Wedding Jewelry: Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings

In countries such as Poland and Ukraine, they are usually worn on the right hand. In the United States and the United Kingdom, they are worn on the left. Most of the time, intimate pairs who wear rings do so to publicly announce their undying devotion to each other. Engravings can also be found in the interior of some of these rings revealing names and dates that are significant to couples.

Recently, symbolic rings have been given as a part of a gift series. The giving of ring gifts could start from earnest courtship to the birth of children that indicates the fullness of the matrimony. To renew the vows made in marriage, an eternity ring is given. Meanwhile, a trilogy ring with its three sphere-shaped diamonds is said to signify the past, the present, and the future that binds the love relationship. The most common bands among these commitment rings however are the engagement rings and wedding rings.

In general, engagement rings are interesting jewelries that are aptly given during a marriage proposal. While it is more popular for men to give the woman an engagement ring, some women these days like to return the favor and give their man the same promise ring. What set these kinds of rings apart from the rest though are the gemstones that become the center of its attraction for both the receiver and onlookers.

The gemstones are usually the ones that raise the value of the engagement rings. Its cut, color, and clarity are the main determinants of its price. In specific, diamonds are the most sought after gemstones for their durability, flexibility, and overall attractiveness. When they are cut well, they exude and radiate a beautiful brilliance. The cuts can come in different shapes including oval, princess, round, emerald, pear, marquise, and of course heart. The Gemological Institute of America or GIA grades the color of diamonds and the whiter they are the bigger their values become.

Consequently, the diamonds have to be secured in an equally sturdy setting. Most of the time, the solid metal platinum lasts longer than gold that it is preferred. Besides, these rings are sometimes bequeathed from one generation to the next that using platinum can bring the memory of a love through time. Platinum is so rare that it just increases the value of the ring. In addition, the immaculately white color of platinum complements the diamond well as it doesn’t reflect any color into it. Unlike white gold, it can withstand daily wear without fading or needing replating.

Most importantly, platinum engagement rings allow for designs that are truly a joy to witness. The design setting of the ring can speak of the individual’s uniqueness and sense of fashion. So-called solitaire rings can have only one diamond in it but still have various prong settings and bands. It can come in prong, cathedral, tension, and bezel center stone settings. Other rings can have smaller diamonds on the side. Side stone settings vary from bar, flush, pave, to channel. Lastly, there are engagement rings that have three diamonds in a row and have one big diamond at the center.

Evidently, the purchase of these pre-wedding rings needs to be appropriately planned and carefully chosen. If the budget doesn’t make it possible, there is also a variety of alternatives that a couple can choose from. In this way, engagement rings can be bought together with the wedding rings.

 

Since wedding rings are typically worn with the engagement rings, it would be smart to have them matched. On the other hand, wedding rings are like the ultimate indication of the couple’s pledge to stay devoted to each other. During the British marriage ceremonies, these rings are placed in the hands of the best man who will give them to the lovers for an exchange. In other places, a little boy brings the rings to the bride and the groom in a fluffy white pillow. While they are first worn on the wedding day, their representation lasts for an entire lifetime.