Exchanging wedding rings that you designed yourselves is a lovely personal touch.

In recent years there has been a huge increase in the number of companies producing laboratory-grown diamonds, sometimes known as man-made diamonds.

Aurum designer-jewellers in Worthing, West Sussex is a jewellery business specialising in handmade engagement rings and wedding rings.

Wondering what a bespoke engagement ring costs? At Aurum's West Sussex workshop, prices start from £2,000 for a beautiful ring made just for you.

Bespoke jewellery and custom jewellery are not the same. We explain the difference between the two terms.

One of the most common questions we are asked during an engagement ring consultation is: should I choose platinum or gold? The answer depends on several factors — aesthetics, durability, lifestyle, and budget. Here is an honest guide from the goldsmiths at Aurum. Platinum: The Premium Choice Platinum is the most prestigious metal for fine jewellery, and for good reason. It is naturally white — it does not need rhodium plating to achieve its bright silver colour, unlike white gold. Over time, platinum develops a natural patina that many wearers come to love; it does not lose metal when it scratches, it simply moves. It is also hypoallergenic and extremely durable. Traditionally, a yellow gold engagement ring would have the diamond set in platinum, as it is the best metal for holding stones securely. Platinum is denser than gold, which means it is heavier — and historically, was much more expensive per gram. Currently gold is considerably more expensive than platinum. At the time of writing, a platinum ring will cost around the same an an identical ring in 18ct white gold. Gold: Timeless and Versatile Gold comes in three colours — yellow, white, and rose — each with its own character. Yellow gold is classic and warm; it has enjoyed a significant resurgence in recent years, particularly in contemporary bespoke designs. Rose gold has a romantic, vintage feel. White gold offers a modern, silver-toned look at a lower price point than platinum. We typically work with 18ct gold (75% pure gold) for our engagement and wedding rings, which offers an excellent balance of richness of colour, hardness, and value. 9ct gold (37.5% pure gold) is also available and considerably more affordable. Our Recommendation For an engagement ring that will be worn every day for decades, platinum is hard to beat for longevity and prestige. However, for those who prefer yellow or rose tones, 18ct gold is the natural choice. The most important thing is that the ring is made to suit you — and that is exactly what a bespoke consultation at Aurum is designed to establish. Call us for a free chat: 01903 207944.

If your engagement ring does not have perfectly flat sides, it probably won't fit with a straight wedding ring.

If you want to know that what you are looking at is a real diamond, you need to be aware of the other materials that it could be.

If you want to ensure that the jewellery you buy is sustainable and environmentally responsible, you need to ask questions about the sources of the materials.