Wedding Rings Archives

Ring Settings Are As Important As The Stone

Finding the ideal ring for your loved one can be a difficult assignment. You want the ring to represent the love you feel for her, and so it needs to be flawless. You’ve selected the ideal diamond, but now what? You also will want to select from among the various kinds of ring settings. This could make or break the look of your diamond, so take care when choosing.

There are several forms of ring settings that you can choose from. There are prong settings, invisible settings, bezel settings and channel settings. These all have a number of pros and cons, and picking one really will depend on the style you are striving for.

One of the most popular ring settings is the prong setting. This design uses three to five prongs in order to fasten the stone to the ring. This is the most popular setting, as well as the most visible.

An invisible setting is ideal for the person who wants the diamond to be the primary part of the ring. The invisible setting looks as if the stone is just perched over the ring, not actually attached. But rest assured, the diamond is firmly attached to the band.

A different sort of setting that might work for you is the channel setting. A channel setting is really popular for engagement rings. The setting appears as if the stone is sitting in between two bands, or channels. This is among the favorite settings because not only will the stone stand out, but you will have lots of room for adding more diamonds or other stones on the two channels.

A bezel setting is another beautiful option that partly encloses the diamond in the ring band. It’s reminiscent of the setting of a class ring. It holds the diamond in a low profile which is perfect for those who are quite active. It would be terrible to pick the wrong setting for an on the go individual and then lose the diamond as a result of a mishap. The bezel setting will significantly reduce the danger of any harm to the ring.

These days, there are ring settings to suit anybody’s style. A few kinds of settings will even make a modest stone appear more opulent. Have a look at all the different sorts of settings and get the one that is not only nice-looking, but is appropriate for the lifestyle of the person wearing it.

There are so many choices in wedding rings these days, in both women’s and men’s wedding rings. Click here to find out more about the best wedding bands for your needs.

Mens jewelry has changed a lot over the years. It wasn’t that long ago that men did not wear jewelry but a man without his jewelry today looks a little naked. For the groom, the wedding band is an important item and rather than gold or platinum, the modern groom is choosing a titanium wedding band.

Traditionally the wedding band is either gold or platinum but this is actually not as smooth to the touch as the titanium band is actually heavier. The appearance of the titanium wedding band is that is is either a brushed platinum or white gold.

The cost of the titanium wedding band is much more affordable than other choices for the modern groom. Even though it is more affordable, the appearance of the band is superb and looks very expensive.

The color of titanium is medium gray in is raw state. This is a piece of jewelry that will last for years because of its strength which is a good seven times greater than platinum and is comparable in strength to steel. Even though it is so strong, it has a polished sheen and is every bit as attractive as white gold or platinum.

One of the best reasons that the titanium wedding band is growing in popularity amount today’s modern man is that the properties of the metal are of a hypoallergenic nature. This means that the metal does not adversely react when in contact with skin. It also will not change in color over time because of oxidation and it does not tarnish.

The titanium alloy is divided into to different categories. There is the commercially pure category or the chemically pure category. Within these categories there are different grades that have the numbers of 1 to 4. The lowest number indicates that the metal is the softest and the highest number indicates the hardest metal properties. These changes are made because of the oxygen that is applied to the metal. The commercially pure or CP grade is what is used to make the titanium wedding band.

Looking to find the best deal on Mens rings, then visit The Jewelers Touch to find the best advice on unique mens rings for you.

by George Baycan

There are many different metals to consider for the bands on wedding rings, both for men and for women. Historically metals such as yellow gold, white gold, silver and platinum were all that were used; now wedding rings offer many more options in single or dual types of metals.

Choosing the right type of metal for wedding rings for men or women has a lot to do with what your personal tastes are in jewelry and what typical metals you wear. If a couple wears mostly gold, then sticking with gold wedding rings makes sense. If they prefer silver, there are more metal options.

An option that many people don’t consider is beyond the usual types of metals. Titanium wedding rings are becoming much more popular both as band style rings for men as well as more elaborate bridal sets for women. Sculpted and engraved titanium is also a popular option, especially in the Celtic design rings.

For a really different appearance to wedding rings, titanium provides a highly reactive metal that can be selectively oxidized to produce a variety of colors. These colors range from reds to blues and are permanent within the metal of the ring. Wedding rings with oxidized titanium are very unique and very eye catching.

For those couples that prefer a silver colored, highly durable and lightweight metal option, palladium wedding rings are the answer. This newer metal is noted for its high sheen and easy maintenance and is fast becoming a popular choice although still not as easy to find as the more traditional metals.

Inlayed designs, gems or diamonds can be added to the elegant and classic gold or white gold bands for a more elaborate design. Since these bands are very traditional they are always in style and always beautiful.

Gold wedding rings come in different types of gold ranging from 14 to 24K. The higher the number the more pure gold is in the band. While the more pure the gold the richer looking the band will be, the softer it will also be. For those that are planning on wearing rings all the time and do a lot of work with their hands a lower 14k band will stay looking beautiful much longer.

White gold and silver wedding bands are also very popular both historically as well as currently. Silver is popular with sculpted bands and wedding rings, with many traditional styles of Celtic or cultural rings often made in silver. Silver and white gold wedding rings are both durable as well as easy to maintain and keep looking beautiful.

About the Author:

Versatile Men’s Wedding Rings

by George C. Baycan

A wedding ring or wedding band is worn on the base of the left ring finger to symbolize marriage and to indicate a marital commitment to fidelity. European tradition encourages the engraving of the name of the spouse and date of marriage on the inside surface of them in order to strengthen the symbolism and sentimentality of the ring. Wearing of rings symbolizes the couple’s eternal love for each other. It has also become a matter of tradition and etiquette for couples to wear them beyond the ceremony of marriage.

Men’s Rings come in a Wide Assortment

Long ago, the only type of ring a man could choose from was men’s gold rings. They were the only option for so long when a man said, I do. That option only allowed for a choice of either white gold or yellow gold. Times have changed and today there are various options to consider when you are shopping for men’s wedding rings. Today a husband can wear just as an attractive ring as his blushing bride. Finally, fashion jewelry has caught up with unique designs for men. Today, grooms have a nice choice with a wide variety of options. These may include bands that are finished in satin polish, bands braided in gold and diamond. Now grooms can find just the right one to suit his personality and fashion sense.

Hard metals have become all the rage in men’s rings, such as those fashioned of tungsten carbide. However, many others do enjoy wearing softer metals such as silver and gold. Today, they feature arced surfaces and rounded edges for added comfort and wear ability. The most commonly useful metals for men:

Tungsten Carbide - This metal has a very masculine feel and is the hardest metal for jewelry design, even more so than is titanium. Tungsten carbide rings will last you a lifetime and is one of the metals that can last forever. No cobalt binders included in tungsten carbide rings and they are top quality.

Titanium - Titanium is lightweight yet sturdy and considerably lighter than tungsten. Titanium rings are very durable and a very much comfortable to wear than tungsten carbide or stainless steel rings. They also wear much better than gold.

Stainless steel - Generally, stainless steel rings are fashioned of surgical steel. They are comfortable to wear everyday. Stainless steel is well suited for men on the go. They are also more easily wearable than soft metals like gold rings.

Platinum - Platinum is a metal that is more precious than gold, because it comes from fallen meteorites. Long ago, it was a metal fit only for a king. Platinum men’s wedding rings are very popular with many grooms.

Palladium - This naturally occurring precious metal is rarer than is gold. It is nickel-free, hypoallergenic and has no need of rhodium plating. It is a very popular choice for those who suffer allergies from various types of metal.

Silver - Soft metal men’s wedding rings are popular in silver. They are not as expensive as gold and other types of metal. These men’s wedding rings are comfortable to wear daily.

Gold - It used to be the only type of metal. Even with the proliferation of other precious metals, gold remains to be the top choice.

Interestingly, men’s rings are not fashioned only of precious metals. Today, any groom can choose the ones that include diamonds as well to add a bit of dazzle. Thankfully, men now have a wide assortment of wedding rings from which they can choose. There is such a vast assortment of designs for men; you can find just the right one to suit the man who wears the ring.

About the Author:

Wedding rings symbolize a lot of things like love, passion, sincerity, trust, and faith. It is a representation of the past, present and future. A wedding ring must be well crafted to accomplish a certain credibility that will match your liking. Today, with the wide selection of wedding rings available on the market, buyers have to be more particular with their personal preferences and the ability of the jeweler to produce a very durable yet suitable and beautiful ring.

Different combinations of precious metals, including the metal of your liking, are crafted to redefine the traditional features of a wedding ring. Now it’s not only one metal but inclusions as well.

A wedding ring can be manufactured in many sorts of metals coming in different colors that are quite compatible when brilliant effects of the gemstone are brought in. Gemstones are indeed something that adds a different feel to the ring. The metals that are made into rings are platinum, silver, titanium, palladium, and the most popular, gold.

The exceptional spirit and originality of a wedding ring depends entirely on the precise preference of the customer and the intellectual grasp of the jeweler. A jeweler, on the other hand, has made rings based on 3 components; design, perception, and fabrication.

Design

A wedding rings appearance is one of the most important factors a jeweler has to be intricate with. The design must contain every detail that the customer has in mind. It should give a very impressive impact on the couple. A rings design must dig into a series of artworks that can be traced through creativity and different forms of inspiration.

Perception

In the end, no matter how vague or clear a couple is, it all comes down to the expertise an artist has. He has to perceive a very accurate vision, if not, clear proportions of what the couple has in mind. He must make it a point that the customers will like the finished product no matter how inconsistent their idea may be.

Fabrication

There were, during the early times, three tools that were used as basic instruments for making a ring; hammer, file, and snipe. These tools, though ancient, are still one of the widely used tools to be used for fabrication of rings. Combined, they form some of the finest rings ever made through hand crafting jewelries. In this process, only the best quality of metals are used and made into rings.

A wedding ring is a partaking any two lovers must have. It is the very thing that remains after the wedding ceremonies and receptions have ended. It is also something that outlasts even after divorce papers have been signed.

But a wedding is not an easy undertaking. There are several, as in numerous customs, that both men and women must participate in and do to be married and say the magic words. A guy, to be more passionately charming, must know some of these things to be able to last through his wedding day. It’s like an added responsibility that he has to undergo.

There are different kinds of customs before a husband-to-be puts on the wedding ring. In fact, there are several. Marrying couples can either choose to go with these customs depending on the type of religion or family that he or she was brought up in.

Of course, above everything else, the guy has to make the girl agree to the idea of being bound together by vows. Thus, an engagement or marriage proposal comes in. Given as a betrothal gift, an engagement ring has to be something that a woman can’t resist.

The tradition of giving an engagement ring before the wedding has become a must for those who are thinking of giving their hearts to someone else, forever. Seeing this need, jewelry stores have gathered a long line of fashionable yet affordable and durable engagement rings which can also come in a set including the wedding ring.

Another popular and recent tradition that is encouraged by the jewelry world, is the giving of a series of rings as gifts such as the promise ring. A promise ring goes before an engagement ring is given. It is given when courting, after the serious aspect has begun.

An eternity ring is also given which is a symbol of the ongoing or renewal nature of a long lasting marriage. Another ring that is given customarily is the trilogy ring. This usually displays a very brilliant diamond that has three rounded cuts. The three cut diamonds represents the three important parts of a persons life; past, present, and future.

In Europe, a tradition before marriage that is also done in other parts of the world is the engraving of ones name and date of the wedding day inside the surface of the rings. This intends to symbolize a strengthened marriage in the future and gives the rings a better impact of sentimentality. Rings like these becomes one of the most important and priceless family heirlooms that is handed down from generation to generation.

Wedding Ring Shapes and Shanks

In the traditional sense, a wedding ring is the simplest ring ever made with just a round metal polished and worn in front of the altar or a presiding officer. It would just be a scoop of platinum and gold and the shank itself is plain and smooth. But the idea of covering up all traditional entities in exchange for newer versions is now accepted.

The kinds of wedding ring metals used and how its shape will add appeal to the overall appearance of the ring itself.

There are varieties of shanks to choose from. Aside from the overall metal that was used, the hues are also important. Opting for the different kinds of colors of the shanks are just features. But the important thing is that the quality will last for centuries.

Gold

This is the most conventional color of a wedding ring. It comes in hues that go from white gold (the popular one), yellow gold, and rose gold. These all have karats that range from 14k-24k. Among these karats, the most advisable is the 18k because of its durability. Sometimes, rhodium is plated to give the ring a platinum kind of look.

Platinum

This is the most durable and hardest of all wedding ring metals. And the most expensive as well. Those who belong to the rich and famous wear this kind of luxury. It is quite seldom that you see stores display this kind of valuable ring. They keep them locked in vaults for security purposes.

Silver

This is the cheapest metal used for a ring. This comes in sterling and is advisable for those who are willing to wed but the budget is short. You have to watch out though, because silver is prone to corrosion and easily wears off unlike gold.

When it comes to shapes, there are also wide selections to choose from.

Flat cross sections are made to make the rings look sleeker and at the same time modern. With softened edges, a wedding ring can have a flat inside and a rounded outside. Or that can be done in reverse. You may also prefer an inside and an outside that is both curved.

The softer profile for a ring with a heavy cross section can be done with a rounded edge. This is a ring wherein the thickness is emphasized.

Another preference for ring shapes is the full rounded cross section. This wedding ring is thin and completely rounded.

Wedding Rings Gone Sapphire

Days are gone when the yellow wedding ring dominated the wedding world. Now, it’s a whole new concept and flashy ones have come to give new meaning to the word classic.

Women of today no longer settle for the conventional big and luxurious diamond rings. They need something more, something more than different, and something unique. Women today, being adventurous types, realize that diamonds aren’t the only stones that have the opportunity to be put in wedding rings.

To top that, sapphire has this distinct color that can both be classy and stylish. The popularity of this stone has become such a fad that ladies want this more than diamond rings.

If you are that type of bride-to-be that doesn’t settle with something less than ordinary, a sapphire wedding ring is a nice pick. Sapphire can be teamed with metals like white gold, titanium, silver and platinum. The emphasis of the blue color can be recognized anywhere within the four corners of your reception room.

For a bit of information on why sapphire is a nice choice, aside from a hardness scaling to 9, varieties of hues are available. Colors like pink, orange, green, black and purple are also some of the nicest choices but the most preferred is the luxurious blue. Therefore, sapphire is one of the best choices for a gemstone cut into wedding rings for it can last a long time together with the band.

This is the perfect gemstone for a wedding ring if both of you are born in the month of September. This is because Sapphire is the gemstone for September. A perfect combination for two separate celebrations; a wedding and a birth month. The color of sapphire can be equated with the heavens because of its color that gives the calming feel and passion.

You can also team sapphires with diamonds if you just can’t get enough of gemstones. A diamond and sapphire combined in one band is simply outstanding. If diamonds aren’t enough, choose any other gems that fit your taste and lifestyle.

There are a lot of choices in stores online. They offer choices that can go from fad to fame. Ask different options and designs about the sapphire wedding ring. Let them see the interest in you and rest assured that every penny spent on a sapphire ring is not money that went to waste.

Wedding Ring Facts: Platinum History

Platinum is the most distinguished kind of metal used in jewelry making, most especially in wedding rings. It is because platinum can withstand time and matter. Like any metal, platinum has gone a long way before it was recognized to be one of the most precious metals ever used in jewelry.

The use of platinum over the last couple of years has been undergoing resurgence within this millennium which is overwhelming.

The early Egyptians and Natives during 100 B.C. used platinum in all sorts of production.

Amazingly, Spanish conquistadors who discovered artifacts of platinum while they were exploring for the new world, discarded the metal as worthless. Although, it is them who gave the name “platina” to the unwanted metal which literally means little silver.

It was long before the 18th century when platinum’s existence in Europe was recognized. Unlike the Spanish, Europeans gave high recognition to the metal. It was known as the metal for the kings acclaimed by King Louis XVI.

Platinum hit the jackpot upon the later part of the 19th century. It was recognized to be the metal fit for all kinds of seasons and jewelries. It dominated certain entities like that of the Edwardian and Art Deco era.

Due to its hardness, the use of this metal was very limited. To manipulate this metal and be made to every kind of jewelry there is, it must undergo a series of forging aided with a very intense melting point. With this, early times weren’t much of a fan. Not till this new generation.

These days, platinum is considered more valuable than that of gold.

Aside from jewelry making, platinum has been known in other aspects of life. It is now used in industries specifically the automotive business. It has paved its name in terms of engineering, petrochemicals, and electronics. Dental and medical areas use it in different kinds of degrees. Every single automobile in the U.S. contains platinum in its converter that can help minimize emissions.

Right now, people all over the globe, especially those who know the metals value, consider platinum as one of the most valuable and expensive metals. Although, with its existence and heavy demand, platinum is still considered as one of the rarest metals there is.

Platinum wedding rings, to some extent, are limited and kept safe in vaults because of their outstanding value. It comes out only if couples demand to see its form and are interested in owning one.