Ring Definitions for the “Soon to be” (Part Two)
Continued from Ring Definitions for the “Soon to Be” (Part One)…
Wedding and engagement rings were covered in Ring Definitions for the “Soon to be”(Part One). These definitions were created to help you discover what ring is perfect for you. If the wedding ring label on the search tab is the only thing that is stopping you from buying the perfect anniversary ring, you are taking these definitions way too far, friend.
Wedding Bands
As discussed in Ring Definitions for the “Soon to be”(Part One), wedding rings have diamonds or other stones on the band. The absence of gemstones is what sets apart wedding bands from wedding rings. The use of hand carved designs help enhance the aesthetic quality of wedding bands. Wedding bands are available in a variety of metals–gold, platinum, stainless steel, titanium, palladium and tungsten are the most common. Each of these metals have much to offer in terms of quality, the trick is finding which one best suits you.
Wedding Rings Sets
Some choose to buy both an engagement ring, to symbolize the proposal of the desire to become married, which is giving prior to the wedding ceremony, and a wedding ring to symbolized everlasting love, which is given at the wedding ceremony. This can get costly for some individuals, and for that reason buyers usually turn to wedding ring sets.
Another reason to go with the wedding ring set is the versatility of the set. It can be worn as one piece or two separate pieces. After the wedding ceremony engagement rings usually go into the jewelry box, but with wedding ring sets are designed to be worn together. It is easiest to think of wedding ring sets in two pieces: an engagement ring and a wedding ring or band. Prior to the ceremony only the engagement piece is worn, after the ceremony the engagement ring fits into the band or wedding ring, becoming the wedding ring set.
Antique Rings
Traditionally, the term antique or 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. 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.
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.
Read Ring Definitions for the “Soon to Be” (Part Three) next…
