Bling on a budget
Angelique Ruzicka interviews founder Sophie Croydon about her online business Rent Your Rocks where brides can hire fine jewellery for less
Angelique Ruzicka interviews founder Sophie Croydon about her online business Rent Your Rocks where brides can hire fine jewellery for less
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If you can't afford to buy luxury jewellery there is an alternative – you can rent it. Website Rent Your Rocks (RYR) allows you to hire bracelets, rings necklaces and earrings for far less than what they cost. All of the jewellery is either 18ct white gold or 18ct yellow gold, diamond set or gemstone set. The online business also has a collection of South Sea, Freshwater and Cultured pearls.
RYR was created and launched last year by founder Sophie Croydon. Croydon has years of experience and it runs in the family. “I am a 5th generation Jeweller and our family business is called Winsor Bishop. We are a fine diamond and branded watch retail jewellers, in our 175th year of trading, with a team of 22,” says Croydon.
So how much can brides save? “You can rent an item such as pretty little diamond set ‘tie the knot’ bow earrings that would retail at £785 for £55 saving £730 a week from us. Equally you can rent an illusion set fully necklet retailing at £18,000 for £810 saving £17,190,” explains Croydon.
Jewellery can be hired for a week or month at a time. “Some brides like to take the pieces on honeymoon so use them for a month,” says Croydon.
RYR is meeting the credit crunch head on says Croydon. “RYR is all about making the ultimate luxurious accessory, diamond and pearl jewellery, much more accessible and with less risk or commitment. Brides absolutely love the service because they are able to do what the celebrities do on the red carpet – wear a stunning piece of jewellery on their most amazing day.”
Renting provides a good alternative for cash strapped bride who long to wear fine jewellery on their wedding day. But Croydon gives another practical reason: “Buying jewellery involves a lot of investment and commitment, and so often what you wear on your wedding day is not necessarily going to be a piece that you can use on multiple occasions throughout your life. Plus, brides are on such budgets that renting is far more accessible than buying.”
Should brides fall in love with any pieces, there is an option to buy the item at a discount. “This is possible at 20% less than the retail value as they are pre-worn. All goods are completely refurbished in our workshops at the end of each rental period so when the next person receives them, they will be in an excellent condition. The retail values of the collection range from £200 - £18,000 with rental costs being from £50 - £750 a week," says Croydon.
RYR was created and launched last year by founder Sophie Croydon. Croydon has years of experience and it runs in the family. “I am a 5th generation Jeweller and our family business is called Winsor Bishop. We are a fine diamond and branded watch retail jewellers, in our 175th year of trading, with a team of 22,” says Croydon.
So how much can brides save? “You can rent an item such as pretty little diamond set ‘tie the knot’ bow earrings that would retail at £785 for £55 saving £730 a week from us. Equally you can rent an illusion set fully necklet retailing at £18,000 for £810 saving £17,190,” explains Croydon.
Jewellery can be hired for a week or month at a time. “Some brides like to take the pieces on honeymoon so use them for a month,” says Croydon.
RYR is meeting the credit crunch head on says Croydon. “RYR is all about making the ultimate luxurious accessory, diamond and pearl jewellery, much more accessible and with less risk or commitment. Brides absolutely love the service because they are able to do what the celebrities do on the red carpet – wear a stunning piece of jewellery on their most amazing day.”
Renting provides a good alternative for cash strapped bride who long to wear fine jewellery on their wedding day. But Croydon gives another practical reason: “Buying jewellery involves a lot of investment and commitment, and so often what you wear on your wedding day is not necessarily going to be a piece that you can use on multiple occasions throughout your life. Plus, brides are on such budgets that renting is far more accessible than buying.”
Should brides fall in love with any pieces, there is an option to buy the item at a discount. “This is possible at 20% less than the retail value as they are pre-worn. All goods are completely refurbished in our workshops at the end of each rental period so when the next person receives them, they will be in an excellent condition. The retail values of the collection range from £200 - £18,000 with rental costs being from £50 - £750 a week," says Croydon.
