Archive for June, 2009

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Choosing a Celtic Wedding Ring

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Wedding rings are the ultimate symbol of a loving relationship, and many couples choose Celtic wedding rings because of their own rich history and symbolism. Even if you aren’t Irish but simply love the look of Celtic wedding rings, choosing the perfect one for your marriage is as easy as learning what you like.

 

Celtic Wedding Ring Styles

 

Whether you prefer a simple woven knot or a more elaborate design, Celtic wedding rings are available in numerous styles to fit any bride-to-be’s budget and style preferences.

 

Most Celtic wedding rings incorporate knot designs into the overall ring. There are many variations of the Celtic knot design, and while some jewelers will have names for a particular style there is actually no way to tell what different Celtic knots or designs mean.

 

For this reason, it’s very easy to look at a variety of knot patterns and choose the one that works best for you. If you choose to customize a Celtic wedding ring, the knot designs can even be personalized with special words, dates, or designs that are meaningful to you. Other symbols, such as crosses, snakes, vines, braids, hearts, etc. can also be incorporated into the overall design as well.

 

Gemstones and Metals

 

Most Celtic wedding rings do not rely on gemstones as the central feature of the ring, but small diamonds or other stones can be used as accents to the overall design.

 

Emeralds are an obvious choice because of their deep green hue and their connection to Ireland. You can use a larger gemstone as a focal point, but most people prefer using smaller stones as accents to the overall design.

 

As far as which precious metal to choose, yellow gold remains the most popular metal choice for wedding rings. However, the majority of Celtic wedding rings use silver because it is extremely flexible, and works well when designing Celtic knots and other intricate patterns.

 

For an even more distinctive and unique look, consider using a two-tone metal to complement the Celtic design. White gold and platinum can also be used, but stronger metals such as titanium are not used for Celtic wedding rings because of their hardness, which makes it difficult to shape into intricate patterns.

 

The Cost

 

Celtic wedding rings can either be very affordable or highly expensive, depending on several different factors. The final price of the ring will vary based on the type of metal used, as well as the intricacy of the design. The gemstones and quality of those stones you use will also affect the price.

 

There’s no denying that Celtic wedding rings are highly symbolic, and just may be the perfect way to symbolize your marriage, whether you are Irish or not!

 

The fact that you can customize a Celtic ring to fit both your budget and tastes is also a definite plus, and there are a number of design choices available. Whether you choose a Celtic wedding ring for cultural or political reasons, or you simply like the intricate knotwork, they are definitely a unique and beautiful alternative to traditional gold wedding bands.

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Should you Buy a Stainless Steel Wedding Ring?

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

While gold or platinum are arguably the most common metals used in most engagement rings, stainless steel wedding rings are quickly on the rise because of their durability and strength, as well as their affordability. Plus, stainless steel rings are a lot more eco-friendly than other metals.

 

The Benefits of Choosing a Stainless Steel Wedding Ring

 

There are a surprising number of benefits to choosing a stainless steel wedding ring instead of a more traditional metal. For one thing, stainless steel is a highly durable metal. It is resistant to most damage, and will not scratch. For men and women who lead particularly active lifestyles or work under strenuous conditions, a stainless steel wedding ring is the perfect choice over softer metals.

 

If you have sensitivities to other metals, stainless steel can help because of its hypoallergenic properties. However, stainless steel is often combined with nickel. If you have a nickel allergy, a stainless steel wedding band is not for you.

 

For a more affordable alternative to titanium or platinum rings, stainless steel fits the bill. It costs far less than other strong metals, and you are still getting the durability and strength without the hefty price tag. Plus, stainless steel is found in abundance and can be processed more easily than other metals that may use dangerous or environmentally unfriendly mining techniques.

 

Designs

 

When most people think of stainless steel wedding rings, they picture a practical but boring wedding band. That couldn’t be farther from the truth! In fact, stainless steel wedding rings can be just as beautiful and stunning as rings made with more traditional metals.

 

The width of a stainless steel wedding ring can be as narrow or as wide as you want, and can be created to complement your fingers and hand. Colored inlays can also be incorporated into a stainless steel wedding ring, which gives a very distinctive look to the ring.

 

Adding engraving, whether on the inside of the band or outside, adds a sentimental touch and is a very good way to personalize your wedding ring. Different small gemstones can also be implemented into the design, and can give a sparkling look to the ring. You can even consider having special characters, symbols, figures, letters, etc. carved into the ring for a personal and unique touch that goes far beyond traditional engraving.

 

Buying a Stainless Steel Wedding Ring

Unfortunately, finding a stainless steel wedding ring at your local jeweler will probably not be an option. Most jewelers will only stock rings made from more expensive metals, and because of stainless steel’s affordability you are limited to looking at online retailers.

 

Thankfully, many online retailers specialize in stainless steel rings, and you should be able to find the perfect one with a bit of effort.

 

Definitely a more modern choice, stainless steel rings can be just as beautiful as their more traditional counterparts. Their durability, affordability and eco-friendly appeal make stainless steel wedding rings an increasingly popular choice for a distinctive ring that will last for years to come.

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What are Antique Style Wedding Rings?

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

The beauty of an antique style wedding ring is that they incorporate classic designs using modern technology for a ring that is perfect as a symbol of your love for one another, and a great way to commemorate the start of your lives together.

 

What are Antique Style Wedding Rings?

 

While antique style wedding rings incorporate older designs, they are not truly unique. However, there are many benefits to choosing an antique style wedding ring vs. trying to find a true antique ring.

 

In fact, true antique wedding rings are often very difficult to find. Because a real antique ring has often been worn for years – even decades – they are often too warped or damaged to be salvaged into a decent ring. Because of this, there are really not as many true antique rings that are actually in decent condition available.

 

However, buying an antique-style ring means you are getting a ring that looks classically inspired, but makes the most of modern technology, meaning it can be much more inexpensive to recreate an antique-style ring without trying to find a true antique.

 

Choosing an Antique Style Wedding Ring

 

When choosing an antique style wedding ring, you actually have many more options than you would if you tried to find a real antique ring. To gain inspiration, visit estate sales, antique stores, pawn shops or even museum galleries to gain ideas about the types of antique styles you prefer.

 

For example, antique rings from the 1920’s and ’30’s are very popular, but this may not be your style. Perhaps you prefer wedding ring styles from the Victorian era, or something completely different. Either way, it’s important to research various antique ring styles and make a list of the design elements and features you would like to recreate.

 

Of course, you’ll also need to decide on the type of metal. While the majority of antique rings were made with yellow gold (since that was the only metal widely available and used in jewelry at the time,) you have many modern day choices you can choose to incorporate into your antique style ring.

 

Where to Find Antique Style Wedding Rings

 

It may be difficult to find antique inspired wedding rings at your local jeweler, but the Internet offers a wide array of choices. In fact, many online retailers actually cater specifically to antique style wedding rings, making your search for the perfect ring that much easier.

 

Once you have a general idea of the time period you would like in order to recreate your ring, you can begin searching online retailers to find the perfect antique style ring for your tastes and budget.

 

Antique style wedding rings are the ultimate combination of older, classic designs with new technology. Even though your ring will not be a true antique, it will still be unique in that you took the time and effort to replicate a beautiful antique inspired wedding ring that works for you.

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Should you Buy Matching Wedding Rings?

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Vowing to spend the rest of your lives together is one of the most important moments in a couple’s relationship and exchanging wedding rings is a critical part of that commitment. Choosing to purchase matching wedding rings is the ultimate way to symbolize your marriage and offers a special touch to the start of your lives together.

 

A Few Things to Consider

 

While buying matching wedding rings may seem like a wonderful option, there are a few things you should consider beforehand. For example, what if you and your significant other have vastly different tastes in jewelry? This can pose a problem, especially if your differences can’t be ironed out.

 

One of you may also want a more elaborate piece, while the other prefers simple or timeless designs. However, you shouldn’t let these differences scare you. In fact, there are many ways you can compromise and buy matching wedding rings without sacrificing your own unique tastes.

 

Styles

 

Although the term “matching” seems to imply that each ring must be an exact replica of one another, this is really not the case. In fact, the rings can look vastly different but be considered matching because each ring complements one another or has the same design elements, but utilized in a different way.

 

For example, let’s say the bride-to-be prefers a yellow gold ring with a scattering of diamonds or other gemstones. The groom-to-be may prefer a more simple design. In this instance, you can create one yellow gold ring for the bride and one for the groom, and alter the appearance of each ring using the same metal and stones but in ways that are appropriate for the wearer based on their personal style.

 

In fact, there are so many metal and gemstone choices that you can honestly create “matching” wedding rings, even if they are not exactly the same. Provided the inspiration behind each ring remains the same, you can create two beautiful rings for two very different people.

 

Other Ideas

 

If you like the idea of matching rings, but your tastes are just too far apart to compromise on, there are other things you can do to increase the symbolism and still remain similar enough to be considered a match. For example, adding twin birthstones (yours and the groom-to-be’s) to each ring, regardless of other design options you choose, can be a unique way to symbolize the marriage.

 

Adding a special engraving, such as a word or phrase or even the date of your marriage to each ring can also create a “matching set” that is just as special as if each ring were exactly alike.

 

Purchasing a matching wedding ring set is a very important decision, and there are a lot of things to consider before you make such a momentous purchase. However, matching wedding rings can be a wonderful way to symbolize the start of your lives together, and for some couples it is the perfect choice.

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Pink Diamonds – A Beautiful Choice for Wedding Rings

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

Pink diamonds are a gorgeous stone to incorporate into your wedding ring, and are a lovely alternative to plain gold bands or colorless diamond rings. While highly romantic and beautiful, pink diamonds can be difficult to find. However, if you are willing to put in the effort you can find the perfect pink diamond wedding ring to suit your tastes.

 

What are Pink Diamonds?

 

A beautiful alternative to colorless diamonds, pink diamonds are actually one of the rarest fancy colored diamonds available. For couples who are interested in a pink diamond wedding ring but cannot find or afford the real deal, they can be easily created in a lab as synthetic stones.

 

The majority of pink diamonds are actually quite pale. Darker or more vibrant shades of pink are even more rare, which makes them extremely valuable.

 

Designs

 

If you choose to wear your pink diamond wedding ring with other jewelry, their beautiful light hue coordinates well with other gemstones, including pink sapphires or colorless diamonds. Of course, many women choose to wear the pink diamond alone, because the rarity and beauty of the stone is stunning enough without other jewelry to detract from it. Luckily, you have many design options when choosing a pink diamond wedding ring.

 

Consider using a pink diamond as the central stone, with smaller diamonds on either side as accent stones. This is a lovely variation on the three-stone design, and will look gorgeous sparkling on your finger.

 

Many women also choose pink diamonds as accents in figural wedding rings, such as those in the shapes of flowers or other natural objects. Pink diamond eternity rings are also highly popular, or you can choose a scatter set design where tiny diamonds are sprinkled throughout the band of the ring for a very distinctive look.

 

Whether you choose a simple or elaborate look, the beauty of pink diamonds will shine through whichever design you create.

 

Finding Pink Diamond Wedding Rings

 

Unfortunately, finding a pink diamond wedding ring can be difficult. Most mass jewelry retailers do not offer pink diamonds, either natural or man made. You can look at online jewelers, who may be able to offer a larger selection of rings, including pink diamonds.

 

High-end “couture” designers often carry a limited selection of these gemstones, as well. Your best bet is to look for a reputable online retailer for pink diamond wedding ring designs. You can also try searching for loose stones, and having them set into the design of your choice.

 

Pink diamonds are prized for their beautiful pale hue, and are exceptionally rare and valuable. While pink diamonds are difficult to find and are quite expensive, synthetic stones are available to help make the look more affordable to the average couple.

Whether the sparkling diamond on your finger is the real deal or a fabulous fake, choosing a pink diamond wedding ring is a gorgeous and unique choice that will be cherished for years to come.

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Engraving your Wedding Ring

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

For a touch of sentiment and a unique way to personalize your wedding ring, consider engraving the inside of the band with something meaningful to the two of you.

 

Engraving

 

While most engravings are carved inside the interior of the band, some couples prefer engraving the exterior with special words or symbols that are meaningful to them. Exterior engraving works especially well if you only have a plain metal band, but want to add a touch of personalization via engraving.

 

Usually, you shouldn’t engrave the ring until it has been appropriately sized for your finger, otherwise the engraving will become distorted or illegible if you re-size the ring after it has already been carved.

 

Engraving Ideas

 

In order for an engraving to be practical and actually work, whatever you choose to engrave should be short and to the point. Choose a font that will be easy to read against the metal of the ring, and don’t make the words so small that they will be illegible.

 

Usually, short phrases or a single word or date work best for engraving. If you plan to engrave the entire exterior of the band, you may be able to get away with a longer sentence since it will be encircling the whole length of the band. However, interior engravings need to be simple and short, but still meaningful to the two of you somehow.

 

Luckily, even with limited space there are tons of ideas for engraving your wedding ring. Whether you want something a little quirky or off the wall; a sentimental or romantic phrase or something entirely different, you have plenty of options when choosing the perfect engraving to personalize your ring.

 

Romantic engravings are a popular choice, and they don’t have to be a long phrase to convey the sentiment. In fact, one or two words are a powerful way to personalize the ring, and make it even more special to the wearer. A simple “I love you” engraved inside the band, or even “Together Forever” work very well, and convey exactly what a marriage is supposed to be about.

 

If the two of you have nicknames for each other, consider engraving those on the band. Even if no one else understands what they are, the fact that it is something special between the two of you is the most important part. Many couples also choose to carve the date of their wedding, but you can choose a unique alternative and engrave the date you met, or the first time you told each other you were in love.

 

These are only a few options you can consider when choosing an engraving for your wedding ring. Use your creativity and imagination to come up with something that is right for the two of you.

 

Whatever you decide, it is undeniable that engraving your wedding ring is a special way to personalize a piece of jewelry that will ideally be worn for years to come.

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Finding an Antique Wedding Ring for the Groom to Be

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

For a unique, stylish alternative to contemporary rings, an antique wedding ring for the groom-to-be is the perfect choice. If your man favors classic styles, find him an antique wedding ring to symbolize your relationship in a unique and special way.

 

Antique Wedding Bands for Men

 

In order to find an antique wedding band for the groom-to-be, you’re going to have to do some digging. While inheriting an heirloom ring is obviously the ideal choice, not everyone has this option. In that instance, you can visit various estate sales, antique stores, private sellers or other resources to help find the perfect wedding band for the man in your life.

 

Learning How to Tell if a Ring is Truly Antique

 

You may hear many terms for wedding bands, and it can get confusing to figure out which rings are truly antique. In order to qualify as a true antique, the wedding ring must be at least 50 years old. Antique style rings are crafted to look older, but they are not actually antique.

 

Unfortunately, the term “vintage” is often used to describe a ring the seller believes is antique, but because a vintage ring can be pretty much any age, there’s no guarantee that the vintage wedding ring you are purchasing is actually an antique.

 

Where to Shop for an Antique Wedding Ring

 

Antique wedding rings for men can be difficult to find, but you have many options available to you in your search.

 

Online auctions can be a great resource, but it’s important to check out the seller’s credentials very carefully before committing to a purchase. Antique stores or estate sales are other resources you can use, but estate sales can be quite tricky to navigate. Most jewelry sold may not have any certificates or identifying paperwork, making it almost impossible to tell whether the ring is a true antique or even worth anything at all without an appraisal to test the value.

 

Surprisingly, thrift stores or pawn shops may also be the source of good deals for an antique wedding ring for the groom-to-be, but be very careful about any jewelry you find here.

 

If you decide to go the online route, check for online retailers that specifically cater to the antique ring market. However, because antique rings are almost always one of a kind pieces, make sure you know what you are looking for before you buy. Once you find that perfect ring, snap it up quickly before someone else can purchase it – it’s highly unlikely you’ll find the exact same ring again.

 

Choosing an antique wedding ring for the groom-to-be is a special choice, and can make shopping for a wedding band together a fun and exciting experience. Antique rings may be harder to track down than more contemporary styles, but the extra effort may be well worth it to own a special piece of jewelry that will be treasured forever.

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Diamond Wedding Rings for Men

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

While diamond wedding rings are usually thought of as a woman’s domain, diamonds are becoming a popular gemstone used to adorn men’s wedding rings, as well. Even though diamond wedding rings for men are usually simpler, they still offer a variety of styles for any type of personality and budget.

 

Types of Metals Used

 

Diamond wedding rings for men are surprisingly common, and there are a number of metals used for them.

 

Yellow or white gold are still just as popular for men’s diamond wedding rings as they are for women, but two-tone designs are becoming a novelty among male wedding rings because of their unique and distinctive look.

 

Platinum is favored for its durability, but titanium is usually popular above all other metals for men’s diamond wedding rings.

 

Settings

 

Diamond wedding rings for men may be popular, but they are often a lot more simply designed than female wedding rings. This doesn’t mean they are boring, though – it just means that they are designed more practically for an active lifestyle.

 

Typically, the settings used in diamond wedding rings for men are the most secure. Channel settings and invisible settings are popular choices for male wedding bands.

 

Other Things to Consider

 

Buying a diamond wedding ring from the groom-to-be is just as important as purchasing the bride’s wedding band, so you should keep a few things in mind before making such a critical purchase.

 

For one, you should only shop at a reputable jeweler that you have carefully researched and know as legitimate. Whether you shop at a brick-and-mortar store or online, it’s important to know who you are dealing with.

 

You should also take the time to learn about the 4 C’s of diamond quality so you are able to judge the quality of the stones you are using to incorporate into the design of the groom-to-be’s wedding ring.

 

Of course, you also want to choose a wedding ring that will fit into the groom’s lifestyle. If he is particularly active, obviously you will want a diamond wedding ring that is practical for that type of lifestyle.

 

His personal tastes will also play a role in selecting the perfect wedding ring, as well. A good fitting ring will complement the hand and finger it is placed on, so make sure you shop around and have the groom-to-be try on several different rings so he gets a feel for the style of ring that works best for him.

 

Diamond wedding rings for men may be simpler than their female counterparts, but it is just important to search for a quality ring for the groom-to-be as it is for the bride.

 

Choosing a ring that is not only practical but reflects his personality as well is key to selecting a wedding ring that will undoubtedly be a cherished possession for years to come, long after the wedding is over!

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Yellow Gold Wedding Rings – Classic and Elegant

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

If your bride-to-be is a traditional woman and prefers classic styles of jewelry, a yellow gold wedding ring is the optimum choice. What’s more, yellow gold rings tend to be less expensive than platinum or other types of metals, but of course the overall price will depend on a variety of factors, not just the metal itself.

 

Yellow Gold Wedding Ring Styles

 

There are numerous yellow gold wedding ring styles you can choose from. Whether you prefer a simple design or something a little more intricate, yellow gold rings can be customized a number of ways to fit both your personal tastes and your budget.

 

For a simple design, consider a classic yellow gold wedding ring with no gemstones whatsoever. This is actually the most traditional wedding band you can buy, and with the personalization options available (such as engraving,) a plain band doesn’t have to be boring.

 

Of course, most women probably prefer some sort of sparkle to their ring, so a classic solitaire wedding ring with one central diamond or other gemstone can bring additional beauty to a yellow gold wedding ring.

 

You are not limited to diamonds as your only gemstone choice, either. Consider incorporating your birthstones into the overall design, or pick a favorite gemstone and work that into the ring. Your choices are nearly limitless when it comes to finding the perfect yellow gold wedding ring.

 

Finding a Yellow Gold Wedding Ring

 

Thankfully, choosing a yellow gold wedding ring is actually quite simple compared to more unusual styles. Local jewelers are likely to have quite a large selection of yellow gold rings, especially chain stores at your local mall.

 

Of course, you are not limited to brick-and-mortar stores. If you include online retailers in your search, you will undoubtedly have a huge selection of yellow gold wedding rings at your fingertips. If you decide you do not want an off-the-rack design, most jewelry retailers are happy to work with you to customize the perfect wedding ring for your needs.

 

The Cost

 

Even though the price of gold has increased over the years, they can still be an affordable choice for most couples compared to other metals. Of course, the price will vary according to the intricacy of the design, your choice of gemstones (as well as the carat weight and quality of those stones,) and even the setting. Take all of this into consideration before you purchase a ring.

 

Yellow gold wedding rings are a beautiful choice, and can be a very affordable option for couples who cannot afford to spend a lot. For the bride-to-be who loves classic and timeless jewelry, a yellow gold wedding ring is just the thing!

 

Whether you choose a simple, unadorned wedding band or a more intricate design, your yellow gold wedding ring will be a beautiful way to symbolize the love between two people, and be a cherished possession for many years to come.

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Tungsten Wedding Rings for Men

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

Tungsten wedding rings for men are actually an unusual choice, but highly attractive because of its unique gray color. While tungsten rings can not entirely be called mainstream yet, there’s no denying they are becoming a popular choice because of the many benefits tungsten wedding rings offer the wearer.

 

The Benefits of Tungsten Wedding Rings

 

Tungsten is one of the hardest metals available for commercial use in jewelry, and they make exceptional wedding rings for men. In fact, tungsten wedding rings are so resistant to damage that you can wear them even in the most labor-intensive job and it will resist normal nicks or scratches that softer metals simply cannot.

 

What’s more, tungsten’s natural gray finish is considered pretty much permanent, and will not wear away even with frequent wear like other metals can.

 

Tungsten Wedding Ring Styles

 

While not surprising, the vast majority of tungsten wedding rings are actually specifically created for men. Knowing that, it’s not that surprising to see how popular these rings are becoming for men who need a durable, strong wedding ring for their active lifestyle.

 

Because they are primarily designed for men, they often include a much wider or thicker band and less detailing than a woman’s wedding ring.

 

Styles Include:

 

Metal inlays, where a different type of metal such as gold or silver, is incorporated into the tungsten band for a distinctive, polished look. You can also design a tungsten ring to have nearly any kind of finish you want, be it a glossy sheen or a matte finish.

 

Including various gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds or even your birthstones is also a great way to make the ring unique and interesting.  Designers can also create visual interest by rounding or squaring the edges of the band, or adding ridges for aesthetic appeal.

 

Cautions

 

Even though tungsten wedding rings for men are some of the strongest available, they still have their own share of problems. Customizing a tungsten ring via engraving is impossible (because the metal resists scratching,) and resizing the ring is almost impossible to do by typical means.

 

What’s more, the strength and durability of tungsten make it exceptionally brittle, which means it is much more likely to be the victim of serious damage if it is exposed to repeated heavy blows. Take care to look after your tungsten wedding ring when it is not being worn, and treat it like you would any piece of fine jewelry.

 

Praised for both their distinctive gray hue and incredible strength and durability, tungsten wedding rings for men are an incredible choice, especially for very active lifestyles.

 

Even though your customization options might be limited, you can still find the perfect tungsten wedding ring for your groom-to-be that will far surpass the wedding day and beyond.

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