Traditionally when a man asked a woman for her hand in marriage, he’d give her a solitaire diamond engagement ring. Today, the question is still the same, but the ring style can vary greatly. One new and innovative design that many couples are opting for is a . Some women and men feel this type of ring better captures the sentiment they are feeling as they take the next step in their life together.
Most jewelry stores have a nice selection of these rings which feature three stones. Typically the middle stone in a past present and future ring is slightly larger than the other two stones, which sit on either side of it. The top choice for the type of gemstones is diamonds, but the sky is really the limit when it comes to what stones are in the ring. Some brides are trying a new approach when they decide on a past present and future ring and want their soon to be husband’s birthstone to take center place on the ring.
Although these rings are becoming more commonplace with each passing year, many couples are still feeling the need to have matching wedding bands. A nice feature about a past present and future ring is that it can be easily paired with almost any wedding band. Whether the wedding band is a simple gold or silver design or if it’s adorned with diamonds, it will look perfect when sitting next to the past present and future ring on the bride’s finger.
Those brides who are past the newlywed stage may feel they missed the opportunity to have a ring like this. That’s certainly not the case as many married men are finding it a nice idea and loving gesture to present their wife with a past present and future ring on the occasion of their anniversary.
The three stones still hold the same meaning and for a couple celebrating a monumental anniversary, perhaps a tenth or twentieth, a past present and future ring is a very appropriate symbol of their continued commitment to one another.
Choosing one is best left for the man and woman to do together, unless the man has insight into the type of jewelry his lady love enjoys. More and more women prefer the look of silver or platinum over gold for a band choice, and a past present and future ring can easily be designed out of any of these precious metals. Once the ring is in its rightful place on the finger of the woman it was chosen for, it will likely remain there for many years to come.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
White gold wedding bands
Many people see the wedding ring as a status symbol. Instead of a simple token of affection and commitment, they get a diamond wedding ring packed within as many shimmering, sparkling, overpriced crystals as possible. In my mind, this is not only a tacky gesture, but also a counterproductive one. I have always favored simple white gold wedding bands. The purpose of the wedding ring, after all, is not to show off how much money you have, or to catch the eye of everyone that you see. The purpose of a white gold wedding band is to show that you intend to spend the rest of your life with someone.
Of course, a little adornment can be quite beautiful. I had a friend who exchanged white gold Celtic wedding bands instead of the plain ones that I prefer. They loved them. The designs were simple and elegant, so the meaning of the wedding band was not lost. But the important thing to remember is that the white gold wedding ring is not a place for self-expression. If you like fancy jewelery, that is fine. You can get all kinds of fancy jewelry to adorn your hands, your neck, your wrists, or any other part of your body. But the purpose of a wedding band is mostly symbolic. As such, it can serve this purpose better if it is of a simple and elegant design. This is why I feel that simple white gold wedding bands are superior to any other style.
This doesn't mean that quality doesn't matter. Far from it! Not all white gold wedding bands are the same. Even if you are looking at rings that have no carvings or adornments, they still are of different designs. Some white gold wedding bands are of higher caliber than others. Some of them are thicker, thinner, or of a slightly different shape. I have always thought that white gold wedding bands with a slightly rectangular shape to the band looked particularly sharp, but many people disagree with me on this.
Fortunately, white gold wedding bands have maintains tremendous popularity over the years. If you go to your local jewelry store, you should be able to try on several different styles and see which one works best for you. In addition to white gold wedding bands, there are other tints as well. You may find red gold to be much more striking.
Of course, a little adornment can be quite beautiful. I had a friend who exchanged white gold Celtic wedding bands instead of the plain ones that I prefer. They loved them. The designs were simple and elegant, so the meaning of the wedding band was not lost. But the important thing to remember is that the white gold wedding ring is not a place for self-expression. If you like fancy jewelery, that is fine. You can get all kinds of fancy jewelry to adorn your hands, your neck, your wrists, or any other part of your body. But the purpose of a wedding band is mostly symbolic. As such, it can serve this purpose better if it is of a simple and elegant design. This is why I feel that simple white gold wedding bands are superior to any other style.
This doesn't mean that quality doesn't matter. Far from it! Not all white gold wedding bands are the same. Even if you are looking at rings that have no carvings or adornments, they still are of different designs. Some white gold wedding bands are of higher caliber than others. Some of them are thicker, thinner, or of a slightly different shape. I have always thought that white gold wedding bands with a slightly rectangular shape to the band looked particularly sharp, but many people disagree with me on this.
Fortunately, white gold wedding bands have maintains tremendous popularity over the years. If you go to your local jewelry store, you should be able to try on several different styles and see which one works best for you. In addition to white gold wedding bands, there are other tints as well. You may find red gold to be much more striking.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Metals To Choose For Jewellery
The feeling of wearing exquisite jewelery is, for many, second to none - after all, a great piece of jewelery doesn't have the same rigid time scale on it as a fashionable dress or a trendy pair of shoes. But choosing jewelery can be a time consuming process, especially if you're trying to find a special necklace or bracelet for someone you care about. But buying jewelery doesn't have to be difficult; instead, if you focus on some key guidelines when making your choice you'll be able to find the perfect item of jewelery in no time.
Regardless of whether you're looking for earrings, bangles or rings, it's crucial to choose the right metal when buying jewelery and establish what your budget is. For instance, platinum is the most expensive type of metal you can buy, while nine carat gold will be more affordable than 18 carat gold if you're looking for gold jewelery.
Additionally, you'll need to consider the personal taste and skin type of the person you're buying for. Not everyone likes yellow gold, while for others it might be all they consider when picking jewelery for themselves. Make sure you know what type of metal you're buying, and if you're not sure of the properties of a particular metal, ask someone who knows.
Choosing the right type of gold, for example, can be tricky. Gold can make a great finishing touch to an outfit, but make sure you don't go overboard. Pure gold is yellow and can look overpowering if worn in large quantities; opt for delicate yellow gold hoops - a piece of jewelery worn frequently by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, to finish off a an outfit with an air of casual grace. Or, if you're looking for a larger piece of gold jewelery, opt for white or rose gold which tends to be more subtle in tone and often appeals to people who are reluctant to don flashier yellow gold items.
Conversely, if the person you're buying jewelery for prefers to stay away from gold altogether, opt for an alternative precious metal like silver, platinum or tungsten, now widely used in all types of jewelery including earrings and neckalces. Platinum is becoming increasingly popular as a jewelery metal, with the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Hudson sporting platinum jewelery pieces at this year's Academy Awards.
Tungsten is also a rising star among the world's top jewellery designers, especially when it comes to men's jewellery. Tungsten rings are fast gaining currency with fashion-conscious men eager to set the trend - so if you're looking for jewellery for men, then tungsten is likely the best way to go. In fact, tungsten jewellery has received support from the likes of actors Kiefer Sutherland and Gary Sinise, while watch manufacturers like TAG Heuer and Baume et Mercier have been using tungsten in watches for years.
Another lesson that's essential to remember in any jewellery buying spree is to check the hallmark of the jewelery you've decided to buy. Particularly when purchasing gold jewelery, ensure that you check and understand the hallmark of the piece on question. A hallmark is a quality control mark that's placed on gold, silver and platinum and guarantees that the metal a consumer is about to buy lives up to legal standards.
Moreover, hallmark symbols allow you to identify quickly the carat of your jewellery, as well as its purity levels. And once you've approved the standards of the metal you've chosen, and the style of the piece of jewellery, there's only one thing left to do - make your purchase!
Regardless of whether you're looking for earrings, bangles or rings, it's crucial to choose the right metal when buying jewelery and establish what your budget is. For instance, platinum is the most expensive type of metal you can buy, while nine carat gold will be more affordable than 18 carat gold if you're looking for gold jewelery.
Additionally, you'll need to consider the personal taste and skin type of the person you're buying for. Not everyone likes yellow gold, while for others it might be all they consider when picking jewelery for themselves. Make sure you know what type of metal you're buying, and if you're not sure of the properties of a particular metal, ask someone who knows.
Choosing the right type of gold, for example, can be tricky. Gold can make a great finishing touch to an outfit, but make sure you don't go overboard. Pure gold is yellow and can look overpowering if worn in large quantities; opt for delicate yellow gold hoops - a piece of jewelery worn frequently by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, to finish off a an outfit with an air of casual grace. Or, if you're looking for a larger piece of gold jewelery, opt for white or rose gold which tends to be more subtle in tone and often appeals to people who are reluctant to don flashier yellow gold items.
Conversely, if the person you're buying jewelery for prefers to stay away from gold altogether, opt for an alternative precious metal like silver, platinum or tungsten, now widely used in all types of jewelery including earrings and neckalces. Platinum is becoming increasingly popular as a jewelery metal, with the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Hudson sporting platinum jewelery pieces at this year's Academy Awards.
Tungsten is also a rising star among the world's top jewellery designers, especially when it comes to men's jewellery. Tungsten rings are fast gaining currency with fashion-conscious men eager to set the trend - so if you're looking for jewellery for men, then tungsten is likely the best way to go. In fact, tungsten jewellery has received support from the likes of actors Kiefer Sutherland and Gary Sinise, while watch manufacturers like TAG Heuer and Baume et Mercier have been using tungsten in watches for years.
Another lesson that's essential to remember in any jewellery buying spree is to check the hallmark of the jewelery you've decided to buy. Particularly when purchasing gold jewelery, ensure that you check and understand the hallmark of the piece on question. A hallmark is a quality control mark that's placed on gold, silver and platinum and guarantees that the metal a consumer is about to buy lives up to legal standards.
Moreover, hallmark symbols allow you to identify quickly the carat of your jewellery, as well as its purity levels. And once you've approved the standards of the metal you've chosen, and the style of the piece of jewellery, there's only one thing left to do - make your purchase!
Buying Jewellery For Teenage Girls
Buying jewelry for teenage girls can seem like a chore at times. But it doesn't have to be. In fact, many teenage girls love to wear jewelry and they love receiving jewelry as gifts.
A lot of teenage girls love to dress up, swap ideas with their friends and many like to look at what their favourite stars and celebrities are wearing too. Their sense of style can be very unique and they can sometimes be seen to start trends.
The first thing you need to do is to set your budget. Once you have a budget in mind, this will help narrow down where you choose to shop i.e. low-end, mid-range or high-end jewelry.
The second thing you need to do is to take into account their style. Do they dress in a certain way i.e. punk, rock, gothic, bohemian, follower of fashion? If they are a follower of fashion, chances are they probably won't be into skulls and crossbones - unless of course, they are 'in fashion'!
Below are some popular styles and trends followed by a quick where to buy guide.
Popular Styles & Trends
Charms - are always popular and these days you can find many charms in the form of charm bracelets, charm necklaces and charm earrings.
Hearts - are truly timeless. You can find an array of gorgeous jewelry adorned with heart shapes and pendants.
Butterflies - are spectacular and it's hard to resist their beautiful shapes. Wherever they appear, teenage girls (and women too) adore butterflies.
Leather jewelry - is another great choice. It can be funky and unique, and you needn't spend a fortune on a great piece either. Look out for fabulous leather bracelets or rings.
Colour - can be a little tricky. Take into account the style of the teenager. If in doubt, stick to neutrals such as silver and black. Otherwise pinks and blues can work wonders!
Where To Buy
Department stores are a good place to start as are clothes shops, but the latter tend to have a limited range. Although, some clothes shops are aimed specifically at teenagers and you will find up-to-the-minute jewelry. Department stores have a vast array of jewelry on offer and you also have the added bonus of being able to ask an assistant for any help.
If you don't have time to go into town or a shopping mall, try looking online. There are so many online stores right now and you're simply spoilt for choice.
Shopping online can be really fun and it also takes the stress out of having to trawl through crowded shops and malls. If you're buying for your daughter, sit down with her at your computer (with your favourite brews - be it tea, coffee or hot chocolate) and spend time getting to know what she likes.
Otherwise, a good place to start is by asking the teenager in question what jewelry websites she likes, and pretend to buy for someone else if you don't want her to know. Or, ask around parents of teenage girls that you know as they may be able to recommend some good places to buy from. And, if you really have time, check out magazines such as ELLEgirl, CosmoGIRL or Teen Vogue for some great ideas.
So remember, just take into account your budget, the teenager's sense of style and check out any recommendations. Your gift is sure to be loved.
A lot of teenage girls love to dress up, swap ideas with their friends and many like to look at what their favourite stars and celebrities are wearing too. Their sense of style can be very unique and they can sometimes be seen to start trends.
The first thing you need to do is to set your budget. Once you have a budget in mind, this will help narrow down where you choose to shop i.e. low-end, mid-range or high-end jewelry.
The second thing you need to do is to take into account their style. Do they dress in a certain way i.e. punk, rock, gothic, bohemian, follower of fashion? If they are a follower of fashion, chances are they probably won't be into skulls and crossbones - unless of course, they are 'in fashion'!
Below are some popular styles and trends followed by a quick where to buy guide.
Popular Styles & Trends
Charms - are always popular and these days you can find many charms in the form of charm bracelets, charm necklaces and charm earrings.
Hearts - are truly timeless. You can find an array of gorgeous jewelry adorned with heart shapes and pendants.
Butterflies - are spectacular and it's hard to resist their beautiful shapes. Wherever they appear, teenage girls (and women too) adore butterflies.
Leather jewelry - is another great choice. It can be funky and unique, and you needn't spend a fortune on a great piece either. Look out for fabulous leather bracelets or rings.
Colour - can be a little tricky. Take into account the style of the teenager. If in doubt, stick to neutrals such as silver and black. Otherwise pinks and blues can work wonders!
Where To Buy
Department stores are a good place to start as are clothes shops, but the latter tend to have a limited range. Although, some clothes shops are aimed specifically at teenagers and you will find up-to-the-minute jewelry. Department stores have a vast array of jewelry on offer and you also have the added bonus of being able to ask an assistant for any help.
If you don't have time to go into town or a shopping mall, try looking online. There are so many online stores right now and you're simply spoilt for choice.
Shopping online can be really fun and it also takes the stress out of having to trawl through crowded shops and malls. If you're buying for your daughter, sit down with her at your computer (with your favourite brews - be it tea, coffee or hot chocolate) and spend time getting to know what she likes.
Otherwise, a good place to start is by asking the teenager in question what jewelry websites she likes, and pretend to buy for someone else if you don't want her to know. Or, ask around parents of teenage girls that you know as they may be able to recommend some good places to buy from. And, if you really have time, check out magazines such as ELLEgirl, CosmoGIRL or Teen Vogue for some great ideas.
So remember, just take into account your budget, the teenager's sense of style and check out any recommendations. Your gift is sure to be loved.
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