A Rose by Any Other Name Would Smell As Sweet

There are different variants of customs regarding wedding rings all over the world – all meaning more or less the same. In most countries, the wedding rings are made of a type of metal, though the favorite and most popular choice is gold, in the form of a flat band.

These rings normally have no design, stone or embellishment on it. These wedding rings are shaped in this way for a reason – the flat band that looks like a continuous circle symbolizes the eternal love the couple vows to give one another.

In some countries the name of the spouse is engraved on the inside of the ring with a tiny inscription. This would once again symbolic of the fact that the name of the spouse is forever inscribed in one another’s heart.

Wedding rings are usually worn on the fourth finger of the left hand – this is because it is believed that there is a vein that connects it directly to the heart and hence when the ring is worn here it stays closest to the heart. In other countries it is worn on the right hand symbolizing its importance – from the custom that had the most important guest to be seated on the right side of the host.

In most countries in Europe the wedding rings once made can never be individually modified as this would mean that the couple would separate. In case any change is required, both the rings would be melted and remade. Under this premise, it is considered extreme bad luck to lose your wedding ring under any circumstance. In case one of the spouses does lose his/ her wedding ring, two more need to be made at the earliest and worn in unison. The odd one in the pair (the ring that was not lost) should never be worn again.

These traditions are such that their meaning and symbolisms have become ageless. This shows that no matter how modern you are, no matter where you live, no matter the country from where you originate, no matter how rich or poor you are – when you speak of love, the language in universal.

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1. The Perfect Wedding Ring
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3. Wedding Bands – Precious Wedding Rings

According to most wedding planning timelines, you can wait to shop for wedding rings until 4 months before the actual wedding date. By then, most of the stress-inducing logistics have been taken care of enabling the two of you to relax for a brief period. And that’s what shopping for wedding rings should be – a time relaxing, quite time for the two of you to regroup before things really spiral out of control and tensions flare!

The wedding rings are an important purchase because they’re something that you’ll want to last a lifetime. But even so, it’s important now more than ever to stick within the amount you have previously budgeted for this purpose. Once you start looking at wedding rings, you’re going to want them all, no matter what they cost. Keep in mind while you shop that you do want your rings to look good, but because they’ll become part of everyday life, be practical and make sure that your wedding rings fit comfortably.

Where do you begin your search for wedding rings? Trends are great, and the trendy rings will be placed center stage at the jewelers, but most people opt for tradition when selecting their wedding rings. Remember, the rings are going to be worn for a long time, hopefully decades, and today’s trends aren’t going to last that long. Be sure to consider what you both like. For many men, a wedding ring is the only piece of jewelry they’ll ever wear so let the guy have some say in the decision.

Do you both prefer white gold, yellow gold, or platinum? Do you want gemstones or diamonds included on the bands? How about scroll work or filigree? Would simple, unadorned bands suit you better? Do either of you have any cultural preferences such as Irish Claddaugh rings, Jewish wedding bands or Russian wedding rings? Do you want matching wedding rings or do you each want a ring that represents your own unique style? (Believe it or not, this is acceptable nowadays!)

Once you’ve selected the wedding rings that best suit your tastes, decide whether or not you want to have the rings engraved. Engraving is a great way to make yet another statement about your commitment, and you’ll be amazed at how much can actually fit onto that tiny space! Be sure to go over the receipt carefully before handing over your partial or full payment, especially when special-ordering rings or having them engraved. To ensure they’ll last a long time, understand how to properly care for them. And finally, consider insuring your wedding rings.

Related posts:

1. Wedding Bands – Precious Wedding Rings
2. The Perfect Wedding Ring
3. Significance of the Wedding Rings

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. 

 

Related posts:

1. Wedding Bands – Gold Wedding Bands
2. Wedding Bands – Platinum Wedding Bands
3. How to Choose the Right Wedding Bands