Wedding Advice – Here Comes the Blog

Posts Tagged ‘wedding rings’

Throughout history, the ring has long been a symbol of love, affection, and commitment between two lovers. And for every stage of a truly loving relationship, there is a ring for it. But who really knows the true difference among a promise ring, engagement ring, and wedding ring?

While in our modern society there tends to be some overlap, history has told the distinct differences among these three types of rings.

1. Promise Rings

The idea and intention surrounding the use of promise rings didn't really get big until about 20 years ago. Promise rings, also called pre-engagement rings, act as a symbol of a promise to remain monogamous and to be engaged in the future. This is common for young Christian couples to promise their love to each other

Though not always called promise rings, the act of a young man in high school giving his class ring to his high school sweetheart could be considered the same practice.

Promise rings don't generally have to be expensive, as this is typically done by younger couples who might not make a lot of money. However, that would depend on the budget of the person giving the ring.

2. Engagement Rings

The engagement ring is a symbol of intention to marry that is used in the majority of places around the world. In the United States and UK, it is symbolic to wear it on the third finger of the left hand, which comes from an old Egyptian thought that that finger is connected to the "vein of love," which connects directly to the heart.

In Germany, the engagement ring is worn on the left hand then transferred to the right when married. In Argentina, however, it is done the opposite way.

The idea of the engagement ring dates back to ancient times. The first accurately recorded story of the use of an engagement ring was of Archduke Maximilian of Austria, who, in 1477, gave an engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy.

It wasn't until the early 20th century, however, that engagement rings contained diamonds and other precious stones. In an effort to increase diamond and diamond ring sales, De Beers, a top diamond distributor in the country, released marketing materials encouraging young men to buy a diamond ring for their lover. This is what sparked the current interest in diamond-studded engagement rings.

3. Wedding Rings

This relatively simple ring is traditionally worn on the third finger of the left hand. Up until the 20th century, only the wife would wear her wedding band, but marketing efforts around the time of World War II changed the citizens of the United States' perception by suggesting that men wear rings as well. Today, it is a common practice.

Before wedding rings were a sign of love and bonding between two couples, they once represented the joining of families, back when the families were expected to continue supporting the couple economically.

For the most part, wedding bands are matching, solid bands to symbolize the unity. Others, however, may have another diamond ring for the bride and a solid ring for the groom. Some brides have even soldered their engagement and wedding rings together.

Rings are an important part of our society. They remain a consistent tradition in a society with constantly changing views. So we know as long as rings exist, we have an everlasting symbol of love and affection that we all can hold on to for as long as we're live.

Your wedding ring is one piece of wedding jewelry you’ll keep for a lifetime. Chances are you’ve dreamed of it all your life and now that you have it, you’ll want to protect it so it always keeps its shine.

There are many ways you can ensure that your wedding ring looks as great as the day you first opened that little velvet box. One is to always take it off and put it in a safe place if you are working with anything caustic like a chemical, paint, or other corrosive liquid. Often household cleaners can damage rings, so read the labels before you dive into your next project.
NEVER leave your wedding ring above a sink on a shelf or take it off near a sink and leave it on the counter “just for a second.” More plumbers have been called to snake out lost wedding rings than is necessary. If you take your ring off for any reason, put it in a box in the same place every time so you always know it’s safe.

A diamond is the hardest gem out there, but it’s not indestructible. Yes, it will cut glass and that’s why diamonds are used as cutting tools. Only a diamond can cut another diamond. But that’s where the hardness ends and the pampering has to start. You’re not planning on using your diamond as a tool, so don’t treat it like one. Baby your diamond. Small nicks and chips can mar your diamond so don’t think it’s fine to bang it around. Take it off when doing tasks that can cause it to chip or crack.

Get your setting looked at by a professional jeweler. Over time, the prongs can loosen and your diamond could fall out. To prevent this horrifying mishap, every so often you’ll want to bring it in to be tightened.

Use only cleansers that are approved for diamonds and the precious metal they are set in. Not all cleaners are equal. Ask at a jewelry store what they recommend you use. Some steam or ultrasonic cleaners that are on the market are very good. They allow you to place your ring in a container that blasts off the microscopic debris safely. But you’ll want to be sure it doesn’t contain chemicals that will react badly with your precious diamond.

If you are planning a vacation overseas or a cruise, you may want to consider leaving your good wedding set home in the safe or safety deposit box. There are many fantastic diamond simulants out there that you can wear instead. No one will be able to tell the difference. You can find an entire line of faux diamond jewelry on Home Shopping Network, QVC, and other places. For a fraction of the cost of your real set, you can own a set that looks just as fabulous but that won’t break your heart if it’s lost. So, if you’re planning on scuba diving, mountain climbing, or trekking through Europe, consider leaving your valuable and sentimental set behind.

Your diamond is meant to last. If you take care of it properly, you’ll be able to pass it down to your grandchildren and great grandchildren. A little precaution and pampering will ensure your ring is as lovely as ever for years to come.

Find more wedding jewelry advice here:

• Tips for Selecting your Bridal Jewelry
• When It Comes to Wedding Rings, Size Does Matter
• White Gold Bands and Rings are a Timeless Choice
• To Buy Or Not To Buy Diamonds Online - That Is The Question

Wedding rings have been used for thousands of years: our gorgeous platinum, titanium, gold, and silver bands bear little resemblance to their humbler papyrus and hemp predecessors, but the symbolism remains largely unchanged.  The ring stands for eternity, and it has become an integral part of any wedding ceremony.  While a symbol of love, it is also a visible sign to others of your relationship.  Does size matter when it comes to wedding rings?  If current trends are any indication, then the answer is definitely yes.

There has always been a social cache attached to big diamond engagement rings for women, either as a symbol of status or a way to one-up their friends.  These are now left best as diamond ring table decor for fun at the reception instead. This year, however, big bling has made an exit, replaced by much more simple, understated wedding bands.

Photo by WIREIMAGE - NYpost.com (Click to see article)

Trendsetting New Yorkers are eschewing showpiece diamonds for two reasons: to avoid being judged by other women, both for having diamonds that are too small and for appearing ostentatious, and because of the economic downturn. Simply put, outrageous diamonds are bit embarrassing.  Claudia Copquin, award-winning journalist, author, and wedding blogger, says, “Why go around with a massive diamond on your hand.  There’s no need to make any kind of statement.”  A-listers, like Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep, have made the thin wedding band one of the most chic and desirable wedding accessories for brides today.

Rather than going for size, today’s brides are opting for colored gems.  Michael O’Connor, jewelry and style expert, says, “Whether it’s a black, yellow or blue gemstone, colored engagement rings set in platinum are becoming increasingly popular since they are non-traditional, unique, and eye-catching.”

As far as the wedding band itself, many brides are choosing a slim, unadorned band that will complement, rather than overpower, their engagement rings.  Another option that many are turning to, particularly when price is an issue, is an engagement ring and wedding band set.  These are typically less expensive because the diamonds tend to be smaller.  Again, the trend this year is towards a less ostentatious presentation.

What about men?  While women are simplifying and slimming their rings, men are tending to go with thicker bands.  This works particularly well for men with large hands and builds.  If you have a less burly build, a slimmer band will look better.  Practicality is another big trend in men’s rings.  Not only are they being designed with comfort in mind, such as with curved interiors, they are sized based on the needs of the man.  For instance, those who work with their hands or participate in extreme activities often choose a wide, unadorned platinum band, which offers much greater durability than gold rings.

Colored gemstones, particularly diamonds, are popping up more and more in men’s wedding bands.  These are usually round or square cut and set flush into the ring to provide a great hold.  These, too, tend to be a bit on the thick side.

Ultimately, though, the size of your ring depends on your personal taste.  There is something to be said for not following ring trends, particularly if you plan on wearing your wedding band for life.  Choose what you love and what symbolizes your union.  Whether that is a giant 14k diamond engagement ring or a subtle platinum band is of significance only when it comes to your enjoyment of it.  If you want to show it off, you know you’ve chosen the right ring.

More on wedding rings:

• Wedding Engagement Ring
• Clarity for Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring
• Shapes and Cut for Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring
• Buying an Engagement Ring and Knowing the Four C's
• Adding Color to Your Diamond Ring
• Carat Weight for Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring

Choosing a wedding ring is one of the most important decisions a bride and groom will make together as a couple. Considering the options of yellow gold, white gold, and platinum is the first step in making this endearing choice. For decades, white gold has been the leading choice with brides followed closely by yellow gold as a popular and affordable second choice. The price of platinum is cost prohibitive with many couples’ budgets, and white gold rings are a comparable substitute for the look and feel of platinum. Titanium bands offer men a rugged look and are gaining popularity in the jewelry market. They are inexpensive and offer a perfect solution for keeping in line with budget restrictions.

Traditional bands for brides and grooms have always been very popular in white gold. Silver tones in jewelry, wedding and ring bands, and all types of jewelry pieces have become very trendy with many who prefer the subtleness of silver rather than the showiness of yellow gold. It is well know that yellow gold is softer and needs some extra care, while white gold is more durable and will keep its shape through years of continuous wearing in all kinds of conditions.

Take the time to visit several jewelry shops and try on the different finishes offered. White gold is many times a choice because of skin tone and hair color. There will be countless styles in white gold and yellow gold with a lesser number in platinum, sterling silver, and titanium. If quality is your goal, white gold is the appropriate choice for wedding and engagement rings, class rings, and dinner rings. The combination of a diamond or gem stone set in white gold is stunning and holds its value for a life time.

Decide on a price point and keep in mind that at a later date, a larger stone can be set in the original white gold setting, if so desired. Many times rings will be upgraded for special occasions and wedding anniversaries and remounted in the same band for sentimental reasons. Investing money in a white gold band is a wise choice for savvy jewelry shoppers.

Browse online jewelers to get an idea of price and style. Read information concerning the differences between white, yellow, and platinum for bands. Lifestyle and price point may dictate the buyer’s choice. Nickel is an alloy commonly used in white gold. Some people, roughly one in eight, experience a mild allergic reaction to nickel. Speak with jewelers about the alloys contained in any white gold ring or band being considered. There are other alloys and gold combinations that make up white gold that do not cause any skin irritations. Ask questions with the jewelry experts concerning the choice of a white gold band or ring.

There is no doubt about it.  Today, an increasing number of people are buying their engagement rings and wedding rings online.

By the same token, however, most online diamond retailers understand that buying diamonds online does not suit everyone’s tastes. Spending thousands on something that you can’t see or try on before buying can put even the most internet-savvy shoppers off.  In addition, buying something as personal as an engagement ring can be difficult to do "at a distance".

So, why is it that more and more people are turning to the internet to buy their diamonds?

First and foremost, the internet provides a wonderful self educational tool, whether you are in the market for an engagement ring, new car or sofa.  Most people nowadays want to get an idea of what constitutes a ‘good deal’ and, more than anything else, understand their subject.  Few people will venture into the market for a $5,000 engagement ring without at least getting a basic understanding of the 4Cs of diamonds, which is the mechanism by which diamonds are graded around the world today.  The level of education and advice about buying diamonds available online today is fantastic, providing consumers with the ability to self-educate to a level never seen before.

As you brush up on your diamond knowledge, you’ll then encounter a world of online diamond retailers.  Because of the high ticket values, these website are often glossy, with high resolution images, incorporating all the latest marketing and graphic techniques to entice the customer.  After all, few people would buy an engagement ring from a website which was poorly constructed or maintained.  Some of the tools available to consumers today are wonderful, such as the ability to be able to view different designs of engagement rings in 3D rotations, videos and magnified images, for example.  Some even provide a virtual hand image with the ring, showing how the finished engagement ring will look on your finger.  Therefore, the need for you to even visit a jewellers shop is eradicated.

Perhaps the main benefit of buying online, however, comes down to one thing.  Price.

Any retailer with physical ‘bricks and mortar’ premises will have high overhead costs.  These costs are for the rental of the property, a shop window full of diamonds, display cases and a safe full of diamonds inside, 7 day a week staff costs etc, all of which adds up to a hefty cost which needs to be paid for.   By whom?  Well, the customer of course.  These costs are built into the price you pay for your engagement ring in the shop.  As a result, you’ll find that most online diamond retailers are significantly cheaper in price than normal jewellers.  Furthermore, the fact that there are hundreds of high quality online diamond retailers in one ‘virtual’ space means that prices are incredibly competitive, which again is great news for you.

The list of reasons for buying diamonds online goes on and on.  The main factors have been mentioned above, but what about the fact that when buying on the internet, you don’t have a pushy salesman on your back, and the fact that most online diamond rings are made to order and haven’t been sitting in a shop window for months on end, and probably tried on and rejected by a number of couples before you.  What about the fact that many online diamond specialists such as http://www.dejoria.co.uk for example offer consumers the ability to choose your perfect diamond from over 100,000 worldwide at the touch of a button, rather than trying to sell you something that almost matches your requirements from their existing stock.   And finally, what about the fact that the level of personal advice, expertise and guidance provided by most online diamond specialists is second to none.

Of course, you have to choose well.  Like anything, there are not-so-reputable diamond retailers out there, both online and in the high street, so make sure you buy certified diamond rings, and ensure that all the relevant supporting documentation, warranties and after-sales service are in place, and you can’t go far wrong.