How to Choose From an Array of Engagement Rings

The engagement is the first step into your committed relationship and purchasing the engagement ring should be taken equally seriously. It is a pricey undertaking hence you should be careful in your selection. It isn't a simple purchase as it seems like and should be well researched for before narrowing on a selection. The engagement ring would be worn by your spouse all the time so it should be liked and cherished by your spouse.

Your purchasing capacity depends upon your willingness to spend on this lifetime investment. There are many types of engagement rings and you need to decide whether you want to make it a surprise to your spouse or buy it with her consent. If you want to surprise her, you need to know her likings and the type of metal she prefers or give something that she hasn't possessed as of yet.

There are varied alternatives for an engagement ring but the most popular ones are the diamond rings, gold rings and platinum rings. The diamond ring is a perfect match for anyone and it jells up with any kind of mounting metal. The diamond looks stunning with platinum and also along with gold or any other metal, but it is logical to have a sturdy metal to hold the diamond.

It is important to know the diamond before you splurge into its investment. One has to consider the cut, clarity, carat and colour of the diamond, which are its keys elements. There are around 10 popular cuts but there are umpteen other styles designed by jewellery makers. You need to carefully choose your style of cut as it would determine the shine of the diamond and the fit in the ring design. The most popular cuts are the round, oval and princess cut but unique designs require different cuts.

It is always difficult to start with your search; hence online jewellery shopping website is a feasible alternative. Many websites offer to have your own individual designs and choose your style of diamond on it. This will give to a fair idea of your purchase. You can team up your diamond with your choice of metal and can have your design incorporated. This will make your purchase unique and it will be all the more special. Diamonds come in various price ranges depending upon their originality. You can choose the one that is appealing to your spouse and also isn't heavy on your pocket.

By Monty Alexander

Wedding Rings: Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ring

Perhaps one of the most important types of rings that you will have to purchase is a wedding ring. Besides engagement rings, wedding rings are probably the most crucial of all ring purchases. The symbolism behind a ring of this type is so great that choosing a perfect ring is a very important task. There are many decisions a couple needs to make with regard to choosing wedding rings. Things such as metal type, style and size are part of this decision-making process. Another factor couples consider when purchasing wedding rings is price as they are often paying quite a bit on other wedding necessities. This article will provide an overview on various choices that come into play when choosing the perfect wedding band. Type of Metal

Using the term metal alongside the word wedding band is not the most romantic thing in the world; however, the ring is indeed composed of a metallic material and one has a wide range of options when looking to purchase a particular type of wedding band. Gold is one type of material that a couple may choose to have their wedding rings made of. Rings made of gold come in either white gold or yellow gold in a variety of karats, i.e., 10 karat, 14 karat, or 24 karat. Another popular type of metal that wedding rings are composed of is platinum. Platinum wedding bands have become increasingly more desirable in the past few years. Platinum rings tend to be pricier than gold ones; however, it is a beautiful metal type that is strong as well. If it will not empty your pocketbook or wallet, platinum is a great choice for a wedding ring. Size and Style

Couples in pursuit of the perfect wedding rings will also find that they come in a variety of sizes and styles. Almost any wedding band can be sized to adequately fit the finger of any individual. If you can find the perfect-sized ring without having to alter the size thereafter, then that is your best bet as frequent sizing of a ring may alter the strength thereof (this is usually only true if you have the ring sized more than once).

There are also a number of different unique and exquisite styles of wedding rings for both men and women. If you go to a jewelry store, you may be surprised at just how many different styles of wedding bands are available to the general consumer. You can have the rings engraved or even embedded with diamonds and other gemstones. Baguettes are becoming increasingly popular for women’s wedding rings and these beautiful additions add so much to a basic ring. Some wedding rings will have various types of gems inlayed in them and individuals may sometimes choose to have their birthstone as part of their wedding ring to add a little something extra to it. There is so much that you can do to make your wedding rings unique and special. Price

Another less romantic factor that couples need to consider when purchasing a wedding ring relates to pricing. As individuals are oftentimes on a strict budget while planning their wedding, they may have to set a limit of how much they are able to spend on wedding rings. There are a few ways to get the most bang for your buck when shopping for wedding bands.

End of season sales are a great way to take advantage of large discounts and still get the ring that you want. A lot of times a jewelry store or department store will have an end of season clearance sale on various types of jewelry, including wedding rings. By taking advantage of these types of sales, you may find the perfect ring at a great price. It is always important to keep an eye out for retailers who are having clearance sales.

Utilizing coupons is a second way to keep the total price of your wedding ring purchase to a minimum. Department stores will often print coupons in their mail circulars that may give you a good percentage off of the price of jewelry and since many department stores stock wedding rings, this is a great thing to take advantage of.

One last way to get a good price on wedding rings is to use the internet to find the perfect ring. Since shopping for a wedding ring over the internet may not appeal to all individuals, it is important to be aware of a certain little trick that will enable you to get a good price over the internet but choose your ring in a retail store. If you are in a particular store and see a wedding ring that strikes your fancy, try it on, find the perfect size and then go home and see if that store has a website. If they do, take a look online and see if that particular ring is offered at a lower price via the web. Sometimes you will get lucky, other times you won’t. Regardless, it never hurts to take a peek and see.

These are just a few things to consider when trying to find the perfect ring. If you know what your options are prior to securing wedding rings, you will be more informed and feel better prepared in your quest for the most spectacular wedding ring.

By James Strutton

Choosing Your Special Wedding Rings To Commemorate Your Love

If you are getting married soon, do not rush the choice of wedding rings; the rings will be on for a long time so great care needs to be taken in their choice. Do not rush this as they are more than a symbol of love; find rings that symbolize your commitment to each other in the years to come. For something this important a couple should find a specialist jeweler for their wedding rings; quality rings may take some finding but they will be worth the effort although the shopping mall may not be the ideal place.

The type of ring available in these stores is usually quite limited; they may also have a restricted price range, another reason to seek out a jeweler who only sells this type of ring. When choosing, you will want a ring for the bride that will complement the engagement ring she is already wearing.

Some wedding rings are far to elaborate to be worn with an engagement ring; try to find a jeweler that stocks both types of ring, especially those that are designed to go together. To achieve this, the easiest method is to place both the wedding band and engagement ring side by side and if it is not possible to try the ring on.

Fashions in rings come and go but the traditional metals including: (1) Yellow Gold, (2) Silver, (3) Titanium and (4) White Gold; although, increasing numbers of couples are choosing the longer lasting platinum. Choosing a ring that is made of durable material is especially important for the groom's ring and platinum is an ideal choice. Traditionally, men are more likely to cause damage to a ring; they are the ones who will have the most marks and damage if examined.

Having finger size checked is essential if the wedding rings are to fit; it would be embarrassing if one or both rings did not fit properly. It is just as important to ensure the rings are not so loose that there is a chance they will be lost.

The jeweler should be given plenty of time to complete this task because there may be others he is adjusting rings for; make certain that you give plenty of time before your wedding day for both choosing and for adjustments to be made. Choosing wedding bands you will both like and that match the engagement ring may take some time; allow for this as it is not uncommon for couples to choose in haste and then regret their decision later.

However, the most important aspect to remember when choosing a wedding ring is that its purpose is to show the love that two people have for one another; perhaps now, the reason for the time spent choosing a ring has been made clearer.

By Diane Scott

Wedding Ring - How To Choose The Right Wedding Ring Tips

Although a great deal of planning is involved when a couple marry, it is the choice of wedding rings that is the most significant; this is one area where the couple will not want advice from anyone else, no matter how close. Take as much the time as needed to consider which will be chosen; everyone has a ring that is made purely for them and as soon as you see it you will realize this. When you are choosing your wedding rings you need to make sure you choose a jeweler that has quality rings; although you may find some at a shopping mall, you probably won't see something unique.

Your local mall jeweler may not stock a variety of metals, styles and finishes; you would be better off spending time at jewelers that will be able to provide what you are looking for. The type of ring will be based on the engagement ring but must also be something that suits the man as well if it is to match.

Remember the wedding ring should not be excessively elaborate, or overshadow the engagement ring; try, if possible to buy rings that were designed to complement each other. The best way to do this is by trial and error, having the wedding band placed alongside the engagement ring.

The most commonly sought after metals for rings are: (1) Silver, (2) White Gold, (3) Yellow Gold and (4) Titanium; although, increasing numbers of couples are choosing the longer lasting platinum. Of the two partners, it is the man who will appreciate a platinum ring's durability more. Traditionally, men are more likely to cause damage to a ring; they are the ones who will have the most marks and damage if examined.

Sizing is very important and essential if you do not want a problem putting the wedding rings on at the ceremony; make sure that you get professionally sized instead of making a guess. It can be embarrassing if the rings are too loose or too tight; no-one wants to lose their ring.

It is not uncommon for couples to leave having the rings adjusted until close to the wedding day; this can cause the jeweler problems because he may have others to adjust for the same day, so allow plenty of time for this. With so many wedding band designs available today, picking the right one is not a fast process; this will certainly take longer than you expect and another reason not to delay.

Wedding rings represent the love two people have for one another; wherever you go around the world, the ring will instantly tell a person of your status.

By Pius Ephenus

Wedding Rings for the Jewelry Challenged

Wedding rings are more than just a piece of jewelry. They are the ultimate symbol of marriage. Rings are purchased for both the bride and the groom, even if the groom insists he doesn't need to wear one to show his commitment!

Wedding rings are exchanged as part of the ceremony, normally as vows are said by both parties. They are often matched to the engagement ring, so you might want to choose simply for the engagement ring or choose a complete set. If you want to rehearse for the big day, wedding rings are always placed on the finger first, and the engagement ring is placed on top of it. If you have yet to purchase your ring set, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Going For The Gold

Gold is still the standard for wedding rings, and is instantly recognizable as a wedding band. However, white gold is an excellent alternative. White gold gets its color by blending with another white metal like silver or palladium. This blend is called an alloy. An advantage of white gold is that is typically retains the better qualities of yellow gold, like low risks of skin irritation, and is often mistaken for the more expensive platinum.

Platinum Pass

Platinum is the metal of choice for rings because it is more rare and durable than gold. Platinum is an elegant metal, which is very popular these days because of its white, shiny look and durability. Platinum is actually more precious than gold and can cost up to twice as much.

If you prefer a white metal and are willing to be non-traditional, there is one more alternative.

What About Titanium?

Titanium wedding bands are an ideal choice for the adventurous, outdoorsy couple because a titanium ring requires very little care and is almost impossible to damage. Titanium wedding bands are unique in that it is one of the strongest metals. Yet, they are very light in weight. Titanium is a non-allergenic material, with none of the skin rashes that can occur with some white metals like nickel or nickel alloys.

And Finally, Diamonds Are Forever

Diamond wedding rings are the most often bought type of wedding rings, and go well with gold, white gold, silver, and platinum bands. Diamond engagement rings can be dressed up with other stones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds, but the diamonds are still the most important. Diamonds were also considered to be gifts of the gods and as such must be cherished. Diamond engagement rings thus symbolize love and eternity, which explains their popularity with men and women alike.

Conclusion

Wedding rings, along with engagement rings, will likely be the most important jewelry decision you make. If you decide upon an alloy like white gold make sure it does not contain a metal that will irritate your skin. And whether you choose traditional yellow gold or prefer the white precious metal alternatives, know that it is a decision you can live with in peace, hopefully for a lifetime.

Article written by Andrew Morris.