a man's band

As a custom design studio, we've learned that there really is endless opportunities. Jewellers tend to focus more on the women's engagement ring whilst there really is more options for men's bands than most people know. Of course style, affordability, and comfort are top of mind in most groom-to-bes but ring metal and material might be a more difficult decision than you might think.  Besides your basic platinum, gold, and sterling silver we've compiled a little bit of information on a few of our most popular up and coming alloys.

TUNGSTEN CARBIDE

This specially engineered, exclusively patented metal formulation is a unique blend of tungsten and carbon that creates a material that's one of the hardest materials used in jewelry. In fact, Tungsten Carbide TC.850TM is ten times harder than gold. As one of the most popular choices for men's wedding bands (second only to Gold), Tungsten Carbide is hypoallergenic and known for being the most scratch-resistant metal choice, ensuring your ring will retain its natural color and alluring luster for as long as you own it. The superior formulation of Tungsten Carbide TC.850TM is only available at licensed jewelers

TITANIUM

Sleek. Timeless. Cool. Titanium is often referred to as the "space age metal" for its low density, strong, lustrous, corrosion-resistant surface, and rich grey coloring. As strong as some steels, but 45% lighter in weight, titanium possesses the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal.

COBALT

Cobalt is a hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant bright white metal that has been used in jewelry for hundreds of years. This strong, solid contemporary metal is durable, dense, and similar in weight to gold. Rich in shine and sophistication, it's a solid material that evokes classic masculinity and strength.

STAINLESS STEEL

Rugged and refined, stainless steel is one of the most popular metals used in jewelry and watch-making today. Its familiar luster and stain resistant properties make it an easy, low maintenance choice that looks great and will last for years. Triton jewelry features the highest quality stainless steel, 316L, which does not rust and has increased resistance to corrosion.

DIAMONDS

Born from coal, diamonds are the hardest known naturally occurring substance on earth, so hard in fact it is the standard that all other materials are measured against. Diamonds are used in a wide variety of industries for its superior abilities in precision cutting and as strong abrasives. Having few weaknesses and many strengths, diamonds have earned their status as the world's most popular gem and are available in many colors, even black.

Jewelry Trends 2013

Jewelry trends typically are forecasted from the three R's: Red Carpet, Runway & Real Life. Here is a quick list of trends the Mokada ladies think you should be looking for in 2013.

Shine bright like an emerald. Pantone just named emerald the colour of the year and we've already seen stars hit the red carpet fashioning this brilliant gem. International mining firm Gemfields is aiming to do what De Beers has done for diamonds; making the emerald a standard household item. Emeralds and rubies are the second hardest gemstone next to a diamond and make ultra unique engagement rings for those looking to break the mould.

Snakes and social ladders.  Love it or hate it, we're going to snakes trickle down from the red carpet. Rachel Weisz shines in Bulgari's Serpenti Collection this runway season. She's often the face of classic beauty and we love how she's showing off her edgy side in jewel adorned serpents. Watches, arm bands, bracelets and even clutches have taken shape to our slithery friend... And we love it.

Stacking, stacking, stacking. The "stackables" ring trend has been around for the past few years but this year we are seeing it more than ever. One of my favourite new trends for this year is the knuckle ring. Stacking a mixture of gold, fashion and thin rings and topping the look off with a few tiny rings on the your first knuckle is a perfect hipster-chic combination.  We'll also see the colour blocking trend move to your arm candy.

Gifts for Generations

A very close friend of ours (Mona's best actually) had struggled with cancer for a number of years and although the outcome was bleak we had still called Grace a survivor. Over the past few visits Mona had  been dealing with the estate as well as specific items she would have liked passed down. Clothes, furniture, decor, even adorned trophies and monies were not the first to be discussed as to who would receive them once passed; jewelry on the other had was one of the first. After every visit, Mona would return with handfuls of pieces that were to be refurbished, redesigned or resized and given to loved ones upon her departure from us. On each piece that we work on I get to learn more about Grace - the story behind each piece Mona is now wearing or learning about her little nieces that are so lucky to be receiving gold bangles and rings with an engraved message from Auntie Grace. Clothes will wear, dinnerware will eventually be put away, money will disappear but jewelry really does last forever.

In the happier circle of life my very best friend has recently been married. As a wedding gift I had designed a gold ring surrounded by her wedding date cut out in roman numerals. I liked the design and as a jewelry designer I had greater access to give her something special; but I didn't realize how special this gift could potentially be. I had overheard the wedding photographer ask Breanne if she was wearing any pieces of significance (something borrowed, something blue or a family heirloom) that she would like to be photographed and she immediately took off the ring that I had given her that morning and passed it to the photographer. I was so touched; but it made me think of Grace.

Over the months events I realized out of all items of inheritance, jewelry is one of the only items that can be passed on from generation to generation in much of the same condition as it was originally purchased. Jewelry signifies life's celebrations and turns of events. It represents a story and a moment and that's something to be cherished forever.