Archive for the ‘Ring Musings’ Category

Anna Paquin Wears Vintage Engagement Ring

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Antique Style Engagement Ring from LieberfarbA round stone vintage engagement ring seems like the perfect choice for HBO’s True Blood on and off-screen romance between Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), a telepathic waitress and magnet for life threatening situations and Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a vampire made in the 1800s with a soft spot for humans.

 

Although the series, which is based off Sookie Stackhouse Novels by Charlaine Harris, begins in a small southern town, the couple’s love scenes and intimate conversations often occur in the 200-year-old Compton family house. In addition to the high ceiling and hardwood floored two- story house, Bill Compton is also known for his antique taste, which he often expresses to Sookie throughout the series.

 

Even the proposal site was inspired by classic-felt character Bill Compton. According to People.com, Moyer, 39, said that the lyrics to a song played during a scene where Bill is driving in a car inspired him to slide the vintage ensemble onto Paquin’s, 27, ring finger on a vacation to a white sandy beach sometime in August 2009.

 

Was the ring on Paquin’s finger once worn by a queen, or was it passed down from a spirited grandmother, who was accidentally murdered by a vampire hunter? Perhaps, it is a new ring, customized in vintage, to symbolize the beginning of their story with hopes to be passed on to someone else.

 

Traditionally, the term vintage is loosely used to describe a ring that was once worn by someone else. These rings often come with a story, and if they don’t, one has every right to create a narrative of their own. One ring may hold a tradition passed along through generations, and another may have been worn upon the finger of a highly regarded individual in society.

 

Vintage rings were made in times with little technology, which means they were created by the hands of local jewelers and customized to the individual needs of the customer during certain historical time periods. Because of this, it is rare to find two antique rings that are exactly the same. Whatever the story may hold and time period the ring represents, the character of a true antique ring will provide a unique charm impossible to find in a new ring.

 

The most popular vintage rings are dated back to the late 1800s to mid 1900s. These rings are easily recognized by their ornament design with small circular stones—often diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires—in a gold setting. The filigree ring is often delicate in design.

 

It is important to realize that vintage rings most likely have flaws because of their age. An older ring will have scratches and chips, which will need to be repaired. Accumulation of dirt and oil will also need to be removed in order to see the classic beauty of these rarities. Repair and cleaning costs should be accounted for when a buyer is considering a vintage ring.

 

Depending on the age and wear of vintage rings, the repair and maintenance of such rings might be impractical. It is often recommended to have a jeweler custom make a ring that is similar in style to correct this issue. Customized rings still hold the tradition of the original ring, yet they are durable to sustain the story for years to come.

 

The story that accompanies the vintage style ring hanging from Paquin’s finger has been kept quiet for some time. The couple’s off-screen relationship was revealed during an awkward love scene between Bill and another cast mate according to People.com, but the wedding details are still hush-hush. With all things considered, an early 1900s charm and velvet ambiance is much anticipated in this red carpet wedding.

Ocean Inspired Wedding Rings

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Ocean inspired wedding rings, or nautical rings, are the perfect way to symbolize a marriage for a couple who has a close connection with the sea and its majestic beauty. If you have a beach wedding or simply enjoy the water, a nautical wedding ring could be the perfect choice for your union.

 

Designs

 

Ocean inspired wedding rings are the perfect complement to a couple who enjoys the sea and all it holds within it. Even if you aren’t having a beach wedding but simply want to feel more connected to the ocean, nautical rings come in a variety of designs that are sure to please.

 

Wedding rings that incorporate marine animals into the design, such as sea horses, whales, starfish, turtles, fish and dolphins are perfect for nautical rings. These can be figural designs, carved symbols or any number of things.

 

For an even more unique look, couples can incorporate mythical sea creatures into their ocean inspired wedding bands by using mermaids, pirates, or other distinctive symbols.

 

Wave designs are also quite popular, and is a symbolic way to showcase the (ideally) never ending bond of a strong marriage. Wave designs can be incorporated into a wedding band by carving or etching the design into the ring, or the custom ring can be textured to create the appearance of a wave.

 

Other nautical designs such as lighthouses, sailboats, scuba gear, ships’ wheels, and sailing knots can also be featured in ocean themed engagement rings. Whether alone or combined with other nautical themes, these designs are quite popular and add an extra layer of depth to an already stunning and unique ring.

 

Finally, seashells can also be used. You can have shells carved or etched into a wedding band, or use actual shells to encircle the band of the ring or use one larger shell in place of a central gemstone. This type of ring automatically turns heads because it is such a unique way to symbolize your relationship in a way that is meaningful to you.

 

Of course, gemstones can also be included in a nautical wedding ring. Any gemstones you admire, including diamonds, can be a part of the design, especially if you are going for a more subtle ocean-inspired look.

 

Finding Ocean Inspired Wedding Rings

 

Most mainstream jewelers will not offer a selection of nautical wedding rings. Because of this, it may be more difficult to find these types of rings than it would be for a more traditional style. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find an appropriate ring for your wedding. Many online retailers, especially those who specialize in aquatic rings, offer a large selection of nautical styles for you to choose from. Provided you only deal with a reputable business, you can find the perfect ocean inspired wedding ring for your big day.

 

If you want to showcase not only your love for one another but your love for the ocean and all its glory as well, a nautical wedding ring is a highly symbolic and beautiful choice that will be a treasured memento for every year you spend together.

The Appeal of Non Traditional Wedding Rings

Monday, July 20th, 2009

Although classic wedding ring styles will always be prevalent, more couples are choosing non traditional wedding rings to symbolize their union than ever before. There are many reasons a couple may choose a non-traditional wedding ring over a more classic style. The appeal of contemporary rings is great, and many brides and grooms-to-be want a unique symbol of their love for one another.

 

Why a Non Traditional Ring?

 

Historically, wedding rings were simple gold bands with no adornments whatsoever. Since then, the wedding ring business has opened up a host of opportunities to design the perfect ring to commemorate a marriage with a variety of gemstones, precious metals, settings and other design elements to choose from.

 

However, there are a variety of even more alternative styles that may suit the truly unique couple who do not want to spend a lot of money for a wedding ring and want something different from the norm, or even something different from more contemporary styles!

 

Reasons to Buy a Non Traditional Wedding Ring

 

There are many reasons a couple might choose a non traditional wedding ring. Weddings and starting a life together is an expensive undertaking, and adding to those expenses by purchasing an expensive wedding ring doesn’t make much sense financially.

 

For this reason, many couples look outside the box to purchase inexpensive wedding rings made from any number of cheap materials to avoid going into debt. For these couples, the intent behind the ring and their love for one another is more important than a flashy diamond or other gemstone.

 

Other couples turn to non traditional rings because of their job or lifestyle. For some who lead demanding lifestyles or work in a certain field, wearing a traditional wedding ring may not be feasible or practical.

 

Still others may choose alternative wedding rings because they want the exchange of rings to be meaningful and special to them without having to buy into the societal norm of a huge, expensive wedding and a flashy ring.

 

Consider This

 

While non traditional wedding rings are appealing to quite a surprising number of couples these days, you should think long and hard about the implications of choosing different rings to symbolize your relationship.

 

While non-traditional rings are definitely unique, many of these rings do not last as long as more traditional styles, depending on the type of materials your rings are crafted from. You may even end up regretting choosing a non traditional ring if your tastes change.

 

If you do decide to go with a non traditional ring, you are making a unique and distinctive choice. Whatever your reasons for choosing an alternative wedding ring, the fact that you are able to buck the trend and go with something different means you can focus more on what marriage is supposed to be about.

 

While certainly not for everyone, non traditional wedding rings are appealing to many people and offer a unique way to symbolize your unique relationship in a way that is special to you!

How to Remove a Stuck Wedding Ring without Damaging It

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Even if you’ve had your wedding ring perfectly sized, your ring size can change for a number of reasons both permanent or temporary. If your wedding ring gets stuck, you can learn how to loosen a stuck ring without damaging the beautiful symbol of your marriage.

 

Why Can my Ring Size Change?

 

Your wedding ring may have fit perfectly the day it was slipped on your finger for the first time, but any number of reasons can cause a snug ring to become tight and uncomfortable.

 

Water retention is a common culprit, and can cause your fingers to swell. When this happens, your ring will obviously feel much too tight. Luckily, water retention is a temporary problem and should go away after a few days or so depending on the reason you are retaining water.

 

Weight gain can also be the reason a wedding ring has become too tight for comfort. Even a few extra pounds, be it from changing your dietary habits to becoming pregnant can mean the difference between a properly sized ring and a ring that seems to cut off your circulation.

 

Any injuries to your hands or fingers can cause swelling, which will obviously make your ring feel tighter. An increase in blood flow, such as what happens with high blood pressure, circulatory problems or exercise can also result in swelling.

 

Tricks to Loosen a Stuck Wedding Ring

 

If your wedding ring becomes stuck or difficult to remove, there are a number of quick and easy tricks you can try to help remove the ring without damaging it.

 

For example, instead of trying to pull the ring straight off your finger, try to wiggle the ring from side to side in order to gently loosen the ring. To make this process a little easier (or any trick you try, for that matter) relax your hand completely.

 

You can also try using water as a lubricant to gently slide the ring off your finger. For an increased change of success, keep the hand and finger wet throughout the process.

 

Finally, you can try to reduce blood flow by elevating your hand above your head for a few moments. This can help calm swelling, if there is any, and allow you to safely remove your stuck wedding ring without damaging any of the delicate parts.

 

What Not to Do

 

You may hear tricks from well-meaning friends or relatives to help loosen a stuck ring, but the following things should be avoided.

 

Do not butter, oil or use other greasy or heavy lubricants to help remove your ring. Butter and other oils can get stuck in tiny cracks and crevices of a wedding ring, and can dull the stone, setting and be very hard to clean.

 

Avoid the temptation to use tools to get the ring off your finger. Similarly, don’t try to cut the band off yourself – this could lead to severe injury. You should also avoid pulling on the ring’s prongs or other elevated settings. Doing so, you’ll risk damage to the ring and a warped setting, which can cause the stones to fall out.

 

With care, patience and the proper techniques, you can remove a stuck wedding ring without causing any damage to the stones, settings or any part of your beautiful band.

Alternative Wedding Rings

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

While classic and traditional wedding rings are beautiful in their own right, many couples are turning towards alternative wedding ring choices to symbolize their love for one another. Before you decide to look for an alternative wedding ring, you should learn what your options are and if it’s truly right for you.

 

Why Choose an Alternative Wedding Ring?

There are a surprising number of reasons some couples choose alternative wedding rings over a traditional gold band. For one, wedding rings can be quite expensive. Even simple gold bands, while less expensive than more elaborate designs can cost a few hundred dollars. Furthermore, the quality and carat weight of diamonds or other gemstones can jump up the cost of a wedding ring even more!

 

Luckily, many alternative wedding rings can be found that cost far less but still hold just as much meaning.

 

Of course, many couples look for alternative wedding ring choices in the interest of being eco-friendly, as well. Wearing a band of precious metal around your finger serves no practical purpose, so many couples use this as a reason to look for a more environmentally friendly alternative.

 

Additionally, many couples do not buy into the commercialism of weddings. For couples who do not want the traditional white wedding, finding a unique or alternative wedding ring rather than a more classic style is a great choice.

 

Alternative Ring Choices

 

You have a surprising number of options when looking for an alternative wedding ring to symbolize your relationship. Rather than using precious metals, finding a ring made with unique materials such as wood, hematite, coral or other interesting materials is a wonderful way to commemorate your relationship in a non-traditional fashion.

 

Figural rings are also an alternative choice, and are designed in a wide variety of styles such as flowers, insects or other natural objects. Couples may also be interested in cultural rings, such as Irish or Celtic wedding ring sets.

 

Fake jewelry is surprisingly another popular alternative wedding ring choice, such as celebrity replica rings or even costume jewelry. Rings made from recycled materials are another unique option, as well.

 

Things to Consider

 

Even though alternative wedding rings are a growing trend among couples who do not want a traditional gold band, you should think carefully about how you’ll feel about your unique choice as the years progress.

 

While alternative wedding rings may seem like a good idea now, style preferences change. Furthermore, certain unique rings may not last as long or be as durable as precious metal. While choosing an alternative ring is a sentimental and exciting choice in its own right, consider your decision carefully before you make that choice.

 

Alternative wedding rings are becoming a popular trend as couples turn away from traditional styles for more unique choices to symbolize their special relationship.

 

While not suitable for everyone, alternative wedding rings are a lovely option to commemorate a relationship that is unique and special, just like the ring!

Popular Wedding Ring Designs Within the Latino Community

Friday, May 29th, 2009

There are several unique styles and trends which are currently affecting the wedding ring industry.  One such trend is less of a style trend and moral cultural trending. With the ever-increasing influence of the Latino community upon popular culture and Western populations as a whole, there has been a corresponding increase in demand for wedding rings which exude the culture and values of Latinos and Latinas.  Within that general trending there is an emerging set of styles which are coming to be seen as common articles to be incorporated into a Hispanic themed wedding ceremony and its corresponding wedding rings.

 

One of the first things that is noticed when one begins to examine Hispanic themed wedding rings is the influence of Christianity upon the wedding ring’s design.  Prayers, Scripture and Bible passages are currently being inscribed upon many wedding rings in the Spanish language due to the high demand for such wedding rings. Also, the engravings of Christian iconography upon wedding rings is a growing trend in general.  This is perhaps due to the prevalence of Christianity and Catholicism within the Spanish-speaking/Hispanic community.

 

latino-wedding-ringYet it is not only religion which is a driving factor of this trend.  There are many little known wedding ceremonial practices from Spain which have carried through to the Americas.  One such practice is the gifting of 13 Golden coins to the bride by her groom on their wedding day.  This comes from the more ancient tradition of gifting a dowry to a bride and her family.  In an effort to carry this tradition through to the modern era, many Hispanic couples are searching for wedding rings which combine the practice of ring exchanging with the more ceremonial tradition.  As such, custom jewelers have been getting ever-increasing orders for wedding rings, which somehow incorporate the 13 Golden rings into their design.  For example, there have been some wedding rings which been manufactured to resemble 13 coins adjacent to each other at their edges and formed into a ring. Other gold wedding rings have had 13 coins inscribed or engraved upon the exterior or interior of the wedding ring’s band.  These pieces not only put a unique twist on the common wedding ring, but are actually quite lovely to behold as well!  Men’s wedding rings have also picked up on this trend regarding coins.  There are many men’s wedding rings which feature as a centerpiece stamped impressions of old Spanish doubloons, if not the actual coins themselves!

 

These kinds of trends have actually had an interesting influence on the modern wedding ring design industry.  Jewelry designers, be they independent or working for a major retail chain, have had to quickly adapt to this emerging trend and create the kind of wedding rings that their customers are interested in purchasing.  This has led to a great deal of variety available to those individuals who may wish to purchase a wedding ring with a Hispanic flair.  Finding a local jeweler to create the kind of custom wedding ring design you may want should pose no problem.  Moreover, a careful search of the Internet will reveal online retailers and designers who carry this specialized theme of wedding rings.

What Is Old Is New Again – Antique Wedding Rings

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

The styles of the past were just as varied and attempted to meet the unique tastes of the people who populated those bygone eras.  With regards to wedding rings, the modern eras are no different.  One of the many things that people are looking for when they are buying wedding rings is for their ring to possess a certain character or quality.  Antique styles of wedding rings are growing in their popularity and are reflective of more than just your grandmother’s wedding ring!  There are several styles of antique wedding rings which commonly standout in today’s marketplace.

 

The first style of antique wedding ring which is quite popular today is often referred to as ‘Georgian’.  Georgian antique wedding rings are based off of wedding ring designs from about the year 1700 to 1840.  Georgian jewelry typically incorporates a nature theme, and Georgian antique wedding rings usually have images of birds, leaves, flowers and even insects!  Cut gemstones, particularly diamonds, were often used to create Georgian Era jewelry and wedding rings were no exception.  As such, antique wedding rings which seek to reflect the Georgian era of jewelry design more often than not also go about emulating that era by using diamonds in their designs. Engravings of ladybugs are optional! A small side note here, the idea of ladybugs bringing good luck comes from the incorporating of ladybug designs into Georgian Era jewelry and wedding rings.

 

Another rising style of antique wedding ring, one which many of our readers I’m sure are familiar with, is pieces which attempt to emulate Victorian Era standards of design.  Antique wedding rings of the Victorian Era were often simple bands made significant by one bold accent.  Said accident could have been a set stone, or something else, such as the engraving of a design or some kind of inscription.  The Victorian Era and styles of jewelry came and went rather quickly, over the course of perhaps 50 years.  It was followed by another common antique wedding ring theme known as Edwardian.  The Edwardian Era of jewelry introduced a concept into jewelry design which still carries over into our modern era… milgrained jewelry.  A milgrain is a finishing detail common in wedding rings, wherein the edge of the ring is made to look like the edge of a coin by creating a raised and beaded edge.  By incorporating a milgrain into even a simple gold or platinum wedding band, it is easy to create an antique wedding ring look, one which resembles many such wedding rings from the early 20th century.

 

For those who may not have noticed, it would appear that in the Western world, the English “governed” much of the accepted jewelry and wedding ring designs (King George, Queen Victoria, King Edward).  At least up until America burst upon the jewelry design scene after World War I.  America’s Art Deco design theme changed all that!  Antique wedding rings of an Art Deco design more often than not are very bold but still elegant designs.  Usually consisting of large centerpieces with sharp angles and bands with sweeping elegant curves, antique style Art Deco wedding rings, like so many other things American-made, are easy to spot from a distance.

Adding an Asian Touch to Your Wedding Ring

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

 

bambooWhen it comes to wedding rings and wedding bands, for many couples the standard fare just isn’t enough.  For some the desire to incorporate various themes into their wedding ceremony which may be reflective of the décor or setting of the ceremony, and even cultural heritage of the couple, often carries over into their choice of wedding band design.  One popular such theme for weddings is an Asian theme.  If adding an Asian touch is something that you would like to do with regard to your wedding band or wedding ring, here are a few ideas which may help boost your own creative efforts.

 

There are parts of Asia which are quite famous for their metal quality.  One such place known for producing beautiful gold is Thailand.  Gold mined in Thailand is known for its unique luster and amazing natural purity.  In fact gold which comes from Thailand is known to be the purest raw gold mined anywhere on the Earth.  At 95% or greater purity when pulled directly from the ground, it is more pure than the gold mined even from South Africa!  Thus a wedding ring created from Thai gold possesses not only the spirit of Asia, but the actual raw beauty of the land itself.  A quick search of the Internet will reveal many images which clearly show the differences between refined gold and the character of the natural gold originating from Thailand.  There are also several mines in the Near East, Syria and Turkey most notably, which themselves have gold of similar quality and natural purity.

 

Other wedding rings and wedding bands could focus rather on design features.  Some wedding bands have been engineered to resemble that of the bamboo plant, and thus make for a unique twist to the standard simple golden wedding band.  It is also possible to have any one of innumerable Asian themed designs etched or engraved onto your wedding ring or wedding band.  Traditional symbols such as the Lotus, chrysanthemum and cherry blossom are all popular designs to have engraved upon a wedding.  And let’s not forget all of the unique and diverse languages Asia possesses and how easy it would be to have passages engraved upon your wedding ring or wedding band.

 

It is also possible to incorporate gemstones which have been mined from the Far East into your wedding ring or wedding band.  Though not necessarily well-known for its diamonds, Asia is famous for producing emeralds, sapphires and above all, rubies, of exceptional quality and beauty.  By consulting a local jeweler or online gemstone broker, it is possible to determine just how gemstones of such an origin can be purchased, as well as the various documents you will want to see to ensure your gemstones are coming from the advertised source.

 

So do not feel limited by cultural conventions.  There are many ways to add a special touch to your special day, and creating unique wedding rings or wedding bands for your big day is a great way to anchor your cherished memories.

 

“Dropping” Yourself a New Wedding Band

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

metal-forging

Custom made wedding rings and wedding bands have always been in high demand.  More often than not, custom creations have consisted of intricate designs, complex stone settings or have been comprised of other intricate workmanship.  With the rising popularity of alternative metals such as titanium and tungsten, both of which are notoriously difficult to craft, there is an emerging trend in custom wedding ring and wedding band design.  Ironically enough, this new design trend comes from the very same “heavy industries” that many popular alternative metals themselves have sprung from.

 

A process known as drop forging, wherein small and intricate parts of various apparatuses are manufactured by means of a pressure mold as opposed to being traditionally machined, is beginning to catch on as a way to create wedding rings and wedding bands.  Drop forging consists of first making a detailed mold (usually from heat resistant ceramics) wherein the molten metal can be placed under pressure.  The pressure created within the mold allows for the molten metal to push against the side walls of the mold in such a way as to ensure that even the finest of detail work becomes clearly visible.  Tungsten and tungsten carbide, metals notoriously difficult to craft or engrave due to their extreme hardness, are now being crafted with molded designs that can literally be no more than a few microns in width!  This process, though still quite pricey and offered by only a few select online retail jewelers and jewelry designers, is quickly beginning to show just how artful alternative metal wedding rings and wedding bands can become.

 

If commissioning a drop forged wedding ring or wedding band is something you would like to consider, there are a few things that a consumer needs to keep in mind.  Firstly, the incorporation of precious gemstones such as diamonds is still a bit beyond the reach of the average jeweler.  It would seem that finding a way to keep the stones in place within the mold itself is still proving to be a bit of a technical challenge.  Also, and again as stated above, like so many other things that are new and trendy, drop forged wedding bands and wedding rings are far more expensive than their traditionally crafted counterparts.  Still, for those individuals who have their hearts set on a tungsten or tungsten carbide wedding band and wish to see the ring with various patterns and designs laid onto its surface, drop forging has now become the preferred mode of creation.

 

For as new as this emerging trend is with regards to alternative metals, using molds to create wedding rings and wedding bands is really nothing new.  Molds are often used to create wedding bands comprised of more traditional precious metals such as silver, gold and of course, platinum.  Finding a jeweler in your local area who could create a drop forged wedding ring or wedding band would in all probability prove to be quite a challenge.  However, a careful search of the Internet will reveal a few online designers who are capable of creating the wedding band or wedding ring set that you desire.

 

The Benefits Online Retailers Provide For Wedding Ring Purchasers

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Currently there are thousands, if not tens of thousands, of websites dedicated to the sale of wedding rings, wedding bands and assorted other pieces of jewelry.  These websites are maintained by companies not only on the North American continent and Europe, but from places such as East Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. Determining the best website to purchase a wedding band or wedding ring from can be a chore in itself!  For many consumers, it can be difficult determining a quality custom jeweler’s website from some type of online clearinghouse dedicated to selling wedding rings and wedding bands in the highest possible volume.

 

If you are in the market to purchase a new wedding ring or wedding band, there are several good reasons why choosing to purchase the item online is more than just a viable option. Purchasing a wedding ring or wedding band online can potentially save a consumer or couple a significant amount of money.  Oftentimes rings which are mass manufactured and have become overstock are sold to various online retailers and clearinghouses in an effort to move the wedding rings and wedding bands as quickly and effectively as possible.  Chain store retailers such as Kay Jewelers and Ben Bridge Jewelers, oftentimes employ this sales method with many of their overstocked items.  It then becomes possible to buy trendy and up-to-date wedding rings and wedding bands at a significant discount. Another good reason to shop for a wedding ring or wedding band online is proof of the age-old adage, “Variety is the spice of life”.  The staggering number of websites dedicated to selling jewelry online, particularly wedding rings and wedding bands, makes for an astounding number of choices… far more than could possibly exist in one retail outlet.  Moreover, many of these websites specialize in selling one type or design of wedding ring or wedding band.  Websites which deal exclusively in alternate metals such as tungsten or titanium, and others which focus on perhaps hypoallergenic or eco-friendly wedding bands and wedding rings, are all quite common.  There are several websites which market themselves as using only “conflict free” diamonds in their jewelry pieces.  The sheer volume of trends, tastes, personal interests, and even sociopolitical beliefs that wedding ring websites can address and accommodate for make for great venue in which one can at least begin to get a good understanding of the type of wedding ring or wedding band they might wish to purchase. In fact, one could successfully argue that shopping online for wedding rings and wedding bands is in itself an emerging trend!

 

In the event that buying a pre-manufactured wedding ring or wedding band is not necessarily your style and you want tohave a custom piece made, again, the Internet is a great place to turn toward. Custom jewelry designers love to show off the pieces they’ve created and the Internet makes for a great virtual showroom.  A careful keyword search of the Internet will reveal a whole host of jewelry designers who showcase and advertise their wedding rings and wedding bands online. Many such designers pride themselves on creating one-of-a-kind creations, as they are small more “mom and pop” type jewelry boutiques.