Personalisation is one of the key wedding trends of 2020, from commissioning a bespoke engagement ring to making your own wedding favours. Goldsmith and jewellery designer Ann Chapman, owner of Stonechat, Westbury Mall, Dublin 2, has spotted certain trends emerging among clients commissioning rings: “Current cuts include cushion-shaped stones and pear-shaped coloured gemstones. It’s important to choose a setting you’ll love as much after 20, 30, 40 years, as you do on your wedding day. How stones are set has a big impact on the ring too – unusual designs with clean lines can make a coloured gemstone even more magnificent.”

mBestsellers include Stonechat’s Vibrance collection, especially the rose gold rings set with morganite centres and a halo of small diamonds. Chapman advises that an engagement ring should be in proportion to the hand of the wearer. “Emerald-cut and oval stones can elongate the finger. Rose gold looks good on very pale or very sallow skin, while white gold is crisp and fresh.” Chapman often suggests remodelling as a way of breathing new life into old jewellery. “Old gold can be melted and reused and additional stones can be added for a halo.”

Let’s not forget about the groom. Head goldsmith at ESL Jewellers, Keith Hennessy has seen an increase in customers who want to create wedding bands from existing jewellery that has sentimental value, for example, grandparents’ or parents’ wedding rings. “For men, the trend is towards white metal, mainly 9ct white gold and platinum, though yellow gold and rose gold bands are becoming more popular,” says Hennessy. “While the norm is a conservative 4mm and 5mm light and medium-weight court band, flat and high-domed styles are all available for men who want to steer away from the conventional. As a rule of thumb, the colour of a man’s watch should dictate what wedding band he wears. For instance, a platinum band will look best with a steel watch.”