Wedding Rings – Through the Ages and for All Eternity

The exact origin of the wedding ring is uncertain and is rife with superstition and mythology. Papyruses dating back to the ancient Egyptian civilization depict wedding rings, and historians credit the land of the Pharaohs with originating this tradition. Engagement or betrothal rings were in use as far back as prehistoric times, but the wedding ring is a relatively new tradition, and unlike the engagement ring, is steeped in religious ritual.

In ancient times, accepting a wedding ring constituted a legally binding agreement between husband and wife. The wife became property of the husband, a holding of sorts. It also represented protection to the wife—a protection against challengers seizing her legal and rightful position in a power grab.

Early Egyptian wedding rings were simple circular bands, crudely crafted from indigenous materials such as hemp and reeds. The lifespan of the average wedding ring was approximately one year. It's a safe bet that the average marriage outlasted the average wedding band, since the eternal circle signified eternal love and devotion. The circle also represented the joining of two halves to create a whole. The hole in the center symbolized the gateway to the unknown—the future. Wedding bands of ivory, leather, and other sturdy materials were crafted by those who desired a more permanent token of eternity.

Metals replaced the earlier hemp and reed wedding bands. The early Romans moved to lead, while other civilizations chose brass and copper. Eventually, gold emerged as the metal of choice. In fact, early Irish couples insisted on gold, as any other material was thought to bring bad luck at best, and constitute an illegal marriage at worst. For couples unable to afford gold wedding bands, gold wedding rings were secured for the service and returned immediately afterward.

Early crude designs were adorned with semiprecious metals in an attempt to disguise the handiwork. The color of the stones also held significance. The red ruby signified the heart, the blue sapphire signified the skies and the heavens, and the rare diamond's indestructible nature signified the indestructible bond of marriage.

Fit played an equally important role in the realm of superstition surrounding the wedding ring. The fit had to be perfect. Too loose a fit would lead to a sloppy marriage, carelessness, and even cause the couple to grow apart. Too tight a fit would doom the couple to a suffocating, painful marriage.

In ancient times, wedding bands occupied the third finger on the left hand just as they do today. The significance of the third finger was the belief that the vein in the third finger, the "vena amoris," led directly to the heart. This was a thought propagated by the Egyptians and adopted as truth by the ancient Greeks and Romans, until later disproved.

Even after the discovery that there was no vena amoris, the custom of wearing the wedding band on the third finger survived. Early Christian marriages included a ritual that landed the wedding band on the third finger: As the priest recited, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost," he took the ring and touched the thumb, the first finger, and then the second finger. When he said, "Amen," he placed the ring on the third finger, sealing the marriage. The wedding band has occupied the third finger into the 21st century, except for a short period during the Elizabethan era, when whimsy decreed that the wedding ring reside on the thumb.

Double-ring ceremonies gained popularity during World War II as young soldiers shipped off to war. The token of the marriage contract took on new sentimentality during those troubling times, and that custom remains intact today. Ceremonies differ, vows are often unique, but the tradition of the wedding band has survived through the ages, and probably will—for all eternity.

Label: Wedding Ring

The elegant and sophisticated look of glittering, gleaming gold. There's nothing quite like it.

Some people never grow tired of the look of pure gold jewelry. Gold, being our most precious metal, is often a first choice among couples looking for that perfect gold wedding ring.

While yellow gold remains very popular with the wedding crowd. Many people prefer the brilliant hue of a white gold wedding ring.

White gold will look beautiful on you whether you're a man or a woman. You can find online a great selection of white gold diamond wedding rings and white gold wedding ring sets. Also, if you're looking for something a little fancier that can also become a piece of wonderful keepsake jewelry, white gold makes a very elegant engraved wedding ring that can be passed on to future generations.

The one thing you need to be aware of when buying a white gold wedding ring is that it will need periodic maintenance in order to keep it's luster.

To obtain it's much desired glittering white color, white gold is coated with another alloy called Rhodium (the natural color of white gold is really light gray). Rhodium will wear down after a while, so to maintain your ring's luster, you'll need to visit your local jeweler about every 12-18 months and have it re-plated with a new coating of Rhodium. The cost for this should be very reasonable.

Whether you're looking for a plain gold wedding band, or a wedding ring with sparkling diamonds, white gold is an excellent choice for those looking for something a little extra special.

Label: Wedding Ring, White Wedding Ring

Gay Wedding Ring: Symbol of Love and Equality

A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for many people, although for an increasing number of persons, it has become a several-in-a-lifetime event. In any case, it is still a very special ceremony that binds not only a man and a woman together; today, gay male couples and gay women couples also observe the ceremony to affirm their lifelong commitment to each other. In such ceremonies, the gay wedding ring takes center stage.

Same-sex marriage is still illegal in the majority of U.S. states and in countries all over the world, so what gay couples opt for is to participate in a "commitment ceremony," where the exchange of gay wedding rings also takes place. A gay wedding ring most often resembles the traditional gold or platinum wedding band. Of course, the couples are free to have the designs or the metal they wish for their gay wedding ring. Gay-related symbols are often engraved on the rings, and various textures and effects are available as well. Irish and Scottish rings, multicolored rings, woven rings – a wealth of options is available.

Homosexual and lesbian couples who have exchanged or are planning to exchange gay wedding rings in commitment or blessing ceremonies include Rosie and Kelly O'Donnell, and actress Sophie Ward and Rena Brannan. British musician Sir Elton John and David Furbish have also talked about getting married as soon as gays are legally allowed to join together in matrimony in Great Britain.

Jewelry designers such as Udi Behr are recognizing the need of "unconventional" couples to affirm their commitment to one another. Behr created a collection of gay wedding rings and gay engagement rings called "Love and Pride" in support of the gay rights movement. Behr, who is himself straight, is a popular designer among celebrities; famous people who buy his work include Sharon Stone and Britney Spears.

As with heterosexual couples, gay couples see their weddings bands as a tangible symbol of their love and commitment to one another. Notwithstanding governmental indifference to or disapproval of their needs and wishes, gay people will go on standing for what they believe is their right. The gay wedding ring, aside from its romantic connotations, has also become a symbol of the large part of homosexual culture in today's society.

Label: Buy Wedding Ring, Gay Wedding Ring

Your search for the perfect engagement ring, may be very difficult and time consuming due to the various designs, styles, settings and sizes. In addition, many women have a very specific idea of how their engagement ring will look.

These helpful steps will help you find your perfect engagement ring and save you time and research:

1. Budget The first thing you should do before beginning your research is determine your budget. This will help you eliminate the irrelevant rings and diamonds, and will start making your choice a little easier. Even if your budget is not as high as you would like it to be, know that you can always reset and add stones later on.

2. Personal taste If your engagement ring is a surprise, you should do some research. Try to observe her jewelry and notice if she likes white gold or yellow gold, big flashy jewelry or more delicate jewelry and etc. Asking her close friends for advice always helps- they usually know. If the engagement ring is not a surprise, or it?s an upgrade to a prior ring- we suggest making the decision with her.

3. Learning about diamonds Learning about the 4 C?s- Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut, is an easy way to learn basically everything you should know before purchasing diamonds. This will help you understand the cost and quality of diamonds.

4. The diamond Now that you have learned about the 4 C?s, it?s time to choose your diamonds. Diamonds come in many shapes and sizes. A very popular shape in diamonds is the round brilliant. We suggest looking online at loose diamonds for various shapes, sizes and prices.

5. Settings Now that you have chosen your diamond, you can choose a setting to mount the diamond on. Some of the most popular settings for engagement rings include the solitaire, the prong setting and the channel setting. These are available in white gold, yellow gold and platinum.

Good luck!

Label: Engagement Ring Advice

Now You're Engaged, How Do You Choose A Mens Wedding Ring?

So, you've just got engaged.

Whether you are a man or a woman you have an important decision to make (amongst the myriad of other decisions) about mens wedding rings. It's this. Will the man in your relationship wear one?

Maybe that's you, maybe not. But you both need to think about it.

You see it's only since the second world war that modern men have started to publicly display their marital status by the wearing of a man wedding ring.

Prior to that it was rare for a man to wear a ring when he married. Men were able to hide their marital status behind the tradition that required a woman to wear a wedding ring, but not a man.

However during the war many US soldiers chose to wear mens wedding rings as a public symbol of their marital status whilst away at war and that has started a tradition for the modern man. Now it's very common for a man to wear a mens wedding ring, perhaps the norm.

So, what decisions need to be made? Well the first is this. Will he wear one? That's probably the hardest decision in the process.

For a woman there's no decision. She's engaged, she wants the ring. For her she needs an engagement ring as well as a wedding ring, and an expensive engagement ring at that. But for a man it's not so straight forward.

So a very important part of the process is for both of you to talk about it. Do you both have strong feelings about the man wearing a man wedding ring, either one way or the other? Does the woman feel that if she is to publicly display her marital status then it's only fair that he do the same? Does he have any reservations about wearing a ring and if so what are they? You both need to talk over your feelings about the wearing of a man wedding ring. Establish the groundwork.

Once and if you have made a decision that he will wear a ring then that's just the start. It's perfectly possible to buy a his and hers matching wedding ring set. These are rings designed as matching sets for you both so that both your wedding rings go well together. So are you going to look for matching rings, or just buy him a ring and focus on hers separately?

Next you have to decide what type of ring. There's a whole world of designs for mens wedding rings out there. An enormous range of styles and materials. A man makes a statement about himself in selecting the ring he will wear for his wife, and she is a part of that statement if she is actively involved in the decision.

Think about his personality. Is he outgoing or shy? Is he outrageous or conservative? Is he flamboyant? Understated? When he buys clothes what does he select? Does he buy colourful flamboyant ties or ties which fit in with the style of the suit? Would he wear clothes which make him stand out from the crowd or does he prefer to meld in?

His men's wedding ring needs to fit his personality. All these characteristics, as well as many others, bear on your choice of ring. A man with a strong flamboyant personality would be much more likely to prefer a ring which stands out. Which sets him apart from the crowd, which says "look at me". On the other hand a man with a more conservative type of personality would probably prefer to say "I'm married but I'm not going to shout it from the rooftop" with his ring.

Similarly, think about his stature. Is he short or tall? Is he large or small? Does he have long slender fingers or short stubby fingers? These characteristics also bear on the style of ring selected.

So size up the man before making a decision on the style of ring for him.

One of the most common form of mens wedding ring is the simple band style. Often in gold or white gold, it is plain and unadorned. A simple statement of marital status and nothing else. But even amongst simple bands there are decisions to make. How wide? What colour? What type of material? New materials such as Titanium or Platinum have broadened the choices hugely. Mens black Titanium rings really catch the eye.

Or amongst the more traditional materials sterling silver men's wedding rings look stunning. Or brushed mens white gold wedding rings. The range of choices now is enormous.

And it's not necessary to decide on a single material. Mens two toned gold wedding rings, utilising white and yellow gold, are popular. Perhaps match the ring material with gemstones such as rubies or sapphires or even diamonds to create a stunning effect.

It's perfectly possible to get custom made rings or even design them yourself. The internet offers a big range of choices and also offers rings and other jewelry dramatically cheaper than your traditional bricks and mortar stores. Several online jewellers offer a design your own mens wedding ring service so that you can design a ring that's unique to you.

And if you want something really different why not consider celtic mens wedding bands?

The range of choices is endless, enough to satisfy even the most discriminating couple.

And remember that for a man this ring may be the only jewelry he will ever wear. The choice of man ring that you both make is a big one.

So, now you're engaged, spend a little time thinking about what you are going to do about a men's wedding ring. Start talking about it with your partner. The more time you spend on it the happier you will be with your final choice.

Label: Man Wedding Ring, Mens Wedding Ring

Traditionally, a wedding band was worn on the ring finger of the left hand because it was believed that the vein in that finger went straight to the heart. A wedding ring is a piece of jewelry which will be worn everyday of your life to signify your love and fidelity to your significant other. That being said, you want to ensure you choose the perfect ring, which can be difficult for someone who is inexperienced in this area. Luckily we can help you through the steps of finding the perfect wedding ring for the special person in your life.

The first thing to consider is the kind of metal you want for your wedding rings. Most wedding rings are found in yellow gold, white gold or platinum. These forms of metal vary in price and most likely this decision will be quite easy since most women already know what kind of ring they want.

The next step is choosing the stone for the ring. You will need to decide which kind of stone you want as well as the shape of the stone. Diamonds are still the most popular choice when it comes to stones for wedding rings however colored stones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires are becoming more and more popular.

The last step is to find a reputable jeweler who you will be comfortable purchasing such an expensive piece of jewelry from. Perhaps it is best to use a jeweler who one of your friends or family members have already used and would recommend for you because of such great results.

If you are like most couples who are marrying, you will likely choose a diamond wedding ring. If you are doing so, you may want to keep the four C's in mind while doing so. The four C's are the diamond's color, cut, clarity and carat weight.

Label: Choose Wedding Ring, Wedding Ring

Once engaged, the first thing to look for is a wedding ring. The wearing of a man wedding ring is a relatively modern phenomenon, so is the use of different concepts like man gold ring, man diamond ring and man titanium rings.

Despite the popularity of modern jewelry, choicest man wedding rings can be easily found at your local jewelry store. Amongst these, man titanium ring has not still made into the conscious of the local jewelry merchant and are not easily available.

A faithful suggestion is to look around the online resource for a man wedding ring so that you can easily search for some of the best designs with most contemporary looks. There is a huge collection, where anybody can easily pick up his or her choice. There was a huge range of man diamond rings available with some of the best-designed man gold rings as well.

Therefore, if you want to find the ultimate in modern male jewelry, including men?s titanium rings, you can locate the store to enter the world of your choice. There were many couples who found their ideal contemporary design in man diamond rings and man gold rings. Moreover, there is also a new section devoted to man promise rings and bands.

The man wedding rings look great and particularly the new trend is with the man platinum ring, which can be shaped into a wide variety of styles. It can also be colored into a stunning range of colors, which can be mixed and matched.

More traditional, the man gold ring and the man diamond ring seems to be the all time favorite. Although gold can be altered to offer a small range of different colors, it is basically gold colored. Diamond and titanium man ring can be in a much wider range of choices. Titanium also offers a choice of finish, most commonly satin, matt or refined.

You can search for many different ring materials which suit to your personality and at the same time also reflect the character of an individual. Man titanium ring and man diamond ring are both becoming much more popular.

According to a study made, whilst man diamond wedding ring were not very popular with men as with women, but they have started to make some clear statements, which attract men who choose them.

Lastly, there are no set rules about choosing a man wedding ring. It depends upon the couple together to make a decision at the last.

Label: Man Wedding Ring, Wedding Ring for Man

It is traditional for Americans and Europeans to place an engagement ring on the left-hand ring finger of a woman who has accepted a man?s proposal for marriage. The engagement ring is a symbol of the devotion and intent to be the one and only woman in her beau?s life. It lets everyone know that this is a lady that is spoken for. In the classical history of engagement ring styles and traditions, the ring was fashioned from a plain gold band. Today, engagement ring styles have evolved into a monster of choices that rivals the purchase of the wedding ring.

Traditional engagement ring styles often deal with a precious band that showcases a diamond or another gem. Over the years, the modern engagement ring style seems to incorporate a wide range of band varieties, including silver, gold and the increasingly popular platinum option. Since the 1940s, a single diamond is practically considered standard in today?s society. The well-known diamond company, De Beers, who pushed a highly successful advertising vision for the gem, made all of this possible.

It is not uncommon to see emeralds, rubies or sapphires taking the place of a diamond, but it is the latter that symbolizes strength and the concept of something that will last a lifetime. Engagement ring styles are often based on their durability, which is seen through the gems, as well as the bands. Gold and platinum last longer and represent higher quality than silver.

A growing trend among band materials includes titanium and stainless steel, which costs less, but also have a higher level of durability. It is these materials that allow a tension setting that projects the illusion of a stone that is floating.

There are many different engagement ring styles to choose from including classic and modern looks. With classic engagement ring styles, the settings are usually platinum in the bands with a round or emerald-cut for the stone. Modern engagement ring styles use a bezel-set design, making daily wear a compatible addition to any wardrobe.

As with all jewelry there are trends in engagement ring styles that are hitting the scene and includes antique rings that present a vintage flair that allows you to feel like you are wearing something rather historic. Some of the characteristics of these rings include floral accents, as well as filigree settings.

Platinum rings tend to be more expensive, but they will not only last longer, but will also keep its brilliant shine. It will not tarnish or yellow like other metals. These bands also make a variety of hand-carved, customized options possible.

Whichever ring you decide you go with you should always try and lower the price and ask for some kind of discount, if you know exactly what you want you can also search for the same design concepts in other shops, in either case it is always good to research and compare prices and quality.

Label: Engagement Ring, Engagement Ring Style

3 Easy Steps to Buying the Right Engagement Ring

You've made the plunge, you've decided to get married. Congratulations!

Don't think about it now, but there are many things you need to think about before the big wedding day comes, and one of them is how are you going to find the right engagement ring?

Before the stress settles in, here are 3 easy steps to finding and buying the right engagement ring.

1. Go home before you buy.

If you think you have found the right ring, go home. While you are at home, think about the ring you are about to buy. Does the ring have the look you want? Will it fit your lifestyle?

Most people wear their engagement rings for life, so finding the right engagement ring shouldn't be a shopping trip taken lightly.

When you are at home thinking about your engagement ring, think about whether or not it fits your lifestyle. Are you always on the go or into sports? If so, you may not want a large solitaire with a high setting.

2. Ask around for references.

This goes for online and offline shopping for wedding rings. Do you know anyone who has bought from this jeweler or jewelry store? If not, find someone who has, and see what they thought about their transaction.

Honesty is usually the best policy, but on occasion, you will find dishonest people. That goes for all walks of life, and shopping for an engagement ring is no different. If the diamond or stone you are buying has a pretty price tag, you may want to get the values of the ring verified by a third party. You can have someone check the color, clarity, etc of the ring before you have made your purchase.

3. Make the deal.

Would you pay full sticker price for a car? Most people wouldn't. The same goes for engagement ring shopping. Most prices are negotiable, and you can usually haggle your way to a discount or upgrade.

Don't be afraid to ask if that is the best price, and how much of a discount they can give you.

Knowing these 3 easy steps before buying your engagement ring will help you find the right ring, get a good deal and be happy with your engagement ring for life!

Label: Buy Wedding Ring, Wedding Ring

It used to be that if you wanted to buy a nice custom-made wedding ring, you'd have to visit some fancy high-end jewelry store and be willing to part with a large portion of your wedding budget.

Well that's still the case for some people, but thanks to our modern times it's now possible for you and anyone else who wants a custom wedding ring to create a unique diamond wedding ring from the comfort of your own home.

Oleg Cassini will have nothing on you as you sit in your chair sipping a soda looking at the various wedding ring photos that your favorite online jewelry store makes easily available.

You will quickly see that it's easy to design your own wedding ring online. The first thing you want to look at when you set out to build your own wedding ring is the setting. You'll have your choice of wedding ring settings in various metals like: gold, white gold, sterling silver, and platinum. While studying the stylish settings, be sure to check your ring size for accuracy in purchasing a comfortable fitting wedding ring.

Next, you'll want to select the right diamond to fit your setting. The common diamond cut shapes are: round, pear, emerald, princess, marquise, oval, radiant, heart, and Asscher. You will probably take a while just studying all the attributes of the various diamond shapes and sizes. Of course, you can always choose to purchase the setting online and then take it to your local jeweler to have it fit with a diamond.

You are the designer extraordinaire! You are not bound by what someone else thinks you will like. So, go ahead and feel free to create your own wedding ring. There's nobody else to please but you.

Label: Design Wedding Ring, Wedding Ring

Hot Wedding Trend: Platinum Wedding Rings

In our hungry-for-anything new pop culture world, celebrities are often the ones that can start a hot fashion trend seemingly overnight. With their heavy media exposure, they are often photographed wearing the latest styles in fashion and jewelry.

Platinum engagement and wedding rings are the latest celebrity trend that has taken the jewelry industry by storm. Several high-profile newlyweds have taken a shine to the cool elegance of platinum.

"Platinum is like our relationship in that it is strong, precious and timeless," says Nick Lachey about the custom made platinum wedding rings he and his wife Jessica Simpson tied the knot with.

It seems that view of the lustrous metal is shared by other celebrity couples as well such as: Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Adam Sandler and Jackie Titone, as well as, popular actresses Reese Witherspoon and Kate Hudson.

Celebrities are especially fond of pairing fancy colored diamonds with their platinum rings. Also, the three diamond platinum engagement ring has quickly become all the rage among new brides.

So, if you're looking to buy diamond jewelry online, whether it's for a special occasion like a wedding, or a gift for a special person, consider platinum jewelry as one of your best and brightest options.

Label: Hot Wedding Trend, ring trend

WHICH FINGER DO YOU WEAR A PROMISE RING ON?

Depending on what type of pledge you are making determines which finger a promise ring goes on.

Again, make sure you and the person exchanging promise rings understand what the ring will symbolize.

There is no such thing as a hard and fast rule to wearing a promise ring – do whatever you feel comfortable with. Here are a few suggestions on how you may choose to wear a promise ring:

• Friendship promise rings or custom promise rings (non-romantic):
  Any finger, however, because these rings are exchanged between non-romantic friends, you may not want to wear it on the left ring finger so that there is no misconception of romance.

• Pre-engagement promise rings:
  Left or right ring finger. Traditionally, a pre-engagement promise ring would be worn on the left hand. Many people wear the ring on their left hand ring finger and then move it to the right hand ring finger once they receive their actual engagement ring.

• Purity promise ring or chastity promise ring:
  Any finger is appropriate.

• Christian promise rings or Religious promise rings:
  Any finger is appropriate.

• Monogamy promise rings or fidelity promise rings:
  Left hand or right hand ring finger, however the left hand ring finger is considered more symbolic.

• Claddagh promise ring:
  Claddagh rings can be worn in several ways, each of which symbolizes something significant:

• Worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward – it means that the wearer’s heart is free.
• Worn on the right hand with the heart turned inward – it means that the wearer’s heart is taken.
• Worn on the left hand, it means that the wearer has made a promise of love and fidelity.

Label: Promise Ring, WEAR A PROMISE RING

Promise rings are an effective way for many people to seal a pact or pledge, but are certainly not a new concept.

In fact, promise rings have been around for centuries. They were commonly used by both dignitaries and ordinary folk to signify commitment to a variety of promises.

For example:

• In sixteenth century England, uncut diamond crystals were set into "scribbling rings". Couples who exchanged these rings used the points of the exposed diamonds to delineate or imprint romantic writings in windows, glass or mirrors that would be forever etched in loving memory.
• The so called ‘Poesy Rings’ promise rings were often given as a pledge of fidelity and love. The word 'Posey' has the same meaning as: Promise, Poesy, Posy, and Posie. Mens posey rings were very popular during Shakespearian times and were usually inscribed with poetic phrases or significant dates.

Label: Promise Ring History

The promise made between two people can be practically anything, including but certainly not limited to the above examples. And what better way to seal your pledge than with a beautiful promise ring? We’ve all seen those old movies where two lovers or two kindred spirits keep half a locket each as a promise that they will one day meet and be together again…well, promise rings are the modern day version.

They are just as romantic and special, but come with a lot more choice. Please check out our Ultimate Promise Ring Guide for more promise ring definitions and our Buyers Guide for information on the affordable choices available!

You can select from many styles…whatever suits your need and budget. In fact, many beautiful promise rings can be purchased for around $100 – which is an excellent value for this symbolic piece of jewelry.

Label: Devotion, Promise Ring, Promise Ring Mean

The Significance of a Promise Ring

Promise rings symbolize a bond of trust and commitment between two people. Examples of when to give a promise ring include:

• Pre-engagement: promise rings are extremely popular. This is the number one reason why couples exchange promise rings today – to show how serious they are in their commitment to each other. “Pre-engagement rings” are a much less expensive alternative to an actual engagement ring.

• Chastity: promise rings for chastity are sometimes referred to as purity rings. Many believe that the commitment here is like a promise to God saying that you are going to remain a virgin until you are married. These rings are very popular among teens today and can also be given to a child by a parent or guardian to seal the child’s promise to remain pure until marriage as well.

• Friendship: Sometimes called friendship rings, promise rings given for this reason are to seal a pledge of eternal friendship between two people. Friendship promise rings can be exchanged between many friends who wish to maintain a pact with each other. Many people buy custom promise rings for everyone in their group to wear.

• Monogamy: promise rings for this reason are often given by couples who are not engaged or married but want to seal their mutual promise of fidelity. Many gay and lesbian couples share this type of ring to symbolize their commitment of fidelity to each other.

• Substance Abstinence Promise Rings:
  The Greek word "amethystos" can be loosely translated as "not drunken". Centuries ago, Amethyst was considered to be a very strong antidote against drunkenness. Today, the amethyst gemstone still symbolizes sobriety, and is therefore the perfect gemstone to have for a substance abstinence promise ring. Sobriety promise rings with spiritual connections and/or the amethyst gemstone are suitable for all types of substance sobriety including; alcohol abuse & drug abuse, food addiction, gambling or sexual addictions.

Label: Promise Ring

Promise Ring Etiquette

What does a promise ring mean?

The promise ring is symbolic of a pledge made between two people. Two examples which come to mind are a promise of sexual purity prior to marriage, and the other is a promise of commitment to be true to one another.

There are several different ways this jewelry can be used so don’t limit yourself to just the examples in the above statement. The true meaning of a promise ring is really quite simple:

A promise ring is a piece of jewelry given when an agreement or oath has been made between two people and the ring is meant as a memento of that commitment.

Label: Promise Ring, Promise Ring Mean

The History of Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

These days, many people take wedding bands and engagement rings for granted, and although they give these beautiful items of jewellery with integrity and love, they are often given with no real knowledge of the meaning behind them.

Both wedding bands and engagement rings are very special items of jewellery; in fact, they are more than just jewellery - they are the symbols of many emotions and promises such as:

• Love
• Commitment
• Fidelity
• Eternity
• Honour

But where - and why - did these popular and sentimental pieces of jewellery stem from?

The History Of Wedding Bands

These items of jewellery have a history that spans many centuries and passes through many countries from all around the planet. Below, you will find a brief history of the wedding and engagement ring, as reported from country to country.

EGYPTIANS

The now-famous wedding band is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt, where it is said that plant sections were fashioned in to circles to signify never-ending and immortal love. It was thought that the fourth finger (which we now know as the ring finger) contained a special vein that was connected directly to the heart, and therefore this became the official finger for the wedding band.

ROMANS

The Romans also agreed with the Egyptians with regards to the wedding ring finger and its meaning, but rather than offering wedding bands as a symbol of love, they awarded them as a symbol of ownership. Roman men would "claim" their woman with the giving of a ring.

ASIANS / ARABS

Puzzle rings were a complex type of jewellery that were once popular in Asia, and these jewels had the charming knack of being able to fall apart and put back together again - if you knew how to do this, of course. Wealthy Middle Eastern men then began to use these rings as wedding bands for their wives, who were often forced to wear a puzzle ring when their husband was away. The husband would know upon his return whether any of his wives had been disloyal by removing the ring whilst he was away, because the ring was designed to collapse upon removal and could only be put together again if you had the skill and knowledge required.

EUROPEANS

Several centuries ago, the Europeans became rather taken with what we would class as an engagement ring, but was then called a Poesy Ring. This ring was given to a loved one as a form of promise, and signified fidelity and love. The Poesy Ring was offered as a pledge of eternal togetherness, much as today's engagement rings are offered as a promise of eternal marriage.

AMERICANS

During Colonial times, all items of jewellery in America were prohibited due to their apparent moral worthlessness. Instead, a more practical thimble was given as a token of love and as a pledge of eternal togetherness. However, after they were married, the women tended to remove the bottom of their "engagement thimble" to form a type of ring.

History Of Engagement Rings

The engagement ring of today also has its own varied and interesting history, some of which is explored below. Engagement rings have been known by many different names, have symbolised a variety of different things and have not always been made of precious metals and stunning gems!

GREEKS

The ancient Greeks are thought to have been the forerunners in the rising of the traditional engagement ring. Given as a token of care and affection, the rings used by the Greeks were known as betrothal rings and were given before marriage. However, the giving of these rings was not always a pre-requisite to marriage and was often given in the same way as a friendship ring might be given today.

ROMANS

As seen by their use of the wedding ring, ancient Romans weren't the most sentimental of people, and the early version of their "engagement ring" were thought to have carved keys on them. It has been debated that this could have been to symbolise the woman's right to access and own half of everything following marriage. However, the more sentimental like to think that the key may have been a key to her husband's heart.

ROYALTY AND THE AFFLUENT

Engagement rings as we know them today - stunning gems encased in precious metals - became popular in around the fourteenth or fifteenth century, when the affluent and the royals began to exchange and wear these jewels. However, these items were so expensive that nobody other than the royals and the rich could afford to exchange them. It was to be many centuries before these engagement rings would become more popular or traditional.

Why a ring?

The purpose of engagement rings and wedding bands is to convey deep emotions of eternal love, eternal happiness, eternal commitment, and eternal togetherness. In fact, these rings signify eternity - between the giver and the recipient. A ring, of course, is a complete circle with no break and no end or beginning, which means that it just goes on and on - it is eternal.

And, since folklore has it that the fourth finger of the left hand has a vein leading directly to the heart, it is only natural that both engagement and wedding rings would be worn on this particular finger, which was once reputed to be a direct route to the heart.

Summary

In short, it is clear that the giving of a ring in honour of a union, betrothal, and marriage has been going on since ancient times, and although it may not always have been as glamorous and romantic as it is today, it was still a way of exchanging a contract of betrothal or marriage.

Thankfully, today's wedding bands and engagement rings are not made of hair, grass, plants or twine as they may have been in ancient times, but of beautiful metals set with stunning gems, such as platinum, titanium, white gold, gold, sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds. These incredible items of jewellery are likely to remain as popular as ever as the centuries go by, and even as the rest of the world advances in to a futuristic and technological age, it's hard to imagine a day where a beautiful diamond engagement ring doesn't melt the heart of its recipient.

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Diamond Engagement Ring Prices

Getting the Best Value that Your Money Could Buy

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"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed." -C.G. Jung

Rings have been exchanged as a symbol of the bond of marriage for so long, and in so many different cultures, that the origin of the practice is obscure. Certainly, the circle of a ring represents undying love and the continually renewed vows of the married couple. Circles have long been archetypes for not only timelessness, but also wholeness and homecoming. The circle also speaks to the constant round of the heavens, as well as the eternal return of the seasons, marked by cyclical ritual and celebration. In addition, the circle in rock art, sacred stone arrays, and astrology represents both the Sun and the Moon, themselves astrological and alchemical symbols for the masculine and feminine aspects of the cosmos. This correspondence with the Sun and Moon is emphasized by the frequent practice of choosing gold for one betrothed and silver for the other, as gold and silver are the metals long associated with the Sun and Moon respectively.

Rings in general have a deeply rooted magical significance. Enchanted rings figure in many ancient folk tales. Incantations and spells for the protection of the wearer of rings are common motifs. Today, in traditional religious ceremonies, Christian and otherwise, the wedding rings are blessed by a minister or priest, thus continuing the symbolic practice of imbuing rings with protective powers.

The widespread tradition of embellishing the plain gold or silver wedding band with various designs and patterns has been known since at least 700 AD, in both Pan-Hellenic and Celtic cultures. The quite ancient symbol of the ouroboros, the serpent which consumes its own tail, was a theme used for wedding rings made of iron in Rome. The ouroboros itself is a symbol of the oneness of creation and destruction in renewal, and the life principle which timelessly feeds on its own inspiration. It also represents the hope for a lifelong marriage union that's continually renewed.

Celtic wedding rings are often gorgeously decorated with geometric knot work patterns that have a long history and central place in Celtic art. These patterns are strongly vegetative, suggesting tendrils and vines. In fact, in much of Celtic art, including the famous illuminated Bible, The Book of Kells, these Celtic Knots emerge from or transform into vegetative foliage. The beautiful symmetry of these woven patterns is often not square, rigid, or overly formal, but organic, flowing, and a stylized reflection of the curves and spirals found in nature. Indeed, the Celtic Knots that embellish wedding rings herald the ideas of spring, fertility, and the eternal reawakening of the life force - all of which bode well for a fruitful life partnership.

Wedding rings have most commonly been worn on the third finger of the left hand. Speculation has it that this is because the Romans believed that a vein ran directly from this finger to the heart. An alternate suggestion for this tradition is that each finger on the hand is associated with a planet in the ancient systems of astrology, and the ring finger of the left hand was associated with the Sun. In this way, the wearing of a wedding ring on that finger signifies the public proclamation of the union in the daylight, in other words, the conscious and clearly visible world of human community. This correspondence is perhaps even more strongly emphasized by the general tendency to craft wedding rings out of gold, which is symbolically the metal of the Sun throughout folk history and across cultures.

Wedding rings capture the full range of the ceremonial, symbolic, and communal aspects of marriage, and preserve these many levels of significance as a durable and constant reminder. Ancient yet contemporary, steeped in lore and mystery yet almost universally exchanged, wedding rings combine the art of the jeweler, the reverence of the betrothed, and the beauty of love and partnership in a single, resonant symbol.

Label: Wedding Ring symbol

"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed." -C.G. Jung

Rings have been exchanged as a symbol of the bond of marriage for so long, and in so many different cultures, that the origin of the practice is obscure. Certainly, the circle of a ring represents undying love and the continually renewed vows of the married couple. Circles have long been archetypes for not only timelessness, but also wholeness and homecoming. The circle also speaks to the constant round of the heavens, as well as the eternal return of the seasons, marked by cyclical ritual and celebration. In addition, the circle in rock art, sacred stone arrays, and astrology represents both the Sun and the Moon, themselves astrological and alchemical symbols for the masculine and feminine aspects of the cosmos. This correspondence with the Sun and Moon is emphasized by the frequent practice of choosing gold for one betrothed and silver for the other, as gold and silver are the metals long associated with the Sun and Moon respectively.

Rings in general have a deeply rooted magical significance. Enchanted rings figure in many ancient folk tales. Incantations and spells for the protection of the wearer of rings are common motifs. Today, in traditional religious ceremonies, Christian and otherwise, the wedding rings are blessed by a minister or priest, thus continuing the symbolic practice of imbuing rings with protective powers.

The widespread tradition of embellishing the plain gold or silver wedding band with various designs and patterns has been known since at least 700 AD, in both Pan-Hellenic and Celtic cultures. The quite ancient symbol of the ouroboros, the serpent which consumes its own tail, was a theme used for wedding rings made of iron in Rome. The ouroboros itself is a symbol of the oneness of creation and destruction in renewal, and the life principle which timelessly feeds on its own inspiration. It also represents the hope for a lifelong marriage union that's continually renewed.

Celtic wedding rings are often gorgeously decorated with geometric knot work patterns that have a long history and central place in Celtic art. These patterns are strongly vegetative, suggesting tendrils and vines. In fact, in much of Celtic art, including the famous illuminated Bible, The Book of Kells, these Celtic Knots emerge from or transform into vegetative foliage. The beautiful symmetry of these woven patterns is often not square, rigid, or overly formal, but organic, flowing, and a stylized reflection of the curves and spirals found in nature. Indeed, the Celtic Knots that embellish wedding rings herald the ideas of spring, fertility, and the eternal reawakening of the life force - all of which bode well for a fruitful life partnership.

Wedding rings have most commonly been worn on the third finger of the left hand. Speculation has it that this is because the Romans believed that a vein ran directly from this finger to the heart. An alternate suggestion for this tradition is that each finger on the hand is associated with a planet in the ancient systems of astrology, and the ring finger of the left hand was associated with the Sun. In this way, the wearing of a wedding ring on that finger signifies the public proclamation of the union in the daylight, in other words, the conscious and clearly visible world of human community. This correspondence is perhaps even more strongly emphasized by the general tendency to craft wedding rings out of gold, which is symbolically the metal of the Sun throughout folk history and across cultures.

Wedding rings capture the full range of the ceremonial, symbolic, and communal aspects of marriage, and preserve these many levels of significance as a durable and constant reminder. Ancient yet contemporary, steeped in lore and mystery yet almost universally exchanged, wedding rings combine the art of the jeweler, the reverence of the betrothed, and the beauty of love and partnership in a single, resonant symbol.

Label: Wedding Rings symbol

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Wedding Rings - How to Choose a Perfect Ring

Selecting a wedding ring isn't as easy as it looks. You are going to wear your ring for the rest of your life, so it should be something you won't get tired of in a couple years. You will have to look at and try on many different rings before you come to a final decision and, being an intelligent consumer, you should know what your options are.

First, you will have to decide how much you can afford to spend. Then, with your budget in mind, choose the material you want your ring made of.

Wedding ring materials can be:

• 14K or 18K yellow gold, classic and still very popular for wedding and engagement rings
• white gold, which is gaining popularity because it looks stylish and very modern. Also white gold can be worn with silver or platinum jewelry and it goes with most fabrics
• platinum is one of the hardest metals, which in itself makes platinum a suitable symbol for enduring love. It is also very pure: while 18 K gold contains only 75% gold, most platinum jewelry is 95% platinum.
Platinum rings look similar to white gold, are very elegant and stylish, don't scratch and don't loose their look with the passing years. Platinum rings are the most expensive but, considering that you will wear your ring for the rest of your life, that doesn't really matter for many couples
• titanium is long lasting, light and not very expensive, so it has recently became a very popular material for wedding rings. Titanium rings are similar in appearance to white gold rings but they are so light that you can hardly feel one on your finger. Titanium is a particularly popular material for men's wedding rings

When choosing the material, think of what would work best with your clothes and the other jewelry you usually wear. Is your jewelry box filled with gold or silver? If your favorite pieces are silver, it is a good idea to get a white gold, titanium or platinum wedding ring. Alternatively, you could get two tone ring - usually made from white and yellow gold. This type of ring would match silver jewelry as well as gold.

Some women also want to match their wedding rings with their engagement rings. This is certainly something to take into consideration, if you plan to wear both rings on the same hand. Another option is to wear your wedding ring on the left hand and your engagement ring on your right hand - in which case they should probably still be the same color, but don't have to match so closely.

Which wedding ring style to choose?

There are many styles available, so everybody can find a ring to suit their tastes. When it comes to style, though, the first thing you have to decide is if you both will wear similar rings or if each will select one that expresses his or her personality. The most popular styles are:

• Traditional plain bands - even though they are plain, they will always be stylish and fashionable. These are also best suited for men who aren't accustomed to wearing jewelry
• Bands with beaded edges are a little more elaborate
• Two-tone bands which can be worn with either gold or silver jewelry
• Celtic wedding rings are really hot how. Covered with ancient knotwork designs, they look really stylish
• Solitaire rings with a single precious stone
• Solitaries with accents - rings with a large stone and several smaller stones around it
• Channel diamond rings

The best gem stones for wedding rings

Diamonds are unbeatable favorites for wedding rings and with good reason - not only are diamonds the most beautiful and expensive of all precious stones, but they are also the hardest. Other hard stones are rubies and sapphires. Gemstones like amethyst or aquamarine are too soft, which makes them unsuitable for a wedding ring that you are going to wear every day.

No matter which style and material you chose, you want a ring that would be comfortable on your finger. For this reason it is always best to go with a ring that is smooth around the edges.

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Wish to make that one day in your life really special? Let moissanite engagement rings work their charm. Affirm your commitment through the beauty of moissanite engagement rings. Make a gift that is supremely appealing and unique in its timelessness.

What better way to make your partner feel loved than a pleasant surprise of a moissanite engagement ring? A moissanite ring is brighter and shinier than a diamond. A moissanite engagement ring should make your engagement really special.

Sure diamonds are forever a woman's best friends. But when it comes to style and shine, engagement rings moissanite make the best neighbours. A moissanite ring makes a more shiny, classy, elegant and an affordable alternative to diamond rings. What adds to these adventages is the fact that you can't tell the difference between diamond rings and moissanite engagement rings. Moissanite rings are supremely appealing and the new fashion.

A moissanite engagement ring will make you stand out in the crowd

Moissanite engagement rings are, in fact, more refractive as compared to a diamond giving it that blinding brilliance of sheer glam. Due to its extreme luster, catchy appearance and durability, moissanite is expected to replace diamonds in bridal rings in the near future. Unlike CZ (Cubic Zirconia) it does not look fake.

With a hardness of 9.25, and its heat resistance capacity makes it user-friendlier. For those who wish to own the beauty, brilliance, elegance and style of an exquisite jewel that cannot be matched by anything on this Earth, get a piece of this cosmic jewel at a surprisingly affordable price. A moissanite engagement ring sure suits all your needs.

Select from a wide range of uniquely crafted jewels as your perfect engagement gift. Take your pick. Let the stone from the stars shine upon you... and bless you on this auspicious occasion... A moissanite engagement ring is available at an affordable price that much cheaper than a diamond ring, but the glam element is way beyond diamonds. It's a must have on the list of wedding jewelry.

Finely crafted engagement rings moissanite can put in that special feeling you can't explain in words.

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An engagement is a beautiful time brimming with new feelings of commitment, love and friendship for the husband and wife to be. Such a wonderful and unequaled time can always be remembered using ideas and symbols that stand for those feelings, and Celtic engagement rings are the perfect choice. Representing everlasting friendship and true love, these engagement rings are wrapped in heritage and history and are a beautiful way to express a couple's profound feelings for one another.

The complicated and complex designs and patterns in Celtic engagement rings offer couples a way to reveal a love that's as special and unique as the engagement ring itself. A symbol that is both culturally and historically inspired, a Celtic knot engagement ring is an incredible representation of love and commitment that you do not need to be of Irish decent to appreciate. Worn the world over, the Celtic knot is one of the most famous designs in Celtic jewelry, and is a unique way for couples of all cultures and heritages to show their life long dedication to one another.

An Irish engagement ring is an exceptional way to profess an enduring and honorable dedication to one another, and an incorporation of the Celtic knot and Claddagh design is a great way to combine both traditional and contemporary symbolism. Dating back more than four hundred years ago, the Claddagh design shows a crown over a pair of hands clutching a heart. Generally when someone wears a Claddagh ring on the left hand with the crown facing opposite the heart it means the person wearing it is engaged. Representing loyalty, love and friendship, a Claddagh Irish engagement ring is a wonderful reminder of why a couple is together.

Modern Irish engagement rings integrate the classic symbolism of the Celtic knot or the Claddagh design with modern, fresh techniques and styles. Diamond Celtic engagement rings can come in a wide assortment of cuts, sizes and styles, including three stone, diamond solitaire and princess cut rings. Engagement rings displaying the Celtic knot and other Celtic designs can be found in white gold, platinum, two tones and yellow gold. Regardless of what you like the most, a Celtic engagement ring is a gorgeous way for couples to make known an unending love for each other in an unequaled way.

Steeped in tradition and history, Irish and Celtic wedding rings are a stunning way to represent the bride and groom's connection and love toward one another. Regardless of whether it is a Claddagh design or a Celtic Knot, Irish engagement and wedding rings will be as unique and special as the love that two people have for one another. Unifying modern techniques with historical traditions, these rings will exemplify a special reminder of the companionship and love that a couple will always share.

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