Band Wedding

Wedding bands are very specific type rings. For men, the wedding band is the most common piece of jewelry and for many - the only one. The comfortable wear of men's wedding band depends on many factors including the shape of one's finger. In order to be comfortable the wedding band must be "comfort fit". The thicker the wedding band the more generous the comfort fit and respectively the higher the price. Cheap wedding bands focus on the use of minimum amount of precious metal and have no room for comfort fit. In order to make their wedding band lighter some manufacturers leave them with seriously sharp edges.

Other issues concerning the comfortable wear are related to specific wedding bands designs. The average thickness of low end 4mm men's wedding band is 1.5mm. Comfort fit becomes possible at about 2mm. thickness, while good quality high end wedding band should be 2.3 - 2.7mm. Some hard metals will wear off much faster than some softer ones with higher abrasion resistance. Palladium is 40% lighter than platinum and identical item cost +/- 4 times less making it the perfect wedding bands white media. The gold is the best (and the only) metal for these who prefer yellow wedding band and my opinion is that traditional 4.5mm 18k yellow band with well defined dome is the one that suits best most men. White gold wedding bands have low score in every segment of assessment.

See also: Dress Wedding

Ceramic Wedding Rings

One of the newest wedding ring trends to hit the market are ceramic wedding rings. Now, while you may read or hear "ceramic" and think of a plate or cup smashing, nothing could be further from the truth. Ceramic wedding rings are not breakable like glass jewelry. This is great news for those unfortunate folk who have contact allergies to metals.

What are ceramic wedding rings? They are made from a combination of powdered pure ceramic materials and zirconium, which is then heated to more than 6000°, resulting in a molten liquid. The liquid is shaped, cut, cooled, and then polished into a ring. These king of rings are harder than titanium, and almost as hard as a tungsten carbide wedding ring.

• Will never fade. While some other colored and treated wedding rings may fade in color, a ceramic wedding ring won't. This is especially significant for those who want a black wedding ring.

• Weighs less than a tungsten ring, but is heavier than a titanium wedding ring.

• Unscratchable. The color of it is solid and contained the whole way through the ring. The final color is not an industrial coating of black or white covering a different colored metal underneath, as in some titanium wedding rings. Those who have active lifestyles, jobs, or hobbies may be reassured to know that those are pretty much unscratchable.

• Will not change color. Tungsten wedding rings that are made with a cobalt alloy instead of carbon, can oxidise and change color, this will never happen with a ceramic ring.

• Will not craze.

• Range of colors. Apart from black and white, there are plenty of other contemporary colors to select from, including pinks and blues.

• Many styles or ceramic rings to select from. These can also be incorporated with other ingredients. A ceramic wedding ring can have metallic stripes (such as gold or tungsten) running through it, can be inlaid with diamonds, or engraved with various designs and patterns. Ceramic wedding rings can also be faceted, grooved, or bevelled, for those who are seeking a wedding ring that is more ornate.

• Hypo-allergenic. These kind of rings are not going to result in a nasty red rash for those who have problems with contact dermatitis. A ceramic ring is inert and contains no ingredients to react with sensitive skin.

• Contemporary looking. Ceramic rings are extremely modern looking and are an ideal choice for those who are after something a little newer than a traditional metallic wedding ring.

• Can't be re-sized. Ceramic rings cannot be re-sized or altered once they have been made. If your finger size should fluctuate dramatically, then this may not be the best wedding ring option for you.

• Slower to remove in an emergency. Much the same as tungsten carbide wedding rings, a ceramic wedding ring cannot be removed with standard ring cutters. However, they can be removed using pliers and force, it will just take a little longer. Those selecting ceramic wedding rings should probably get their jeweler to educate them as to how to remove their ring in the case of an emergency. Alternatively, remove the ceramic ring prior to hazardous activities involving machinery.

Those rings or even engagement rings can be the ideal choice for those who are after a contemporary colored wedding ring that will not fade, discolor, lose its luster, or scratch.

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Diamond Wedding Rings

The unforgettable and world renowned De Beers' slogan - "A Diamond is forever" - has several meaningful connotations. However, it isn't meant to only imply that this queen of gems has properties to last a lifetime, but more importantly, it embodies the very essence of what love and marriage should be ... a commitment to last forever. For centuries, Diamond Wedding bands have been the choice of numerous wedded couples and over the past few decades, the demand for Diamond Wedding band rings has grown significantly. Although, Diamond Wedding rings were usually worn by women, men's Diamond Wedding bands are also becoming popular among grooms today. Diamond Wedding rings add immense value and reinforce the symbolism and expression of love, affection, trust and devotion between a bride and groom.

The evolution of Diamond Wedding rings

Wedding rings date back thousands of years but ancient versions were simple or engraved copper, bronze, silver or gold bands. Diamonds were discovered in 800 B.C. but it was not until the 15th century when brides of royalty and the wealthy had the honor and privilege of wearing Diamond Wedding band rings. With the increase supply of diamonds following the 18th century discovery of this gem in Brazil and later in South Africa, jewelers developed their cutting and polishing skills and Diamond Wedding bands gained immense popularity from then on.

Choosing Diamond Wedding rings

The first point to note is that Diamond Wedding band rings are quite expensive as compared to other gem studded rings. This also applies to men's Diamond Wedding bands. The reason for this is because the price of diamonds goes up depending on their carat size, color, shape, polishing and number of cuts. Moreover, the preferred choice of metal, for Diamond Wedding rings is platinum, white gold, yellow gold or titanium, which is expensive. One word of caution, however, is to ensure that the Diamond Wedding rings you purchase carry certification to authenticate the purity of the diamond, as there are also cheap varieties available which can be identified by their opaque and powdery appearance.

Plain versus colored Diamond Wedding rings

Although, a diamond in its basic form is white and colorless, the demand for naturally or artificially colored diamonds has grown in popularity in recent years. Diamond Wedding band rings with naturally colored diamonds are relatively expensive when compared to artificially colored versions. The color of the diamond can be chosen to match the metal of the ring. For example, yellow diamonds would be more suitable for yellow gold, whereas a white diamond would be ideal for white gold or platinum. While the commonly used shape of diamonds for Diamond Wedding bands are round, however, heart, pear, rectangular and square-shaped diamonds are also popular.

Perhaps, Diamond Wedding band rings are the ultimate symbol and expression of eternal love between a man and woman and their sparkle will continue to reflect the flames of love until the end of time. After all, if a diamond is forever ... this is precisely what love, affection, trust and devotion should be.

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Titanium Wedding Rings

Titanium is kind of the new metal. It is very long lasting, lightweight and not very expensive. Titanium wedding rings combine beauty and strength, but are light weight. If you want your wedding ring to last a lifetime, then you will definitely need a ring that is strong. The strength and hardness helps to prevent scratches and dings. Despite its hardness, titanium wedding rings are surprisingly light weight. Lastly, you will be amazed at the comments you will receive about your titanium wedding ring's simplicity and beauty.

Titanium wedding rings are considered a white metal, similar to platinum, with a grayish undertone. In order to add color, the ring must be anodized with a color treatment. However, it is important to not that the color treatment is not permanent and can make the titanium wedding ring appear scratched and discolored over time.

As with any precious metal, you can either choose to have a pure titanium wedding ring made or go for an alloyed titanium wedding ring that contains a mixture of metals. Most reputable jewelers will let you know what the commercially pure (CP) grade of their titanium rings are. If they do not, you should definitely ask! CP grades range from 1 which is the softest to 4 which is the hardest. The most common CP grade for titanium rings is CP2 because it balances the ability to have a harder titanium wedding ring but is still soft enough to be etched and engraved.

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Platinum Wedding Rings

Platinum is one of the hardest metals that is used to create engagement and wedding rings. Many people are now choosing this material because of its durability and the idea that like their marriage it will withstand time. Platinum is a very pure more so than gold, which is normally, only 75 percent gold and platinum rings are usually around 95 percent platinum. These rings do tend to be a bit more expensive but you are more than likely hoping that your ring will last forever, so the price is well worth a ring that is so durable.

Here are some of these advantages that will help you decide whether you should go for a gold wedding ring or a stylish platinum wedding ring.

• Unlike gold wedding rings, you can achieve much more elegance and modernity with a platinum wedding ring. Earlier, you used to get platinum always mixed with gold; however, today you have a vast choice of pure platinum rings.

• A platinum ring, like a titanium wedding ring or a gold ring, shines! It has the sparkling luster of a diamond wedding ring besides being durable and strong. This means that a platinum ring does not wear and tear with your daily routine. It looks much the same, 30 years down the road of marital bliss.

• Moreover, platinum is a neutral metal. So, it is ideal if you have sensitive skin that is prone to allergies.

A platinum wedding ring will make you stand apart. Other brides and grooms would admire your choice because platinum is a low maintenance metal that is durable and resistance to corrosion and cracking. So make a special choice for your wedding. Choose a ring that tells the world that your marriage is lustrous and durable in the toughest of times, just like your platinum wedding ring.

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Sterling Silver Wedding Rings

The silver wedding ring symbolizes eternal love between two people, it is considered to be one of the most romantic of precious metals, and is often combined with diamonds. These beautiful rings make the perfect gift for anniversary, engagement, and of course, make the perfect wedding rings.

Silver wedding ring is all a choice of taste; in some cases, people even have them engraved with special names or words. You should accept nothing but one that you absolutely love because in most cases you will be wearing it for a considerable long time. Remember that silver is a precious metal and it can be costly depending on the ring, but mostly they are reasonably priced, and there are hundreds of ready made rings to choose from. But no matter the cost the silver wedding ring is a symbol love, and should be cherished.

The chief reasons for the growing popularity of the sterling silver wedding rings are their affordability and versatility. It is not too difficult to engrave and resize a sterling silver ring. This is because sterling silver is ductile and has a low melting point. This reflective metal is also easy to take care of. You can easily clean your ring using a soft cloth. Make sure you don't exert too much force while cleaning, otherwise you might leave scratches. So take your time and carefully clean your ring. Many people use toothpaste to clean sterling silver jewelry but it is better to avoid using toothpaste as a cleaning agent since it might make your wedding ring or band look dull. Also, to make sure that your precious sterling silver wedding ring doesn't tarnish, don't expose it to any corrosive agents such as detergents, chemicals, etc.

If you are on a budget and looking for an elegant, stylish wedding ring for your beloved, then a sterling silver ring is the perfect choice. It is sturdy, long lasting, non-allergenic, light and, in short, an ideal metal for a wedding ring or band. It is a lot cheaper when compared to a diamond or a platinum ring, but it looks just as exquisite and delicate. So keep sterling silver wedding rings in mind when you go hunting for the perfect ring for your life partner. Sterling silver wedding rings and bands are undoubtedly an excellent choice.

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White gold Wedding Rings

The cool brilliance of white gold is modern, elegant and sophisticated which makes it an ideal choice for a wedding ring. Unlike yellow gold which can have a tendency to look a bit on the dressy side, white gold can easily be dressed up or down and will always perfectly match whatever outfit you are wearing. The pale silver color goes equally as well with jeans and a t-shirt as it does with an elegant evening gown.

Another benefit of using white rather than yellow gold in a wedding ring is that it tends to showcase the diamond better. The yellow tone of the gold can sometimes affect the look of the diamond. White gold on the other hand, allows the cut and clarity of the stone to shine through making it the ideal setting for a beautiful stone. As long as you are paying a lot of money for a diamond you may as well show it off to its best advantage.

Aside from the appearance, white gold wedding rings also have practical benefits over their yellow counterparts. First off they tend to be more durable than rings made from yellow gold. That means they will stand up to everyday wear and tear better and will be more scratch resistant. Since an engagement ring is worn every single day that is an important consideration. Choosing a more durable ring means less upkeep and care will be needed over the life of the ring.

Cost is something else you should think about when shopping for a ring. For the most part, white gold rings tend to cost less than yellow gold or platinum rings. By saving money on the metal of the ring you may be able to either afford a larger diamond or use that money to help pay for your wedding or honeymoon. You still get a beautiful, classy ring that will last a lifetime, but for a fraction of the price of some of the other options.

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Yellow Gold Wedding Rings

Gold is still the precious metal of choice for most people and lends itself well to the making of fine jewelery. Yellow gold is still one of the most popular materials for engagement rings. Gold is a naturally occurring metal, which is considered to be very valuable by most cultures. It has deep roots that go back to the beginning of mankind and it has been used in jewelry since this time. It has religious symbolism in most major religions.

Some of the earliest recorded mining and use of gold is attributed to the ancient Egyptians. It can be found in their pyramids, which served as tombs for their leaders, and there is much fine jewelry that was created by the Egyptians. Later it was adopted as a standard of money and up until the 1700's many countries exclusively used minted gold coins as their currency.

Gold is repeatedly mentioned in the Old Testament, which are the books that form the basis of the Christian Bible. It has been portrayed in the Book of Exodus as symbolic of rebellion against god. In Communist propaganda, gold is seen as a staple of the capitalistic enemy. In many ways reinforcing this stereotype, credit card companies and businesses have long used the term "gold" to recognize top range cards and customers.

It has many positive symbolic references as well. The Book of Genesis describes Abraham as being rich with silver and gold. Moses covered the Ark of the Covenant with pure gold, because he was instructed to do so. Saints and religious leaders have often been described as having mouths of gold.

Perhaps one of the most common symbolic symbols is the gold wedding ring, which is used in many different cultures. The wedding ring is used as a way to show commitment and fidelity towards your spouse. The most popular design of wedding ring is still the solid gold band. Typically a man's wedding band will be slightly broader than a women's band. These simple bands continue to be popular in part because of how easy it is to keep them clean.

In some parts of France a wedding ring consisting of 3 interwoven bands is very popular. This is used to represent the Christian values of faith, hope, and love. Those in Greek cultures often receive puzzle rings. These rings are made so that upon properly arranging them they form a single ring. Traditionally this represented a test of the woman's monogamy.

In North America, as well as some other countries, women frequently wear two rings on the same finger. The engagement ring and the wedding ring are worn together. These rings are often engraved with a name or a short phrase in the United States. Sometimes in the UK women who have been married for a long time will wear three rings: a wedding band, and engagement ring, and an eternity ring. In Russia wedding rings traditionally consist of 3 interlocking bands of rose, white, and yellow gold.

The gold wedding ring is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. It is used throughout the world and in many religious wedding ceremonies. Those who are Jewish and Catholic often incorporate the ring into their wedding ceremony.

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Materials of Wedding Rings

As you begin looking online and at your favorite jewelers you will find many exquisite wedding rings and some are sure to be out of your price range. The number one thing to do is to set a budget. No matter how much you can afford to spend, you will be able to find the perfect set of wedding rings that will show your love.

Next, you will have to decide what type of material you would like your rings to be created from.

Weddings rings are designed from materials such as

1. Yellow gold Wedding Rings
2. White gold Wedding Rings
3. Sterling silver Wedding Rings
4. Platinum Wedding Rings
5. Titanium Wedding Rings
6. Diamond Wedding Rings
7. Ceramic wedding Rings

Remember, above all, these are the weddings ring that you both will wear for a very long time. It should stand for you love and devotion and commitment to one another. Choose one that will last.

See Wedding Rings

Wedding Rings

As you are deciding on which wedding rings you and your beloved desire to wear as a symbol of your undying love for one another you may be interested in how this practice came about and the true meaning of wedding rings.

The ring of course is a circle and a circle symbolizes infinity, agreement, harmony, rebirth and the universe. In ancient times the rings was connected with the Sun and Moon. It was believed that a ring would protect and was a magical guard, so to speak to ward off all negativity through its continuity. Rings were considered to be magical and/or sacred. Gods and Goddesses even wore rings such as in the Babylonian mythology with tales of the rings of Shamash and Marduk. Rings have always been associated with the magic, the zodiac, and even more. Even today, the wedding ring is believed to hold a kind of power that can be seen when a priest or minister blesses the wedding rings before the couple exchanges them. This practice symbolizes protective powers over their marriage or union.

Now you may be wondering why a wedding ring is worn on the "ring finger". Well, this also goes back to ancient times and once again magic. As you delve into history of the wedding ring and the reason, it is placed on the third finger you will marvel at some of the beliefs.

Here are a few historical facts concerning the "ring finger". In ancient times, the third finger was used to apply herbal medicines to the body because the effectiveness of the cure would be stronger. It was also believed that a nerve from the third finger went directly to the heart. In astrology, this belief is similar, the "ring finger" is called the heart finger because of the belief of the special nerve or vein that was in the third finger connected to the heart and was a symbol of loved and fidelity. No matter where you search throughout history the third finger has always been used a symbol of love, faithfulness, trustworthiness, and fidelity.

With that said, you know just how important the wedding ring has been throughout history is not just a ring but was used as a promise and union between couples. So, now it is time for you to choose your everlasting wedding rings that will not only symbolize your love and devotion for one another but also withstand time and last forever, as your love for each other.

See also: Wedding Gown