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About Nicholas

I created this blog to really help Adelaide brides who are planning their wedding. I've been been a professional photographer for 15 years. Based in Adelaide and Paris, my work has appeared in Harpers Bazaar UK, the New York Times, Style Me Pretty and brides.com. In 2015 Style Me Pretty interviewed me, in 2016 Complete Wedding Magazine called me "One of the World's Best Wedding Photographers".

Profile: Gerard McCabe

For this profile I spoke to Jess Moran, Marketing Manager of Gerard McCabe Jewellers, Adelaide's premier fine diamond jeweller.

1. Tell us about your company. How long has Gerard McCabe been in Adelaide?

Gerard and Pauline McCabe opened their business in 1986 in Adelaide. We are a family business and have been jewellers for 4 generations now. Gerard’s Grandfather Frank started operating in jewellery in 1932 in the midst of the Great Depression. Gerard worked in Frank’s business for a time and then set out to create his own business, Gerard McCabe Jewellers.

Gerard McCabe is Adelaide’s premier diamond and bridal jeweller, creating our own unique engagement and wedding ring designs for couples in Adelaide and throughout Australia. We also offer a bespoke design service for couples who are after a truly unique ring to celebrate their love. (Find out more: https://www.gerardmccabe.com.au/bespoke-design-service )

2. What do couples need to know about ordering rings for their wedding?

Brides need to consider what wedding ring style is going to fit best next to their engagement ring. The rings don’t necessarily need to match, but we often find that is what our clients choose to do after considering other options. We recommend matching the metal, style and diamond quality to achieve a beautiful bridal ring set. Brides should also consider whether they would like to fit an eternity ring on the other side of their engagement ring down the track. Lastly, they need to consider how well the style of wedding ring fits next to the engagement ring so that wear and tear is minimised between the rings over a lifetime. We design all our engagement rings with matching wedding ring options for this reason.

Grooms have much more freedom when it comes to choosing a wedding ring. It can be an exciting but overwhelming time for them, as often this can be the first quality piece of jewellery that the Groom is looking at purchasing for himself. We advise him to allow plenty of time to get a feel for what style he likes and what metal he prefers. Grooms should try on lots of different styles and don’t place any pressure on making a decision on the first visit.

Wedding rings are always custom made to fit. Couples should expect to pay a 50% deposit when they order the rings and balance on completion. Interest free finance is also available.

3. How early do couples need to begin the process?

We suggest that 4-6 months before your wedding day is the best time to book your initial wedding ring consultation. Most of our wedding bands take between 2 and 8 weeks to manufacture and they are all made to order. This allows you to be able to take your time in selecting your perfect wedding bands.

4. What’s the first thing brides usually ask when they come and see you?

Brides often ask: “What do I do with my engagement ring on the wedding day?”

Our common answer is that if you are able to, then wear it on your right hand during the ceremony.

After the exchanging of the rings slip the engagement ring off and put it together with the wedding band. That way you get some great pictures of the rings together whilst signing the registry as there is usually a close up of the hands together. Alternatively some brides get one of their bridesmaids to wear it for them during the ceremony.

We are also asked “Does the wedding ring sit before or after the engagement ring on the finger?”

The wedding ring is worn on the left ring finger closest to your heart. Followed by the engagement ring. Then the Eternity Ring. Sorry fellows, yes there are three rings! Our top tip: Eternity Rings are a lovely gift idea for a first anniversary or first baby.

5. Apart from rings are there other wedding related jewels available at Gerard McCabe?

We have a selection of jewellery suitable for Brides and Grooms to give each other to wear on their wedding day and great options for bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts.

Pearls are often well suited to adorn bridal and bridesmaids dresses. The Bride can opt for a larger piece, set with diamonds, and gift her bridesmaids with simpler pendants or earrings to wear on the day. All the jewellery then looks coordinated on the day.

Gerard McCabe Luminosity South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings https://shop.gerardmccabe.com.au/collections/pearls/products/200891

Gerard McCabe Luminosity Freshwater Pink Pearl Earrings https://shop.gerardmccabe.com.au/collections/pearls/products/200920

Gerard McCabe Luminosity Freshwater Pearl Pendant https://shop.gerardmccabe.com.au/collections/pearls/products/191087

Timepieces are a lasting gift for the Groom or Groomsmen and you can match the style but give different coloured options to each to make it more personal.

Gerard McCabe Synchronicity Timepiece https://shop.gerardmccabe.com.au/collections/timepiece-collection/products/250875

Gerard McCabe Regent Timepiece https://shop.gerardmccabe.com.au/collections/timepiece-collection/products/250888

6. Could you give our readers some indication of the range of prices for rings at Gerard McCabe?

Our wedding bands start from $371 in 18ct yellow gold for classic ladies bands and $822 for classic men’s bands. We have an extensive selection of diamond wedding rings and intricate men’s bands starting from $1,295. All our wedding band prices are available on our website. We have had some couples spend $5,000 or more on a single wedding band. Every individual has their own taste and style that they want put into their wedding rings. It is a very personal choice what each couple will spend on their rings.

7. What other (if any) wedding services do you offer?

We offer a hand engraving service for your wedding rings. We also have a jewellery cleaning and restoration service which is a popular service with Brides, their attendants and family. We often clean and polish everyone's jewellery before the big day. Many Brides wear a family jewellery heirloom as their “Something Old” and this may need some repair work, or occasionally a full restoration, to bring it back to its former glory.

8. How can people get in contact with you?

Contact our stores directly or send us a message via our website or facebook page.

Web: www.gerardmccabe.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerardmccabejewellers

Adelaide Arcade Boutique - ph 8232 1000
Email: adelaidearcade@gerardmccabe.com.au . Rundle Mall Boutique - ph 8212 2000 Email: rundlemall@gerardmccabe.com.au