The author suggest the customers to buy wedding bands like diamond wedding bands, wedding rings, engagement Rings in a wiser manner with his vast experience of the field.
The Basics on Men's Wedding Bands
Men's wedding bands were reported to have started being in use during the end of the Second World War. During this time, men's wedding bands typically take the form of plain wide bands, unlike women’s which are embellished with diamonds and other gems. In the modern times, however, men’s wedding rings may have top quality precious gemstones and metals as accents. Traditionally, gold gains the most preference as a material component for men's wedding bands. As trends evolve, men have preferred their wedding bands in metals such as stainless steel, carbon fiber, silver, titanium and platinum. Most men may go for plain, no-fuss wedding bands, but others have opted for rarity and prefer to have gemstones inlaid in their wedding bands, such as rubies, diamonds and emeralds. Moreover, a man's wedding bands may be designed or custom-made as requested, to reflect his unique personality. Designer men's wedding bands may come in diamond and gold roulette rings. Zodiac signs, card faces, horseshoes, football helmets are engraved unto men's wedding bands. The purchase of a man's wedding bands is not bound by customary practices. Generally, the groom and the bride select and buy it together. Many couples choose to purchase matching wedding bands. For daily wear, men's wedding bands made of 9, 14 or 24-carat traditional gold, platinum, white gold and titanium are suggested, as these metals are not easily damaged. As a basic rule, men should take into consideration the thickness of their wedding bands. Finger measurements allow men to get the perfect fit, but the popular choice is a wedding band that measures 4 millimeters wide and 2 millimeters thick for extra comfort.
Men's Platinum Wedding Bands
Platinum is a rare, extremely long wearing, natural white luster metal. However, it can be used in its purest form when used in jewelry. Platinum does not require being rhodium plated like white gold. One advantage of platinum rings is that they can be cut-off the finger in the event of an emergency.
Since platinum is a very dense, heavy metal, so a platinum ring is usually heavier than an 18ct gold ring. Platinum is also more durable than gold and so is more preferred for wedding bands. However, because of all these positive characteristics of platinum, it is significantly more expensive than gold, approximately twice the price of an 18ct white gold ring. Platinum provides an excellent backdrop for diamonds but is equally elegant alone. Most men prefer platinum wedding bands, if they can afford it, because of its streamlined beauty, and hypoallergenic proprieties.
Taking into account it's rarity and cost, the selection of men's platinum wedding rings is obviously smaller than the ranges available for gold and titanium rings.
Most men, when choosing a platinum wedding band, tend to opt for the simpler version, even though platinum allows for maximum versatility. A simple platinum men's wedding band can be bought for as much as about $145 with no specific higher range. Most platinum rings are made on a thick extruded blank. It is suggested to ask the vendors to clearly display the thickness and the weigh of the rings. Platinum rings can be made with a comfort-fit also for more comfortable wearing. Platinum rings can be set with precious stones, like Rubies or Blue Sapphires, instead of diamonds, or a combination of precious stones and diamonds.
Mens Wedding Bands provides detailed information about men's wedding bands, men's diamond wedding bands, men's gold wedding bands and more. Mens Wedding Bands is affiliated with Moissanite Rings.
Since platinum is a very dense, heavy metal, so a platinum ring is usually heavier than an 18ct gold ring. Platinum is also more durable than gold and so is more preferred for wedding bands. However, because of all these positive characteristics of platinum, it is significantly more expensive than gold, approximately twice the price of an 18ct white gold ring. Platinum provides an excellent backdrop for diamonds but is equally elegant alone. Most men prefer platinum wedding bands, if they can afford it, because of its streamlined beauty, and hypoallergenic proprieties.
Taking into account it's rarity and cost, the selection of men's platinum wedding rings is obviously smaller than the ranges available for gold and titanium rings.
Most men, when choosing a platinum wedding band, tend to opt for the simpler version, even though platinum allows for maximum versatility. A simple platinum men's wedding band can be bought for as much as about $145 with no specific higher range. Most platinum rings are made on a thick extruded blank. It is suggested to ask the vendors to clearly display the thickness and the weigh of the rings. Platinum rings can be made with a comfort-fit also for more comfortable wearing. Platinum rings can be set with precious stones, like Rubies or Blue Sapphires, instead of diamonds, or a combination of precious stones and diamonds.
Mens Wedding Bands provides detailed information about men's wedding bands, men's diamond wedding bands, men's gold wedding bands and more. Mens Wedding Bands is affiliated with Moissanite Rings.
Men's Titanium Wedding Bands
Other than silver, gold and platinum, another most important metal that is especially popular for men's wedding bands is the titanium, a charcoal-gray hued metal. Titanium wedding bands are durable and light since titanium is an extremely lightweight metal. However, it is as strong as steel and widely popular on aircrafts. Also, this metal is the hardest natural element in the world and so is very strong, durable, does not tarnish and is hypoallergenic. The metal has a lovely sheen that can be a good alternative to white gold, silver and platinum. Titanium has three times the strength of steel and much stronger than gold, silver and platinum.
Other characteristics of titanium are that it is more dent, bend and scratch resistant compared to gold, silver and platinum. It also offers an exotic array of colors that other metals do not. However, titanium does have one negative characteristic, which is that it cannot be resized, since this metal cannot be soldered. However, they can easily be cut off the finger in case of emergency as in the case of platinum rings, even though it is a tougher process as compared to platinum rings. It should be noted that in case of an aircraft grade titanium ring, it is not possible to cut the ring off the finger under any circumstances.
Titanium is usually considered for men because of its lightweight, durability and resistance to corrosion. Though this metal has been recently introduced in the jewelry market, its popularity seems to be increasing steadily. Sometimes, titanium can also be alloyed with other metals for greater strength. However, it is suggested to choose wedding bands with the purest grade of titanium that can be found. Blue Nile wedding bands provide 100% pure titanium wedding bands. A pure titanium wedding band can be cut off the finger in case of emergency. Also, pure titanium wedding rigs can be polished in case of scratches to make it look new again.
This metal is incredibly lightweight and comfortable, about 1/3 the weight of gold. Also, a choice of precious or semi-precious stones can be set into titanium rings for those who prefer these to plain wedding bands. The bands can also be made with comfort fit for daily wear as in case of wedding bands.
Mens Wedding Bands provides detailed information about men's wedding bands, men's diamond wedding bands, men's gold wedding bands and more. Mens Wedding Bands is affiliated with Moissanite Rings.
Other characteristics of titanium are that it is more dent, bend and scratch resistant compared to gold, silver and platinum. It also offers an exotic array of colors that other metals do not. However, titanium does have one negative characteristic, which is that it cannot be resized, since this metal cannot be soldered. However, they can easily be cut off the finger in case of emergency as in the case of platinum rings, even though it is a tougher process as compared to platinum rings. It should be noted that in case of an aircraft grade titanium ring, it is not possible to cut the ring off the finger under any circumstances.
Titanium is usually considered for men because of its lightweight, durability and resistance to corrosion. Though this metal has been recently introduced in the jewelry market, its popularity seems to be increasing steadily. Sometimes, titanium can also be alloyed with other metals for greater strength. However, it is suggested to choose wedding bands with the purest grade of titanium that can be found. Blue Nile wedding bands provide 100% pure titanium wedding bands. A pure titanium wedding band can be cut off the finger in case of emergency. Also, pure titanium wedding rigs can be polished in case of scratches to make it look new again.
This metal is incredibly lightweight and comfortable, about 1/3 the weight of gold. Also, a choice of precious or semi-precious stones can be set into titanium rings for those who prefer these to plain wedding bands. The bands can also be made with comfort fit for daily wear as in case of wedding bands.
Mens Wedding Bands provides detailed information about men's wedding bands, men's diamond wedding bands, men's gold wedding bands and more. Mens Wedding Bands is affiliated with Moissanite Rings.
Wedding Bands and Wedding Rings Buying. Care and Cleaning Guide
Nothing more personal than our response to color. Color is the new language of passion, and nothing captures it better than distinctively styled jewelry.
Leave her speechless with our brilliant colorless and fancy colored diamond or bold brilliant gemstone jewelry styles.
Choosing the wedding bands (or rings)
There are virtually hundreds of styles of wedding bands from which to choose, for both the bride and the groom. While the traditional band for both is a simple, round gold ring, today they can be simple or elaborate, wide or thin, gem studded or not. It is not unusual, even in the groom's ring, to find gemstone accents.
Traditionally, the woman receives two rings; one upon consenting to marriage and the second at the wedding ceremony. Today, this tradition continues to be the most popular choice. However, couples sometimes opt for a more important wedding band that incorporates the gem of choice and eliminates the need for an engagement ring, as such. For example, rather than purchasing an engagement ring with a one carat diamond followed by a simple wedding band, one might purchase for the same price a diamond wedding band that contains four carats total weight of diamonds encircling the finger.
The diamond wedding band then becomes the single focal point and combines the symbolism of the simple round ring with the symbolism of the diamond or other gemstone of choice. It can create an important and classic look. Another example might involve the purchase of a single diamond that is then set within a very wide, gold wedding band, again combining the gem traditionally received at an earlier moment within the wedding band itself. The choice as to whether to have one or two rings is largely personal, but keep in mind that the engagement may affect your decision. If the engagement period is going to be long, rather than waiting for the wedding day the bride to be may prefer to have an engagement ring to announce her commitment and, thus, the change in her status and the upcoming event.
Important considerations before you make a choice
To help you make the right choice for the wedding ring, here are some important factors to consider.
- How does the wedding band look with the engagement ring?
If an engagement ring is given, it is very important to consider how the wedding band will look with it on the hand. (We hope that before making the final decision on your engagement ring, you also give some thought to your wedding band.) It's a good idea to try on different styles of wedding bands with the engagement ring to see how they look together. The width of the band can dramatically affect the way it works with the engagement ring. Remember also that certain details such as milgraining or a particular type of finish may look great when worn alone, but can detract from the overall appearance when worn together with the engagement ring.
- What width looks best?
The width of the wedding band is measured in millimeters. The standard ladies' simple gold or platinum band ranges from 2 - 4 millimeters; the men's ranges from 3-1/2 - 6 millimeters. Stock sizes can go as wide as 10 millimeters. It is important to try the same style band in different widths because you will be surprised to see how different the effect created by the width alone can be. Avoid very wide rings that feel uncomfortable when you try them on. You will not get used to them. While a very wide band may be beautiful from a design standpoint, keep in mind that it may be less comfortable in very hit climates.
- Do you prefer a "flat" band or a "half round" band?
A flat band is flatter on the finger, while a half round has somewhat curved or dome like shape to it. The decision is purely a matter of personal taste.
- Do you prefer matching bands?
Most wedding ring manufacturers today offer a wide selection of matching ladies' and men's wedding bands.
- Do you plan to wear the wedding band without the engagement ring?
If you think you may frequently wear your band without your engagement ring, you may prefer a different type of band. for example, some women prefer to wear only their wedding band at the office; some prefer to wear their engagement ring only in social situations. If you think this might be the case with you, you may prefer a large or more important looking band, one that will stand on its own.
For gem studded bands
- Should the gemstones completely encircle the ring?
This is a decision that depends on personal taste, budget, comfort, and fit. Many prefer that the gemstones continue around the entire finger, while others want the gemstones set only across the top of the ring. The primary benefit in having gemstone all around is that you never need to worry about the ring twisting on your finger. A significant disadvantage is that some of the gemstone (those on underside of the finger) are subjected strenuous wear, which can result in breakage and loss. The choice is really not an economic one; by juggling the size and quality of the gemstones and the width of the ring, you can get either look on any budget.
- Does the ring fit properly?
When selecting a gem studded style, be sure to try rings that actually fir your finger properly. Otherwise you may find that a ring feels very uncomfortable on your finger, when, in fact, it would be very comfortable if it fit properly. This is particularly true for rings with larger gemstones held by prongs. Also, for rings with gemstones going part way around, proper fit is critical to comfort because it affects the contour of the portion of the ring.
The heirloom ring
Rings passed from one generation to another carry the history and tradition of a family, and add a romantic element; and emotional value, difficult to match with a new ring. In addition to the true "heirloom," which has passed down through the family, young couples today enjoy the unique and distinctive character and workmanship found in antique rings and rings from earlier by-gone days. Antique as well as antique reproduction rings have also become very popular and offer a distinctive look with a nostalgic element. Some of the most popular periods include the Art Nouveau period (1895 - 1915) with its graceful, curving lines, floral motifs, and other images form the nature; the Edwardian period (1901 - 1914) with its lacy character and romantic themes such as garland of flowers; and the Art Deco period (1920 - 1930) with its clean, geometric feeling and use of interesting shapes such as trapezoids, triangles, and half-moons, often combined with tiny colored gemstone accents. Simple pieces from the 1950s and 1960s are also gaining in popularity.
If you are thinking of giving an heirloom or estate piece as an engagement or wedding ring, or are considering taking gemstones out of an heirloom piece, you must remember that the gemstones may not be what they appear to be, especially if purchased from a source other than a reputable jewelry firm, or they may have been chipped or damaged in some way that might pose a problem if you are remounting them.
The first step is to have the piece appraised by a qualified gemologist appraiser. The appraisal will verify that the ring is what you believe it to be, will fully describe its quality, and identify whether or not there are any problems; that is, if the stone is chipped or cracked in such a way that it may be vulnerable to breakage. With full knowledge of the gemstone, you can take any necessary precautions when wearing or setting it.
Today, there are many styles of rings that can accommodate almost any gemstone, but keep in mind one point when updating or resetting an heirloom: Some require custom made settings that are more expensive than already made settings, especially if the shape of the gemstone is unusual. It is much easier and less expensive to find a desirable setting if you are using a round gemstone. A gemstone other than a round one may require custom setting or a skilled jeweler who can customize part of another setting to suit the shape of your gemstone.
It is a good idea to closely examine any antique platinum piece minute cracks that may have formed around work or bridge work. A platinum piece that has begun to crack as a result of sulfuric acid can not be restored and is unstable. Be sure to check for signs of deterioration in the prong areas and in other thin places. Note: Should this be the case with an heirloom ring that has been in the family for many years, a skilled jeweler may be able to remake the ring, retaining the original appearance and workmanship.
Caring for your engagement and wedding rings
You will most likely wear your engagement and wedding rings more than any other piece of jewelry, so it is important to know how to care for and protect them. The following tips should help you in properly caring for your rings.
- Try not to touch the gemstones in your rings when putting hem on or taking them off. Instead, take rings on and off by grasping the shank or metal portion that encircles the finger. Slipping rings on and off by grasping the metal shank rather than the gemstone will prevent a greasy buildup on the gemstone's surface, which greatly reduces the brilliance and sparkle of a gemstone.
- To keep rings sparkling, get into habit of "buffing" them. This is a little trick we use to remove the dirt and oily film on the gemstone's surface (which occurs from incorrectly putting rings on and taking them off, or from occasionally "fingering" them; which most of us do without even realizing). Each time the gemstone are touched, a layer of oily film is applied to the top and the gemstone's beauty is diminished. To restore its sparkle, just "huff" it. Simply hold the ring close to your mouth, "huff" on it with your breath; you'll see the gemstone fog up, and wipe it off with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a handkerchief, scarf, or coat/blouse sleeve. You'll be amazed at how much better your rings can look simply by removing even the lightest oil film from the surface!
- Don't take off rings and lay them on the side of the sink unless you are sure the drain is closed. Also, never remove your rings to wash your hands when away from home; all too many rings have been forgotten an/or lost.
- Don't wear your ring while doing any type of rough work, such as house cleaning or gardening, or sports. even diamonds can be chipped or broken by a hard blow in certain direction
- Avoid contact with chlorine, the principal ingredient in may bleaches, household cleaners, and swimming pool disinfectants. Chlorine can cause pitting and discoloration to the mounting of your ring and to your gold or platinum wedding band.
- Do not carelessly toss jewelry in a case. Diamond can scratch other gemstones very easily, and can also scratch each other. To prevent scratching, diamond jewelry should be placed in a case with dividers or separate compartments, or each piece place in a soft pouch or individually wrapped in tissues or a soft cloth.
- Have a reliable jeweler check your ring every eighteen months to make sure the setting is secure, especially the prongs. If you ever feel (or hear) the gemstone moving in the setting, it's a warning that the prongs or bezel need tightening. Failure to repair this may result in loss or damage to the diamond or gemstone.
How to clean your jewelry
Keeping your ring is essential if you want it to sparkle to its fullest. Film from lotions, powders, and your own skin oils will dull diamond and/or gemstones and reduce their brilliance and affect its color.
- It is easy to keep it clean. To clean your rings, wash with warm, sudsy water. This is perhaps the simplest and easiest way to clean any kind of jewelry. Prepare a small bowel of hot, sudsy water, using any kind of mild liquid detergent. Soak your ring for a few minutes and then brush gently with an eyebrow brush of soft toothbrush, keeping the piece submerged in a sudsy water. Rinse thoroughly under running water; make sure the drain is closed (some prefer to place jewelry in a wire strainer before placing under the running water) and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth or paper towel.
- To clean your diamonds only, make a solution of hot water and ammonia (half water and half ammonia) and soak your diamond in this solution for about 15 minutes. Lift it out and tap it gently from the sides and back and then brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. This technique is especially effective for a diamond rings with a heavy build up of oily dirt. It may take several "soaks" if the ring has not been cleaned in a long time. rinse and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- To clean your wedding band or any other gold jewelry without gemstones, rubbing with a soft chamois cloth will restore much of the luster. Tarnish can be removed with a solution of soap and water, to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Using a soft toothbrush, brush the rings with this solution, rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth. grease can be removed by dipping in plain rubbing alcohol.
While more convenient, commercial jewelry cleaners are not necessarily more effective than the methods suggested above. Never let colored gemstone jewelry soak in commercial cleaners for more than a few minutes. Leaving stones such as emerald or amethyst in some commercial cleaners for any length of time can cause etching of the surface, which reduces the gemstone's luster.
It is not recommended to use ultrasonic cleaning for most gems and it should be restricted to the cleaning of diamonds and gold jewelry only. Washing with hot, sudsy water is simple, effective, and safe for all jewelry.
Store jewelry carefully
- It is important to store your rings carefully, in a dry place. Avoid extremes of temperature and humidity.
- Keep gemstone jewelry, pearls, gold, and silver pieces separated from each other to prevent scratching. Keep fine jewelry in soft pouches or wrapped in a soft cloth (or, except for pearls, in a plastic Ziploc type bag) to help protect it.
- Do not overcrowd your jewelry box. This can result in misplacing or losing pieces that might fall unnoticed from the case. Forcing jewelry into the box can cause damage, such as bending a fragile piece, or chipping a fragile gemstone.
The article above can be used on your web site or newsletter.
When it is published, May I request that you include my name and resource box (the bio., contact and copyright information that follows the article. I would also appreciate if you could send me an e-mail of notification along with a complimentary copy of publication.
Bijan Aziz is the owner and Web Master for The Jewelry Hut.
http://www.thejewelryhut.com
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Leave her speechless with our brilliant colorless and fancy colored diamond or bold brilliant gemstone jewelry styles.
Choosing the wedding bands (or rings)
There are virtually hundreds of styles of wedding bands from which to choose, for both the bride and the groom. While the traditional band for both is a simple, round gold ring, today they can be simple or elaborate, wide or thin, gem studded or not. It is not unusual, even in the groom's ring, to find gemstone accents.
Traditionally, the woman receives two rings; one upon consenting to marriage and the second at the wedding ceremony. Today, this tradition continues to be the most popular choice. However, couples sometimes opt for a more important wedding band that incorporates the gem of choice and eliminates the need for an engagement ring, as such. For example, rather than purchasing an engagement ring with a one carat diamond followed by a simple wedding band, one might purchase for the same price a diamond wedding band that contains four carats total weight of diamonds encircling the finger.
The diamond wedding band then becomes the single focal point and combines the symbolism of the simple round ring with the symbolism of the diamond or other gemstone of choice. It can create an important and classic look. Another example might involve the purchase of a single diamond that is then set within a very wide, gold wedding band, again combining the gem traditionally received at an earlier moment within the wedding band itself. The choice as to whether to have one or two rings is largely personal, but keep in mind that the engagement may affect your decision. If the engagement period is going to be long, rather than waiting for the wedding day the bride to be may prefer to have an engagement ring to announce her commitment and, thus, the change in her status and the upcoming event.
Important considerations before you make a choice
To help you make the right choice for the wedding ring, here are some important factors to consider.
- How does the wedding band look with the engagement ring?
If an engagement ring is given, it is very important to consider how the wedding band will look with it on the hand. (We hope that before making the final decision on your engagement ring, you also give some thought to your wedding band.) It's a good idea to try on different styles of wedding bands with the engagement ring to see how they look together. The width of the band can dramatically affect the way it works with the engagement ring. Remember also that certain details such as milgraining or a particular type of finish may look great when worn alone, but can detract from the overall appearance when worn together with the engagement ring.
- What width looks best?
The width of the wedding band is measured in millimeters. The standard ladies' simple gold or platinum band ranges from 2 - 4 millimeters; the men's ranges from 3-1/2 - 6 millimeters. Stock sizes can go as wide as 10 millimeters. It is important to try the same style band in different widths because you will be surprised to see how different the effect created by the width alone can be. Avoid very wide rings that feel uncomfortable when you try them on. You will not get used to them. While a very wide band may be beautiful from a design standpoint, keep in mind that it may be less comfortable in very hit climates.
- Do you prefer a "flat" band or a "half round" band?
A flat band is flatter on the finger, while a half round has somewhat curved or dome like shape to it. The decision is purely a matter of personal taste.
- Do you prefer matching bands?
Most wedding ring manufacturers today offer a wide selection of matching ladies' and men's wedding bands.
- Do you plan to wear the wedding band without the engagement ring?
If you think you may frequently wear your band without your engagement ring, you may prefer a different type of band. for example, some women prefer to wear only their wedding band at the office; some prefer to wear their engagement ring only in social situations. If you think this might be the case with you, you may prefer a large or more important looking band, one that will stand on its own.
For gem studded bands
- Should the gemstones completely encircle the ring?
This is a decision that depends on personal taste, budget, comfort, and fit. Many prefer that the gemstones continue around the entire finger, while others want the gemstones set only across the top of the ring. The primary benefit in having gemstone all around is that you never need to worry about the ring twisting on your finger. A significant disadvantage is that some of the gemstone (those on underside of the finger) are subjected strenuous wear, which can result in breakage and loss. The choice is really not an economic one; by juggling the size and quality of the gemstones and the width of the ring, you can get either look on any budget.
- Does the ring fit properly?
When selecting a gem studded style, be sure to try rings that actually fir your finger properly. Otherwise you may find that a ring feels very uncomfortable on your finger, when, in fact, it would be very comfortable if it fit properly. This is particularly true for rings with larger gemstones held by prongs. Also, for rings with gemstones going part way around, proper fit is critical to comfort because it affects the contour of the portion of the ring.
The heirloom ring
Rings passed from one generation to another carry the history and tradition of a family, and add a romantic element; and emotional value, difficult to match with a new ring. In addition to the true "heirloom," which has passed down through the family, young couples today enjoy the unique and distinctive character and workmanship found in antique rings and rings from earlier by-gone days. Antique as well as antique reproduction rings have also become very popular and offer a distinctive look with a nostalgic element. Some of the most popular periods include the Art Nouveau period (1895 - 1915) with its graceful, curving lines, floral motifs, and other images form the nature; the Edwardian period (1901 - 1914) with its lacy character and romantic themes such as garland of flowers; and the Art Deco period (1920 - 1930) with its clean, geometric feeling and use of interesting shapes such as trapezoids, triangles, and half-moons, often combined with tiny colored gemstone accents. Simple pieces from the 1950s and 1960s are also gaining in popularity.
If you are thinking of giving an heirloom or estate piece as an engagement or wedding ring, or are considering taking gemstones out of an heirloom piece, you must remember that the gemstones may not be what they appear to be, especially if purchased from a source other than a reputable jewelry firm, or they may have been chipped or damaged in some way that might pose a problem if you are remounting them.
The first step is to have the piece appraised by a qualified gemologist appraiser. The appraisal will verify that the ring is what you believe it to be, will fully describe its quality, and identify whether or not there are any problems; that is, if the stone is chipped or cracked in such a way that it may be vulnerable to breakage. With full knowledge of the gemstone, you can take any necessary precautions when wearing or setting it.
Today, there are many styles of rings that can accommodate almost any gemstone, but keep in mind one point when updating or resetting an heirloom: Some require custom made settings that are more expensive than already made settings, especially if the shape of the gemstone is unusual. It is much easier and less expensive to find a desirable setting if you are using a round gemstone. A gemstone other than a round one may require custom setting or a skilled jeweler who can customize part of another setting to suit the shape of your gemstone.
It is a good idea to closely examine any antique platinum piece minute cracks that may have formed around work or bridge work. A platinum piece that has begun to crack as a result of sulfuric acid can not be restored and is unstable. Be sure to check for signs of deterioration in the prong areas and in other thin places. Note: Should this be the case with an heirloom ring that has been in the family for many years, a skilled jeweler may be able to remake the ring, retaining the original appearance and workmanship.
Caring for your engagement and wedding rings
You will most likely wear your engagement and wedding rings more than any other piece of jewelry, so it is important to know how to care for and protect them. The following tips should help you in properly caring for your rings.
- Try not to touch the gemstones in your rings when putting hem on or taking them off. Instead, take rings on and off by grasping the shank or metal portion that encircles the finger. Slipping rings on and off by grasping the metal shank rather than the gemstone will prevent a greasy buildup on the gemstone's surface, which greatly reduces the brilliance and sparkle of a gemstone.
- To keep rings sparkling, get into habit of "buffing" them. This is a little trick we use to remove the dirt and oily film on the gemstone's surface (which occurs from incorrectly putting rings on and taking them off, or from occasionally "fingering" them; which most of us do without even realizing). Each time the gemstone are touched, a layer of oily film is applied to the top and the gemstone's beauty is diminished. To restore its sparkle, just "huff" it. Simply hold the ring close to your mouth, "huff" on it with your breath; you'll see the gemstone fog up, and wipe it off with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a handkerchief, scarf, or coat/blouse sleeve. You'll be amazed at how much better your rings can look simply by removing even the lightest oil film from the surface!
- Don't take off rings and lay them on the side of the sink unless you are sure the drain is closed. Also, never remove your rings to wash your hands when away from home; all too many rings have been forgotten an/or lost.
- Don't wear your ring while doing any type of rough work, such as house cleaning or gardening, or sports. even diamonds can be chipped or broken by a hard blow in certain direction
- Avoid contact with chlorine, the principal ingredient in may bleaches, household cleaners, and swimming pool disinfectants. Chlorine can cause pitting and discoloration to the mounting of your ring and to your gold or platinum wedding band.
- Do not carelessly toss jewelry in a case. Diamond can scratch other gemstones very easily, and can also scratch each other. To prevent scratching, diamond jewelry should be placed in a case with dividers or separate compartments, or each piece place in a soft pouch or individually wrapped in tissues or a soft cloth.
- Have a reliable jeweler check your ring every eighteen months to make sure the setting is secure, especially the prongs. If you ever feel (or hear) the gemstone moving in the setting, it's a warning that the prongs or bezel need tightening. Failure to repair this may result in loss or damage to the diamond or gemstone.
How to clean your jewelry
Keeping your ring is essential if you want it to sparkle to its fullest. Film from lotions, powders, and your own skin oils will dull diamond and/or gemstones and reduce their brilliance and affect its color.
- It is easy to keep it clean. To clean your rings, wash with warm, sudsy water. This is perhaps the simplest and easiest way to clean any kind of jewelry. Prepare a small bowel of hot, sudsy water, using any kind of mild liquid detergent. Soak your ring for a few minutes and then brush gently with an eyebrow brush of soft toothbrush, keeping the piece submerged in a sudsy water. Rinse thoroughly under running water; make sure the drain is closed (some prefer to place jewelry in a wire strainer before placing under the running water) and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth or paper towel.
- To clean your diamonds only, make a solution of hot water and ammonia (half water and half ammonia) and soak your diamond in this solution for about 15 minutes. Lift it out and tap it gently from the sides and back and then brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. This technique is especially effective for a diamond rings with a heavy build up of oily dirt. It may take several "soaks" if the ring has not been cleaned in a long time. rinse and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- To clean your wedding band or any other gold jewelry without gemstones, rubbing with a soft chamois cloth will restore much of the luster. Tarnish can be removed with a solution of soap and water, to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Using a soft toothbrush, brush the rings with this solution, rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth. grease can be removed by dipping in plain rubbing alcohol.
While more convenient, commercial jewelry cleaners are not necessarily more effective than the methods suggested above. Never let colored gemstone jewelry soak in commercial cleaners for more than a few minutes. Leaving stones such as emerald or amethyst in some commercial cleaners for any length of time can cause etching of the surface, which reduces the gemstone's luster.
It is not recommended to use ultrasonic cleaning for most gems and it should be restricted to the cleaning of diamonds and gold jewelry only. Washing with hot, sudsy water is simple, effective, and safe for all jewelry.
Store jewelry carefully
- It is important to store your rings carefully, in a dry place. Avoid extremes of temperature and humidity.
- Keep gemstone jewelry, pearls, gold, and silver pieces separated from each other to prevent scratching. Keep fine jewelry in soft pouches or wrapped in a soft cloth (or, except for pearls, in a plastic Ziploc type bag) to help protect it.
- Do not overcrowd your jewelry box. This can result in misplacing or losing pieces that might fall unnoticed from the case. Forcing jewelry into the box can cause damage, such as bending a fragile piece, or chipping a fragile gemstone.
The article above can be used on your web site or newsletter.
When it is published, May I request that you include my name and resource box (the bio., contact and copyright information that follows the article. I would also appreciate if you could send me an e-mail of notification along with a complimentary copy of publication.
Bijan Aziz is the owner and Web Master for The Jewelry Hut.
http://www.thejewelryhut.com
The best source for fine Diamond, gemstone, and Pearl Jewelry on the Web
Tips For Buying Men's Diamond Wedding Bands
Some men think that diamond wedding bands are only for women, but believe it or not, men's diamond wedding bands are quite hot items nowadays. Who says that women get to have all the sparkle and shine with their rings? There are plenty of men's diamond wedding bands that can add some shine to a man's hand. There are varying degrees of diamonds, from a very small solitaire diamond to a channel or cluster of diamonds, and it is a man's decision on just how much sparkle he wants on his finger. Here are some tips when looking to buy a diamond wedding band for a man.  The first thing that you need to do when you start looking at men's diamond wedding bands is to establish a budget for your ring. These types of wedding bands can range in price from $150 to over $50,000. Be sure that you look for rings that are within your budget and know what you can expect for your set budget.  Men's diamond engagement rings come in a variety of different metals. You can stick with traditional 14 karat yellow gold or go with a platinum wedding band. Some bands will have a mixture of two metals or be plated with another metal to highlight the diamond. Remember to take into consideration what kind of job the man does before buying a wedding band, as some metals are more durable than others.  Men's diamond wedding bands are not set the same way women's are. Most of men's settings are channels, invisible or pave settings. These are more secure than other settings and tend to hold diamonds better. Again you want to consider how much you will be working with your hands when picking the best setting for your wedding band.  Lastly, always be sure that the wedding band that is chosen is comfortable and fits well. The ring should sit on the finger comfortably and should not be loose enough that is slides off with out some resistance. It should also not be too tight that it cuts into the finger or requires assistance to get the ring off.  for more details log on to www.ediamondlist.com
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Mens Silver Wedding Bands
Sterling silver is a whitish gray colored metal. This metal is considerably less expensive compared to metals such as gold, platinum and titanium. Compared to metals like gold, titanium and platinum, silver is a much softer metal. It does not have the hardness that the other metals do. However, silver is not usually preferred as a wedding ring as silver is more prone to oxidization compared to other metals. This can sometimes cause the silver to turn black. Silver wedding bands are usually preferred if it is best worn as dress jewelry, worn occasionally over the weekends. It is not generally recommended for everyday wear and is therefore not recommended for a wedding ring.
Silver also scratches very easily. Even though gold also scratches silver is still the most susceptible to scratches compared to gold. Compared to silver and gold, titanium and platinum are more scratch resistant. However, silver polished wedding bans can easily be re-polished at a local jeweler. It is suggested to get the rings polished about each 12 months to keep them looking their best. Sterling silver men's wedding bands are available in simple models as well as in a variety of designs. Silver rings can have a textured ring finish such as a satin finish texture or can be engraved. A textured finish or a detailed engraved ring can help to lessen the appearance of scratching from wear.
Silver wedding bands can be found in comfort fit so as to keep the wearer comfortable. Also, these comfort fit wedding bands can slide easily without injuring the skin in the process. Silver rings can be cut of from the fingers very easily in case of emergencies. This is because the metal is highly malleable and soft.
Mens Wedding Bands provides detailed information about men's wedding bands, men's diamond wedding bands, men's gold wedding bands and more. Mens Wedding Bands is affiliated with Moissanite Rings.
Silver also scratches very easily. Even though gold also scratches silver is still the most susceptible to scratches compared to gold. Compared to silver and gold, titanium and platinum are more scratch resistant. However, silver polished wedding bans can easily be re-polished at a local jeweler. It is suggested to get the rings polished about each 12 months to keep them looking their best. Sterling silver men's wedding bands are available in simple models as well as in a variety of designs. Silver rings can have a textured ring finish such as a satin finish texture or can be engraved. A textured finish or a detailed engraved ring can help to lessen the appearance of scratching from wear.
Silver wedding bands can be found in comfort fit so as to keep the wearer comfortable. Also, these comfort fit wedding bands can slide easily without injuring the skin in the process. Silver rings can be cut of from the fingers very easily in case of emergencies. This is because the metal is highly malleable and soft.
Mens Wedding Bands provides detailed information about men's wedding bands, men's diamond wedding bands, men's gold wedding bands and more. Mens Wedding Bands is affiliated with Moissanite Rings.
Men's Comfort Fit Wedding Bands
Comfort fit wedding bands are the present most preferred wedding bands. Comfort fit bands have a rounded finish inside the wedding band so that it will not pinch the skin of the finger. In turn this provides comfort for constant wear.
Traditional comfort-fit means the wedding band has an extremely rounded inner side, which makes the interior of the ring look similar to a slight dome profile. A semi-comfort fit provides a nice, tight fit along with all required comfort. Since the edges of the inner part of the ring do not put pressure on the finger, comfort fit rings feel a lot looser than a traditional half ring. However, some people prefer a ring with a snug comfort fit ring, which can be possible if the comfort fit ring is about a ผ size smaller than the regular ring size. However, this works only for the rings lesser than 8mm. For wedding bands more than 8mm, it is suggested to order at least ฝ a size smaller than the ring size.
Some wedding band models cannot be comfort-fitted because of the slim profiles and tension settings. In such instances the ring edges are always slightly rounded and smooth to avoid discomfort due to sharp angles. However, a semi comfort-fit can be altered into a true comfort fit upon request, although this might affect the sizing requirements. It is always better to make sure the finger size is measured with a wide gauge.
The most popular men's comfort fit wedding bands are 4 millimeters wide with a thickness of 2 millimeters. Bands that are half round on both the inside and the outside of the band gives an extra comfortable fit for the finger.
Some companies make a contour fit rings, wherein the inside edges are perfectly shaped for maximum comfort fit against the webbing of the finger. Also, these rings have the sides rounded instead of flat or sharp. These contour fit rings ensure that the middle of the inside is flat so that the ring does not rock on the finger as it can on the arc of a comfort fit ring. Also, it does not sit too high on the finger, or dig into the finger.
Mens Wedding Bands provides detailed information about men's wedding bands, men's diamond wedding bands, men's gold wedding bands and more. Mens Wedding Bands is affiliated with Moissanite Rings.
Traditional comfort-fit means the wedding band has an extremely rounded inner side, which makes the interior of the ring look similar to a slight dome profile. A semi-comfort fit provides a nice, tight fit along with all required comfort. Since the edges of the inner part of the ring do not put pressure on the finger, comfort fit rings feel a lot looser than a traditional half ring. However, some people prefer a ring with a snug comfort fit ring, which can be possible if the comfort fit ring is about a ผ size smaller than the regular ring size. However, this works only for the rings lesser than 8mm. For wedding bands more than 8mm, it is suggested to order at least ฝ a size smaller than the ring size.
Some wedding band models cannot be comfort-fitted because of the slim profiles and tension settings. In such instances the ring edges are always slightly rounded and smooth to avoid discomfort due to sharp angles. However, a semi comfort-fit can be altered into a true comfort fit upon request, although this might affect the sizing requirements. It is always better to make sure the finger size is measured with a wide gauge.
The most popular men's comfort fit wedding bands are 4 millimeters wide with a thickness of 2 millimeters. Bands that are half round on both the inside and the outside of the band gives an extra comfortable fit for the finger.
Some companies make a contour fit rings, wherein the inside edges are perfectly shaped for maximum comfort fit against the webbing of the finger. Also, these rings have the sides rounded instead of flat or sharp. These contour fit rings ensure that the middle of the inside is flat so that the ring does not rock on the finger as it can on the arc of a comfort fit ring. Also, it does not sit too high on the finger, or dig into the finger.
Mens Wedding Bands provides detailed information about men's wedding bands, men's diamond wedding bands, men's gold wedding bands and more. Mens Wedding Bands is affiliated with Moissanite Rings.
The Art of Communion Portraits
The First Communion is first in many ways. It is the first formal event in a young person's life, the beginning of a life of good character and a milestone in a seven year olds education. The First Communion portrait is especially treasured by the parents, showing the innocence and hope for the future in their young faces.
For these reasons, a natural, happy face takes precedence over creativity in posing. Communion poses are studies in confidence and naturalness. An ideal session starts with a standing full length pose holding the missal and rosary beads. Girls have their weight on the back foot, their front knee slightly bent toward the camera. Boys stand with legs slightly apart facing twenty degrees off center. Several shots from the left and right sides will assure a perfect expression.
While the subject is standing come in for a medium shot cropped just above the knee. Some happier expressions can be included in this variation. Lighting should be soft but modeling, say two and one half to one ratio.
Medium close up poses are the most popular, so concentrate on getting a good selection for the parents to choose from. A posing bench that simulates the altar rail places the hands and elbows comfortably at waist height. Variations include hands on missal, reading missal, looking up, smiling and serious. You should photograph both left and right sides for a good selection.
Girls allow a little more leeway in prop usage. White tulle placed over a bouquet of flowers, a white or brass candlestick with candle in the background or a small, round topped table holding the missal and gloves off to the side and behind the subject are appropriate props. If there is time, a seated pose for the girls can be effective. Boys can stand with their elbows on a raised marble column holding the missal, the other hand in their pocket.
Always check that the tie is centered and the collar fits snugly to the neck in front. If the shirt collar is too loose, place a roll of tissues behind the neck to tighten it up. Make sure the roll is not seen by the camera. Shirt cuffs ideally should show one half inch of white past the sleeve end. If this is impossible, then show no cuff at all. Too long cuffs can be rubber banded under the coat to the correct length. Veils should be checked for equal length on the sides and the crown centered on the head. Gloves look better held in the hand or on a pedestal, never worn. White dresses and accessories are a natural for high key photography. Boys in navy blue suits look better on a medium gray background with the edges darkened.
Some unusual shots can be tried for appreciative customers. A super close up with eyes raised is quite angelic. Place a small light above the lens for a nice catchlight. Profile shots with a candle and rosary are very effective for the more artistic clients. Throughout the session talk to your subject, tell them how nice they look and give them a chance to relax and look confident. At any sign of nervousness, take a break and distract them with conversation on another subject. Remember that expression is nine tenths of a good portrait.
Retired portrait and wedding photographer. Any thoughts?
For these reasons, a natural, happy face takes precedence over creativity in posing. Communion poses are studies in confidence and naturalness. An ideal session starts with a standing full length pose holding the missal and rosary beads. Girls have their weight on the back foot, their front knee slightly bent toward the camera. Boys stand with legs slightly apart facing twenty degrees off center. Several shots from the left and right sides will assure a perfect expression.
While the subject is standing come in for a medium shot cropped just above the knee. Some happier expressions can be included in this variation. Lighting should be soft but modeling, say two and one half to one ratio.
Medium close up poses are the most popular, so concentrate on getting a good selection for the parents to choose from. A posing bench that simulates the altar rail places the hands and elbows comfortably at waist height. Variations include hands on missal, reading missal, looking up, smiling and serious. You should photograph both left and right sides for a good selection.
Girls allow a little more leeway in prop usage. White tulle placed over a bouquet of flowers, a white or brass candlestick with candle in the background or a small, round topped table holding the missal and gloves off to the side and behind the subject are appropriate props. If there is time, a seated pose for the girls can be effective. Boys can stand with their elbows on a raised marble column holding the missal, the other hand in their pocket.
Always check that the tie is centered and the collar fits snugly to the neck in front. If the shirt collar is too loose, place a roll of tissues behind the neck to tighten it up. Make sure the roll is not seen by the camera. Shirt cuffs ideally should show one half inch of white past the sleeve end. If this is impossible, then show no cuff at all. Too long cuffs can be rubber banded under the coat to the correct length. Veils should be checked for equal length on the sides and the crown centered on the head. Gloves look better held in the hand or on a pedestal, never worn. White dresses and accessories are a natural for high key photography. Boys in navy blue suits look better on a medium gray background with the edges darkened.
Some unusual shots can be tried for appreciative customers. A super close up with eyes raised is quite angelic. Place a small light above the lens for a nice catchlight. Profile shots with a candle and rosary are very effective for the more artistic clients. Throughout the session talk to your subject, tell them how nice they look and give them a chance to relax and look confident. At any sign of nervousness, take a break and distract them with conversation on another subject. Remember that expression is nine tenths of a good portrait.
Retired portrait and wedding photographer. Any thoughts?
Jewelry For The Modern Man
Aclassic traditional watch is undeniably any man's primary and most essential fashion accessory. Most conservative guys are still firm in their principle that a functional watch should remain as the sole and ultimate accessory that a "straight" man can wear. However, men of contemporary times can absolutely look stylish without compromising their masculinity.
How? Just keep it simple and elegant. In selecting a chain, ring, or bracelet to wear, he must not exaggerate or else, it would only make him look nastily over-decorated. To avoid this, here is a guide that will help these modern men in choosing the most appropriate jewelry accessories.
Neckwear
A man's jewelry collection must include nothing less than a trendy necklace. Clumsy, multi-colored, or overweight necklaces must be avoided. Instead, go for simple and bold necklaces.
Opt for neutral-colored beads, preferably that of natural wood shades, and try to match them with your clothes. String or Beaded necklaces are best paired with plain long-sleeve or t-shirts. Wearing these kinds of necklaces with the appropriate attire can actually add to your sex appeal and to your unique personal sense of style.
For a more powerful and classier look, medium-sized chains made of silver, gold, or platinum can be worn. Fake metals and too much brilliance can display a showy character and can even be a major turn-off. In wearing a metal necklace, it would be best to keep it neatly tucked under your shirt to avoid looking gawky and childish.
Rings
The ring is one of the most popular fashion accessories for men. Aside from the classic wedding band that most have in their left ring finger, there is also a wide array of simple and stylish rings that you can wear.
In this modern world, it does not really matter which finger you decide to wear your ring on, provided that the ring suits your outfit and your type of personality.
When selecting a ring to wear, elegance and simplicity must be carefully considered.
Whether they are plain, mixed with black, or mounted with a bead or stone, white gold, silver or platinum rings will always look elegant and stylish with almost any piece of clothing. On the other hand, rings made of yellow gold can either be beautiful or too flashy. It all depends on the occasion you are into or the clothes that you match it with.
Bracelets
Besides the classic watch that men commonly have around their wrist, bracelets can also be a great everyday accessory. Bracelets with simple and classic styles can be worn on either a formal or a casual situation. If possible, bracelets must be fitted firmly around the wrist to avoid it from swinging and making a distracting noise caused by its flicking movement.
Most bracelets suited for men are usually made of silver, yellow or white gold, and platinum. Some woven bracelets, which are commonly beaded or made of leather, are often worn on casual or non-formal events. Such bracelets display a more outgoing and younger image.
Now, you need not to worry on trying out new jewelry pieces to add in your collection, just make sure that the accessories look good on you and you are comfortable in wearing them.
How? Just keep it simple and elegant. In selecting a chain, ring, or bracelet to wear, he must not exaggerate or else, it would only make him look nastily over-decorated. To avoid this, here is a guide that will help these modern men in choosing the most appropriate jewelry accessories.
Neckwear
A man's jewelry collection must include nothing less than a trendy necklace. Clumsy, multi-colored, or overweight necklaces must be avoided. Instead, go for simple and bold necklaces.
Opt for neutral-colored beads, preferably that of natural wood shades, and try to match them with your clothes. String or Beaded necklaces are best paired with plain long-sleeve or t-shirts. Wearing these kinds of necklaces with the appropriate attire can actually add to your sex appeal and to your unique personal sense of style.
For a more powerful and classier look, medium-sized chains made of silver, gold, or platinum can be worn. Fake metals and too much brilliance can display a showy character and can even be a major turn-off. In wearing a metal necklace, it would be best to keep it neatly tucked under your shirt to avoid looking gawky and childish.
Rings
The ring is one of the most popular fashion accessories for men. Aside from the classic wedding band that most have in their left ring finger, there is also a wide array of simple and stylish rings that you can wear.
In this modern world, it does not really matter which finger you decide to wear your ring on, provided that the ring suits your outfit and your type of personality.
When selecting a ring to wear, elegance and simplicity must be carefully considered.
Whether they are plain, mixed with black, or mounted with a bead or stone, white gold, silver or platinum rings will always look elegant and stylish with almost any piece of clothing. On the other hand, rings made of yellow gold can either be beautiful or too flashy. It all depends on the occasion you are into or the clothes that you match it with.
Bracelets
Besides the classic watch that men commonly have around their wrist, bracelets can also be a great everyday accessory. Bracelets with simple and classic styles can be worn on either a formal or a casual situation. If possible, bracelets must be fitted firmly around the wrist to avoid it from swinging and making a distracting noise caused by its flicking movement.
Most bracelets suited for men are usually made of silver, yellow or white gold, and platinum. Some woven bracelets, which are commonly beaded or made of leather, are often worn on casual or non-formal events. Such bracelets display a more outgoing and younger image.
Now, you need not to worry on trying out new jewelry pieces to add in your collection, just make sure that the accessories look good on you and you are comfortable in wearing them.
How to avoid incorrect ring size and uncomfortable fit – Precious tips – art. 1
Often deceived by excitement, when purchasing fine jewelry, the customer tend to overlook important issues concerning value, aesthetic merit, comfortable fit and style compatibility. The "Precious Tips" series of articles are aimed to provide practical inside information on such topics, thus arming the jewelry enthusiasts with essential knowledge before they reach for their credit cards. The advice given in these articles is not sale orientated and 100% customer supportive.
Take your time to get the size right. Keep in mind that your finger size changes depending on whether your hands are cold or hot. Different fingers change differently but it is an average of half size (UK standard). There is little difference between two neighboring sizes, so when your jeweler gives you the size set make sure you try few sizes up and down from the first one that fits. Do this until you are really sure which one feels best. Don't ask the jeweler to take your finger size – do it yourself. No one else can feel the ring on your finger for you. If you are in doubt, consider the weather. In hot weather your finger swells, so choose the tighter fit and vice versa. Bear in mind that it is easier and safer to most designs to be resized up rather than down. Resized piece however, is never the same, especially when it contents pave or channel set small stones. Reducing such a ring even one size is likely to loosen the setting and cause problems. Delicate rings, wedding bands and bangles are usually work hardened after the last hot operation, especially items in palladium white gold .This very important for the strength of the piece procedure is annulled, if the piece is heated again in the process of resizing. If the piece contents an important, expensive stone then the resizing becomes really problematic. There are number of designs (Niessing's tension set solitaire comes first in mind) which are impossible to resize. In short: avoid resizing your jewelry, unnecessary. Take your time and choose the right size first time.
Another issue concerning the right fit is the finger shape. There are two types that require special attention. The conical finger and the one with excessively big knuckles.
The conical finger is very much one size fits all scenario. Because of almost non pronounced knuckle up to 4 consecutive ring sizes feel comfortable.The problem is: this type of finger is not safe for heavy designs, which can easy slip off or fly away with sudden move of the hand. I will recommend lighter designs or use of full or half spring. (see below)
The big knuckles require fairly large size ring to pass trough and end up on the following thinner part of the finger where it is hopelessly loose. The full spring is the best solution of this problem.
The full spring is a strip of special gold alloy fitted inside the shank of the ring which is expanding while passing the knuckle an then contracts back," hugging" the thinner part of the finger and keeping the ring in place. While full spring takes about ¾ of the inner circumference of the shank, half spring goes halfway.
Full springs are surprisingly comfortable and effective and yet seldom used. Unfortunately they can't be implemented on any design especially the very delicate ones. Another draw back is that fitting a spring requires some time and skill and the jeweler will be happy if he can skip it. Large number of inexperienced goldsmiths and designers does not even know about it. In my opinion full spring is a must for heavy rings with high standing large stones. If fitting full or half spring is not a viable option, soldering two small (about 1.5 mm gold beads inside the ring at 4 and 8 o'clock position will significantly reduce the swivel and self position the ring. The initial discomfort one might feel because of the two little beads inside the ring usually disappears after 2-3 days of wearing.
One common problem is the right positioning of half or ¾ studded diamond wedding rings. They tend to always turn and expose the unstudded side up. If the wedding ring is worn next to a engagement ring it is a simple and reversible procedure to tack solder them together at the back. That will perfectly position the diamond band and it will make it more difficult to loose. In fact I will recommend this procedure for any wedding-engagement ring set. If the two rings are needed apart for some ceremony the joining can be done later and as I mentioned is completely reversible if properly done.
How To Choose The Perfect Wedding Ring
The wedding ring is perhaps the single most important piece of jewelry that you will give to your spouse in your lifetime. It is important that you choose a timeless ring that will not become outdated or unstylish after a length of time. Men and women have different options available to them when choosing a wedding ring and it is not required that they choose matching rings. The couple traditionally picks out their rings together so there is no need for either the bride or groom to become unnecessarily stressed out about choosing the perfect wedding ring. Choosing the rings together takes a great deal of pressure off of the couple because they do not have to worry that their spouse may not like the ring that is expected to last for their entire lifetime.
The material of the ring is an important consideration for both men's and women's rings. The most common materials include gold, silver and platinum although the rings can be made of any material that the couple chooses. Gold is the most popular wedding ring material. Gold can be 14 karat gold, 18 karat gold and 24 karat gold. Of these three options 14 karat gold is the type that is most recommended for wedding rings. 14 karat gold is durable without sacrificing luster. 18 karat gold can also be used for wedding rings but because it is a softer metal it is more prone to scratches. 24 karat gold is even softer than 18 karat gold and many do not recommended creating rings out of 24 karat gold because it is so prone to scratches. Silver is another metal that can also be used in creating a wedding ring. Silver is a soft white metal that is very soft and therefore prone to scratching. Additionally it is also prone to tarnishing and discolorations but it is still a popular choice because of its relatively low cost. Platinum is a precious metal that is becoming increasingly popular as wedding ring material. Although platinum is considered too soft to be used in making rings, small amounts of ruthenium and iridium can be added to platinum to increase the hardness and result in a wedding ring that is extremely durable.
After choosing a metal for the wedding ring, it is time to consider the style of the ring. When it comes to style there are even more options available then there are for metals. Some of the basic wedding ring styles include flat bands, half-round bands and comfit bands. A flat band is one that is rectangular in cross section. These types of bands are also decorated with engravings. Half-round bands are the most traditional style available. These bands are flat on the underside or against the finger and have an arched structure on the top. Comfort-fit bands feature an oval cross section and they are heavier and more expensive than the other types of rings. If a bride intends to wear her wedding band with her engagement ring, she should consider choosing a wedding band style that matches her engagement ring so that neither one overpowers the other.
Once you have decided on a metal and style, it is time to choose whether or not to engrave your wedding ring. A good jeweler should be capable of engraving anything you want onto your ring including letters, numbers and symbols. Many couples choose to have their names or initial along with the wedding date engraved on the inside of the ring. This is not necessary though as the couple is not required to have the rings engraved. If the couple does opt for engraving though, they must realize that they can choose to engrave anything they wish on the rings. It could either be names and the wedding date or a phrase that has significant meaning to the couple.
The wedding ring is a very important piece of jewelry because it is meant to be worn for a lifetime. When choosing a wedding ring the material of the ring, the style of the ring and whether or not to include an engraved sentiment are just a few of the factors to consider. Shopping for a wedding ring can be a wonderful experience if the couple makes an effort to enjoy the experience instead of stressing about it.
How To Plan The Perfect Outdoor Wedding On A Budget
The outdoors can be an absolutely beautiful setting for a wedding. Natural backdrops of trees, mountains or oceans are unparalleled by any decorations that can be utilized in an indoor setting. Additionally the natural lighting that is provided by an outdoor wedding makes for truly glorious pictures. However, there are careful considerations that need to be made in planning an outdoor wedding.
The first tip for having an outdoor wedding is to choose your location carefully. You might want to consider a venue that is capable of providing a contingency plan in case the weather affects your wedding and prevents your original plan from occurring. Although you may prefer an outdoor setting, it is wise to choose a location that has an indoor facility that would be available for your use in the event of a storm that would otherwise cancel your wedding.
Dressing appropriately for the conditions is also important if you plan to have an outdoor wedding. For example a strapless gown made of a lightweight fabric would not be appropriate for a fall or winter wedding if the temperatures are usually low at these times of the year. Likewise a dress with long sleeves and a high neck would not be appropriate for a summertime wedding in a warm climate. You will want to be comfortable on your wedding day so dress according to the weather.
Another tip for having an outdoor wedding is to plan your wedding for a time of year that is unlikely to have inclement weather. It's important to give yourself the best possible chance of having good weather for your wedding. Try studying the weather history in the area that you plan to have your wedding and choose a time that has a relatively low chance of snow or rain.
In setting up for your outdoor wedding, one important tip is to set up the area where the ceremony will be held in a way that keeps the sun at the guests' backs. For example, for a morning wedding, you will want to position the seating so that the guests are facing to the west. This is important because the sun rises in the east and having the guests facing to the east would result in the guests having to squint into the sun.
If you choose a summertime wedding in a warm climate, be sure to have plenty of drinks available for your guests. You might want to consider having refreshing beverages such as water and juices available throughout the ceremony and reception to prevent guests from dehydrating.
One of the most problematic aspects of an outdoor wedding is the acoustics. Guests at an outdoor wedding are often unable to hear the proceedings. Additionally, if a wedding video is made, it often is unable to pick up the words of the officiant or the couple reciting their vows. For this reason, you may wish to utilize a public address system during the ceremony to ensure that all guests are able to hear the ceremony.
If you have a lot of out of town guests who will be attending your outdoor wedding, you may want to prepare a package to mail to them detailing the weather expectations for your wedding date so that they can prepare for the trip. Although the past can be a good indication of what type of weather to expect, you might also want to consider sending your out of town guests a weather prediction update a few days prior to your wedding in case the meteorologists are predicting unseasonable weather.
The outdoor setting you choose may also affect the color choices for your wedding. You may wish to choose colors that accent the natural surroundings. For example choosing a bright pink for your bridesmaids' dresses may seem out of place if you are holding your wedding against a mountain setting. The loudness of their dresses will disrupt the serenity of the natural setting.
Another tip for an outdoor wedding is to consider hiring a live band instead of a DJ for the entertainment. A live band will blend in better with the surroundings in an outdoor setting. Also, the natural music of a live band is also a better fit then the synthesized music of a DJ.
One final tip for having an outdoor wedding is to try to provide your guests with as much shade as possible. You can do this by either providing a large tent or canopy for your guests or by choosing a setting with a number of large trees and planning your wedding for a time and date that would ensure an abundance of shade in the area. Taking a few precautions and planning wisely will ensure that your outdoor wedding is a success. It is important to make a few adjustments to your usual planning and making provisions that will keep you and your guests comfortable throughout the ceremony and the reception.
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.
Choosing Wedding Accessories
When shopping for the wedding dress many brides neglect the accessories. Don?t let this happen to you. Wedding accessories are important to complete the bridal look. If you do not purchase wedding accessories the gown would look bare and the look would be incomplete. This article details some of the essential wedding accessories.
The Wedding Veil
All brides need to decide whether or not to use a wedding veil. A wedding veil is traditional, so if you are planning a traditional wedding you should include the veil in the bridal accessories. When picking out the wedding veil make sure you choose one which fits in with the theme of your wedding and goes well with the wedding gown. Remember that there are many styles and lengths in wedding veils today and you will have many options to choose from. You should try on several veils in different lengths and styles while wearing your dress before making the final decision.
Shoes and stockings
You will need to find wedding shoes and stockings to wear with the dress. Shoes and stockings should be tried on with the dress to see how they all look together. Usually brides choose shoes that are made of materials such as velvet, satin and silk as they are materials best suited for formal events. You could even have embellishments on your shoes such as beads, sequins, pearls of crystals. When choosing shoes and stockings you should make sure that they are comfortable as you need to wear them all day long. When you look back at your wedding you do not want your first thought to be that you feet hurt all day long.
Jewelry
The wedding bands and the wedding rings are the most important jewelry in your wedding. However, these are not the only pieces you will be wearing. You can choose a few other pieces to wear such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings. You want to choose jewelry that is nice and adds to the whole ensemble, but not jewelry that steals the show. The wedding gown is the most important piece of clothing you are wearing, so the jewelry you choose should complement the dress. Diamonds and pearls are commonly found in wedding jewelry. If you have any family heirlooms that will go well with your dress you may want to choose to wear them, they usually work out as an ideal heirloom ? a piece of jewelry which is beautiful and which has sentimental value.
Headpieces
Headpieces can be a nice touch to the rest of your outfit. Headpieces include combs, headbands, back pieces, and tiaras. Head pieces are usually decorated with crystals, pearls, beads of flowers. A beautiful headpiece can help hold the veil in place and complete the look or you can choose you use the headpiece, like a tiara, by itself and eliminate using a veil at all.
Gloves
Many brides enjoy wearing gloves. There is something so elegant about a pair of beautiful white gloves paired with a wedding dress. Gloves look especially right with a strapless gown. In general, the shorter the sleeves the longer the gloves should be.
Handbags
Even though you do not carry a bad with you down the aisle or even at the reception it is still nice to have a small purse of handbag available with anything you may need. Typically a small purse is packed with things a bride may need to touch up her look such as makeup, colonge and a small sewing kit for emergencies. It does not have to be large; it can be a small clutch.
Tasting Celtic Wedding Rings (down)
Many Celtic jewelry merchants will label a particular design as "Friendship" or "Unity" but often there's not any real basis for these labels. These facile tags shortchange the person interested in the ring by giving a concept instead of assisting them to understand the deeper meaning behind the design.
It's also easy enough to say that the ring is about how all things are interconnected, but this is so general that it doesn't help explain why we may be attracted to the sacred geometry of one ring over another.
To do this, you can contemplate the various components that make up the knot work and try to determine how they are functioning. For example, consider the circle. We speak of a circle of friends and live in circular cycles, such as the day and the season. Native cultures throughout the world hold ceremonies in protective circles. A knot work pattern with circles or variations of circles certainly has some important keys to relationships and community. In the broadest sense, the ring itself is a circle, and putting it on has also always been symbolic of sealing a commitment.
A square knot motif concerns structure, which is why buildings use the shape of a square foundation. Squares certainly have an element of stability. Numbers were a significant part Celtic lore, and the number five represented the four directions and the center point.
Many Celtic rings also deal with vectors that travel in a certain direction. If you look at the shape of an arrow, it's easy to understand why a triangle might connote movement. Another common Celtic motif is the knot work depicting a trinity.
Many Celtic deities had three forms. The Mother Goddess was understood to the maiden, mother and crone. The universe was viewed as heaven, earth and otherworld. We are born, we live and we die. Certainly the trinity knot also illustrates the One being dividing off into the masculine and feminine, or the mother and son--a mystical truth contemplated in many sacred traditions.
Though modern jewelry techniques allow a greater range of possibilities than the Celts had during the time of the Romans, finding an exceptional Celtic wedding ring at a local jewelry store may not be possible. The best place to search is on the Internet, which has the widest selection.
Today you can find rings made with platinum, or white and yellow gold accented with diamonds. Some of the most beautiful rings are bi-metal, where the knots are one color, such as white gold, while the rim of the ring might be yellow gold. There is a wide range of class and price.
Your wedding ring is a once in a life time purchase that you will live with every day. It must be aesthetically beautiful.
The knot work on the rings should be well executed. It should have some meaning that makes sense for you which should be explained on the website.
The best jewelry designers offer engagement ring sets, along with the option of having a wider band for the gent and a narrower of the same knot work motif for the lady.
You'll want it comfort fit, which means that the band tapers slightly toward the center, making it easy to wear.
Since it is very likely within the course of a marriage that you'll gain or lose twenty pounds, it is most advantageous to choose a ring with a sizing band.
The company you choose should have a record of creditability backed up by customer service, guaranteeing their product. Give them a call and see if they are worthy of doing business with. A track record of timely delivery is also essential. It's not uncommon for a ring from outside the US to be held up by Customs, for example.
The rings should be unique and resonate with your own profound, sacred connection and commitment to your beloved.
Capture the essence of this handcrafted unique Celtic knot emerald and diamond engagement ring. For many, this Celtic knot represents the eternity of life, nature and love. A stunning oval shaped real emerald, with a weight of .50ct, is exquisitely set between two glistening round diamonds. The total diamond weight is .16ct. This ring is tested and hallmarked in the Dublin assay office.
Your First Wedding Dance
The wedding day is rich with tradition and new trends as well. With all of he rituals, perhaps the sweetest is the first dance. It can however be a point of stress if the couple has not prepared for it. Couple dancing is a skill that takes a little bit of practice. When the bride and groom take the spotlight, it is much easier to have confidence and grace if they have had a bit of practice. So, how should you prepare? What are your options and where do you start? Here are some tips that will help you make this moment a great memory.
The first step is of course to choose the song. But you will also want to consider what type of dance would best fit you as a couple. Slow and romantic, a classic waltz, perhaps a jazzy foxtrot, or the energy of swing, tango or salsa. What ever your choice keep in mind that some dances styles are easier to learn than others, so plan accordingly.
Classic songs like "Our love is Here to Stay", "Just the Way You Look Tonight", "At Last" are songs that most wedding bands should be able to play. If your song is more obscure, you could play the recording for the first dance. However if your band is going to play your music, you should make sure the band leader knows in advance what tempo you have been practicing to and for how long you want the song to play. If you have been practicing to a certain recording, be sure that you make a copy for the bandleader so that they understand the arrangement and feel of the music you are expecting. The same song can have several styles so it is important to communicate so there are no surprises on your wedding day.
You should not feel that some sort of performance will be expected of you, remember that it is your day and your first dance should reflect the two of you. However if dancing together is something that you have always wanted to do, there is no better opportunity than your first dance at your wedding to make a statement. Your first dance will be a memory that you will share forever.
So if dance lessons are in your future, you should have no problem finding a dance teacher who has experience with wedding couples. Most dance studios offer private and group lessons. Of course private lessons will cost more, but with private lessons you can concentrate only on what you want to learn and go at what ever pace suits you as a couple best. You can expect to pay anywhere from $25. to $80. a lesson.
There are many types of partner dancing, so it is a good idea to discuss this with your dance instructor before you begin. Once you have located the the dance instructor that you are comfortable with, you will want to bring a recording of your song. If you have not chosen one yet, your instructor will most likely have some good suggestions.
For some it can be uncomfortable going to a dance studio to learn your wedding dance. Or you may have schedules that conflict. In that case we suggest instructional videotapes. There are several products out their that cater specifically to the bride and groom. Some feel too much pressure working with an instructor, or are too shy learning with a group. The videos are a great way to bring the lesson into the privacy of your own home, learning at your own pace. No matter how you decide to proceed, remember to be supportive of each others difficulties. Your efforts will be rewarded.
Often times the wedding couple will go into the first dance just after being announced into the room. Traditionally the father/daughter dance will follow the bride and groom's first dance. After that, the groom will dance with his mother. Both sets of parents and the bride and groom can then take the dance floor together. The groom may ask the mother of the bride to dance while the bride dances with her new father-in-law. Finally the entire wedding party, and then the guests may join in. As the bride and groom, you will ultimately decide before the wedding day how you would like the dancing lineup to be, and it will be important to communicate with everyone how you want the dancing to flow. Just make sure you have a good selection of songs to complete the formal dancing.
Your first dance will be one of your most beautiful memories from your wedding day. By taking the time to prepare for it you will be able to relax and have fun with it. Try not to think of it as a performance but rather a very special moment in time that will only happen once, as there is only one first dance.
Custom Design Your Wedding Ring With Tips From A Pro
Once you receive your engagement ring you may spend hours staring at it while dreaming about a wedding ring and how it should fit. There are amazing engagement ring styles being made today and some of them come with wonderful matching wedding rings however, many don't. I've seen couples travel from jewelry store to jewelry store in search of a perfect wedding band only to be disappointed when they realize that nothing fits properly with their ring. When they stumble upon a jeweler that can provide a custom designed wedding band they find it difficult to make a decision. This is largely due to the jewelers inability to provide a life-like sample or illustration of how the ring is going to look when its finished. Most people have a difficult time visualizing conceptual items like custom jewelry because they don't know what to expect and also because the design is in the jeweler's mind not theirs.
An experienced and professional custom jeweler will have the skills needed to provide a detailed account of how your ring will look. In addition, he/she should be a good communicator while assessing your needs and transferring those needs in to the actual jewelry design. Without proper translation of your wants and desires the ring may not be everything you dreamed of and a good custom jeweler will understand this. Bottom line is this...Great wedding rings are created not by great jewelers but also great communicators. When selecting a craftsman to make your wedding ring, examine the person's portfolio of previous work, but also take note of how you both work together. If you have good synergy and communicate well together then you'll have a better chance of getting an amazing wedding ring that you'll be happy with.
Another important variable is the person doing the assembly of your custom wedding ring; the person designing your ring may not be the person making it. The designer that you work with could do a wonderful job creating a concept for your item but the jeweler making it could be a poor craftsman or bad interpreter of your designer's concept. If the designer isn't the person making your ring then you should get a feel for how the two work together. Ask to meet the craftsman and have a joint discussion to determine if everyone is on the same page. While we are on the subject of the craftsman, make sure that the jeweler actually assembling the ring can provide examples of his craftsmanship. A jeweler without adequate experience in custom jewelry design may set diamonds poorly or weld metal improperly. This can result in a finished product that doesn't look good or you could receive a ring with a history of problems like stone loss from its setting. There are credentials that help determine how qualified a jeweler is at making custom jewelry. One such credential is the Jewelers of America (JA) Master Jeweler program. A person that is certified by JA to be a "Master Jeweler" is certainly the most qualified person for the job and you can be rest assured that he has been tested in all areas of jewelry making.
The next thing you should understand is how the jewelry is actually made. When making custom jewelry, the designer will of course first create a concept for you. Once you feel comfortable with the design a counter sketch or illustration is given to a model maker along with your ring. The model maker will carve a wax prototype of your prospective wedding ring design based on these counter sketches. This model maker should take in account all the design elements that are important to you while providing a ring that best compliments your engagement ring and its specific features. It's always a really good thing when a model maker can identify things about your engagement ring that make it special. He/she can then re-create those special features in your design; this will make the two rings look like they were made for each other from the start. Special features can include methods of diamond setting, precious metal types, profiles, heights, widths, etc. The wax prototype should be used for two purposes, the first is a sample that you can try on or rest next to your engagement ring. This prototype will be very useful because it will give you a very good idea of how the wedding band will look when it is finished. If you're not happy with the original design or you would like to make changes it shouldn't be a problem because the ring isn't made yet, it's just a wax model.
After the appropriate changes are made and you approve the final prototype, a jeweler will make mold of the wax. The prototype wax is placed in a flask and filled with plaster. Once the plaster hardens, the flask is placed in an oven and the wax model is burned out of the flask leaving a cavity in the exact impression of your design. The flask is then injected with molten metal and once the metal cools the plaster is broken away leaving you with a casting of the jewelry design. This casting is filed, polished and then the final assembly process begins.
Another thing to look for is the use of new technologies when creating your custom wedding ring design. The best example of this is 3D Computer Aided Design or otherwise known as CAD design. Recent advances in this arena have allowed for amazing possibilities when designing jewelry. CAD software is used to create a computer model of the design and then is sent to a CNC (computer numerical control) mill that cuts the wax in a very precise manner. The benefit of CAD design is the capability to create very precise jewelry designs that are for more accurate than a hand-carved wax model. In the end, the precision of the CAD wax allows for much more intricate design capabilities and also finer quality assembly. The CAD models can also be rendered using graphical interfaces such as Flamingo3D, which use both raytracing and radiosity to make a life-like illustration of the design. This computer rendering is far more useful in depicting your design then a drawing scribbled on scratch paper.
Currently, only a handful of jewelers are using 3D CAD design technology and this is due to the high cost of the software, equipment, and training. You should however, check with your local jeweler or do an Internet search to see who is available to use this technology. Whenever possible, choose the person that employs the use of 3D CAD because you'll get a better quality product. You can learn more about this process and viewed at http://www.rokstok.com. Keep in mind that not all jewelers using 3D CAD are automatically qualified to make your wedding ring. You still need to qualify them just as you would a person that is using traditional techniques to make your item. In the end, the best way to go about your design is to screen the people making your item and assess their communication skills to determine if they understand your needs.
Modest Wedding Dress
Shopping for a modest wedding dress can be entirely more difficult than it needs to be if you don't have a plan for what you are looking for. Gowns that are barely a slip or defying gravity with a strapless fit may not be a comfortable selection for you. You should also be sure to understand that modest and traditional do not have to necessarily mean the same thing. Most of all, it is your day to shine and you should purchase something that reflects this.
Choosing the Right Cut
Finding the right cut for a modest wedding dress begins with knowing what the most flattering style will be for you. Try looking for A-line dresses or empress waist gowns. These styles are very forgiving and are available from many top designers. Letting a sales person know you want an A-line or empress waist will help with your selection of a modest wedding dress. The cut of an A-line is often fitted on top with the skirt flowing out towards the sides at the waist, to form the shape of an 'A'. The fit of an empress waist is banded just below the bust line and is usually not form fitting at all.
Finding the Right Sleeves
With strapless gowns dominating magazine covers, you may think your chances of finding a modest wedding dress are slim. You may want to think about other options like cap sleeves, off the shoulder or short sleeves. Long sleeves may even be appropriate depending on the season of your ceremony. If you happen to find a strapless gown that you adore, you can check with the sales person to see if it can be altered to be something more comfortable for you. This is often much easier to do than creating a strapless gown from one with sleeves believe it or not.
Picking the Right Color
If you are looking for a modest wedding gown, it does not have to be white. If you are searching for a modest look in the first place you probably are not looking at anything extreme such as black, red or hot pink. Choosing an eggshell, pale pink or ivory gown are options that you may want to consider when choosing a modest wedding dress.
Options When Nothing Fits Right
When you are exhausted from shopping and you still don't have a perfect modest wedding dress, you still have some available options. If you have a good seamstress or the salon you are working with has one on staff, you will find they can work magic for a neckline that is too low. Something as simple as gathered tulle sewn across the top of the bodice can change the feel of a dress without affecting the style.
A comfortable, modest wedding dress is one of the most important thing s on your wedding day. You should keep in mind your style preference that is still elegant without being revealing or feeling inappropriate. While you may have to look a little harder than the brides on the front of the magazine, the end result will be well worth it.
Summer Wedding Ring Planner - It’s Never Too Late to Start!
Summer is here and wedding season is in full force. July is a slower month than June, but come August the number of people walking the aisle increases with September proving to be a strong month as well. The warm weather months are certainly ideal for holding a marriage ceremony with guests finding it easier to plan their busy schedules around an important day of celebration.
If your marriage is still a month or two away and you haven't picked out your rings yet, don't fret. Setting a church, synagogue, or mosque date, arranging the hall, catering, putting together the bridal party, honeymoon, and everything else takes time; now that you have that the bulk of the work has passed, you can spend a relaxing, stress-free time choosing wedding bands.
Finding the Perfect Wedding Rings
every bride has an idea of what ring she wants and, if possible, the ring that he'll be wearing too. If your man is hesitant about wearing a ring, then put aside your plans for matching bands. Though having rings that match can be a wonderful public expression of your love for each other, that shouldn't be a critical point. Many men find rings to be uncomfortable, so if your platinum round pave set diamond wedding ring doesn't come in an equivalent ring for him, don't fret - wear the ring you want and let him pick out the ring that he likes.
Traditional, Contemporary, or Both?
Styles of rings vary from the traditional to the contemporary, with many women choosing to blend both. Fashion designers such as M Danhov understand what brides want and that includes diamonds - lots of them! For example, the Ladies 18k White Gold MY4 by Danhov Diamond Wedding Band represents the ultimate wedding band: four rows of 2.15 carats of pave' set diamonds in white gold. Stunningly elegant, yet amazingly refined, rings from the Danhov Collection are admired and desired worldwide.
Men have many choices too when it comes to wedding bands. The rules have changed to the point where any man, if he likes them, can have a wedding ring that is encrusted in diamonds too. A customized ring can be made that fits his personality and, if your are one lucky woman, match your ring too. One special note: many men prefer comfort-fit rings, those wedding bands which have rounded inner edges to them.
When Ordering Your Rings
On-line ring buying has grown in leaps and bounds because consumers have discovered that they can get the same rings through mail order that they can buy at the local jewelry store. Because retailers like James Allen have a small overhead, the savings are passed on to the customer in the form of lower prices. Moreover, in many cases on-line purchases are delivered state tax free, translating into additional savings for the happy couple. That ring selling for $6000 at the mall jewelry shop could retail for under $5000 on-line!
No matter where you choose to buy your wedding rings, finding a pair that satisfies you both is very important. Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime event, and a day you'll want to cherish forever. Find the right pair of rings and you'll have a forever reminder of your commitment to each other, rings that will satisfy both husband and wife.
Wedding Jewelry Options For Men
If the watchword for women's jewelry is 'glamour', the keyword for men's jewelry has to be 'understated elegance'. Though with the equalization of the sexes, flashy stuff for men also is in, weddings are one such event where elegance still rules over flashy designs. So, most of the options in wedding jewelry have to be elegant, and sophisticated at the same time. Here are some of the top options in the category.
Men's diamond bands
Some of the most popular options for wedding jewelry for men are the men's diamond band collection. Since rings don't augment well on mens fingers, the next best alternative is a band. There are two major kinds of bands – diamond bands and the standard wedding bands (which we will talk about later).
In the diamond bands category, some of the most popular options are the ones in white. In some countries like India and the Middle East, yellow gold is more popular as a jewelry metal, but here in the United States, it is the white metals that are the ones to go with – especially for men. Unlike with women's rings, diamond studded rings do not mean rings that are studded with diamonds all around. The most popular designs in mens wedding collections are the ones with a single studded stone in the middle of the ring. There are some awesome options that you can find online, and they look so good – you are certain of having a very tough time choosing the one which is perfect for you!
You can choose from options like 14K white gold, 18K white gold, 14K yellow gold, 18K yellow gold, and Platinum. When we visited our local popular jewelry mall, we could not find a decent buy for under $800. However, online there are options starting from half that amount, and they look much better too! With the huge choice that an online jewelry store gives us at that price, why would people go to their local jewelers any more?
Men's Solid wedding bands
These are the standard fare at weddings around the world. For a lot of families, diamonds are not a part of their wedding culture, and they prefer the age old tradition of exchanging solid wedding bands. For these, the most beloved options are the plain bands in gold and in platinum. However, with the modern times, the metals also are undergoing a change, and with the advent of Benchmark, and its gaining tremendous popularity all over the country, customers now have access to rare metals like Titanium to make their wedding bands. Will you believe it if we tell you that these rings are available from as little as $110!!
In solid gold wedding bands, yellow gold still is a popular metal, especially when it comes in a designer package – like with milgrain and spiral bands. If you are not very sure about what they mean, take a look here - http://www.diamondsonweb.com/shopping/settings.mhtml?cat=15.
Since wedding bands are usually bought in the form of a matching set, it makes a lot of sense for you to look up designs that will match both the man and the lady. And if you are looking to buy something for the couple, consider getting a wedding band that will fit right into the ring that they sport on their fingers. The look is one of sophistication and elegance.
Another option that you can consider if the person you are buying for is into jewelry, is that of three stone rings. Quite a lot of men nowadays are comfortable sporting diamonds on their fingers, and three stone wedding rings are quite the rage there.
All through this article, we've been talking of online jewelry stores, simply because the choice and the prices there are unthinkable at your local jewelry stores. Check them out, and you will agree too.
Cubic Zirconia Wedding Rings: Saying ‘i Do' To Cubic Zirconia
When it comes to the rest of your life, money may not make you happy but a lack thereof can certainly cause a damper on your spirits. The affordability factor is just one of the many reasons why some couples are saying 'I Do' to engagement and wedding rings designed in cubic zirconia and sterling silver.
The first step to purchasing a ring is to make sure that you know the receiver's ring size. The good news is that, even if you order the wrong size, sterling silver rings can be resized by most jewelers. If necessary, you can comfortably resize a sterling silver ring by one size either up or down. If the band is wide enough and the jeweler has experience in working with sterling silver, you may be able to go up or down by two sizes. It's important to note that wider bands may fit tighter and, depending on the width and gram weight, could result in the need to purchase one size larger than the wearer's normal size.
Before any vows are exchanged, an engagement has to occur and the selection of a suitable ring is on the mind of many hopeful grooms. For years, gold and diamonds have been the standard for an engagement ring. However, the problem has always been and still remains how to afford an expensive ring if you are on a budget. For many, the answer is sterling silver and the best diamond simulant in the world – cubic zirconia. Like gold, sterling silver is a precious metal and is designed to last a lifetime with the proper care. When it comes to cubic zirconia, only a trained gemologist can tell the difference between a simulant and a genuine diamond with the help of a jeweler's loop.
There are many benefits to purchasing a sterling silver engagement ring featuring cubic zirconia, including a wider band and larger gemstone combined with a smaller price tag. Sterling silver is more affordable than gold, which means you can purchase a wide band and still get a terrific price. If you prefer a thin band, the price would be even lower. In addition, you will get an impressive cubic zirconia presence for your money. The trick to purchasing cubic zirconia rings is to choose a size that is believable and will prove to be comfortable enough for everyday wear.
When it comes to purchasing sterling silver wedding rings featuring cubic zirconia, there is no shortage on available options. If you choose to purchase polished band rings, you can select either a thin or wide band, polished or textured, etc. Like gold, sterling silver bands can be engraved and are excellent substitutes for white gold or platinum. If you purchase a sterling silver engagement ring and wedding bands to match, you can easily get the look of white gold or platinum and diamonds at a very affordable price.
In addition to traditional wedding bands, sterling silver bridal sets are also manufactured to look just as beautiful as their gold and diamond competitors. Interlocking designs, solitaires and channel set stones are just a few of the many choices available to the happy couple. If you are saying 'I Do,' consider saying it with sterling silver and cubic zirconia. Instead of spending a small fortune on rings to wear on your finger, think about saving the money for a down payment on a house to call your home.
Choosing Wedding Rings
Wedding rings may or may not be selected the same time the engagement ring is purchased. The bride and groom usually mutually select wedding rings. Buying the wedding rings is a serious purchase, and it should be done with careful consideration. While the engagement ring is often a surprise purchase, the bride and groom make the purchase of the wedding rings together.
Brides and grooms often choose matching wedding rings. The groom's ring is usually wider and heavier than the bride's. Wedding bands are mostly made of yellow or white gold, but platinum is also popular. Platinum is very durable, but heavier than gold. If you want to have a platinum ring, be ready that it will be heavier than a gold ring.
Rings can take many different shapes and designs. A narrow ring is better fitting for a small hand than wider ring. A wide wedding band would be great for someone with longer fingers and a larger hand. You won't know until you see it. Make sure you try several different thicknesses. The most important characteristic of a wedding ring is comfort. Since you will be wearing it most of the time, you should make sure that it is comfortable. If you buy a ring that is too wide or too narrow or too heavy, you will not enjoy wearing it.
In an attempt to personalize them, wedding rings are often engraved with dates and names. In addition, wedding rings are often engraved with inscriptions such as "Truly, Madly, Deeply" and "Love Always." Before you decide on the inscription, make sure you understand how many characters will fit on the rings.
While wedding rings were usually simple gold bands in the past, they have become more ornate jewels in the present. Wedding rings can be any carat. In some countries wedding bands are mostly 22 carat, while other countries favor 18-carat gold.
If you are more adventurous, you and your fiancée may opt for a tattooed wedding ring. As it is true with tattoos in general, they are permanent, So, if there is any chance of you outgrowing the need to have a ring tattooed on your finger, you may want to pass on this one.
Why Men Should Consider Wearing A Wedding Ring
It has only been within the last two generations that most grooms have been exchanging wedding bands with their brides. Called "double ring ceremonies" this phenomenon slowly caught on after the Second World War and has been growing ever since.
There were two reasons why a man wouldn't wear a wedding ring: cost and custom. The economic boom of the 1950s increased disposable income, which meant that people had extra cash available to buy treasured items including jewelry also up until that time, many men weren't that interested in jewelry, although a gold tie clip, watch, or money clip often made for an appropriate gift.
As times have changed, so have customs. Jewelry designers, seizing upon the demand for gold, silver, and platinum, as well as precious stones, began to craft "his and her" wedding bands as customer tastes began to shift. By the 1970s, double-ring wedding ceremonies came into vogue and, today, the vast majority of American weddings have bride and groom exchanging rings while they exchange their vows.
Still, some guys are resistant to change thinking that a wedding ring isn't manly enough or that they're just not comfortable with wearing jewelry. Designers understand the difference between men and women, and have crafted matching rings that look feminine on a woman's hand, yet masculine on the man's hand. In addition, jewelers make sure that when a guy tries on a ring that it fits right and looks good. After all, he'll be wearing a wedding band for the rest of his life - he might as well look and feel good wearing it!
Brides are appreciative when the groom heartily agrees to wear a wedding ring. Women value symbolism, seeing wedding bands as an expression of mutual love, a visible commonality uniting husband and wife together.
When selecting a wedding band, you'll be shown rings containing the following precious metals: gold, silver, or platinum. Usually, the metal selected matches the bride's engagement ring, therefore if you chose a white gold or yellow gold ring, then the same metal should be chosen for the wedding rings. If you already own a gold watch, then a yellow gold ring would match that perfectly.
Many wedding bands contain stones, specifically diamonds. Not many men want to wear diamonds, while most women do. Therefore, when choosing rings the style of the band can be the same, while allowing the bride to have hers embedded with diamonds. Most men's wedding bands are wider than the woman's too; therefore there is no mistaking which is the guy's ring and which is the gal's ring.
The most difficult part of shopping for wedding rings is traveling from store to store in search of the right pair. Fortunately, the internet has revolutionized jewelry buying by putting entire stores online. Go ahead and make that one visit to a favorite mall jeweler to look at rings up close and to try some on.
Why purchase online? Well, it certainly beats several trips to the mall and traveling through traffic eating up time and gas. In addition, with a lower overhead and, in most cases, no sales tax to pay, you could save a big amount of money by shopping online. These days we're all looking to save and she won't mind as long as the wedding rings match her expectations.
Once you've shopped from the comfort and convenience of your own computer, you'll be in a better frame of mind to choose a pair of wedding rings everyone will be happy with. Shopping online is fast and convenient, just the way us guys like to shop in the first place!
Shopping For Sterling Silver Wedding Rings
Whether you're picking out rings for an upcoming ceremony or are simply looking to replace an old or outgrown ring, sterling silver wedding bands may be the answer that you have been searching for. In addition to its durability and strength, sterling silver is a precious metal that can last a lifetime with the proper care.
Traditionally, a wedding band is a highly polished band of either gold or sterling silver. Available in both slender and wide widths, these classic bands offer the design of an unbroken circle meant to symbolize eternal love and the unbreakable bond between a husband and wife. While these traditional styles are still very desirable, a modern approach to wedding band designs has emerged with great popularity. Among them, bands engraved with names and dates and even those accented with diamonds and other gemstones.
When it comes to choosing the perfect sterling silver wedding bands, the selection process begins with the design preference. Whether you prefer a polished band, a personalized engraving or channel set gemstone accents, sterling silver remains an affordable choice. In addition to being sizable, sterling silver wedding bands offer a bold look at a fraction of the price when compared to other precious metals. With regular cleansing with the use of a polishing cloth, a sterling silver ring can shine for many years to come.
Aside from the actual design of a ring, its size is also a very important aspect to consider when shopping for sterling silver wedding bands. If you already know your ring size, then you're ready to shop. If you aren't quite sure or often feel that you may be between ring sizes, visit a jeweler for an accurate sizing. When shopping, it's wise to keep in mind the width and thickness of the band before choosing a size. For instance, a woman who typically wears a size 6 may need to go up one size if the band is especially wide or thick. The same is true of a man who is shopping for the perfect ring. When shopping online, it's often easier to find a specific ring design in a choice of sizes. Unlike a local jewelry store, which may only carry several rings in a common size, online retailers typically offer a variety of sizes to suit every customer. If you are unable to find the size you need, you will be glad to know that sterling silver is sizable by most jewelers. This is especially helpful if you are between whole sizes and feel most comfortable in a half-size, such as 6-1/2 or 7-1/2 for example.
Speaking of customizing your sterling silver wedding bands for the perfect fit and style, the majority of wide band rings are perfect for engraving. After purchasing a highly polished band or one that features a solid surface on the underside of the ring, simply ask your local jeweler to engrave your choice of names, the wedding date or even a special message. In some cases, the bride or groom will have a special message engraved into the band meant for their intended.
In conclusion, shopping for wedding bands is not as difficult as one may think. Once you find the perfect person to give the ring to, it will be easy to choose one that fits his/her style.
Wedding Rings
Awesome surroundings, bride dressed in her virtuous white gown looking beautiful as an angel and groom standing by her side willing to commit any term to be bonded with her, perhaps we all have witnessed this at several weddings. The entire atmosphere of the place seems nervous yet heavenly till they put wedding rings on each other's fingers and say" I do".
Now series of questions would be cropping in your mind as what we are referring with this discussion? The purpose of referring to this chaste ceremony is discussing the significance of wedding rings. What about wedding rings? Where and how to get them? What sort of wedding rings should one buy? Well, I do stands in assertion for all the pledges and vows one takes at the time of the wedding, which we guess couples do not hear most of the times on the wedding day. Perhaps that is why women have become smarter by getting the copy of vows framed for reminding their husbands about the vows later if need arises. Cutting out the humor lets come to our main trump of the ceremony-wedding rings.
The tradition of wedding ring signifies commitment and epitomizes marriage. This custom is celebrated in most of the countries in distinct manner like somewhere the brides would wear wedding rings in right hand while at other places it is worn customarily in the left hand in ring finger. But the only interesting fact to realize would be are they all the same everywhere? To put some light on this issue we would like to discuss few countries like Europe, France and Greece. The reason for including these countries is that they all follow diverse ways as per their wedding customs are concerned. Initiating from Europe Christians prefers to keep the designs simple preferably in gold or platinum and ring exchange takes place just before the wedding. However they encourage engraving of date and name of couples on rings to attach more sentimental value to them apart from being pieces of jewelry.
Where as countries like Greece and France follow different design patter in rings like three bands entwined together signifying trust, love and optimism in a relationship or so0me interlocking designs. And if we take more examples you would observe women wearing engagement and wedding rings together or they have some custom made wedding bands denoting value of marriage in life. Now the useful outcome of all these customs would be getting to know, what style and designing have been universally adapted by people?
Well to make one familiar with trendy designs one cannot miss on Celtic bands. They are different kind of knotty designs that has shapes and depict varying phases of marital relationship in life. These designs are generally very attractive and elegant. One really needs to search and find source to order these classic rings for wedding for his marriage. Remember these could be expensive spending, so please make sure that you purchase them from reliable source, true dealers and possess a money back value card.
We guess, so far we have almost discussed the variations and styles couples can choose as their wedding rings.
Your wedding day is perhaps the most crucial moment of your life and anyone might be interested in spending part of his lives saving to purchase his wedding ring. After all said and love is blind and lovers are well known to go to extensive lengths to please their love. It is certainly not out of common practice to incur in timeless beauties and elegant pieces as they are equally important for both partners and symbolize each other's love through out their life, but do you really know how to be smart buyer?
To begin with we would like to stress on the style you wish to adapt for your ring. Whether you prefer a simple elegant band or a complicated design or a single diamond ring or even some custom made ring that you feel would be unique to your wedding bond. There is nothing wrong in wearing what you feel most about, the only aspect that matters is that it should be comfortable on your finger to be worn in casual routine and even the ring shouldn't be delicate to get spoilt with regular wearing.
Next in question comes the metal you choose for your wedding ring. If we go by tradition gold bands were most appropriate rings for wedding and even till today people still prefer the old traditions. But then there were very limited choices and now sky is the limit as far as choices are concerned. Your choice for the metal would rely chiefly on your budget, for instance if you choose a white metal wedding ring instead of gold you would be spending less as gold rates have hiked tremendously in recent months. Similarly platinum ring would even cost you more than gold although the look would not offer much difference as compared to white gold. Then you have another choice amongst precious stone wedding rings which look very chic and absolutely classy. There are just few cautions in precious stone rings like they cannot be used for everyday wearing or the darker stones are usually very expensive etc. Although precious stones offer varied choices like ruby, topaz, emerald, sapphire yet diamond remains favorite amid most of the buyers.
You would also need to have appropriate know how about diamond purchasing and be aware of its genuine quality. Just as a precautionary measure we would like to alarm you about fraudulent cases where dealers have offered diamonds at low rates to couples that after words were recognized as pieces of fake diamonds or glass itself. So if you plan to purchase diamond rings and for that matter any precious stone ring make sure you purchase from a genuine dealer as you will only then get the value you paid for. Another approach people attach to precious stones recently is their birth stones. Trend has it to purchase precious stones suited to your birth time in metal settings to bring more prosperity and blessings for the newly wedded couple. So keeping this in mind you can contact a gem stone consultant and get precious stone weddings rings made for the impending wedding day.
Trends have definitely taken a twist when we observe couples opting for even tattooed wedding rings for the ceremony so as to bring religious touch to rings and being chic at the same time. As we said earlier also there could be no restrictions and nothing called wrong choices as far as rings for wedding are concerned. One significant aspect any couple should keep in mind is their wedding ring is not another ring they buy or change everyday and looking at the optimism of relationship you buy this sort of ring for your spouse just once. And for this ort of shopping perhaps you need to follow an array of advices.
We would say you sit together and decide what metal and color you would prefer your ring in. whether you prefer complimenting engagement and wedding rings because that way you can choose a simple ban as wedding ring and a little louder version for engagement. The point we are trying to make here is discuss and coordinate your choice so when you go for shopping you are not influenced by sales person and moreover it certainly saves fights and time. Another advantage of discussing before hand is you can make your choice considering the prices of metals in choice like gold, platinum and even diamond if you can afford to spend lavish on it.
Its really important to give your search ample time like if you wish to get your rings custom made or use loose diamonds for certain setting it takes at least two-three months, perhaps it would be even better if you start window shopping for this few months before only. Whilst making choices think practically like buy something that suits your life style although this does not mean that you have to follow a set pattern and cannot afford to be different. Well, be sure that you choose something that's easy to maintain and does not loose its finishing with causal wearing. Most of the couples wear their wedding rings on regular basis and if you make some vague choices you might as well end up loosing on that.
Just one more piece of practical wisdom we would love to share with you. Do not buy a much fitted ring. Though we hate to say this but your size keeps fluctuating after marriage so a little comfort size will always please your fingers. There are other relative issues like comfortable shape, rounded edges and firmly fitted stones that matter in purchasing of these rings. As we said in the beginning it's not a matter of expensive metal, big diamonds or loud designs perhaps they are apart of purchasing but on top of all this it's your bond that's most important and exactly what wedding rings should signify!
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