wedding jewellery.
• Affordable – purchasing a unique ring has a reputation for being pricey, but in fact it doesn’t have to cost any more than buying a normal wedding ring.  Budget jewellers Bay Rings provide an affordable bespoke ring service for couples planning on getting hitched, and guarantee to be cheaper than other providers.

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Naturally, much of the focus on any wedding day will be on the bride’s wedding finger, but men often opt to wear a wedding band too – in fact, just 3% of grooms opt out of this tradition. Now Bay Rings are reminding couples all over the country that the groom’s wedding band should not be left until the last minute, pointing them in the direction of their custom ring design service to help make their love token more personal and unique.

A spokesman for Bay Rings said, “Men’s wedding bands often get overlooked in favour of the sparkly, diamond-encrusted women’s rings – but they’re just as important. The exchanging of rings is one of the most romantic parts of the wedding ceremony, and a wedding ring is most likely the only jewellery a man will wear in his daily life – so getting it right is tough! Luckily we offer a stunning range of men’s wedding rings in various different materials, and our custom ring design service can help men get the ring looking exactly as they want it before the big day comes.”

Men often prefer plain rings without too much decoration for their wedding band, and the Bay Rings collection delivers in every material. From unembellished titanium rings to streamlined and smooth platinum, men can have their choice of any bands they like, with the guarantee that they are investing in a low-cost ring that will be durable enough to last into the decades. Traditionalists can opt for gold wedding rings, and those that consider themselves more modern, forward-thinking men can even choose enamelled rings with a sleek embossed line or a pattern.

The custom option gives men the choice to personalise their rings further. They can have them engraved with special dates, words or other inscriptions, and they have full power over the ring’s overall appearance, from the finish to the size. If they see another, more expensive ring on the market that catches their eye, but want to have it created in a more budget-friendly fashion, they can send their ideas to the team at Bay Rings, who can source or create beautiful rings that match the demands of any budding groom.

With the prices of these holidays soaring, couples need to make vital cutbacks to their wedding budget in order to be able to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience on their honeymoon. Many newlyweds prefer to start their married life together in total bliss on a luxury sunshine break or an adventure trail, and the demand for this type of holiday is so great among couples that things such as outfit rental and low-cost rings are becoming a main feature of their wedding, in order to free up some much-needed funds. Bay Rings are one of the wedding providers helping couples to realise their travelling dreams and unleash their inner wanderlust.

A spokesman for Bay Rings said, “Many people are choosing to shun the traditional ideal of an extravagant church wedding so that they can instead experience the wonders of the world on an incredible holiday. With our range of custom wedding rings at low prices, we are helping many couples to realise this dream, see the world and start their married life off in memorable fashion with round-the-world trips and luxurious honeymoon destinations they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to afford.”

Bay Rings’ stunning range of budget wedding rings encompasses a range of different materials, with titanium, platinum and white gold amongst the most popular. They also include traditional yellow gold, and unique two-tone wedding rings for those who want something a little different on their big day. The rings start at just £172.70 for a beautiful platinum wedding ring, freeing up much-needed funds to put into the honeymoon savings pot.

All of the rings can be customised to suit the bride or grooms wishes; they can be engraved with script or important dates, they can have delicate detailing and they can even be set with stunning diamonds. A diamond-set platinum ring with three stones begins at just £434.95, demonstrating that great value doesn’t have to come at a high price.

As an online-only store, Bay Rings is in a unique position to offer these endlessly beautiful pieces of jewellery for less, simply because they have no overheads to pay. In the same way that couples forego expensive dresses and extravagant rings so that they can put their funds towards a more memorable holiday, Bay Rings have foregone a retail outlet so that they can pass the savings on directly to its customers.

With wedding costs spiralling out of control, 21% of couples are taking out loans and credit cards and one in nine newlyweds admit to almost breaking up over their strained wedding finances.  The study of over 1,000 couples highlights the shocking average figures spent on catering, entertainment, the perfect venue and attire.  The honeymoon tops the list with an average cost of £3,582, and the wedding rings make number 4, with British couples splashing out up to £1,856 on sentimental jewellery.

The certified online shop Bay Rings is a budget friendly supplier of wedding jewellery, catering to bride and grooms-to-be who choose not to sacrifice their happy marriage for the sake of one day.  With most couples forced to borrow money for the wedding from family, friends and banks, it means many Brits start their married life in a lot of debt.  The honeymoon period of a marriage, thought to be the happiest time of a persons life, is spent worrying and arguing about finances instead of showing love and building a life together.  Some couples in the survey even admitted to selling items they were given from their gift list, or the bride’s dress for some much needed cash after the big day.

Modern couples planning to get hitched are now forced to be more thrifty and creative than ever before, introducing a homemade wedding trend.  From crafty home-produced invitations and wedding favours, to asking family or friends bake the cake, couples are using all means available to significantly cut the wedding budget.  This includes looking at less expensive alternatives for flowers, outfits, entertainment and the rings.  The wedding jewellery market is brimming with rings promised to last a lifetime at a cost to match; established family business Bay Rings provides a unique, more affordable selection of high quality wedding jewellery for couples determined not to break the bank on their big day.

A spokesperson for Bay Rings, says “Bay Rings are committed to providing high quality, premium wedding rings at a low cost to couples planning a wedding.  The cost of most wedding suppliers are soaring at a time when many households are struggling, so we know that saving for a wedding can be extremely tough; especially for young couples.  Our selection of the finest gold, diamond and platinum wedding rings are fairly priced, to leave more budget remaining for other costly elements of a wedding.

In addition, our convenient online shop offers an easy and reliable way to purchase the wedding rings, with free delivery straight to the customer’s home.  Bay Rings takes the stress and unnecessary expense out of searching for and purchasing the wedding rings.”

Bay Rings is an online-only supplier of beautiful rings for weddings and other romantic celebrations, and they endeavor to offer those who shop at their online boutique the very best quality for the very best price – perfect when planning a wedding. With more people than ever heading online to compare prices and find the very best suppliers to enhance their wedding, the bespoke ring supplier are offering couples a comprehensive service which includes free delivery, a Price Beater policy and the option to customize every beautiful ring on the site.

A spokesperson for Bay Rings, who have been sourcing and supplying stunning rings for over sixty years, says, “The internet is a fantastic resource for couples searching for the best suppliers for their wedding, whether they are sourcing caterers, bridesmaid’s dresses or the wedding rings themselves. At Bay Rings are pride ourselves on being a modern, online-only business, and this allows us to focus all of our time on the clients that are finding our rings through online searches, offering them the very best customer service and a comprehensive collection of beautiful wedding jewellery.”

Bay Rings is the online department of a renowned wider jewellery manufacturer. The fact that this department operates solely online gives it a huge advantage when offering beautiful rings at low prices. There are no costly overheads for the company to pay in order to maintain and stock a retail unit, and with just a small team of highly-trained jewellery experts, Bay Rings are able to focus all of their resources on ensuring the most beautiful rings at the lowest prices. With Bay Rings, the online boutique is crucial; the sole focus of all efforts to provide the very best customer services and the most stunning premium rings to couples looking to keep their wedding budget modest.

With more couples carrying out internet searches than ever before, and with the figure expected to increase over the next few years as online spending goes through the roof, Bay Rings are committed to remaining at the forefront of platinum wedding rings and bespoke jewellery.