1 - The wedding rings represent endless and continuous commitment to one another. Most couples purchase rings with diamonds, however, other stones are just as precious, as are solid gold and sterling silver rings – the symbolism is the same.
The trend in rings is coloured diamonds--the more colour the better (opposite of a white diamond). Go shopping to see the different hues and saturation and the tones. You will find colours ranging from faint to fancy light to fancy deep. Some customers like pink and blue, but a large variety of colours are available.
Take care of your rings by paying attention to them. Take it to the jeweller for cleaning once a year. The jeweller can also check to see if the prongs are still strong (for some rings). For proper care: do not wear your diamond ring while doing rough work because the diamond can chip. Keep the diamonds away from chlorine bleach.
Consider buying ring insurance. What a great idea for a special piece. Latest trend for the 2005… coloured diamonds! Popular colours are yellow, pink, blue, black and grey. You may prefer red, purple or brown. Maybe the sprinkling of colour in the bride’s wedding gown can be accented by a colourful wedding ring diamond.
Shopping hints: as always, make sure you are working with a trusted jeweller. Ask to see the “grading report” to discover the original of the diamond colour.
2 - Her Ring
Did he surprise you, or maybe you will shop together for the wedding ring? Don't feel alone--many brides and grooms aren’t sure what type or shape ring they really like. The best thing to do is shop around and soon you can narrow it down to a few choices that reflect your taste. Keep reading more hints below before going to the jeweller.
3 - His Ring
Men have hundreds of choices in rings, from the most simple band (a favourite), to a few tiny diamonds, to elaborate styles. Keep reading, then go shopping.
4 - Engraving
Talk about special! What bride doesn’t want a loving message or her initials or newly married name engraved in her wedding ring? Ask the jeweller for the going rate and how long it will take. This is always something that can be done after the wedding also.
5 - Other Jewellery
For the Bride, a necklace and earrings will add the final touch to the Bride's attire. A full dress rehearsal is suggested to really know what works best. So put on the gown, put on the headpiece, and then try on a few earring and necklace pieces. Some gowns are so intricate and stylish that a necklace may be too much. Perhaps a simple pair of earrings will serve well. Soon you will say, “that’s it”. Jewellery for men is simpler, some prefer to wear elegant cufflinks, and others wear a pocket watch with chain. Other than that, it’s very individual.
6 - The Metals
What is the difference between gold, white gold and platinum? Most rings are either 18 karat which means it is 75% pure gold, or 14 karat which means it is 58.5% pure gold. Gold is naturally a yellow metal; both are gold alloyed with silver and copper. While platinum is actually pure gold and its colour is naturally white. Platinum is pure and durable. It doesn’t tarnish and it is dense which makes it reliable to hold stones. When you “white gold”, that means it is gold (a yellow metal) mixed with nickel and zinc to dilute the gold colour. White gold is not in itself a natural metal.