I’m here with Claudine from Barr & Co based in Llandeilo. We’re going to have a chat about wedding jewellery, wedding rings, and the story behind the business.
Firstly, how long have you been in business here in Llandeilo?
Claudine:
I’ve been in business in Llandeilo for 7 years, but I’ve been working as a jeweller for about 35 years. That gives away my age a little bit, but I don’t mind! I trained traditionally in London, including Bond Street and Hatton Garden, which gave me a really strong foundation in traditional jewellery-making skills that I still use today.
Dan:
We’re currently sitting in the workshop here in Llandeilo, which is amazing. Hopefully we’ll get some photos for the blog. There are some precious things around, so we’ll respect the secrecy! Llandeilo is full of lovely independent shops, and it’s great to see craftsmanship like this still very much alive locally for couples across Carmarthenshire and South Wales.
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1. How far in advance should couples start looking for wedding rings?
Claudine:
As much time as possible. If we are handcrafting something bespoke, couples will need to come in for a consultation. We’ll go through different options, draw up designs and talk through ideas.
The making process is not a fast one, it takes time and care. So the longer couples can allow, the better the result tends to be. We often work with couples from Llandeilo, Carmarthen and Swansea who come to us because they want something truly personal, and allowing enough time gives us the opportunity to create something really special.
Dan:
From looking around, you make all your own jewellery and custom designs here in Llandeilo, so that whole element takes time as well.
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2. What should couples consider when choosing rings they’ll wear every day?
Claudine:
For everyday wear, comfort is the most important factor. The ring needs to feel right because it will be worn all the time.
For ladies especially, the wedding ring needs to complement the existing engagement ring so they sit well together and look like they belong together.
The metals should also match. For example, if the engagement ring is platinum, then the wedding ring should also be platinum so they wear at the same rate.
Some couples like matching rings, while others prefer to show their personality through something different. The key is choosing a good quality ring that will last a very long time, especially as most couples wear their rings every day.
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3. Are there any practical considerations couples often overlook when choosing rings?
Claudine:
Yes, lifestyle plays a big role. We sometimes see people with manual jobs wanting engraving around the outside or stones set all the way around the band. These details can wear down more quickly if the ring is exposed to heavy use every day.
We always ask what clients do for a living so we can guide them towards the right metal and design.
We also find many people go to the gym regularly now, and rings can get damaged there too, so that’s something to consider. Couples travelling in from Carmarthen or Swansea often mention busy working lifestyles, so practicality becomes very important.
Dan:
That leads nicely into another question, which is how lifestyle and career affect the type of ring or metal.
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4. How do lifestyle and career affect the type of ring or metal couples should choose?
Claudine:
Different metals wear differently. Platinum is the toughest metal that we commonly work with, and it is very hard-wearing.
That makes it a good option for people who want something durable for everyday use, particularly if they work with their hands.
We always try to give the best advice possible and consider long-term wear rather than short-term appearance. Many of our clients travel from across South Wales and want something that will truly last.
Dan:
When I chose mine, I had a white gold outer and platinum inner. The outer was matted so it would wear nicely over time. We actually chose ours while visiting Somerset, so it’s interesting hearing how different jewellers approach design.
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5. What are the pros and cons of different metals such as platinum, white gold, yellow gold and titanium?
Claudine:
Platinum is generally the most durable metal we work with. It’s very strong and wears well over time.
Each metal has its own characteristics, so we guide clients towards the most suitable option based on how they will wear the ring.
We always try to create something robust and comfortable that works well for everyday life.
Dan:
I know nothing about jewellery, which is why I’m here today!
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6. What is the typical budget range couples should expect for quality wedding rings?
Claudine:
It’s difficult to give a fixed figure because we always try to work within each couple’s budget.
Wedding budgets vary greatly. Some people want to keep things simple and low-key, while others want something more elaborate.
We never say that couples must spend a certain amount. We aim to create the best possible result within their budget. We work with couples from Llandeilo, Carmarthen, Swansea and further afield, all with very different budgets and priorities.
Dan:
So it could range from a few hundred pounds upwards?
Claudine:
Yes, absolutely. The sky really is the limit depending on materials and design.
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7. What are some small design details that can make a big difference to the final look of a ring?
Claudine:
All of our jewellery is handmade here in Llandeilo. We don’t use CAD machines, which are becoming more common in the industry.
We feel strongly about preserving traditional hand skills. Small handmade details can make a big difference and give each piece its own character.
CAD, or computer-aided design, allows jewellers to scan a sketch and produce a model very quickly, but we prefer to start with the metal itself and shape it by hand.
Dan:
It’s similar to cooking a meal from scratch rather than just plating something up.
Claudine:
Exactly. CAD can be helpful in some ways, but we believe it should enhance traditional skills rather than replace them.
I spent many years learning my craft in London, and I think it would be very sad if those traditional skills disappeared.
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8. How do you help couples who want something unique but don’t know where to start?
Claudine:
We begin with a consultation, usually around 30 minutes to an hour. During that time we discuss ideas and preferences, and couples can try on sample rings from our collection here in the workshop.
If needed, we create design concepts or produce handmade sample rings. For example, if an engagement ring has an unusual shape, we can create a shaped wedding band to fit perfectly alongside it.
Sometimes we create a silver sample ring that clients can take home and try for a week. This helps them feel confident in the design before committing.
We like clients to be involved throughout the process so they feel comfortable and confident in the final result, whether they are local to Llandeilo or travelling from further afield.
Dan:
A little test drive!
Claudine:
Exactly. It allows them to be part of the journey and make adjustments if needed.
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9. How often should rings be cleaned or maintained, and what does the process involve?
Claudine:
We recommend cleaning at least once a year. We offer a free cleaning and inspection service for jewellery we make, and sometimes for jewellery made elsewhere.
We check that everything is secure and wearing as it should be. Engagement rings may benefit from more frequent cleaning so they continue to sparkle.
We are also happy to clean jewellery before special occasions.
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10. How can couples ensure ethical sourcing of metals and gemstones?
Claudine:
Ethical sourcing has been an important part of the jewellery industry for many years.
All of our diamonds are ethically sourced and comply with recognised standards.
Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular as some clients see them as a more ethical choice. A lab-grown diamond is still a real diamond, just created in a controlled environment.
Clients can choose whichever option best aligns with their values.
Dan:
That’s something I didn’t know much about before asking the question.
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11. What trends are emerging in men’s wedding rings?
Claudine:
Some people are interested in alternative materials such as tungsten, although these materials are extremely hard and cannot be handcrafted in the same way.
We also see many clients using family gold to create something modern but sentimental, particularly couples from across Carmarthenshire and South Wales who want something meaningful as well as practical.
Dan:
I’ve heard of rings with meteorite inlays, which sounds incredible.
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12. Are couples using family jewellery to create wedding rings?
Claudine:
Yes, very often. Many people have jewellery they no longer wear, and we can remodel those pieces into something new.
We can melt down inherited gold and incorporate jewellery from several generations into one piece.
Some couples add engraving or stones to personalise the design even further.
Dan:
It’s similar to incorporating fabric from a parent’s wedding dress into a new dress.
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13. What are common mistakes couples make when choosing rings, and how can they avoid them?
Claudine:
One common mistake is choosing different metals for engagement and wedding rings, which can cause uneven wear over time.
Sometimes stone-set rings are not made strongly enough for everyday life, especially when exposed to activities like gardening, washing up or gym use.
We always advise choosing something durable that suits daily wear.
Dan:
My wife and I wear our rings all the time. I didn’t want to take mine off every evening.
Claudine:
Exactly, they are meant to be worn and enjoyed.
If a ring becomes too tight, it can be difficult to remove, so it’s best to have it resized early if needed.
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14. Why do couples choose Barr & Co?
Claudine:
Many couples come to us because they want something unique and handmade rather than mass-produced.
Some couples have family connections to Llandeilo, while others travel from Carmarthen, Swansea or further afield specifically because they want traditional craftsmanship and a personal service.
I trained in London, including Bond Street and Hatton Garden, so I combine traditional skills with modern design ideas.
We also work with clients remotely when needed using video calls, photos and sample rings sent by post. We have created rings for clients across the UK and internationally, including Scotland and New Zealand.
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Dan:
You’re based here on Carmarthen Street in Llandeilo, surrounded by some fantastic independent shops, which really adds to the experience of visiting.
Claudine:
Yes, the building is Georgian and we’ve renovated it carefully to create a welcoming environment. Llandeilo is such a lovely place to visit and we’re proud to be part of the local business community here in Carmarthenshire.
Dan:
Thank you very much for taking the time to talk through everything today. It’s been really interesting to learn more about the process behind wedding rings, especially as they’re something we photograph so often across weddings in South Wales but don’t always think about in detail.
Claudine:
You’re very welcome. It’s been a pleasure.
Website: www.barrjewellery.co.uk
Address: 7 Carmarthen St, Llandeilo SA19 6AE
Phone: 01558 822927