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Wedding Jewelry
…Add Sparkle To Your Radiance
The wedding ring is the most powerful symbol of the marriage union.
As is the love between the bride and groom, the wedding ring is
continuous, never-ending, without beginning or end. The ring’s
composition is also symbolic. Wedding rings are generally made of
nearly indestructible materials: gold, platinum, titanium, diamonds.
This durability is symbolic of your enduring commitment. Wedding
ring placement, on the third finger of the left hand, is symbolic
since it was once believed to contain an artery with a direct connection
to the heart!
Long ago it was said that a gold ring should be given to the bride,
signifying the groom’s financial sacrifice for her hand. This
tradition of spending a significant amount on the engagement and
wedding rings continues today. The current standard for ring cost
is equivalent to two months of the groom’s salary. This is
a substantial investment...so educate yourself and choose wisely.
Wedding Bands
In its simplicity, the plain, classically designed half round wedding
band is symbolic of the essence of love in its purest form. For
those who appreciate the pure nature of this ring or for those who
find jewelry uncomfortable, this ring is a classic. This band may
be of yellow gold, white gold, multi-toned gold, platinum, or titanium.
Titanium is an affordable, very light and durable option that is
becoming more popular. Decorative bands are also an option, with
a variety of patterns in a brushed, matte, or polished finish. Wedding
band placement and engagement ring placement are both on the third
finger of the left hand.
Diamond Rings
Because diamond is the hardest mineral found in nature, it is symbolic
of the unbreakable bond of marriage. Variations of the Tiffany-style
diamond engagement ring with a large diamond center stone is the
most popular option. The engagement ring and the wedding band can
be purchased separately or as a matching set.
Diamonds are evaluated and valued using “The Four C’s”:
color, cut, clarity, and carat. While for many of us girls, carat
size seems most important, “cut” is actually the most
important attribute in determining a diamond’s value.
Cut should not be confused with shape (diamond shapes are round,
oval, marquise, pear, heart, emerald, princess, trilliant, and radiant).
Cut deals with proportion and finish. The brilliant beauty of a
high quality diamond is highly dependent on the cutter’s ability
to maximize the display of the diamond’s inherent properties.
Read more about the four “C’s” at DiamondBuying Guide.com.
Diamonds are found in all colors; however, diamonds are most often
near colorless to very light yellow. Diamonds are graded for color
from D (the absence of color) to Z (fancy yellow color) by being
compared to a set of master stones.
Most diamonds have flaws. The level of flaws in the diamond is
described by its clarity. Clarity grades range from F (flawless)
to Included 3 (flaws visible to the naked eye). Flaws are not visible
to the naked eye in clarity grades F through SI (slightly included).
Therefore, there is no difference to the naked eye in the diamond’s
appearance. However, since the price of a diamond is determined
at the microscopic level, there are significant price differences
between an F and an SI diamond.
A carat is the unit of measure used to weigh a diamond. Each diamond
carat is equal to 200 milligrams. The carat size you choose for
your ring is usually determined based on budget. You can spend the
same dollar amount on a ½ carat diamond as on a 2 carat diamond…it
all depends on the quality of the stone. You will need to strike
a balance between size and quality that works for your taste and
budget.
Bridal Jewelry
Beyond the engagement and wedding rings, think about what type of
jewelry that you and your Bridesmaids will wear. Earrings and necklaces
are the most common wedding jewelry that you will want to select.
In selecting your jewelry, consider the neckline of your dress and
how your hair will be done. Certain styles of jewelry work better
with the large amount of the skin that will be visible with a combination
of an up-do and a strapless bridal gown, while other styles must
be considered with long loose flowing hair or a higher neckline.
Then there is the bridesmaids jewelry. Do you want all of your girls
to wear coordinating jewelry or have each wear pieces unique to
them. Some Brides leave this detail to the last minute and then
have to settle on something less than what they envisioned. So be
sure to take time to thoroughly think your jewelry choices early
and then give yourself plenty of time to shop for the perfect pieces!
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