Michael Platt

Author: Rami

  • Bespoke vs. Ready-Made Engagement Rings: Which Is Right for You?

    Bespoke vs. Ready-Made Engagement Rings: Which Is Right for You?

    The Michael Platt guide to buying an engagement ring

    An engagement ring is one of the most meaningful pieces of jewellery you will ever buy, symbolising love and commitment. The decision between a ready-made design and a bespoke creation is deeply personal, influenced by style, sentiment, and exclusivity.

    A ready-made engagement ring offers convenience and immediacy. For those who prefer a traditional design, an expertly curated collection of timeless styles ensures an effortless selection process. These rings are meticulously crafted to reflect enduring elegance, allowing you to find a piece that captures your love story instantly. Additionally, they often present a more accessible price point and can be exchanged with greater flexibility should preferences evolve.

    A bespoke engagement ring, however, tells a story that is entirely your own. Designed from the ground up, every element—from the choice of gemstone to the intricate setting—is carefully considered, resulting in a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This level of customisation allows for a truly personal touch, whether through  the incorporation of meaningful details, hand-selected ethically sourced diamonds, or the craftsmanship of a unique silhouette. A bespoke ring is more than a symbol; it is an heirloom in the making, crafted to reflect the individuality of its wearer with uncompromising artistry.
    Ultimately, the choice depends on the significance you wish to imbue in your ring. For those seeking a refined, pre-designed piece with timeless appeal, a ready-made ring may be ideal. For those who desire something deeply personal and utterly unique, a bespoke creation offers unparalleled exclusivity.

    Comparison at a Glance

    At Michael Platt, we are dedicated to guiding you through this journey, whether you choose a striking ready-made ring or embark on a bespoke design experience. Visit our Wimbledon Village boutique to discover the perfect expression of your love.

    Buying your engagement ring is a truly magical occasion at Michael Platt, Church Road, Wimbledon Village SW19

  • Love, Romance and Marriage

    Let Specialist Jeweller, Michael Platt, guide you at this magical time

    Is this the right time to make it happen for you and your partner? Only YOU can know the true answer, but……if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance YES is the right answer!

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    Proposing marriage to the person you love could be a most cherished,  romantic and  significant moment; intimate and private, just the two of you, or perhaps very public – all singing and dancing.  Each proposal, memorable for its chosen time and place, is symbolised by that one important question and …… ….the box, containing a beautiful enduring Engagement Ring.    Feeling a little nervous about the detail? Let Goldsmith & Jeweller, Michael Platt be of assistance.

    Where to start when it comes to the ring: gemstone or diamond? and what shape? modern or traditional? single or multi stones? simple or intricate? gold or platinum?

    SO many decisions to make.

    Michael Platt, specialist jeweller in Wimbledon Village, know selecting the perfect engagement ring is an exciting but, possibly, daunting experience. With years of knowledge, they readily guide customers through the maze of information. Firstly set yourself a realistic budget, be comfortable about what is affordable. Take note of a partner’s style and current jewellery.  The team at Michael Platt will show a range of Engagement Rings, outlining all facts that affect the price.  Michael Platt love being involved in a surprise proposal, and listen carefully to customers’ suggestions to ensure that the very best choices are made and excellent value achieved in finding the ideal ring.

    The usual choice for the setting is either gold or platinum. White gold and platinum, when new, look identical, but will wear very differently. Gold rings will wear down over time and usually need more maintenance whilst platinum is stronger, more durable but usually commands a higher price. Setting the wedding date may not be a priority at this stage but some thought should be given to the wedding band to ensure it will fit well against the engagement ring and both look good together on the hand. Wedding rings, whether plain, fancy or diamond set, should complement the engagement ring and not overwhelm.

    An inherited gemstone or diamond can be transformed into a wonderful new engagement ring.  If the setting is dated or worn or isn’t exactly what’s required, Michael Platt specialise in Bespoke Jewellery, made onsite in their Workshop. An in-house designer and working Master Goldsmith will be hands on in designing and making the ring. The team take customers through the steps of the Bespoke Jewellery Process. Commissioning an exclusive unique Engagement Ring is an exciting and romantic journey that does not need to be complex or necessarily expensive.

    However, if selecting a ring feels too risky or complicated, consider proposing with a loose gemstone or diamond. In a beautiful presentation box, it’s a very touching, thoughtful and romantic gesture followed by all the excitement of choosing exactly the right setting together,   as a couple.

    Make getting engaged a truly magical occasion at Michael Platt, Church Road, Wimbledon Village SW19

  • A guide to inheriting jewellery

    Inheriting Jewellery can raise very mixed raw emotions. Grief over the loss of someone treasured can be sad and painful; inheriting a piece of jewellery that was cherished and dearly loved by that special person can bring comfort and solace at a time of sorrow.  What should one do with inherited jewellery?  Don’t rush into any decisions, take your time.  Inheriting a piece of Heirloom Jewellery is a treasure, representing past events and memories belonging to a single person or many years of generational family history.

    Michael Platt will advise; they are specialist in handling all types of inherited jewellery sympathetically, aware that many items may not have high intrinsic worth but will be priceless in sentimental value.  It is sensible to let a Professional Goldsmith examine the piece to determine its condition. If it is old, it is likely to be very worn and thin with stones insecure in settings.  Understanding the desires of many clients to keep the integrity of worn pieces, Michael Platt are true experts in making precise reproduction bespoke pieces, identically replicating the original, often intricate, ‘Vintage’ design.

     

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    This gives new life and longevity to the jewellery for the present and can be passed on to future generations, allowing the piece to be worn on a daily basis. Over many years the Goldsmiths at Michael Platt have adapted and modified inherited jewellery to enable relatives to have something tangible to touch and wear, giving the new owner an extra feeling of connection to those that are dear to them. Recently the Goldsmiths, were able to take a pair of simple square silver cufflinks and make each into a silver ring, giving both daughters something of their late father’s to be able to wear regularly.  A frequent request is to meld two wedding rings together.

    It is recommend that inherited pieces be evaluated and, if of sufficient worth, fully insured.  Michael Platt will prepare a typed Valuation for Insurance purposes for this.

    If you have inherited a beautiful piece of jewellery but it’s dated, worn out or just not to your taste, consider having the item completely redesigned.  A new piece, whether classic or contemporary, set with inherited stones will still be very meaningful.  It will allow the essence of the original owner to be captured in the jewellery and live on whilst having had a stylish update.

    Inherited rings can become pendants, necklaces can become rings; the possibilities are endless.  Pieces can be divided and shared between family members in re-designed beautiful jewellery pieces.  Continuing to wear inherited jewellery in a new design can be the perfect way to honour a departed loved one and keep their memory close.

    If you have inherited jewellery and would like some advice, do pop into or make an appointment at Michael Platt, Goldsmiths & Jewellers, Wimbledon Village, who will be pleased to guide you.

  • Are Diamonds Still a Girl’s Best Friend in 2019?

    Are Diamonds Still a Girl’s Best Friend in 2019?

    Sung about and made famous by Marilyn Monroe in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’, are diamonds still a girl’s best friend? For sure, diamonds definitely are desired and coveted and will never lose their classic appeal. A report issued by De Beers indicates that recent demand for diamonds and diamond jewellery was up, buoyant worldwide, with increased market share from newer markets such as China.

    However, whilst diamonds have their fascination, glamour and charm, strongly associated to romance and love, not everyone wishes for a diamond. Demand and interest for coloured gemstone jewellery has definitely grown in the UK with some large rare coloured gems reaching record values priced far above diamonds.

    Coloured gemstones come in the most magnificent array of hues and saturation of colours, from pale and delicate, to vivid and radiant through to deep and intense; they are deeply exciting and mesmerising in a totally different way to diamonds. Coloured gemstones have been used over the ages in important and famous pieces of jewellery and artefacts created by many of the leading Jewellery Houses, none more recognisable than the Crown Jewels. These priceless Jewels, on view for all to study in the Tower of London, encrusted in glittering memorable diamonds, are all the more enhanced with amazing rare gemstones of rubies, spinels, sapphires and emeralds.

    History aside, today, beautiful, fun, affordable, alluring coloured gemstones are well represented and available in specialist knowledgeable jewellers, such as Michael Platt Goldsmiths & Jewellers. Blue sapphires, red rubies and green emeralds are the most easily recognisable traditional gemstones but in recent years the market has been excited by the introduction of newly found gemstones from all corners of the world.

    Currently there is now far more availability of many wonderful brilliantly coloured lesser known gems whose true beauty is brought alive by the skill of specialist stone cutters using imaginative creative techniques Michael Platt, specialist Bespoke Jeweller and Goldsmith in Wimbledon Village, has a passion, excitement and appreciation of all fine quality coloured gemstones. Currently they offer a fantastic choice of coloured gems set in unique jewellery; deep hyacinth blue Tanzanite, perfect peachy Morganite (named after JP Morgan), mint green sparkling Merelani garnet, hot pink spinel,  regal purple amethyst, electric swimming-pool blue pariba tourmaline, warm green tsavorite, watery deep sea blue aquamarine, lime green peridot.

    If you have never considered coloured gemstone jewellery before, Michael Platt is the specialist jeweller to visit. They have enthusiastic delight in sharing their passion for gems and introducing customers to some of the many available in stock. Coloured Gemstones in jewellery can be less formal and readily reflect unique personality and individualism in a way that diamonds never can.

    Whatever your budget, Michael Platt specialise in working with customers, sourcing specific coloured gemstones and creating unique striking designs for settings. Some of the more unusual lesser known gems, where demand is presently low, can be surprisingly beautiful and far more financially accessible  than well establish gemstones. Andalusite, a pleochroic stone which appears different colours when viewed from different angles, in fine quality, has magnificent unique colourings, warm olive green shot with deep rustic orangey/brown, is a very attractive and reasonably priced gem.

    If you think a unique coloured gemstone piece of jewellery is right for you or for someone special in your life, do pop into Michael Platt to see what’s available. For a unique piece there is no charge for consultation or initial drawings. With just a little extra thought and effort,  along with expert professional input and guidance from Michael Platt, an exceptional piece of jewellery can be created – once given will never be forgotten.