The History of the Wedding Ring April 24, 2009
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry, Wedding Jewelry , comments closedThe wedding ring is the final gift a couple will give each other prior to marriage. Some might say that the very first gift a couple gives each other is a promise ring – which most consider a pre-engagement ring. Then as a couple gets more serious they then give engagement rings to each other.
Many couples look forward to the moment when they’ll slip a ring on their beloved. The look of love in their eyes, that moment when the ring is on their finger and they realize that they are theirs forever. What most don’t realize is that these moments with wedding rings have been happening for centuries. The meaning and symbolism behind a wedding ring is rich and as intricate as its own love story. It deserves to be told so that couples know exactly why they use wedding rings.
This wedding ring is a symbol and throughout time this symbol has stood for love, devotion and at times simply for an arrangement between families. The physical structure of the wedding ring has changed and adapted as different cultures have fashioned it into different forms to make it look beautiful. Some materials are more plentiful in different areas – and other materials or precious metals are considered to be more valuable in other areas. But the meaning behind the symbol has remained the same throughout time and over continents. “I love you” “I want to be with you forever” and “You are mine.”
A ring in its simplest forms is a circle: meaning ‘eternity.’ What more could every couple want than the pure desire to spend eternity together? Most couples choose to have a sentiment or romantic saying engraved inside their wedding rings. This makes that universal symbol so much more personal for each couple.
Symbols exist throughout our culture. Even the materials the wedding ring is made out of can be seen as symbols of love and devotion. Most wedding rings include diamonds. Diamonds are literally indestructible; they are the “forever” stone you want to select to represent your love. Rubies are another choice that represents love, passion and preciousness. While the wedding ring itself is seen as valuable – the symbolism of the wedding ring shows that your beloved is valuable to you. By giving them a valuable ring – you are showing the world just how valuable they are to you. In older days – you might also be protecting your ‘property’ (when women were considered property and possessions).
The wedding ring was worn in later times just as it is today, on the left hand, third finger. This is because of the strong-held belief that the vein in this finger travels directly from the heart. This belief was affirmed as women began wearing their wedding rings closer to their hand and then their engagement ring on that same hand – affirming this belief about this hand being so close to your heart.
Wedding rings have been worn in many traditions. While the traditions may be slightly different – the sentiment and meaning – to love, treasure and honor one another forever – remains very much the same. In Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians, rings are exchanged not at the wedding service – but at the betrothal. The groom’s ring is gold and the bride’s ring is silver. In Greece rings are exchanged by couples as they are engaged they are worn on the left hand, fourth finger – and at the wedding they are switched to the right hand. In England, a wedding ring has traditionally always been exchanged. This appears to come from the long-standing belief that marriages were made as arrangements to exchange not just love and honor – but goods or property as well. This belief holds true for most European countries.
During World War II and the Korean War it became popular for men to wear wedding rings. This reminded them of the wonderful wife they had waiting at home for them. After these wars, men began to wear wedding rings to show their faithfulness, devotion and love. Now most men wear wedding rings in many cultures around the world.
Jill Renee – This article is provided by DanforthDiamond.com a leading authority on wedding rings, engagement rings and fine jewelry. Danforth Diamond provides wisdom and advice to help you choose the right ring at the right price. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RING
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
6 Tips For Buying A Wedding Ring December 8, 2008
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry, Wedding Jewelry , 1 comment so farFew men are experts on buying wedding rings. For most men, it’s a process of becoming educated quickly and then searching desperately for the right ring. The amount of money they’re expected to pay for the ring seems fluid, changing each year to accommodate retailers. At the same time, there’s a lot of conflicting advice. In an effort to help smooth the process, making it easier and less stressful, we’ll provide you with 6 quick tips for buying the perfect wedding ring.
Tip #1: Know Your Metals
In the past, most wedding rings were gold and had a golden tone to them. Yellow gold rings are still popular today, but there are other options available. White gold is becoming more prevalent because it allows the stone to stand out. On the other hand, platinum has become increasingly fashionable. It’s more expensive than yellow or white gold, but it’s also more durable.
Tip #2: Know Your Purity
If you plan to buy a wedding ring made from yellow or white gold, you’ll need to understand the purity of the metal. In most cases, gold rings come in 14k, 18k, and 24k. The greater the number of karats, the higher the purity of the gold. 24k gold is more expensive than 14k or 18k. It’s also softer and more prone to becoming scratched.
Tip #3: Know Your 4 C’s
Most wedding rings will have at least one diamond. The quality of the diamond is determined by what are known as the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat of the stone. The stone’s cut is what allows the diamond to reflect light. The less color a diamond has, the more valuable it is. Clarity is a reflection of the diamond’s inclusions (or, flaws). And the number of carats is a measurement of the stone’s size.
Tip #4: Take Her With You
The wedding ring that you purchase for your partner will ideally last a lifetime. Many women have specific preferences for the style and design of the ring. Consider taking your partner with you. It may seem less romantic to do so, but it can help you avoid investing in a ring she doesn’t like.
Tip #5: Stone First
It’s likely that the wedding ring will become an heirloom, kept in your family for generations. If you’re struggling to afford an attractive ring, invest more in the diamond and less in the ring itself. The diamond often carries greater emotional significance over time.
Tip #6: Size It Properly
Even though having a ring resized is relatively simple, try to have it sized properly by the time you offer it to your partner when you propose. If possible, borrow one of her other rings and present it to the jeweler for sizing. A poorly-sized wedding ring won’t ruin your proposal, but a perfectly-sized ring will help make it flawless.
Investing In The Ring
A common rule of thumb for pricing wedding rings is to allocate two months’ salary. However, that’s an arbitrary figure. Instead, focus primarily on finding a ring that will match your partner’s style and preferences. While your budget will play a major role in the ring you purchase, other factors are more important. Use the 6 tips described above when shopping. If you do, you’ll be better prepared to identify the right ring, confident that your partner will be delighted with it.
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Danforth Diamond adds 18k Palladium White Gold to Diamond Engagement Rings November 1, 2007
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Jewelry, Palladium Jewelry, Press Releases, Wedding Jewelry, White gold , add a commentHypoallergenic palladium perfect for those with nickel allergies
Midlothian, VA – November 1, 2007 – Danforth Diamond, the engagement rings experts, released today their new line of 18k palladium white gold diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, and earrings. Danforth makes this announcement in the face of growing demand for quality white gold rings at affordable prices, adding another option to their extensive line of top quality jewelry available at: http://www.danforthdiamond.com
By replacing the nickel or silver traditionally used to make 18K white gold with palladium, Danforth can now offer superior quality without the fear of the common nickel allergy that drives many customers away from white gold, creating another option for their valued customers.
Long used by jewelers as a substitute for Platinum, Palladium jewelry came to prominence during World War II when Platinum was reserved for military uses. As it bears many of the same properties, but not the price-tag, usually associated with Platinum, Palladium was an excellent option for top quality jewelry instead of Platinum. By adding Palladium to yellow gold, jewelers are able to produce white gold that holds the white coloring better and longer than that made with nickel or silver, and helps avoid metal allergies usually associated with nickel.
The addition of Palladium to select wedding bands and diamond engagement rings is why Danforth Diamond continues to be the jeweler more people prefer. This announcement is another in Danforth’s long line of meeting their customers’ demand for high-quality jewelry. Danforth Diamond plans to continue offering the high-quality products their customers appreciate through their site at: http://www.danforthdiamond.com/ .
About Danforth Diamond:
Danforth Diamond has over 50 years of experience offering quality jewelry for the best value. As experts they provide guidance and advice to help you enjoy the diamond purchasing process, and are known for their wedding jewelry, including platinum, palladium, yellow gold, and white gold engagement rings and matching sets. They are committed to your continued satisfaction.
Company Contact:
Jill Renee
http://www.danforthdiamond.com
Phone: 1-877-404-7464
Press Contact:
George R. Perry
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Wedding Bands:The Forgotten Wedding Accessory June 11, 2007
Posted by jflynn in : Jewelry, Palladium Jewelry, Wedding Jewelry , add a commentYou picked out the perfect engagement ring. She said yes. You’ve picked out invitations and reserved the location and you almost forgot the wedding bands. It’s easy to see how you could, given that the tradition of wedding rings, especially for men, has really only been popular since the early 20th century, but it’s another way to add a personal touch to your wedding.
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with getting classically simple gold bands, you can match your personal taste by getting platinum, palladium, and even diamond wedding rings. In addition to the material used to make your wedding bands, you can even decide the design of them, with styles ranging from traditional, simple bands, to more elaborate designs involving complex carvings, inscriptions, and even inset diamonds and other precious gems.
While finding the diamond engagement ring of her dreams was a big step, finding the wedding bands that fit your personality and let the world know that you’ve found the one person in the world that makes you happy is just as important. With all the craziness that goes with planning a wedding, it’s important to remember that even the little things, like picking out your wedding bands, should have the same amount of thought as picking out her wedding dress.
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Green Weddings: Couples Say ‘I Do’ To Conflict-Free Wedding Jewelry and Earth-Friendly Nuptials April 23, 2007
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Engagement Rings, Green Weddings, Wedding Jewelry , 1 comment so farIn the world of engagements and wedding planning, green is the new white. From conflict-free wedding jewelry, to an environmentally-conscientious reception, with an eco-friendly honeymoon to round out the nuptials, couples are throwing out the era of Bridezilla and ushering in the age of green weddings. And it all starts with that oh-so-special wedding jewelry.
Choosing a diamond engagement ring and wedding bands are incredibly personal decisions that are also becoming ethical decisions. Socially aware couples now want to ensure that their wedding jewelry selections are not linked to human rights abuses or have not negatively impacted the environment.
Conflict-free Diamonds
Until recent years, newly engaged couples were blissfully unaware that an untold number of corrupt organizations in African countries were illegally mining diamonds that are directly linked to human rights abuses.
The good news is that more than 40 nations worldwide, including the United States, now voluntarily participate in the Kimberly Process, a system that imposes stringent requirements on imports to certify that diamonds are free from conflict. 99.8% of the global production of rough diamonds is now accounted for through the Kimberly Process.
Reputable engagement and wedding jewelry retailers readily confirm the origin of any stone. Online retailers are particularly sensitive to consumer concerns regarding the genesis of their diamonds. Leading online retailers, such as Danforth Diamond, My Solitaire, and Brilliant Earth actively educate consumers by providing helpful information on their websites to ensure that accurate information is easily accessible.
Green Gold?
For those who truly want guilt-free glitter, there are a number of retailers who offer recycled gold for wedding bands and the like. Concerned about a lackluster green ring? Worry not. Recycled gold, which is melted and re-refined, is the same quality as newly-mined gold.
NoDirtyGold.org publishes an ever-growing and impressive list of retailers who support the responsible production of gold.
Vintage jewelry is also enjoying a resurgence in popularity as brides and grooms opt to purchase estate jewelry or wear wedding rings that have been passed down from a family member.
Eco-friendly weddings aren’t just for the granola crunching crowd nowadays  and conflict-free diamond engagement rings and recycled gold wedding jewelry are just the beginning. As green weddings become more mainstream, the options and price ranges are increasingly abundant.
Earth-friendly Invitations
Wedding invitations printed with soy- or vegetable-based inks on recycled paper are a mainstay for green couples. If that’s not green enough for you, perhaps paperless invitations are the way to go; simply extend electronic invitations for guests who can be contacted via email. Emailed RSVPs offer an added bonus: guests are more likely to respond promptly, allowing you to accurately plan your headcount.
Location, Location, Location
A central wedding location that requires minimal travel for most guests will save on carbon emissions. Booking a venue that can host the wedding ceremony and reception will further reduce carbon emissions. Art galleries, botanical gardens, eco-friendly restaurants, hotels and parks are all excellent choices.
Here Comes the Bride
Something old, something new, something borrowed… something green? You betcha. Green brides can choose lovely, previously-worn gowns from vintage stores or gown consignment and rental shops. Brides can also turn to their family tree for a wonderfully sentimental heirloom gown. A number of designers have also embraced the eco-friendly trend and offer extravagant gowns made of hemp silk.
Wedding Favors as Decorations
Organic, locally grown flowers for bouquets and centerpieces offer a fresh, seasonal touch. Flower arrangements used at the wedding can perform double duty by being moved to the reception. Potted plants also make lovely arrangements and can be transplanted outdoors after the wedding or can serve as gifts that guests can take home.
The Gift that Keeps Giving
Portovert Magazine, the nation’s first and only online publication devoted exclusively to environmentally and socially responsible weddings, and NativeEnergy offer a carbon emissions calculator that can be used to evaluate wedding-related carbon sources, including travel, guest lodging and power used at the wedding venues, which can help in the planning of a carbon-neutral wedding. You can find it here: http://www.nativeenergy.com/Splash/Portovert/portovert_wedding_calc.html.
Couples can also offset the carbon emissions produced as a result of their nuptials by making contributions to an eco organization of their choice or requesting that guests do the same in lieu of a wedding gift.
Paying it Forward
Eco-friendly tours, green hotel resorts, simple outdoor adventures, volunteer work for a preservation project  green honeymoons run the gamut and cater to a variety of preferences and budgets. From relaxing and luxuriant to active and outdoorsy, newlyweds can take their dream green vacation that celebrates the beginning of their new life together and the future of our planet.
And to think that it all began with a diamond engagement ring. Green weddings provide couples the opportunity to make a lifelong commitment to each other and to their world. Every wedding anniversary, from the “small†ones to the milestones years is an opportunity to renew that commitment for now and for years to come.
Perhaps a future generation will honor that same commitment by choosing to wear your “heirloom” wedding jewelry.
About the Author
Jill Renee is the president of Danforth Diamond, an online jewelry store offering engagement rings and other wedding jewelry in gold, white gold, palladium and platinum.
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Your Diamond Personality December 11, 2006
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Wedding Jewelry , add a commentAhhhhhhhhhhhh, yes, ladies. The beloved diamond engagement ring. The starting point for the transition from the boyfriend/girlfriend journey to marital bliss.
Let’s face it – we’ve been admiring the beauty and brilliance of diamonds since we were little girls. But do you know your diamond personality? Given that you’re going to be wearing this ring for the rest of your life, you want to be careful about what type of ring your request from your beau.
In Randi Molofsky’s book, A Girls’ Guide to Buying Diamonds, he offers advice for women on finding the right diamond ring. With the trend of women buying the right-hand diamond ring for themselves, the purchase of the diamond ring is no longer restricted to couples on the road to marriage. His book is a great resource whether you’re buying the ring for yourself, or you’re helping your significant other choose a ring for you.
Check out this article on iVillage.com, “Find the Perfect Diamonds for Your Personality”, that matches personality types with different types of diamonds. As diamonds are a girl’s best friend, you want to make sure that your best friend is one you’ll want to keep around for a lifetime, right? This is a fun article.
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Platinum Wedding Rings: A New Fashion Wedding Jewelry May 31, 2006
Posted by in : Wedding Jewelry , add a commentIf you’re wondering why so many brides are saying “I do” to platinum, you’re not alone. While many of us have been prepped on the “4 Cs” of diamonds, we’ve kind of been left in the dark about the differences between gold wedding rings and platinum wedding rings – and why it’s so popular.
Platinum is both rarer and purer than gold — one of the reasons why its price has been increasing over the years, just as the demand for it has been increasing (in February 2003, its price exceeded $700 per ounce for the first time in over 20 years). It’s 35 times more rare than gold, and is found in very few places in the world — mainly South Africa and Russia — and only 88 tons of platinum are made into jewelry each year. It literally takes eight weeks and 10 tons of ore to produce one single ounce of platinum!
Platinum Facts
- * Platinum has an extremely high melting temperature. In its purest form it melts at 3214 degrees F, almost twice the temperature needed to melt 14 karat gold.
- All the platinum ever mined would produce a cube 17 feet on each side, less than 5000 cubic feet.
- It takes up to 10 tons of ore to produce one ounce of platinum, more than twice as much ore that is typically needed for an ounce of gold.
- Platinum is not susceptible to problems like stress corrosion or stress cracking as can be the case with white gold. (This problem mainly applies to prong settings etc. Don’t worry, your white gold wedding band will not suffer this problem).
Platinum is about 95% pure (as compared to 18-karat gold, which is about 75% pure). All metals have alloys, or blends of other metals, but platinum has very few alloys, so it doesn’t fade or change color, and retains its shine for years. Many think that white gold is comparable to platinum since they both appear to be the same color. But what many of us don’t know is that white gold is simply yellow gold with white alloys added to it, so it’s not uncommon, after many years of wear, for a white gold ring to return to its natural yellow color. Platinum, however, will retain its pure white luster for your entire lifetime and then some, ensuring you can pass down your most precious possession to your daughter and she to hers.
PLATINUM is the hardest of the precious metals, it never tarnishes. Its intense luster remains intact over the years, and it is completely hypoallergenic.
If and when you decide to say “I do” to platinum’s rarity, durability, purity and limitless eternal qualities, forever will truly mean forever.
Follow these easy tips to help keep your ring looking as great as the day you got engaged:
- Store your ring separately from other pieces of jewelry so it doesn’t get scratched. If it does get scratched, have it polished by a jeweler.
- Keep your ring in a safe place and remember to have it sufficiently insured. If you’re not sure about its value, take it to your local jeweler for valuation.
- Clean your ring periodically with a pre-packaged jewelry cleaner or soak it in mild soap and warm water, then gently rub it with a soft cloth. You should also have it professionally cleaned about every six months.
- Platinum is extremely dense, and remarkably heavy. Much more so than silver or gold. This property of platinum enhances and ennobles the quality of the jewelry from which it is created.
- Find a qualified jeweler for adjustments, resizing, polishing, and cleaning, and make sure they have a platinum trained bench worker.
- Over time, platinum develops a natural patina that many people prefer over the “just polished” look. When this happens, you can take your ring to a qualified jeweler to have it re-polished to a high-gloss look if you prefer.
- Take your ring off when cleaning, gardening, doing any kind of heavy work, or when working with bleach and harsh chemicals. Although the chemicals won’t damage the platinum, they may discolor diamonds and other gems.
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Choosing a Diamond Engagement Ring May 31, 2006
Posted by in : Diamond Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Wedding Jewelry , add a commentThis is a post from a fellow blogger, rating her experience with Danforthdiamond.com.
–
Take a look at these Diamond Engagement Rings and tell me if you’ve ever seen a selection of 18k yellow gold rings in a store that allowed you to choose the arrangement, diamond shape, and carat, for a price this low. I must have spent 1/2 hour learning about diamonds, looking at all the terms, for clarity, brightness, color – I never new that yellow diamonds were flawed. I always thought the yellow ones were more expensive.
I will admit that I looked at the stone in my engagement ring, to compare the quality my husband bought me ten years ago. Of course it was beautiful – what can you expect from a Welshman. But, if he knew of this site then I would have had something stunning. Not only is the price 30 – 40% less than in ‘brick and mortar’ stores, but they let you choose your diamond by size, quality, brightness, carat, and price. You just keeps selecting what you want until you are at the page that has your diamond on it. I must admit that it made me wonder if a couple other pieces of my diamond jewelry were not quite up to the grade the sales clerk promised.
There is also a great selection of other diamond jewelry on their site.
It could be because I am a woman and love diamond. It could be the guarantee, low price, and free shipping. It could be that I found a couple potential gifts for myself, but I had to rate Danforth a ten on my scale.
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Which Engagement Ring Design Best Suits Her Style? May 18, 2006
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Wedding Jewelry , add a commentChoosing an engagement ring
The first consideration when choosing an engagement ring style is your loved one’s lifestyle.
Is she very active? Will her engagement ring need to stand up to an adventurous lifestyle of mountain climbing?
If your beloved is very active, you should probably stay away from stone shapes that are easily chipped or broken. Pear and Marquise shaped diamonds contain points that can easily chip. High settings are also more inclined to suffer damage from hitting hard surfaces and catching on everyday objects and clothing.
However, if your fiancé has her heart set on a shape or style of ring that is among the more fragile and she has an active lifestyle, make sure you order a “V-end” prong setting which will protect the points of the diamond.
Determine How It Will Look On Her Hand
Are her hands small, and are her fingers short? Or does she have a long and slender hand? These are questions you will need to consider when choosing your engagement ring style.
Pick The Diamond Shape that’s Right for Her
A broad banded ring will not flatter a small hand with short fingers, however, it will balance the proportion of a long slender fingered hand. A small ring will make a larger hand appear bigger and most women do not like that! Hand size and proportion are very important when deciding on the engagement ring. Take a good look at your loved one’s hand and decide what size of engagement ring will look best. You can still choose from all of the styles, but you must keep proportion in mind.
Finally, remember that you will purchase a wedding band to be given on the day of your marriage. It is important that the engagement ring and wedding band complement one another. We offer a wide variety of wedding ring sets to make this process effortless.
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Engagement Ring Styles January 5, 2006
Posted by in : Buying Engagement Rings, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Wedding Jewelry , add a commentChoosing the style of your engagement ring can be a daunting decision. Read about the different styles that are available.
Solitaire - Refers to a ring with one diamond or other gemstone. It will often be extended to mean a piece of jewelry with one important diamond or gemstone in the center and accent stones on each side. Solitaires are made by two distinct manufacturing processes.
Rings with Side Stones - Most of the popular diamond cuts are used as side stones on bridal rings. Included in this group are baguettes, tapered baguette, round, trillion and oval. These are used to enhance the center stone and not detract from it.
Cathedral Mounting – Ring setting that arches when seen from the side. Cathedral rings have projections on each side of the stone and these design elements are what gives this ring it’s name. They are inspired by the arches that supported the walls of early cathedrals. Just as these arches were a distinctive and important design element in architecture, the graceful projections on our cathedral rings add support and protection to the setting. They also give the ring its classic and unique look.
Bypass – A ring design in which the two sides of the band do not meet in a straight line, but “bypass” one another.
Three Stone – Three stone rings are popular for both engagement rings and anniversaries. A general rule is that the side diamonds must be at least 25% as large as the center.
To view all the styles of engagement rings as well as a variety of diamond and cuts, please visit .
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
