Wedding Ring Designs (Source: wedding-splendor.com)

Deep roots in history

It all begins with a story. We can easily remember the bright yellow gleam of Scythian gold treasures in the ancient times – for jewelry of antiquity were mostly made of native gold. With the improvement of processing technology and the discovery of new metals gold was enriched with silver, copper and others, including newly discovered metals like palladium, rhodium or even platinum. But all the same jewels were actually designed in only two colors: silver – white and gold – yellow.

Wedding Ring Designs (Source: weddingringsets-1.com)

As I said, more recently, other metals – palladium, osmium and rhodium were discovered. The engineers’ experiments led to the appearance of white, yellow and even green gold. Currently there are black, and pink and blue shades of gold. The exact composition and technology of these alloys always remain the secret of firms producing a particular color of the metal. Gold 585 is the cheapest category, with the lowest content of precious metals. Its value in the product ranges from $ 10 to $ 15 per gram. The color is obtained by adding an alloy with other metals – iridium, palladium, rhodium, as well as chromium and zinc. These combinations are never the same and a master always knows how to manufacture the ring’s design so as to highlight the color of the metal. Despite the presence on the world market of products from black, blue, green, pink and white gold, the most popular wedding ring designs are those made in yellow gold or a combination of yellow and white gold.

Wedding Ring Designs (Source: krikawa.com)

 Fashion is everyone’s drug

The wedding ring has always been viewed as a symbol of true love. Thousands of years have passed since the first marriage and nowadays, wedding ring designs and styles have changed a lot. Fashion in terms of wedding rings will be eternal, as people at all times marry and will be doing so as long as humanity is alive. Here are some wedding rings sets which broke all records of popularity.

Wedding Ring Designs (Source: mokumeganeya.com)

One of the main big favorite is diamond wedding ring. The most popular metal is platinum, which always goes well with both large and small diamonds. Wedding rings must be different in styles as they must represent personalities. Most popular records place platinum wedding rings with a fairly large diamond surrounded by small diamonds of white and yellow hues on the first place. Another fashion trend is to wear a platinum wedding ring covered with a straight band of small diamonds. But gold is also still in vogue. For those who prefer gold rings, the designers have created a wonderful collection of wedding rings in white gold, inlaid with triangular, circular or oval-shaped diamonds of various sizes.

Wedding Ring Designs (Source: markdefrates.com)

Another interesting idea is a combination of two or more different metals such as yellow gold, white gold and rose gold, all mixed in a single wedding ring. This combination is the best solution for the creation of wedding rings designs as it satisfies the tastes of two different persons. Simple classic ring have held for centuries the highest positions in the fashion for wedding rings. And even today, 9 out of 10 couples choose exactly this classic immortal design. In a simple ring of gold, people invest a larger sentimental value, rather than in a ring with precious stones. If you are used to the classic style, this ring fits the best. And in conclusion I can only say that choosing a wedding ring must be done by only relying on your taste and personality. And let this be a true testament to your mutual feelings that you and your spouse will carry throughout your life.

Back to gold

White gold, gold as well as any precious metal requires the addition of precious stones. And in these products will be put traditional phianites and diamonds, which makes products more expensive. Equally used are also the emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Cost of products with precious stones varies from $ 100 to infinity, but despite this, the demand for them has been recently growing. A significant demand for exclusive wedding rings states that people want to be surrounded by luxury at every step in their lives. Some manage this, some not.

Wedding Ring Designs (Source: promexcompany.com)

It should be mentioned the differences between white gold and platinum. White gold has a yellowish tint. Platinum has anything like that. To make the white color of white gold products, they are covered with a thin layer of rhodium metal. In platinum products the color is natural. A wedding ring made of white gold will look even better if it has a colored diamond while platinum look good in combination with transparent diamonds. The latter mix can be considered even the apotheosis of elegance, purity and nobility.

Before the invention of white gold diamonds were set in silver. Colored diamonds are not always pure white (most of them have a yellowish hue) even with a brownish tinge. A white gold gives a white glow to any stone. Therefore, in products made of red gold, diamond is fixed in the cover plate with white gold, so to shine magnificently. Products made of yellow gold can also be set with diamonds, but this is usually the use of technology-cast products. The high price of the precious metal has a direct impact on the design. If it is platinum or gold, the rings are available individually or in small batches. If the design is exclusive or complex, the price will also rise.

Nobody wants to be fooled by opportunistic persons or to pay a double price. As the old saying, knowledge is power and this is why the present article will mainly deal with discovering each metal’s characteristics.

Wedding Bands Sets (Source: bluediamondring-s.com)

White Gold

For start, white gold is an alloy based on white gold, widely used in the manufacture of wedding rings. Currently, the components used to create the alloy are white gold, platinum, palladium and silver in various percentages. As gold samples are printed with standards marks, these also vary depending on the color of gold, the most often seen in jewelry being white gold inscribed with 585 and 750 marks. The popularity of white gold wedding rings is partly due to its technological features – it is more solid, and therefore, it can be more reliably in securing the precious stones.

That is why quite often in products that use several shades of gold, for example, red and white, the stones are framed by white gold. Another reason for the growing popularity of white gold jewelry is the ability to achieve an original appearance of products through a combination of white gold with yellow and red. And, of course, not the last reason for the popularity of white gold is fashion. Over the past couple of decades, fashion jewelry made of white gold gain a significant pace over the world and is still extending.  

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold can also be an alloy based on yellow gold but which is covered with silver. The color of gold depends on the silver amount. In the pas it was decided to use a greater amount of copper, thus the alloy was a little reddish. In the same line, the European gold has a more lemony hue. Yellow is the primary color for the gold. But pure gold is a very soft metal for jewelry making. However, some Japanese masters decided to manufacture pure gold jewelry, ensuring that they have maintained its original appearance. These pieces are extremely rare and very carefully kept in special cases.

Wedding Bands Sets (Source: myjewelrytrends.com)

 Red Gold

Red gold (sometimes called ‘pink’) is an alloy of gold to which is added copper for a pronounced reddish hue. Red gold was a major precious metal used in jewelry industry.But in our days is not so popular for creating wedding bands sets. Now the yellow gold is considered a classic by many. It is also worth noting that red gold is combined in jewelry with white and yellow, which allows jewelers to create original wedding rings which fully emphasize the uniqueness of their own style. These rings are more responsive to the customers’ aesthetic preferences.

Wedding Bands Sets (Source: deannagracie.files.wordpress.com)

 Other colors

Green, blue and gray gold are in fact gold alloys with green, blue, gray and black shades that are obtained only recently. Their appearance is designed only for art jewelry, since in practice, these alloys are completely useless. For a saturated green color, gold is alloyed with small amounts of silver and cadmium. All the colors of gold, or rather its alloys have found wide application in jewelry, the demand for such jewelry growing every year. Therefore, in the near future it is quite possible the appearance of gold alloys with more exotic colors and shades. Moreover, the main problem of obtaining different shades of gold is not related to the overall process, but with its increased fragility or other characteristics that prevent the practical application of these alloys.

Wedding Bands Sets (Source: esotericjewels.com)

How noble is white gold?

It is believed that white gold is not as noble as the yellow one. It is important to know that the value of precious metal is not determined by the sample, but by design. The higher the sample, the more is contained in the decoration of gold; that is the whole secret. So, white and yellow gold are absolutely the same, after all.

However, this argument about the true value of white gold does not end there. It is considered that the ornaments of this metal can be both ‘noble’ and “ignoble”. But this is a question in which the other components of the jewelry have a word to say. In the ‘ignoble’ white gold there are simply no precious metals. As the ligature nickel is most often used. Studies have shown that nickel can cause allergies. That is why European countries have restricted the use of this metal in wedding bands sets and other jewelries.

Nickel is now replaced by palladium, but for many of its characteristics, it is still indispensable. For example, nickel is much harder than perfectly polished palladium. This means that its use allows you to create original jewelry with a complex design, corners and edges. The soft metal cannot support such clear geometric shapes. ‘Ignoble’ alloy with nickel is also explained by a yellowish tinge of metal. However, rhodium coated rings not only prevent contact with skin, but gives the product the traditional color of white gold.

Wedding Bands Sets (Source: cijintl.com)

‘Noble’ white gold, of course, completely eliminates the possibility of allergic reactions. In this case, palladium and platinum are involved in the alloy. Palladium is much like the gold and gives the necessary strength. Platinum is the same. Platinum is better than others, ‘whitens’ yellow gold, gives the strength of the alloy and a pale shade of natural nobility. This is why white gold has a very high cost, has the most flawless performance and captivates the most luxurious appearance.

Wedding Bands Sets (Source: madebyhandonline.com)

A fashionable white gold?

Perhaps we can say that white gold is one of the fashion metals. And there are a number of reasons. First, in the manufacture of diamond jewelry, most craftsmen would prefer white gold yellow as a frame for the precious stone. The white gold does not compete in brightness with the diamond, thus highlighting its perfect transparency and lack of yellow tint. The yellow metal, in turn, is able to hide a slight tinge characteristic for not the nicest stones. In general, it should be said that white gold profitably emphasizes the beauty of any gemstone, handing it a piece of his marvelous ‘moon’ light.

Top Wedding Ring Designers (Source: pearls-necklaces.com)

Top wedding ring designers are constantly on the lips of future brides and grooms and they often associate it with luxury and amazing sums of money, but at the same time with something indescribably noble and beautiful. The names of the world-popular jewelry brand break away from the lips of the main characters of films about millionaires and are found in the pages of novels about the high life. Today each jewelry brand is rattling all over the world, has its own history, often difficult, filled with challenges, ups and downs. All have experienced more than one period of change, before it become what it is today. The main criteria for selection were: excellent quality, service and exclusivity. If you are a passionate fan of jewelry, if you cannot imagine yourself without famous wedding rings or other decorations, you will be interested to know what kind of jewelry brands are very popular and valued more than others.

Harry Winston

The first prize and the title of ‘King of Luxury’ are won by Harry Winston, thanks to its unique diamond wedding rings. The company was founded in 1890 in Manhattan by Harry's father. In 1947, Harry Winston was the first jeweler which provided its beautiful rings to a movie star. Since then, no awards ceremony or ‘Oscar’ is complete without a fine Harry Winston ring.

Buccellati

Second place belongs to Buccellati brand, which was founded in Milan in 1919 by Mario Buccellati. This jewelry company is famous for using precious materials such as gold, platinum, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds.

Top Wedding Ring Designers (Source: luxury.plasticmike.com)

Van Cleef & Arpels

The following jewelry brand is Van Cleef & Arpels, whose history began in 1896. High technology, no susceptibility in time and a unique style are the main attributes that distinguish the brand from the other ones. Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry is associated primarily with luxury and high taste. Their pieces were chosen by famous and successful people like Francois Truffaut, Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Catherine DeNeuve, Elizabeth Taylor and other guests from around the world. Van Cleef & Arpels wedding rings are real magic rings penetrating our real world.

Top Wedding Ring Designers (Source: planetluxus.com)

Graff

Despite the fact that Graff jewelry brand is relatively young, it became very popular in a very short period of time. The brand was founded in 1960 by Lawrence Graff. The English brand is different in that all the decorations are created manually. Honed with impressive skills, Graff touch is felt in all the individual rings.

Tiffany

Tiffany brand is considered a symbol of success. Although the jewelry brand is not ranked first in the poll, they are actively developing since 1837. At the same time the most famous and recognizable light blue packaging was created. All this was made in an unusual turquoise color with a blue tint. This coloring of packaging is the hallmark of the Tiffany brand even in these days. Everyone who saw it makes associations with high quality and exquisite wedding rings, created in platinum, gold or silver and decorated with bright diamonds and other selective precious stones.

Top Wedding Ring Designers (Source: ringsdesigns.com)

Piaget

Piaget produces and sells products in two different domains – watches and jewelry. It was founded in 1874 and was originally a manufactory for the production of gauges and other components. Piaget Jewelry appeared only in the 1990s and ever since enjoyed great popularity. Their wedding rings bear the mark of luxury, quality and exclusivity. Every woman receiving a Piaget ring will be the happiest person in the world, or at least they say so.

Cartier

Although in this survey Cartier was placed in the seventh place, for many it is on the leading positions as one of the top wedding ring designers. The company emerged in 1847. Cartier jewelry was not indifferent to Napoleon. In 1902, the British Prince of Wales ordered a Cartier crown, with which he was crowned as Edward VII. Two years later Edward VII awarded the company with a royal certificate who appointed the company as the official supplier of jewelry for the royal family and Queen. Since then, the Cartier brand has been recognized in influential and noble families.

Top Wedding Ring Designers (Source: 1weddingideas.com)

Chopard

The history of the brand Chopard has 150 years and began with the production of watches. The brand can be seen on Hollywood celebrities: Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet. Staking on elegance and personality and beautiful living colors introduced by gems and fancy diamonds, the jewelry house gained their place in history.

Bvlgari

The brand that wins the silver medal is Bvlgari. Bvlgari emerged in 1879 from the ancient Greek ancestors engaged in the silver trade. The pieces are often characterized by instantly recognizable, daring, architectural patterns mixing massive and weighty gold pieces with interlocking steel. Bvlgari is also famed for colored stones, especially sapphires used in original patterns and designs but also fancy diamonds.  

Mikimoto

The well-known jewelry brand Mikimoto was founded in 1893 by Kokiche Mikimoto and this is the most popular manufacturer of products made with artificial pearls. Masters of the introduction of a patent owned by Mikimoto is the wedding ring with a diamond inside of a pearl. The sparkle of diamonds best highlights and complements the natural beauty of pearls.

Top Wedding Ring Designers (Source: windsorfinejewelers.com)

Conclusions

The most popular jewelry brands continue to live so as to please fans of jewelry with precious ornaments and spoiling surprises – each in his inimitable style. Whether due to their techniques, designs, innovations or famous customers stepping in their shops, each of these brands has gained its place in history. The wedding rings bearing the signature of one of the jewelry houses mentioned above complement the smile when you see your loved one waiting you in the front of the aisle.

Gothic jewelry appear to have a dark note, but luxurious at the same time, including cuts in Elizabethan and Victorian style, accentuated by a very intricate form. Gothic fashion collections had a great impact, especially in the field of haute couture. Designers like Givenchy, Maurizio Galante, Christian Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier used Gothic-inspired outfits because of the message they sent by color and cut. Even when it comes to wedding rings and jewelry pieces, often these collections are models that have a major impact.

Gothic Wedding Rings (Source: thegemtree.com)

Gothic style

The essence of Gothic wedding rings is subject to social or cultural beliefs inventing your own identity through clothing and accessories.

Gothic convention opposes any widespread fashion and tries to avoid conformity. Gothic inspiration can be recognized by dark colors and strong black, dark red, dark blue meant to symbolize strength, individuality and sexuality. Gothic stylistic elements are counting on the extremes, material surrounding the central design of the ring with tenderness to strong metallic details.

Gothic Wedding Rings (Source: image.rakuten.co.jp)

Due to the simplicity of ideas taken from fashion to build a gothic ring, any variation is allowed: romantic, strong, metallic black or dark colors associated with other bright colors. The stereotypes of Gothic style can enhance creativity and innovation in design. By association with punk, it emerges a new understanding and vision of the idea of Gothic: asymmetries, dark and strong colors, chaotic designs, twisted lines and unusual mysterious shines.

Gothic symbols

Ank is the symbol of fertility, the desire, the union between man and woman. As one can easily see, Gothic style is not void of deep cultural meaning. In the context of a wedding, Ankh is more than suitable to express the union of two souls into one. The Egyptian culture symbol is considered the symbol of eternal life.

Gothic Wedding Rings (Source: bodycandy.com)

Pentagram is the symbol of witchcrafts, representing the four elements: water, earth, fire and air with the spirit that surrounds them. It is a star representing a man adoring its creator. It also embodies the idea according to which the spirit dominates the four elements and dominance of reason over matter. In old legends, this was the symbol of Venus, the Goddess of love and beauty.

The pentacle is pentagram surrounded by a circle. In occult cultures represents white magic, wisdom and reason as well as the feminine element: Earth. If we are not to take into account the misunderstandings and prejudices wide spread by some people, these symbols are representations of good forces. Maybe they were taken by other cults, but that does not mean they are symbols of bad things.

Gothic Wedding Rings (Source: threerexes.com)

The cross is a symbol of Christian culture and values. After the crucifixion on the cross of Jesus Christ this element gets an entirely different connotation in Christian culture, becoming an object of adoration. Christian cross is taken as an object of worship after, according to legend, before a battle, Constantine had a dream in which he stated: By this sign you will conquer. The Christian cross symbol is used everywhere, from the church building plans and ending with the jewelry that the ladies of high society wore them as a sign of faith. Gothic wedding rings with crosses are a symbol of trust in God and faith in Divine Powers.

The Maltese Cross was the symbol of Christian warriors from the first crusade. Today it is the symbol of military Malta order. In the last century has been adopted by many knights. Used in jewelry, this can symbolize the warrior souls and placed on a wedding rings can illustrate that love is the most powerful tool in any battle.

Bat is the symbol of duality. In Western culture, bats are associated with ideas of death, vampirism and occult rituals. In Eastern cultures, however, they mostly represent luck.

Gothic Wedding Rings (Source: souljewellerystore.com)

Spider is related to death in many cultures. In pagan cultures is related to fate. In Christian culture is sometimes considered to be evil, sometimes as a symbol of luck, because the sign of the cross on the back. The Chinese believe that the spider is a bringer of joys from heaven. In many cultures centered on the idea of ​​Earth, the spiders and their webs are symbols of life cycles as natural phenomena.

As one can easily see, the myth according to which Gothic culture only uses symbols of dark is mostly destroyed. If you have the courage to wear some Gothic wedding rings then you must be sure you have made the right choice in terms of symbolic elements. You should not consider the misconceptions that most people believe as just and founded, but they rather should express your own experiences, desires and preferences.

Colors and gems

Black is usually the color used by Gothic style, is the color of night, but also symbolizes wealth and elegance. Black is often put in connection with power, formality, mystery, fear and the unknown. Black diamonds, black sapphires are the most suitable for your wedding rings. White symbolizes purity, virginity, innocence, peace, love and is associated with light, goodness, cleanliness and security. It is considered a color of perfection, usually with a positive connotation. Black and white taken together often represents the duality which does not involve a conflict but complement each other. In this duality, black may represent the feminine aspect, night, winter, the moon, Ying. White represents the masculine aspect, day, summer, life, the sun, Yang. Both are elements that only together can form a whole. What could be more appropriate for your wedding rings?

Gothic Wedding Rings (Source: threerexes.com)

Red is the color of fire, heart. It symbolizes passion and bodily love. It is often associated with strength, power, determination, passion, desire and love. Dark red is associated with vigor, power, leadership and courage.

Conclusions

Evolving and enriching time, the Gothic concept has gained new meaning, so in this century it no longer refers to evil but to an attitude.

Members of gothic culture are generally people who put more value on spirit than body, on the mystical side than on the material one. They will always seek and find hidden and mystical aspects behind the natural appearances. Gothic jewelry combines aggressive elements with romance, past with future, sobriety with femininity.

Religious Wedding Rings (Source: maxcdn.chiqweddings.com)

Traditions…

According to tradition, during the wedding ceremony you need to exchange wedding rings. In this way you agree to the marriage and the values that lie behind it, namely love, loyalty, responsibility. In the Western tradition, the wedding rings mark the beginning of a new life, the birth of a new family. Modern wedding rings allow for a wide variety of styles and solutions. Therefore, if in choosing wedding rings, you want to prefer a neat classic style, the rings will give room for imagination. These circles signifying unity can be made of various precious metals but they also allow the presence of various insertions of precious or semiprecious stones. In addition, the design of these products allows for an incredible variety of styles, up to the cutting edge. The latest trends of fashion jewelry are the rings made from different types of precious metals, adorned with diamonds and with rubies, with sapphires and emeralds. Wedding rings can combine up to three types of gold – yellow, red and white.

Religious Wedding Rings (Source: seawear.com)

…and present

The modern wedding traditions also allow for a wide variety of one of the most important attributes of marriage – the wedding ring. Design products such as wedding rings affect the abundance of options. Sleek and classic wedding rings, in spite of fashion’s intricate and complex rules and trends are still very popular among brides and grooms. Also, modernity gives ground to wedding rings made from different types of gold. Extraordinarily relevant are the wedding t rings made of titanium. I am not sure if everyone would agree to have religious wedding rings made of titanium. No one denies their special beauty and durability, but some still are deeply rooted in the belief that rings must be made of the purest metals. Gold and platinum seems more appropriate than titanium for most of us. Of course, there are avant-garde couples who want to break the patterns and reverse traditions. After all, this is a matter of choice, personality and preferences. Quoting an old Latin saying, “De Gustibus”.

Religious Wedding Rings (Source: media.onsugar.com)

Wedding rings in white gold are a tribute not only to fashion, but implicitly to the tradition of ancient silver wedding rings (which metamorphosed into the modern world) when goldsmiths learned how to produce an alloy of white gold. Close in color to platinum, while less expensive, wedding rings in white gold became as organic, as well as gold.

Religious customs

The revival of the Orthodox tradition encourages more people to get the wedding rites. This ceremony is impossible without such an attribute, like the wedding ring. Church traditions prescribe very stringent rules for choosing the bride’s wedding dress. However, the rules of church marriages give much scope for selection of important accessories like wedding rings. Depending on your preferences you can choose wedding rings in the classical tradition. Or you can pick up some original wedding rings, which combine different types of precious metals. If you wish to purchase exclusive wedding rings, then you must be advised to pay attention to products with precious stones as they are more pretentious. Also, diamond wedding rings require an elegant attire of the bride, so be careful what you want and choose.

Religious Wedding Rings (Source: images.goldenmine.com)

Gems – controversial or not?

It is thought that the wedding rings are primarily designed to enhance the beauty of union, and at the same time to express the couple’s vibrant personalities. Some of us do not agree wearing religious wedding rings with gemstone as they are too complex and flashy for such an important ceremony as the wedding. These people also believe that wedding rings must be as simple as possible, but they are not always right. These ornaments do not affect the symbolism of the ring, but it adds more meaning. They do not go in pursuit of fashion, but rather embellish the significance of wedding rings. For example, the sapphire or the azure gem is a symbol of hope, courage, joy and vitality. It has a special significance, because it directs people on the right track. Emerald is a fascinating gem, considered one of the most powerful talismans, symbolizing fertility, immortality and clairvoyance. Green and translucent, it is the emblem of hope. As one can easily see, the gems can enhance the beauty of the union of two souls. If you think that one particular gem represents you the best, then do not hesitate to include it in your wedding rings. Surely it will not be harmful, but rather helpful.

Religious Wedding Rings (Source: krikawa.com)

Intricate gold ornaments accompany the person throughout the life's journey. The beginning of a happy family life is marked by gold jewelry such as wedding rings. The most devoted fans of gold religious wedding rings are conservative and traditionalist women who appreciate the dignity of the noble shine of gold. The latest trend of the European fashion jewelry is to choose a mix of different metals: yellow, red and white gold. These ornaments and designs seem to accomplish the desire for simplicity and uniqueness at the same time.

Religious Wedding Rings (Source: img.alibaba.com)

Conclusions

We all agree upon the fact that wedding rings are the eternal symbol of strength, individuality and taste. Ever since the ancient world, every girl wants to wear on her ring finger this coveted symbol of love.  This is a unique combination of precious brilliance and tenderness of the lines – a reflection of sincerity and purity. Wedding rings can fulfill many roles: to attract attention, to decorate, to please, to illustrate the marital status. Not accidentally, the gold and silver rings are recognized as the best wedding rings for women, because they admire beauty and excellence. Glamorous, impressive wedding rings are not so much appreciated, maybe because women need simplicity while the beauty and complexity of their feelings seems to do the trick in the wedding day.

The concept “wedding ring” is often perceived as a traditional custom, but I would say its value is rather symbolic. In any case, antique style wedding rings are the real evidence that past designs can still be charming and not obsolete. Here is a guide of the most beautiful trends.

Antique Style Wedding Rings (Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com)

Empire style

The Empire style is the most expensive and the most ideological of all. According to the name, this style is closely linked to crowned heads.

The essence of style can be expressed in one word: the palace classicism. The main sources for magnificent ring design are the legacy of archaic Greece and Ancient Rome. They combine the idea of monumental and laconic form. Many pieces of jewelry are kept rather chilly and monumental at the same time. The form of decoration is symmetrical and quite geometrical. In any piece of jewelry the empire style is clearly marked in the center, which can be minimally decorated. The center can be covered with enamel, precious stones or other gems like emerald, ruby or sapphire (quality was on the first place). Because they were designed to be worn by kings and queens, the decorations and ornaments were sophisticated and intricate. The material was mainly gold and silver.

Antique Style Wedding Rings (Source: rareantiquerings.com)

Art Nouveau style

In the late nineteenth century, technological progress has made jewelry more accessible to a broad segment of society, with strong emphasis put on quality. Art Nouveau style was the peak of luxury. For example, the rings were made of the most expensive materials: gold and precious stones of the first category, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and pearls. Rings in this style do not claim the title of status accessories, but are designed to highlight the sensual nature of the owner. The formalism of diamonds, the gem’s monochrome directness is represented by opal, moonstone, chalcedony, tourmaline, aquamarine and green garnets. Diamonds are used, but only as accessories for colored stones.

Antique Style Wedding Rings (Source: c252289.r89.cf3.rackcdn.com)

The favorite technique employed in this style was the enamel. The Byzantium festive atmosphere was revived through the efforts of the masters. They used a difficult, but very effective technique, similar to the enamel, in which the reverse side of the ring will remain open so that the penetrating light will give it the similarity with enamel glass. Art Nouveau era marked the beginning of Design – a quality flawless manufacture was more expensive than the materials. Another major storyline for the decoration became natural motifs, flowers, insects, snakes and animals. True nobility and bohemian chic characterized the Art Nouveau rings.

Art Deco style

Art Deco style was engendered between the two world wars. It can often be named “retro”. The birth of this style was dictated by the desire of people tired of war and poverty for welfare and lust for life. The key word for these antique style wedding rings were “geometry”, “chromatic contrast”, “linearity”. It explicitly relied on colors. The pieces of jewelry were regarded as symbols of a dynamic lifestyle.

Jewelers played with broken lines, sharp angles and volumes in search of a dynamic rather than static effect. Most of the volume effect is achieved by glossy surfaces, their spatial metamorphosis and texture of the metal (shiny, matte or embossed). Famous jewelry houses (Cartier, Boucheron, Chaumet) were not indifferent to geometric and chromatic effect, but enjoyed the exuberance of aristocratic decor with moderation. Art Deco is the reign period of precious stones, while metal plays the role of bonding element.

Antique Style Wedding Rings (Source: rareantiquerings.com)

Baroque style

It is possible to characterize the style with epithets like “great and solemn”. Characterized by ornamental pomp, pretentiousness and the disappearance of specific forms, Baroque was the very definition of luxury. The rings of that time had a lush, strictly symmetric form and were abundantly decorated with deep color gemstones. The masters significantly increased the brilliance and “fire” of the stone. Gold was the favorite metal. An important innovation is that rings mostly used the Rose cut technique. Flowers and floral weave was the most common design for wedding rings.

Antique Style Wedding Rings (Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com)

 …and present

Today, the jewelry industry has improved production. There are thousands of wedding rings (different forms and versions) – simple, with varying widths and shades of gold, variously decorated with engravings, small scars or sawed balls and luxurious hearts composed of colored materials and ingeniously combined. Despite this amazing progress, most brides still prefer the antique style wedding rings because they have a special charm and glow.  If you want a truly fantastic ring, you can order it on an individual jeweler. In this case, it all depends on your imagination. Maybe you want to mix two styles or maybe you want just a single element belonging to a certain style.

It is well known the fact that genuine antique rings require a special care, so they are not suitable for everyday wear. But if you necessarily want an antique ring, you can choose the design, but the manufacture process to be done with modern equipment. In this way you have two things at once: antique look and durability, past and present, old and new. It is the best option you have. However, the secret is to find a skilful jeweler master to carry out your desires and ideas.

Antique Style Wedding Rings (Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com)

Conclusions

Design in the twentieth century has become a global phenomenon, encompassing a variety of areas, from architecture to jewelry. In connection with the world of globalization, the development of original designs has become a universal concern. Although we live in a highly technologized world, we still crave for the glory of the past, its simplicity and charm. We always want more. Therefore the couples prefer to buy old and antique wedding rings to remind them that future could not exist without a remarkable past.  Rings have their own artistic language and are continually borrowing forms and ideas from the past. At present, wedding ring designers have the widest selection of art and they are free to mix past and present in search of the future.

Mokume Gane Wedding Rings (Source: mokume.com)

 Step by step

Translated, the term Mokume Gane means “pine wood metal, because drawings on the metal look like wood.  Mokume literally means “wood eye”. It is a concept used to emphasize the similarity with the wood fiber. “Gane” means “metal”.  Before beginning to create jewelry, the master must select metals, different in their properties, the most important aspects being their toughness and color. In selecting the colors the natural shades of the metal play an important role, but also those different shades which can occur as a result of the use of chemicals and heat. Depending on the amount of material and figure that you want, the thickness of metal sheets may vary from hundredths of a millimeter to one centimeter. All sheets are cut in the same shape and then thoroughly cleaned from dust, grease, and (most importantly) oxides.

Mokume Gane Wedding Rings (Source: bridalbuds.com)

The dense overlay of all the plates is heated to such an extent that the metals interact with each other, forming a single alloy. Depending on the technique used, this alloy can be subjected to diffusion bonding in the solid state, transient liquid state or each separate sheet may undergo a liquid phase and then to be connected to the rest of the metal plates. The process of creating jewelry is resumed to bare the inner layers of metal sheets and rip them to the front surface. This can be achieved by several methods. The surface of the plate can be struck with a chisel or cutter and then aligned to a certain thickness or the surface may remain unchanged, such as it was after the coinage. You can also stamp or pierce one of the two sides of the resulting metal plate, cutting off the surface and exposing a file. You can also twist and bend the upper layers of the metal plates parallel to forging them, revealing thus the latest plate. It is due to lamination of the plate there are so many opportunities to create a drawing. In this process, the interaction of technology and art is displayed. The originality of Mokume Gane wedding rings is limited only by the imagination of the wizard.

Mokume Gane Wedding Rings (Source: peggierobinsondesigns.com)

 A little bit of history

In feudal Japan, the sword was one of the basic metal products. The best and most experienced craftsmen created such swords and equipment, but the discovery of new techniques for decoration of weapons belongs to Shoami Denby, a blacksmith from Akita. Shoami also learned how to achieve the effect kuiri-bori, similar to the Chinese and Japanese lacquer technique. This technique is a parallel and intermittent imposition of black and red lacquer. On the handle of a sword were cut grooves and patterns and then exposed the inner weave to two-tone painting. The blacksmith gradually learned how to smooth engraving and re-create on the plate surface patterns similar to wood grain. We can only deduce that trying to further improve and beautify the swords, he merged the two techniques and thus the Mokume Gane was invented.

Mokume Gane Wedding Rings (Source: furthers.com)

Similar to Mokume Gane, Damascus steel works were created on the principle of soldering, one over the other, layers of gold, silver and copper, then all the weight was cut off. The result was a thin layer that used a conical scanning, which allowed to create concentric circles and grooves in the form of a triangle, which together formed parallel, straight or twisted lines.

Antique touch

By adding a proportional ratio of copper to the metal the masters used to create and decorate different products. But the Japanese were not the only ones who invented the technique of diffusion welding of nonferrous metals. In 1743 a similar discovery was made by the Englishman Thomas Bulsover. Thus, in different cultures different methods of metal processing have formed. The Japanese used a layering process to create extraordinary patterns and then, twisting each metal. British sputtered a layer of precious metal on a copper base, thus hiding it, creating the impression that the whole subject was made of pure silver. The method of coating metal is cheap and is used even today in the manufacture of jewelry. If you are fascinated by the world of samurai and delicate geishas then these rings will transport you, metaphorically, in those charming times. Mokume Gane rings seem to talk about chivalry, honor, power, purity and skill.

Mokume Gane Wedding Rings (Source: deviantart.com)

 Quality characteristics

Characteristic for Mokume Gane wedding rings is mainly the fact that both rings are forged from various metal layers. Created in this way, the wedding rings represent the beautiful symbols of infinity. Furthermore, the typical Mokume Gane pattern is constant and continuous. This traditional technique metamorphoses the pieces of metal into quality and mystery. This means that your rings will be unique. These pieces must be entirely created by hand and thus the price increases. If you want to have real wonders on your fingers, then you should choose contrasting colors for metals. For example, if you choose pink gold and silver, the result will be outstanding. In addition, you can order rings that incorporate small diamonds or other gems (that is your budget allows, because Mokume Gane wedding rings are expensive and only some of us can afford diamonds). If you are keen on avantgarde, you can choose bolder colors like green, blue or even a combination of black and gray.

Mokume Gane Wedding Rings (Source: thediamondalternative.com)

Conclusions

As a result, the synthesis of precious metals products come with a characteristic charisma, aesthetics and originality, displaying a picture old Wizards of feudal Japan. Reviving the Mokume Gane technique in our modern times is like bringing to life the Feudal Japan period. Mokume Gane is the transformation of the ordinary into extraordinary with respect to jewelry domain.

Wedding Rings And Bands (Source: weddings-place.com)

Trends

Indisputably, the favorite metals in 2011 are white gold and platinum. At the peak of their popularity are rings with inlaid diamonds. However, if you are willing to spend a lot on a ring for your beloved one, then take the most fashionable trend in the year – a platinum ring with a large diamond surrounded by a scattering of smaller ones. Rings of light metals will look very elegant and stylish, while not losing its original luxury. Couples who prefer simplicity and modesty instead of pretentiousness and pomposity will appreciate simple rings with geometric patterns. Clarity of line and form is very reserved and conciseness of such models is conservative and a craving for tradition.

Wedding Rings And Bands (Source: weddingandrings.com)

Special places among the hierarchy of fashion jewelry novelties for newlyweds have the antique rings. Vintage rings with large sapphires, emeralds, rubies or pearls will look antique and luxury, a return to the monarchy periods. With these symbols of eternal love you will look like a king and queen! Turbulent times of 60's America, when hippie culture flourished, came to us with echoes of the “flower children”. Ring with floral elements and colors in combination with pearls will reflect your spiritual closeness, openness and harmony of relationships.

Wedding Rings And Bands (Source: applesofgold.com)

We could not ignore another fashionable trend of wedding jewelry – a combination of different non-ferrous metals. You cannot choose between white or Venetian gold? Take two! Rings “Two in One” are now rapidly gaining momentum. Elaborate weave, a combination of different metals, scattering colored stones – your imagination is limitless! Do not be afraid to look gaudy, paint the characters of your love in different colors!

The most expensive stones for rings

The wedding ring is the main decoration for every person to marry. It will stay with you throughout life and will pass from generation to generation as family heirlooms. Therefore it is not a sin to choose a ring with precious tones.

The most famous, most expensive and hardest mineral in nature is the diamond. This king of precious stones is a symbol of luxury. Diamonds are often used to decorate wedding rings as they are versatile stones and are compatible with nearly every valuable metal. On the second place is ruby. This bright red mineral is associated many superstitions and legends. It is called the blood of the gods. It is also believed that the ruby ​​is a talisman for his master. When it is getting dark, it warns an impending danger.  Emerald is the third.  This rich-green mineral is also distinguished by a high density and with proper handling, dazzling shine. Its special shade can scare conservative newlyweds. However, this can make an unusual wedding ring. Sapphire has a beautiful blue shade. Sapphire has always been a symbol of heaven and the divine. It guards the soul of the wearer from any evil and gives the best human qualities.

Wedding Rings And Bands (Source: thenaturalsapphirecompany.com)

Choose the right gem for wedding rings and bands and they will undoubtedly become the talisman of a new family.

Enamel wedding rings

Today, the couples tend to choose unusual and bright rings. Wedding rings are symbols of a happy family life. Without them, a celebration has no meaning. A fitting choice for a romantic and original bride and groom will be the enamel wedding rings. They are unusual, elegant and bright. Enamel wedding rings will always be admired due to their appearance and look. If you take a look at history, enamel jewelry was known in ancient Egypt. Skilled jewelers used colored enamel for the production of his masterpieces.

Wedding Rings And Bands (Source: blueboxboutique.com)

The Byzantine period was important for enamel rings. Here masters created their own unique techniques of making rings and earrings of enamel. By the way, today the technique is equally popular as the couples gladly prefer wedding rings made with the Byzantine enamel technology. Skilled jewelers recess on jewelry – it could be signs, pictures or symbols. Then they were filled with the deepening of the enamel. The deeper the depression was, the darker the enamel.

The manufacture of wedding rings from enamel is not an easy task, but also a time-consuming affair. Enamel jewelry is made up of paint and color pigments. It is fusible, so that it can be given any shape. Enamel is applied to the ring or filled into grooves in the ring, painting in this way interesting characters and symbols. After this, the enamel is fixed to the base metal of the ring. This is possible because the product is fired at a temperature of 500-800 degrees. Wedding rings of enamel are a work of art. They are refined, exquisite, extraordinary. These ornaments look natural and enamel color can range from delicate pastel to bright red.

Wedding Rings And Bands (Source: seankenna.com)

If you want to be even more original, the enamel can be combined with precious stones. This jewelry will amaze and delight. Wedding rings of enamel are full of vitality, uniqueness and elegance. They radiate energy and light.

Conclusions

The wedding ring is a sign of loyalty and mutual desire to unite your fate with your loved ones. Rings may be traditional – in yellow gold or unusual – with precious stones, engravings and other decorations.  Today, more and more newlyweds are choosing whimsical creations of designers and fashion wedding jewelry, classic wedding bands in a simple gold stripes becoming less relevant. Fine and unusual rings are rapidly gaining popularity. Therefore, if fashion is a big part of your life and you always keep track of trends, then your wedding rings and bands must follow the same path. It is just a matter of taste, personality and character.

Handmade. Here is a breath of fresh air! Designers have always worked for a certain category of public. If fashion rules dictate that they will be in trend, the better. Handmade accessories have a particular aura of uniqueness, sometimes traditional. Handmade jewelry will be very fashionable in 2012. Those made from processed metal or painted or with multicolored pearls will be very popular among future brides and grooms. The growing popularity of handmade jewelry refined simplicity, the palette of natural colors and retro-style. In the jewelry it will be used pearls, carefully crafted metal and vintage motifs. The name echoes the trend of art studios, in which are rings created by craftsmen are unique products that complement the individual’s charm.

Ladies Wedding Rings (Source: intimateweddings.com)

Antique or classical. Old jewelry do not necessarily must have hundreds of years, but they must have an air of old that looks very well and makes them very attractive. Also classic rings will be highly appreciated as 2012 is the year of simplicity and clean lines.

Flora and fauna. Using nature as inspiration designers will create modern and attractive wedding rings. Animal and floral motifs are in vogue. Just imagine a wedding ring in the form of a butterfly or a flower. What could be more enjoying than that?

Ladies Wedding Rings (Source: freakingnews.com)

Strong and bright colors. Color + shine – this is the ideal combination for 2012. A very colorful or shiny jewelry (or both) can get out of the crowd absolutely any outfit, if it is combined with taste, inspiration and courage. For example, a reddish gold ring with a shiny diamond (or diamonds) can be enough for every day to start miraculously.

Ladies Wedding Rings (Source: weddings-paradise.com)

Bold, solid. That sounds very known to us since last season. Well, it seems that boldness never goes out of style. The fact that certain trends are kept this season makes me think of two things. First, it is at least one common thread between seasons, which is refreshing and secondly, it makes the transition to something new, but not suddenly, but slowly, even if “fashion rushes “. So keep the massive, bold and daring rings, because they look so fabulous. This style is likely to appeal to self-confident individuals who are not afraid to express their ideas and preferences in unique forms of jewelry. Abundance, sinuous weaving and eclectic wealth of details are just some of the key words.

Shades of blue. Turquoise, blue, aquamarine, azure or dark shades of blue are strong and alive. Do not forget, however, about green and purple, which are as trendy and effective. Simple shaped ladies wedding rings encrusted with sapphires, emeralds, topaz and any other such precious stone will attract envious eyes on your hands.

Ladies Wedding Rings (Source: thenaturalsapphirecompany.com)

Pearls and beads.This is a fashion prediction of 2012 that delight us. Their presence in jewelry will give a particularly charming and stylish note to any ring. Pearls are the symbols of femininity (do you remember the famous picture of Venus emerging from a seashell?) and in combination with yellow or white gold will make a perfect match.

Art Nouveau. This trend represents the foundation of modern claims of absolute originality and total oblivion of the past art. This demanded appropriate accessories, and above all, a new type of jewelry. There were unique types of rings – with pearl or diamond, decorations with stones. At the initial stage in the imagery of jewelry, as well as in modern art in general, bright floral development has been the leading direction, which is most consistent with the artistic aspirations of the time. At the heart of it lays a transformation of nature’s motifs and if the era of historicism was characterized by a naturalistic image of flowers and insects, the master of Art Nouveau treated them as a kind of characters that carry the symbolism of the nervous turn of the century. In the ornamental decoration of floral trends of modernity was reflected the magical and poetic world of plants and animals, emerald lizards and snakes, dragonflies and butterflies, majestic sunflowers and reeds, gorgeous orchids, elegant irises, delicate lilies and spectacular cyclamen.

Ladies Wedding Rings (Source: weddingpartybands.com)

Surrealism. The growing popularity of the genre Sci-Fi and provocative styles of celebrities (Lady Gagais illustrative in this regard) have allowed designers to develop a trend in which the mixed motives of skeletons and myths and legends of extraterrestrials are translated into jewelry. Orange and red (gold) and dark colors of the night sky transferred with the help of shiny sapphires are suitable for an independent person. The magic of voodoo, shamanism, dark aesthetics, the divine light, constellations, space are all mixed to create unique products.

Ladies Wedding Rings (Source: weddingandrings.com)

Techno. Based on the radical minimalism – the revival of the era of “techno” 1990 – this trend is the inspiration for the creation of contemporary jewelry in the industrial style, consisting of geometric and abstract forms. The new combination of strong, eye-catching color palette and a poisonous rainbow will be intensively used.  Bright colors, overflowing forms, rigid luxury, monochromatic colors and diffused light will be the stars of this trend in terms of ladies wedding rings.

Conclusions

If you are aware of fashion trends this will help you choose rings that will be fashionable throughout the season. The most important rule that you must remember is to stick to only one trend and you will look stylish and fashionable. Well, perhaps the most important trend in 2012 succinctly put is that you must wear only the jewelry pieces that reflect your personality!

Male Wedding Ring (Source: img2.etsystatic.com)

 Steampunk style

Steampunk style jewelry is a relatively recent appearance. Though Steampunk style emerged in the mid 80s, it had not gain popularity until the 2000s. However, steampunk jewelry still have a long way to popularity, currently being the brand of a passionate small community, groups of young people interested in science fiction, deeply rooted in the urban industrial style. A Steampunk piece of jewelry, namely the wedding ring is the best suited for men as they are keen on technology and functionality.

Unfortunately, Steampunk style is still foreign to many people. I say “unfortunately” because, in essence, Steampunk suggest individual freedom, creativity, artistic sense, insight, passion and a particular touch of romance. Steampunk jewelry appeals to a niche, there is not a widespread fashion. On the contrary, for some the pieces belonging to this style are strange, shocking, even ugly. Few men would see themselves wearing such jewelry. But those who have the courage to wear them are daring, independent and balanced.

Male Wedding Ring (Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com)

 What does it mean?

For jewelry makers in Steampunk style, their pieces are more than just simple jewelry. It is a creation that has its own story, unique and interesting, evoking a memory or embodying a dream and demanding energy. As a jewelry designer interested in Steampunk style said, there is a Steampunk state – it is not a common condition as the other traditional jewelry. Steampunk means shock, attitude, reaction and rebellion.

Male Wedding Ring (Source: s2.thisnext.com)

The story of a Steampunk male wedding ring arises in the mind of the creator and evolves on its own. Not the creator is the one who tells the story, but the piece itself unfolds before him. It is not a creation, is more a discovery. When you have finished such a creation you recognize it as if it always existed, it were there with you for a long time and just now you had the chance to really see it. Wearing a Steampunk ring is a wonderful adventure.

Features

Steampunk style is strange and unconventional, shocking and worrying at the same time, but has a considerable emotional side. I would add that it has a certain air of warning – you have to take it into account, listen to its stories and discover its meanings. Steampunk pieces’ symbolism is deep and makes you think of meditation and introspection. If you manage to do this, it is a moment of liberation, of chatarsis.

Male Wedding Ring (Source: img2.etsystatic.com)

Steampunk jewelry is the innovative combination of characteristic of the mechanical-industrial and feminine – romantic. Elegance and finesse specific to the Victorian jewelry – plus items such as needle rollers or spare parts of industrial mechanisms, “old” things, such as rust stained wrenches, screws, scratched metal plates make Steampunk jewelry to attract a particular attention. From the Victorian style Steampunk uses filigree parts, imposing semi-precious stones. Thus a Steampunk male wedding ring matches a very manly outfit, giving it a touch of mystery emanating independence and power.

Colors and materials specific for Steampunk jewelry are the metals with an antique appearance: bronze, brass, silver blackened by time, shades of gray, brown, but not all parts necessarily have these features; other colors or shades can be used. Materials that can be combined to get a Steampunk look often come from some old mechanical watches, parts of which can be used in various combinations and techniques. In this style, “the sky is the limit”, everything realtes to the creativity and inventiveness of the artist.

Male Wedding Ring (Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com)

Although they are static, each piece seems to have certain functionality. In fact, therein lays the beauty of the style: it makes you perceive something as alive, something that moves, something whose story is told by toothed wheels and pieces of mechanisms. Steampunk rings have mystery: you wonder on what purpose they were built and how it works.

Themes

The themes adopted by the Steampunk style are time, but also dreaming, explorations, travel, technology, sometimes loneliness. Steampunk style resembles a little with the style of “Cyberpunk” – another way of expressing rebellion, another kind of science fiction. But while Cyberpunk is dark, depressing, located in a post-apocalyptic world, Steampunk has elements of optimism about human potential, has a healthy dose of romance and represents a miraculous world. The rings belonging to Steampunk style are thus more than mere beauty accessories – they tell a story, are attitude and rebellion, dreams and fantasy.

Male Wedding Ring (Source: ny-image3.etsy.com)

 This strange and attractive trend seem to bear many untold secrets: Masson compass and square, nostalgic for the time of pirates and explorers, fantastic novels of Jules Verne, the first steam locomotives and cars and adventurers’ mysterious mechanisms that can put all at stake, for the sake of illusory dreams. In the age of conveyor consumer goods, individuality is a luxury. The style finds its popularity, because it increases resistance to corporate modernization and nostalgia sweeping across the rare and old. In essence Steampunk is a combination of modern and antique materials. The genre became popular as a form of science fiction where steam engines and machine time coexisted with futuristic landscapes. It seems that HG Wells met with Star Wars!

Conclusions

Steampunk has grown to become almost the main topic of jewelry trends. It is especially popular among the younger generation, but there are followers of all ages. There is reason to believe that the “steam style” will have an increasing impact on the jewelry, especially jewelry for men. Already, many designers have included in their latest collections typical components of Steampunk: watch parts, keys, chains and other attributes of the age of steam.