Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ring

Choosing your wedding ring is perhaps one of the most important pieces of jewelry that you will ever give your future spouse throughout your entire lifetime together. When choosing you will want to find a ring that will stay stylish over time and will become timeless. If you choose a ring that will never become outdated it adds value to the ring. With many different options available today for men and women shopping for the rings can be overwhelming.

You may choose to go with matching bands which most think add a special symbolism to the rings when worn out, but its not required. Some men find rings uncomfortable so the shape that is chosen for the woman may not be something that the man might want to wear. With the variety that s available today it can be exhausting shopping but don t let it stress you out. If you had originally wanted matching bands but its not working out then as a bride choose your ring and allow your soon to be husband choose what he likes. If you are able to choose the rings together then it will also take pressure off as far as picking something that your spouse may not like.

The material used for the ring is also an important factor when choosing for both women s and men s rings. Common materials normally used for the rings include silver, gold, and platinum even though they can consist of any material that the couple may choose. Gold known as the most popular material for wedding rings can be karats of 14,18, and 24. Most recommend choosing 14 karat gold for wedding rings are durable but does not sacrifice luster. While 18 karat gold can be another option keep in mind its made of a softer metal it may be easier to scuff or scratch. 24 karat gold rings are not recommended on the fact that they are the softest metal of all and to avoid tarnishing or scratching is almost impossible. It can become discolored fairly fast as well but because its less costly people do choose it.

Once you have chosen the metal that you will use for your wedding ring, it will then be time to browse the styles of ring. With more options available for styles than metals this can also take a bit of time. The three most common styles are half round bounds, flat bands, and comfit bands. The half round is the most used for wedding rings, while the flat band is becoming more popular due to the fact that they can be decorated with engravings. You also have the choice of choosing a matching wedding band and engagement set.

With the metal and style chosen you now many decide whether or not you want your rings engraved. A good jeweler should have the capability to design your ring as you wish including any text, symbols, or numbers. While many choose to engrave their initials or words to each other some may opt to have nothing done to them.

Choosing your wedding rings can seem like a stressful event but by doing whatever works for you and your significant other will make things easier and more enjoyable. If you are unable to browse local shops for the perfectwedding ring you may also use the Internet.

Wedding Rings: Today s Trends – Tomorrow s Classics

Summer is a popular time for weddings. Sunny days, warm weather and a profusion of flowers provide the beautiful back drop for brides who take their vows in a church, at the beach, in a garden, or other unique setting. From the ambiance to the wedding wear to the reception, couples today wish to infuse their personalities into every detail of the day. As personalization of style also extends to the wedding jewelry, couples are giving more special thought to their wedding rings. Gone are the days of simply choosing a matching set for both the bride and groom. Instead, they are looking at everything from vintage inspired to unique colored stones. The available ring styles include some of today s outstanding trends which are destined to become tomorrow s classics.

An important thing to remember is to find a style that appeals to both the man and woman and which will continue to bring joy for years to come. Perusing through magazines and jewelry stores allows a couple to define their style and narrow down their choices.

Several styles are turning the heads of couples this season:

Pave Settings

For a look that truly shimmers, pave settings make a band appear as if it s paved in diamonds. Tiny, fully cut diamonds are set extremely closely together, so to make the metal around them disappear. This style affords the wearers a look nothing short of luxurious without being over the top. Couples may find the look in everything from yellow gold to platinum.

Vintage Styles

For those who love a vintage look, celebrity brides are leading this trend. Several recently engaged celebrity couples have sealed their promise to marry with vintage family heirlooms. Even if a beautiful ring from grandma s jewelry box is not an option, vintage inspired choices are popping up everywhere. The delicate look of vintage inspired rings reminds us that what is old is new again during the wedding season. The most recognizable style is the Old European, but styles also come in Asscher cuts and others. For those who want to don this look, seek out styles with small scroll like engraving; tiny, half point diamonds, also called microset and dainty milgrain work; or raised beaded edges, as well as filigree.

Colorful Creations

For the bride who enjoys a hint of color, colored stone wedding rings are making a splash in canary yellow diamond, blue and pink sapphires, and rare light pink diamonds. Many brides choosing colored stones are also selecting a modern look, such as a tension setting. Meanwhile, colored stones are also making their appearance in four prong classic or vintage filigreed settings. Colored stones are a great way to personalize wedding rings through a favorite color or birthstone. Brides might even opt for a setting that incorporates her and her intended s birthstones.

Stacked Bands

Stacked bands are a huge wedding ring trend this season. Two or more bands stacked together make a dramatic and beautiful statement. One way to achieve this look is with several eternity bands worn piled one atop the other. These rings, with stones designed all around the band, garner sparkling attention when several are worn together. With this flexible and modern look, a bride may wear her engagement and wedding bands together one day, and the next day, wear the engagement ring on her right hand and wedding band on the left. Stacked bands are also a great alternative for couples who want to start a small collection. For instance, begin with one or two rings on the wedding day and add to it over the next several anniversaries.

Wedding Ring Instructions: Choose What You Love Within Your Budget

It s impossible to predict what life will bring. When a couple chooses to spend their lives together, they want their rings to represent their lifelong commitment. As the years progress, children may be born and grow, and in the best of circumstances, the covenant, and the rings, will have both persevered the joys and challenges of life.

Wedding rings are perhaps the only piece of jewelry for which a couple will shop for and wear in a set together, so some preliminary instructions may be needed before making this significant purchase. Before making this purchase, couples should give some thought to a few elemental things. For instance, consider metal choice – such as yellow gold, white gold or platinum. If a couple has differing opinions, there are ways to compromise, such as choosing bands that incorporate more than one metal color. Take some time to peruse magazines and jewelry stores for additional ideas in regards to style, stone and price.

Before beginning the selection process, a budget should be set. Whether couples shop for rings together or separately, each person should have a clear idea of the budget before making such an important purchase. For instance, simple gold bands may be priced less than other options such as plain platinum which may cost much more.

If possible, choosing wedding bands should not be something a couple leaves to the last minute. It may be helpful to begin the selection process at least six months before the wedding date. With time on the couple’s side, browsing and investigating rings can be an enjoyable experience. Couples should avoid buying the first ring they see. For those wanting to create a custom piece, more time will be needed and personalized engravings may take additional time.

That big diamond ring on a bulky band may be mighty attractive, but will it fit your lifestyle? One of the most important guidelines to purchasing a ring is choosing one that is comfortable to wear. A wedding ring should be a seamless addition to one s lifestyle. For instance, a bride involved in an active lifestyle might want to choose a diamond setting that is flush with the band to lessen the chances of constantly banging her diamond ring. Rounded on the inside rings, also called comfort fit are a great choice for active brides or those who don t like the feel of a bulkier band. Brides allergic to metal alloys might choose platinum, which is hypoallergenic for people.

Also important to consider is the durability of your ring choice. Make sure the quality of the rings can withstand the test of time. Couples should check inside a ring for two marks which identify its quality. The first is the manufacturer s trademark, which verifies that the manufacturer will stand behind the work. The second stamp, an 18K or PLAT; for example, verifies some of the metal content. Rings that consist of two or more metals should have a quality mark for each.

Couples wishing to observe their budget on their wedding ring purchase can do so with these following guidelines:

1. For those who love the look of white metal, instead of platinum, choose white gold which may cost less.

2. Couples who choose a matching or coordinating wedding band set will tend to spend less – sometimes half as much – according to the Diamond Information Center.

3. Consider avoiding designer s versions of plain bands. Instead, choose rings that do not come with a designer name.

4. Couples who can t afford what they really love at the time of their marriage should consider upgrading their rings on their fifth or tenth wedding anniversaries. This gives couples the time to start saving now for something really beautiful down the road.