The Rings

We ordered our rings from J's Diamonds. Same with everything else, we had the same criteria: simple, elegant, and timeless. When we found all three in their booth at the wedding expo, it was a done deal. We've been to hundreds... ok, maybe around fifty jewelry stores. There were simple rings, elegant rings, timeless rings, simple and elegant rings, elegant and timeless rings, simple and timeless rings, but not one of them were all three. It made us smile a little bit wider to find all three requirements in a pair of wedding bands that time. It would take a few months to have them made the right size and have the engravings done since they have to be ordered from Hong Kong, but it'll be worth the wait. Besides, we have time. 

The tips: One kuya from a store gave us his two cents, which we found to be really helpful, so I'm sharing them here, together with a thing or two we learned on the way. 

First, whatever design you want for your rings, it will always be best to see the real thing on your finger. 
No matter how pretty the design is, especially in photos, it will never look exactly the same when custom made. 
Next, aside from the stone qualities/specs, there are various other ring characteristics you have to pay attention to. For example, the width of the rings. Generally, thin delicate ones look good on women; how wide the men's are would depend on the size of their fingers. Then there's the thickness of the rings. Also, there's the insides and the edges. Will they be flat, curved, or pocked.
Check as well the other rings that you don't pick for the general quality of their merchandise.
Try not to scrimp on your rings too much coz you'll be wearing them forever, after all.
For the ladies' ring sizes, allow a few millimeters more in preparation for pregnancy bloating.
I don't know why, but the standard sizes didn't seem to apply to us. Our sizes differed from one store to another, so it would probably be best to have your size sorted on the store where you will be buying your rings from.

Aside from J's Diamonds, Radiance also has good ones. We had my engagement ring modified there. I'll look for the links of both and update this post.

Engagement Ring: Orogem & Radiance

Wedding Rings: J's Diamonds
Reserved/Ordered: March 8, 2014