A wedding ring, also known as a wedding band is the most essential part of a wedding in almost every culture, in every country across the globe. It is a finger ring which indicates that the wearer is either married or engaged with someone. It is an important part of one’s life because we have to wear it throughout our life. It is a symbol of love and completeness.

Usually it is made up of variety of metals. Some of them are precious and some can be cheap. Gold, titanium, palladium, silver, brass and platinum are being used these days to forge the rings. Traditionally people use rings forged from gold. It is your choice whether you want to grave something on it or not. Traditionally goldsmiths carved it and make designs according to the trends.

Traditionally and depending on the culture of a society the ring is usually worn on the ring finger of left hand. It depends on your choice, it is not compulsory for someone or not a rule to wear it on the left hand. Many people believed that ring finger connects directly to the heart through a special vein. It is an ancient myth.

Types of Rings[i]

A ring is an expression of one’s personal style. Either it is classical, vintage or modern. Metal choice like platinum, white gold, rose gold or conventional yellow gold indicates the style and nature of a person.

People these days often use rings to express their sentiments and promises. Some signified sentiments are expressed a promise ring including:

  • Pre-engagement
  • Purity
  • Friendship
  • Personal Promises

Difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring is the design and style which differentiate them. It is your choice that you will wear the engagement ring after marriage or not. It is not a rule but some people keep it close to their heart. Also you can wear both rings at the same time.

  • Classic Solitaire
  • Halo Design
  • Twin sets
  • Side stone rings
  • Three or more stones rings
  • Princess cut rings

Rings are categorize according to the shape, style, metal and size. There are plenty of designs available in stores and also you can customize them. People often buy rings other than engagement or a wedding to share their sentiments with their partners. Therefore there are plenty of designs according to the occasions and mood of the people like traditional, outgoing, romantic, elegant, outdoorsy, timeless contemporary and modern.

Metals[ii]

There are plenty of metals which are being used to forge rings these days. Traditionally for many years all around the world people used to wear gold rings. But now a day’s people buy rings according to their priorities in terms of cost, color, size, care and hypoallergenic nature. The purest form of the gold is in 24 karat (24K). It is soft and pure that is why it is used in alloyed form in jewelries. Other metals are used to increase the hardness and strength of the gold. White gold is an alloyed form of the gold. It is the mixture of zinc or nickel with gold to make it white.

Other alloy is rose gold which is very famous these days. It is the mixture of copper and gold which make it rich and warm in color. The mixture of two or more gold alloys is also being used these days according to the buyer’s or a designer’s specifications.

Other metals which are popular are platinum palladium and titanium. These are all white metals being used to give a single sleek tone. Platinum is a rare metal that is why it is the most expensive common metal.

Gemstones and Diamonds

People who don’t like plain bands, there are plenty of other designing options for them by using gem stones and diamonds. Rings come with variety of stones. The most famous and popular pick for a ring is diamond. People with personal taste chose stones of different colors and sizes and yet they are elegant. Some of the gem stones which are popular:

  • Amethyst
  • Turquoise
  •  Sapphire
  • Emerald
  • Morganite
  •  Garnet
  • Pearl
  • Ruby
  • Lapis Lazuli
  • Topaz
  • Opal

Design and Style

These days people are more advanced and conscious about designs and style. Most people like and prefer designer jewelry. The competition is tough between the designers. People often match the wedding bands although it is a tradition. Variety of stones and metals makes the vast field of designs. You can use white diamonds and color diamonds on precious metals or combinations of both of them. People engrave designs on their rings or make a tattoo or quote their feelings on it. Wedding bands design should complement each other.

Wedding ring is a thing which you have to wear on your finger most of the time. So you should consult the jeweler or a designer to make you a right thing which you can cope with your daily routine. Design must be sophisticated and elegant. The ring should not be too bulky or not too thin to wear. The design should maintain the ratio with finger of the wearer. If the finger is too thin then a bulky design will not be suitable.

Solitaire rings which are very sophisticated in style and are very common these days. They are never out of the fashion. A big diamond on a single ring is always the choice of a woman. Antique and unique designs represents the personality of a person. And people often give unique and antique designs to their love ones.

One of a kind designs or bespoke designs can be a symbol of your choice and personality but it can be costly. Many designer and jewelers making designs like these. To maintain the monopoly and customs of high profile people one of a kind designs are being made. The right choice of stones and metal is an essential part of a design. For a master piece, there is a time which is required to make it. Hand crafted rings are rare.

[i] https://www.robbinsbrothers.com/ring-types

[ii] http://www.jewelrywise.com/engagement-wedding/article/what-you-should-know-about-metals