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.

When talking about antique engagement rings, what comes to your mind is that the ring comes from the past. Most folks of older generations had this kind of tradition. Some younger generations appreciate it but some don’t. Generally an antique engagement ring means that is at least over 50 years old.

Antique rings are more unique or rare. Although some of the designs are old but with great designed and some have simple but elegant ones. Most older rings, the gemstone is clearer and has brilliant colors. The rings setting are made of pure silver or pure gold.

They are also known as vintage engagement rings. Some have gemstone of diamond; some are sapphire, other uses pearl or opal. Most of them have sentimental values to the old folks and they want that the new generation of their family should remember that, that is why, they passes that to the younger generation to remember their love story.

Nowadays, antique engagement rings are so rare to find. If you can find one, it is so expensive. Some, they just redesign the setting and use the gemstone of the ring. Mostly, the shapes of the gemstone of from older rings are rounded. Unlike now that there are many different shapes such as heart shape, oval shape, and princess cut or square shape, rectangular shape, etc.

The craftsmanship of the antique ring is so unique and durable with elegant style. There are also vintage rings that is not so expensive depending on the gemstone, and the craftsmanship. Older diamond gemstone are brighter white in color and this is most expensive one, some have the color of light rose or pinkish white, although there are also diamond that is yellowish in color which is less expensive or has lower value.

Buying antique rings is not so easy. You have to know the history of it. You also must know how to see the diamond gemstone and how the craftsmanship was work and what kind of setting you want, either silver or gold. Most antique engagement rings the setting is made of white gold or silver in color.

What is most important is that you love the girl whom you give the ring which will be your fiancée and she will love that ring you give to her. Everyone knows that if someone receive an engagement ring, the one who gives, loves the girl so much and want her to be his other half of his life.

Before, older people don’t mind or value the engagement ring so much. To older folk, what is important is the love they both have to each other, unlike the present generation that most women dream to have diamond engagement ring from their boyfriend or fiancée.

An engagement is a very important moment for two people who are in love. In the Western tradition, this relationship is usually indicated with a ring worn by the female to indicate that she intends to be married. So when it comes the time for you to get engaged, I suggest that you consider Edwardian engagement rings for your partner.

Conventionally, Edwardian engagement rings are presented as a gift from a man to his fiancee during the crucial moment when he is proposing to the woman: asking for her hand in marriage. Immediately after the lady accepts, the ring will be slipped onto the woman’s finger to represent the formal agreement to a future marriage.

In some countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, engagement rings are usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand. In contrast, countries such as the Ukraine and Poland, rings are customarily worn on the ring finger of the right hand. This practice can be dated back to the early days of engagement, when it was believed that the fourth finger on the left hand–the ‘vena amoris’ or the vein of love–was the finger to be used for the ring.

Considering that this is a very special moment for two people in love, Edwardian engagement rings can really make the engagement be extra special for the two partners. To add to this, many special types of Edwardian rings are available to choose from, which will give you the ideal ring for your better half. The elegance and the beauty of the Edwardian rings is guaranteed to thrill your fiancee, making her feel like a celebrity when she sips her wine just to find the Edwardian engagement ring on the bottom of the wine glass.

Edwardian rings are a kind of a ring that your fiancee will feel proud to wear on her ring finger and show around to everybody during the engagement celebrations or parties. With this type of guarantee, you can rest assured that you have given your significant other a ring that she will treasure for the rest of her life.

The advantage with Edwardian rings is that you have a variety of choices in styles to select from for your engagement ring–be it gold, silver, or platinum. The band and setting styles tend to be unique, setting them apart from the more standard bands designed today.

The Edwardian engagement rings are a good choice for either an engagement or even during your wedding. By presenting this, you will have given your fiancee something special that will really stand out and will serve as a very unique piece that an be passed down from generation to generation.

Pink diamond engagement rings are a modern twist on a timeless classic. Since the 1950s, it has been tradition for a man to present his bride with a diamond engagement ring. The groom commits a big chunk of his salary to show how he will care for the bride to be. For the last ten years, colored stones have become more popular in engagement rings because of their beauty and how rare they are.

Many people believe that diamonds are white. This is a common misunderstanding. Diamonds are colorless. However, when diamonds are formed in the right conditions they take on specific colors including green red orange brown and pink. These colored diamonds are extremely rare and are very popular because of their uniqueness.

Before buying a pink diamond engagement ring, you should understand the four Cs of color diamonds. These four Cs are the same as traditional diamonds, but their meanings are slightly different. When comparing diamonds, you should look at the stones Color, Carat, Cut, and Clarity. These will determine the cost of the engagement ring.

Color – When it comes to colored diamonds, color is the most important. Some stones are clear with slight hints of color. In some smaller stones, the color can be so light that it can only be seen at certain angles or lighting. The important thing to look for in a stone’s color is consistency. The color should be the same throughout the stone.

Carat – The size of any stone impacts its cost. However, in a colored diamond, the color is more important than the size. Smalls stones with a lot of color are so rare that they will cost more than clearer stones that are several carats larger. If a very colorful stone is what you are after, you may have to go with a smaller stone and a setting that shows of the bright colors.

Cut – The way a stone is cut makes the stone brighter or can make the stone look dull. Because of the color in pink diamond engagement rings, the cut is even more important. Round, Marquise, and Princess cut stones are more popular, because they are the best at showing off the color. If you are interested in more unusual cuts, you may want to consider a colorless stone.

Clarity – In any diamond, the clarity of the stone is important. If a stone is clear it means that it doesn’t have any cracks, dark spots, or cloudiness. In colored stones, clarity is even more important, because the cloudiness in a color diamond can completely hide the diamonds color.

Colored diamonds are expensive, pink diamond engagement rings are no exception. However, if pink diamonds are too expensive, there are a few lower cost alternatives. One option is a heat treated stone. Diamonds can be treated to make them take on certain colors. Another option is a treated CZ or cubic zirconium.

When a man decides to ask his girlfriend to marry him, the thought of having to go out and purchase “the perfect ring” can be a little intimidating. From knowing her ring size, to what shape of stone to buy, whether to buy white or yellow gold and how much to spend, there are many factors to consider. Last but not least, the decision of how much money to spend. Needless to say, this can be quite a chore for the romantic men out there who want to surprise her with an engagement ring. For other men whose girlfriends have already told them exactly what they want, purchasing the perfect ring is a cinch.

If the thought of having to shell out big bucks has you concerned, don’t worry. You could always choose to go the rent to own option. This way you can make scheduled monthly payments instead of racking up a large credit card bill. Check out some rent to own reports to determine if this is the right option for you.

The first place to start in deciding which ring to buy is to notice whether she wears yellow or white gold, and go from there. Check out the jewelry that she already has to determine which of these is her favorite. You may even decide to go with platinum versus gold. This option is a bit more pricey than gold. Don’t forget though, you can always check out rto online to see if there are any rent to own stores in your area.

Once you have determined which type of metal to buy, then you need to decide what shape of stone you are going to go with. You could buy a traditional round cut solitaire. Or you could go outside the box and go with a heart shaped center stone. You could also add some different colored stones to the left or right of the center stone. The options here are limitless. The main thing to consider is whether she is really fancy or more casual. The salesperson should be able to lead you in the right direction when it comes to choosing what you think she would like.

Knowing her ring size is the most difficult part of the purchase process if you want to totally surprise her. If she has worn a ring on that finger before, you could take that ring to the jeweler and have them figure out what size it is. But if you just can’t figure out what her ring size is without simply asking her, you might have to purchase the ring and have it resized later. The bottom line when it comes to buying the perfect ring is that she will love whatever you buy for her. If you have a smaller budget, don’t forget that you can always look at some rto surveys and explore that option.

A ring is normally worn by both genders and is usually made of gold, silver, plastic, wood, glass, or any other material. They are circular and are designed to fit the fingers usually having a gem set on it. Usually, jewelers use a precious or semi-precious stone such as sapphire, emerald, topaz and the like. Most users wear the rings on what is known as the ring finger on the left hand. In Western cultures, the conventional ring finger is the finger between the middle and small finger (pinkie).

There are several types of rings. The types are mainly dependent on the user and its purpose. Some of the descriptions for these rings are summarized so that the reader can easily identify them when visiting other countries with varied cultures and practices. However, some ring types are so applicable to all that it is not just practiced by one geographical region but also in other parts of the world as well.

A championship ring is a specially designed ring awarded to members of a winning team or in leagues of professional sports and North American college tournaments too. Such rings are used as prizes or team mementos in football competitions in what viewers would normally see in Superbowl tournaments.

A class ring is manufactured for a batch of graduating students, usually for college graduates. The ring is engraved with the university seal they have graduated from and the course the wearer finished.

For singles, there is such as thing as Claddagh Ring, also known as Irish friendship rings. The person who wears this shows that he or she is currently free to engage in romantic relationships. A modern version of this is the Single’s Ring being marketed in Western countries and slowly being accepted by Eastern countries too.

A rosary ring is usually worn by Catholics. This ring has a small cross on its surface with 10 indentations which represents one entire mystery. So, for every mystery prayed using the rosary ring, the wearer has to go over the ring five times to finish one entire rosary.

For married couples, a wedding ring is worn to indicate that they have entered into a marriage contract. Prior to this, a man will gift his intended bride with an engagement ring. However, for couples who want to show that they are already in a relationship, they could wear a promise ring which is the opposite of a Claddagh ring. There is also a ring called Regards ring which is an engagement ring during the Victorian age. The Regards name is an acronym for the gems ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby, diamond and sapphire.

In some religious groups, the believers could wear purity rings which signify their chastity or purity. An Ecclesiastic ring is exclusively worn by religious persons who are in high posts such as bishops and popes. For the members of the royalty, a signet ring is worn on the small finger of the noble class either on the left or right hand.

These are just some of the rings one may encounter over time. There are surely one or more types of ring a person will come to possess during their lifetime

What’s all this fuss about promise rings? Are they something new or have they been around for a while? What do they mean and why is my teenager wearing one? If you’ve ever wondered what the rage is all about, then you’ve come to the right place!

What exactly is a promise ring?

When an agreement or oath has been made between two people, a promise ring is a piece of jewelry given as a token of the commitment that was made.

Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? Well, be careful because the promise made between two people can be practically anything. It’s imperative that both parties are clear on the meaning of the pact or pledge. For example:

• Monogamy: A promise to stay faithful to one another.
• Chastity or Purity: A promise to keep ones virginity until marriage.
• Friendship: A promise to seal a pledge of eternal friendship.
• Substance or Sobriety: A promise to remain free from addictive behavior (alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, etc.).
• Religious or Christian: A promise to remain committed to one’s faith or belief in the God of their understanding.

These are just a few of the more popular reasons to give or wear a promise ring.

Pre-Engagement

That being said, the most popular reason to give a promise ring is for pre-engagement.

Are you confused yet? Pre-engagement is actually not as bad as it sounds. It has always been popular to exchange promise rings, so a couple can showcase their commitment to one another prior to getting engaged. In other words, this ring is symbolic of a promise there will be an engagement ring forthcoming.

If you are old enough to remember “going steady” with someone then giving this type of promise ring is kind of the updated version of going steady. The symbolism of the promise ring is really no different than a girl of years ago wearing her boyfriend’s high school ring on a chain around her neck or wearing her steady boyfriend’s letterman jacket. If you are too young to understand this analogy, talk to your parents or grandparents and they can enlighten you.

This trial period before the engagement is a good way for a couple to test the waters before they make an actual commitment to marriage. Some may scoff at this gesture of pre-engagement. However, with the rise in divorce rates in this country it may be wise to start off slowly in the relationship instead of rushing ahead into something you are not ready for.

The other good news here is that a promise ring costs significantly less than an engagement ring. It makes a wonderful alternative for the couple who chooses not to spend a fortune on a ring at this time but still wants to make a statement about their commitment to one another.

How does one wear a promise ring – which finger, which hand?

Basically it’s strictly a matter of personal preference, however the finger and hand you choose can depend entirely on the type of ring it is and in some cases the type of pledge. For example, an Irish Claddagh ring can have several meanings depending on the way it is:

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

If you are exchanging friendship rings, it may be wise to wear the ring on your right hand so there is no confusion about romantic ties. There are many different types of rings you can share with a friend that will be meaningful to you both. A fun vacation you went on or the love of a certain hobby or animal, for example. My best friend and I share a love of cats. Therefore, we bought matching kitty cat rings, gold with diamond pave no less! These rings are special only to us and are a symbol of our friendship.

Most people associate the wearing of a ring on the left hand ring finger to mean that a significant commitment of some sort has been made.

If the promise is for pre-engagement, many couples choose to wear this ring on their left hand ring finger. They then switch the ring to their right hand once the actual engagement ring or wedding band is received.

Likewise a ring exchanged for the promise of monogamy or fidelity would be worn on the left hand ring finger to symbolize that the wearer’s heart is taken.

Where did the promise ring originate?

Rings themselves have been symbolic for many thousands of years. The circle has no beginning and no end and is a strong symbol for eternity.

Have you ever heard of a scribbling ring? In sixteenth century England, uncut diamond crystals were set into rings and exchanged by lovers. The wearers of these scribbling rings would use the points of the diamonds to etch (or “scribble”) romantic writings to each other in glass, mirrors or windows.

Another popular ring exchanged during Shakespearian times was called a Posey Ring. Posey rings are inscribed with poetic phrases or dates significant to the wearer.

It is believed that wearing words next to ones skin has a magical effect. These symbolic words may be carved on the outside or inside of the ring, or on both sides, there is no right or wrong way to do it!

Posey rings are a romantic way to share an expression of love and come engraved with beautiful sayings. It is no surprise that since French is said to be the language of love — the French poseys are very popular. Some special phrases include:

• A Ma Vie De Coer Entier – My whole heart for my whole life
• A Vila Mon Coer, Gardi Li Mo – Here is my heart, guard it well
• Amor Meus – My Love
• Autre Ne Veuil – No one, but you
• De M’Amoure Soiez Sure – Of my love be sure

Ok, so maybe French isn’t your thing – how about one of these:

• In Gaelic – Anam Cara – Soul Friend
• In English – I Am My Beloved’s & My Beloved Is Mine
• In Latin – Semper Amenus – Our love is forever
• In German – Mine Genyst – My heart
• In Hebrew – Mazel Tov – Marital good luck ring
• Christian – With This Ring, I Thee Wed
• In Italian – Mani In Fede – Hands Together in Faith
• In Spanish – No Tengo Mas Que Darte – I have nothing more to give you but my heart

Use your imagination and write a Posey of your own!

The list of Posey ring sayings is endless! If you really want to “wow” the love of your life, come up with a special phrase that is meaningful to just the two of you. Having a special ring engraved with one of your own poseys would be a very romantic way for you to share your most heartfelt sentiments with a special someone you care about!

Whether we like it or not current trends in engagement rings say bigger is so much better. Just have a look at what style engagement rings celebrities are choosing. And of course what’s good for them is good for the rest of us.

J Lo’s engagement to Ben Flick also started an interesting trend of consumers seeking out pink diamonds. In no other time in history have pink diamonds been as popular as right after J Lo placed that pink diamond engagement ring on her finger.

Do any of you remember Marilyn Monroe sexily purring “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend?” Do you have any idea what that did the engagement ring market.

Guys are still paying for that statement. Sure back in the 50s women knew it wouldn’t be sensible to wear such a large engagement ring but that didn’t mean a gal couldn’t yearn for it.

Today a women wouldn’t feel in the least bit guilty about wearing such a diamond, in fact there are many a women that judge how well they are loved by the size of the rock they are wearing because they “know” what Marilyn knew, that “diamonds are infact a girls best friend.”

When we see the engagement rings worn by stars like Madonna or Catherine Zeta-Jones we take notice and their choices influence the trends that follow. Celebrities are the leaders in setting fashion and jewelry trends.

Madonna with her Edwardian engagement ring and Catherine Zeta-Jones’s antique styled 10 carat diamond ring has revived the desire to own a beautiful antique engagement ring. In fact it’s one of the hottest engagement ring styles in 20 years.

The size of the diamonds in current styles has also grown from the average one carat to over three carats. That’s a pretty big rock that’s going to set you back a bit. But girls know they deserve it!

If you aren’t sure whether bigger is better than have a look at the jewels at this years Oscars which are said to total over $50 million dollars in value. Wonder how many vaults it took to keep those locked up for the night?

With bling being the in thing one has to stop and wonder how the heck normal average working guys plan to pay for these rings. When their fiancés are asked the standard answer is “doesn’t matter I’m worth it.

That’s great if your guy is earning a 6 figure salary but wait what if he’s not. What if he’s joe average living from pay day to pay day. What should he do move into the bush and give up his home, perhaps take up walking and sell his car?

Wait guys maybe you can get away with a really good quality cubic zirconia. No guarantees but it might be worth a try. Most of the high end ones can only be identified by a quality jeweler. Then again maybe she won’t care as long as it’s big and impressive.

Okay girls lets be real here. Dreaming and lusting for that big 5 carat rock is just fine. No problem with dreaming, but when it comes time for your man to buy that ring remember that the ring is not what you are marrying so perhaps it’s time to consider the quality and quantity of the husband to be rather than the ring.

Big diamond or little diamond it doesn’t matter as long as the two of you are blissfully happy. Let the celebrities wear their big diamonds and let them sparkle and shine in the lime light. It doesn’t matter because you got your man! That’s what counts!

The promise ring is not an unknown piece of jewel these days. However, not many people know the exact meaning of a promise ring. Promise rings are generally given for any promise or commitments made, not necessarily leading to matrimonial commitments.

Promise rings don’t always mean promises made for engagements of weddings, a point that should be clarified upon the presentation of the promise ring to avoid any misunderstandings by either person. This may alter the whole meaning of a promise ring.

Promise rings are presented on several occasions. The most common is the pre-engagement promise ring that is given when two individuals have decided to become engaged and to marry in the future. In the course of time, this ring is replaced by the engagement and then the marriage ring.

Another form of the promise ring is the purity promise ring, exchanged between a man and woman. Here, the promise lies in the fact that the two people choose to remain chaste and abstain from something. Usually, a parent gives a purity promise ring to a child who promises to remain sexually pure until marriage.

Then, there are the promise rings that are given to symbolize abstinence from bad virtues like drinking and smoking. Of course, two friends also exchange promise rings to prove that the relationship between them doesn’t relate to any romantic affair. Religious promise rings also deserve a mention in the world of promise rings. These rings are usually worn by a group of followers of a particular saint or religion. The meaning of this ring lies in a commitment to follow the teachings and beliefs of the religion in daily life. Promise rings need not be worn only by ladies; men can wear promise rings, too. It is recommended, however to get more sturdy and durable rings for the man.

If you are searching for engagement or wedding rings, you may find countless varieties. Remember while buying a ring 4C’s are very important factors to consider. This includes clarity, color and carat. These factors actually help to determine the value and price of ring that you are going to buy. There are several styles available in wedding and engagement rings. In this article some popular styles are discussed. All these styles involve settings and setting is the main factor that gives beauty to your ring. Some of the most current and modern settings are discussed here.

Cathedral setting is considered one of the most romantic options. The diamond is usually placed in the centre and secure with the help of bands. This provides protection and security to the stone. These rings are best for engagements.

In Antique rings diamonds are usually cut in various shapes like oval, pear, heart, emerald and marquise. These rings are best considered for queen. In Baguette setting the diamond is usually surrounded by other sparkling and shining diamonds. This gives a luxurious impact to your ring. For any social occasion these rings are best option. Bezel setting scan be used easily with all shapes. Next to it is Channel setting which involve small diamonds that are usually set with each other. This ring creates an impressive impression. However, this setting is not suitable for fragile and brittle stones.

Another classic setting involves Solitaire setting. It is not only beautiful but also stylish one. Pear shaped, round and heart shaped diamond can be best treated with this setting. Currently, this setting is gaining lot of popularity. However, it provides not great protection for the stone. But remember if compared with other settings, this is one of the best options that are available. Nowadays people prefer it for their weddings and engagements.

You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love.

~ Henry Drummond

As soon as this zoisite crystal was discovered in 1967, jewelers already were aware of this fact that, tanzanite would be a huge rage in world gem industry. A stimulating lavender-hued stone found only in Tanzania, it has also become a symbol of love for couples in mush.

This young and romantic gemstone is one of rare ones which is familiar amongst buyers. A much celebrated jewelry gemstone for all age groups, tanzanite jewelry is very popular all over the world.

To make this purple extravaganza available at wholesale prices, Angara has begun its initiative. Exclusively concerned with purely motivated thoughts for her, a perfect array of assorted impeccable tanzanite rings is offered.

Best-seller designs comprise of oval tanzanite ring in split shank white gold, solitaire round tanzanite in tapered shank white gold ring. Shanks are also accentuated with round diamonds channel set to enhance the beauty of tanzanite.

Two people loving each other unconditionally are hard to be detached. Pretty looking tanzanite and aquamarine butterfly ring reflect the same fervor. This masterpiece bestseller is set with marquise, tanzanite and aquamarine set within white gold. Channel-set diamonds complete whole look by giving it a chaste and innocent look. Express your deepest emotions of affection towards your lady by offering this artful conception complemented with spectacular gemstones like this.

Lilac gemstone in other brilliance exuding settings like princess, emerald and cushion cuts bring out hidden, balanced yet intense feelings of harmony in accord with your partner. Rejoice every moment of passionate life with violet excellence on her fingers. What best could be by choosing a multi gem or clustered tanzanite ring in white gold?

Apart from above discussed classic pieces, fancier tanzanite heart shaped rings in white gold make a style statement with gypsy set gems. Feel euphoric change in her mood and persona as her eyes twinkle in same way the tanzanite gem gleams.

However, your jewelry, too, needs to be especially cared to become durable through years. Since preheated to become that perfect purple to blue hued, the change is permanent. This process is called enhancement or treatment. Almost all cut and faceted, tanzanite rocks undergo this treatment. Usually the ones which are pale blue or translucent brown colored.

Men wearing rings is not a new phenomenon. Since ancient times, they have worn wedding bands and other practical pieces-practical because they actually served a purpose. For instance, men’s thumb rings were worn to protect the fingers while shooting arrows and as an identifier for physicians.

Royalty and noblemen wore signet rings to identify their family and to serve as their official seal for correspondence. They dipped the ring in hot wax and pressed it to the documents. But today, the styles for men are becoming more fashionable and less about utility.

Trends and Styles

The tradition of exchanging class rings among teens is improved upon with the promise ring for girls and guys. Yes, there are men’s promise rings. The concept is the same-the girl is pledging her love to her beau and promising that they have a future together. This ring is typically inexpensive and simple, usually just a band of gold or silver with the names engraved on it.

But, women are doing more than promising themselves, they are proposing. Sometimes waiting for the guy to get down on one knee just takes too long and it is not an uncommon practice for the woman to give a men’s engagement ring to her lover. There are even sets so that the engagement and the wedding band match!

For the guy who has thick fingers, the chunky square fashion rings look great. These pieces often have gemstones like onyx and diamond or maybe a star sapphire in the center. Masonic rings can also be quite ornate, with symbols and diamonds and color.
Interesting new materials.

Men’s rings are being made out of some interesting materials these days. It may sound like a part from a car, but a tungsten carbide ring is actually a popular accessory for guys. Men’s wedding rings and other fashion pieces are being made from this incredibly durable metal.

When it is polished, it makes a dark smoky gray band that just oozes masculinity. Tungsten is a great metal for guys who work hard with their hands because it doesn’t scratch or dent. It is also known for keeping its finish.

Another metal that has emerged in the jewelry market is titanium. This metal produces jewelry that is similar to the grayish shade of platinum. While it makes a good-looking ring, it is not quite as durable as tungsten.

Two-tone rings are also a trend in men’s jewelry. They can combine white gold with tungsten or gold and platinum-whatever makes a bold statement. Textured surfaces are also popular. Faceted and laser matte finishes offer something different to the traditional shiny buffed finish.

Even if all he wears is a man’s wedding band, there is a much larger and more fashionable selection than the gold bands of yesterday. Jewelers are having fun designing creations for this often forgotten about market. Men wear jewelry and they like to have a choice. So, whether it is a men’s white gold ring for his thumb or a fabulous tungsten carbide wedding band for his ring finger, he can accessorize in style.

Many people seek a titanium engagement ring when looking for the perfect ring for their partner. There are many reasons why titanium rings are sought after and titanium has many benefits and practically no problems. This article discusses these.

One of the biggest benefits of titanium is that it will not cause irritation to the skin (dis-coloration or rashes) because titanium is hypo-allergenic. This is great for those who have a partner prone to allergic reactions. With titanium you don’t have to worry about this.

Titanium also is in abundance meaning that it is a cost effective metal. Prices can started from around $80 for a basic design. If you want something more intricate then you will have to pay for it, but the great thing about titanium is that it is flexible in that you are able to have a very specific design and can have a customized ring made with no problems. These rings come is so many different designs that you will be spoilt for choice.

Unlike gold and silver, titanium is a lightweight metal making it much more comfortable to wear. If you aren’t used to wearing rings or any other jewelry this is a great quality to have in a metal.

Titanium also doesn’t rust or lose its color. For an everyday ring it is durable and long lasting so you won’t have to worry about replacing it or getting it fixed in the years to come.

Many men prefer titanium engagement rings because titanium appears more masculine than other metals.

There is however one problem with titanium and that is if you need to change the fit you will have to send it off especially. Some people lose or gain weight as they get older and need to adjust their ring to fit again. However with this being the only issue regarding titanium, it is well worth investing in it and only worrying about potential cost if you need to adjust the size.

Many women have the dream to be wed someday to the men they want to spend the rest of their life with. That is why rings are very important, they are the symbol of a couples love and affection for each other. A ring is important and is needed in a wedding ceremony as well as in proposing. There are variety of rings to choose from, there is a wedding ring, ring for accessories and engagement rings.

Rings have different cuts different styles and designs. A white gold engagement ring is just one of the many rings that you could choose from. It is a mixture of gold and white metals. Silver and palladium are one of the chemicals they used in making white gold. After making this kind of ring rhodium is applied as coating in order for the ring to give off a bright white color. Without these chemical the ring would not be attractive and shiny.

White gold rings have many different settings including:

Prong setting which is also called as claw setting for the stones or gems is placed in more than 2 prongs that will give of a shape like a basket, and the split end of the prongs curved in a way that it will looked like it is resting on the gem.

Bezel setting surrounds the stone and is extended a little on top of the stone and shields it. The semi bezel the rim just encircles half of the stone locking it while the other half is exposed for everyone to see.

Invisible setting the stones are strap into the white gold frame in a way that the metal can be seen so stone are next to one another and is crafted into one surface. This setting was developed in France.

Chevron, the single ring is designed using more than one setting. However this type is not popular for engagement rings.

Here are some things to take note on when you have white gold ring.

Must not wear it when you go of swimming or are cleaning at home using cleaning agents, for chemicals such as chlorine and other ingredients that are on cleaning detergents will eat away the nickel metal, gold and can cause skin allergy.

If you buy a white gold ring you must see and ask the seller if ring alloy is consist of palladium instead of nickel. You also have to know if the seller is reputable and that if they can be trusted, and always ask the certificate of authenticity for the stone before paying.

They say white gold engagement rings are icon for proposal and love, but when two hearts are in love the rings just symbolizes the love what is really important is what they feel for each other and everything else will follow.

During the Medieval period is when rings became popular. All classes of people wore rings from the poorest to the richest. Rings were typically made of iron, copper, silver, and gold. The material of the ring worn usually indicated the class of the wearer. It wasn’t until around the 14th century that faceted jewels appeared in rings.

Some cultures have rings typically associated with them. Cultures such as Native Americans use silver and turquoise in their jewelry. Early Christians used the Greek symbol, the Icthus, which resembles a fish.
One of the best known is the Irish Claddagh that also has an intriguing story attached to it. Richard Joyce was among the crew of a fishing boat from the village of Claddagh, Ireland that was captured, he was to have been married that very same week. During slavery Richard Joyce was put to the trade of Goldsmith-ing. Through the years of capture neither married. Richard Joyce created a ring for his love with a heart for love, a crown for loyalty, and two hands.

After Joyce escaped capture, he returned to the village of Claddagh and was overjoyed to see his love again and to know she had never married. She always knew he would return to her. He gave her the ring that has become known as the Claddagh ring. If the Claddagh is worn on the right hand with the crown inward (toward the wrist) the heart is not yet committed. If it is worn on the right hand with the crown turned outward the wearer is committed to someone. Finally if it is worn on the left hand with the crown outward it means “Let our love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated.”

Rings are worn for a variety of reasons including adornment. There are rings given as a reward for a job well done such as the Super Bowl victory.
They are given to represent commitment as in engagements and marriages. Women religious to signify their commitment to God also wear rings.

Rings can be made of almost any material now. They can be made from plastic, silver, gold, or copper, even wood. They can be made of ceramic materials as well. They can be of simple design or something as intricate as filigree.

They can be plain and simple or they can be adorned with jewels or gemstones, as in the case of birthstone rings. There is a birthstone for each month of the year and each has its own meaning. See the listing below.

January – Garnet – the gem of faith and truth; protects from poisons, thought to stop bleeding, cure sickness of the blood and infections.

February – Amethyst – aids soldiers in battle, control evil thoughts, helps hunters to catch animals, and helps the owner be good in business.

March – Aquamarine – sailors used aquamarine to gemstones to keep them safe and to prevent seasickness. It gives the wearer courage, foresight and courage

April – Diamond – Symbol of strength, courage, and invincibility. It is the ultimate gift of love. In 1477 Archduke Maxmillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring, thus starting the tradition of diamonds being given as engagement rings.

May – Emerald – Sharpened the wearer’s eyesight and mind. Travelers used them as protection against the hazards of long trips. The green color is said to give the owner power to predict the future.

June – Pearl – Freshwater pearls give the power of love, money, protection, and luck. It is said they give provide wisdom through experience and protect children from harm.

July – Ruby – Its red color is related to sex, passion, strength, health, physical energy, courage, and protection. It is associated with blood, birth, and death

August – Peridot -It is thought to bring the wearer good luck, peace, and success. Its powers include health, protection, and sleep. It attracts love, calms anger, eases anxiety and negative emotions

September – Saphire – Its powers include spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. It is said to aid in the healing of rheumatism, colic and mental illness

October -Opal – It has healing powers that aid inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight. It also aids in remembering past lives.

November – Yellow Topaz (Sanskrit for fire) – In the Middle Ages was thought to heal both physical and mental illnesses and prevent death. Citrine – also for November – Aids the kidneys, heart, digestive tract liver, and muscles. It promotes creativity, personal clarity and eliminates self-destructive tendencies.

December – Blue Topaz (Sanskrit for fire) – In the Middle Ages was thought to heal both physical and mental illnesses and prevent death. Turquoise – also for December – It attracts money, success, and love. It gives protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. It eases the mind and mental tension.

There are school rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, friendship rings and mothers rings (usually the birthstones of her children set on a band. The price range of rings can be anywhere from fifty cents (usually found in the toy machines you see in stores) to thousands of dollars and more or even higher.

If you are looking for a unique piece of jewelry to add to your collection why not try belly button jewelry. This jewelry is also known as belly rings or navel rings and it is becoming more popular and trendy each year. The fad started in the 90s and continues to grow. Some of the materials used are yellow and white gold, sterling silver, surgical steel, titanium and acrylic. Some of the styles are basic, dangling, chandelier and twisting. They come with or without gemstones. Some of the stones used are pearls, turquoise, amethyst and diamonds. Some designs are hearts, flowers, animals and stars. You can also wear personalized belly button jewelry with a photo on it, or your initials or a logo.

Women all over the world are choosing to accent their navels by wearing attractive and stylish navel jewelry. Many people use belly button jewelry to express their personality and that is certainly easy to do with the vast array of styles and designs from which to choose. This jewelry is shown only when you want it to be shown; for example, when you are wearing a swim suit or a midriff top with hip huggers. This jewelry definitely will make a statement. Many belly dancers are adding these to their many accessories. They feel it adds to the flow and rhythm of their dance. The sparkle adds a hypnotic appeal as they sway to the music.

If you are new to belly dancing jewelry, it is important that you do not try to pierce your own navel. This should be done by a professional and only with sterilized equipment; it is important that you go to a reputable piercer. Make sure the salon you choose is clean, safe and well lit. A piercing gun should never be used – while they work fine for ear piercing, they are not good to use on a belly button. You should ask for clear instructions on how to properly care for your navel after the piercing is complete. Try not to touch the piercing as you do not want to transfer germs. It is also good to remember not to change the jewelry until the piercing is completely healed, just as you are told to do with an ear piercing. I would not recommend using gold plated jewelry as many people are allergic to this type. It is better to go with the high end jewelry as studies have been done and have proven that gold is the best material to use.

If you are not quite comfortable (or if you have a young teen who wants a navel piercing) there are many online sites where you can purchase non piercing belly button jewelry. They use a spring clip that comfortably clips onto the upper part of the belly button. They also include a wide range of styles and materials and are an ideal option for those not yet ready for a navel piercing.

Whether you choose to go with belly button jewelry for a pierced navel or for a non pierced navel, you are certain to find just the right style, material and stone to accentuate your outfit. Making a statement with belly button jewelry can be fun and exciting!