Wedding Ring

February 26, 2010

Two Tone Gold Wedding Band the Trend to Fit Any Personality

Though men’s wedding bands come in a multitude of shapes and sizes, equal to that of women’s wedding rings, most men are under the impression that their wedding ring will be a simple band of single metal. This could not be further from the truth! One recent alternative in men’s wedding ring design is what is commonly referred to as the Two Tone Wedding Band. Two Tone Wedding Bands for men come in innumerable designs and are sure to match the tastes of most every wedding ring buyer. A Two Tone Gold Wedding Band offers an uncommon stylish but elegant update to the classic simple band most men associate with wedding rings.

The majority of two tone wedding bands for men are wider bands comprised of either multiple metals or custom finishes applied to a single metal. An example of the first would be a large platinum base band that has had some alternate metal, such as gold, wrapped around the platinum band. Such a design usually incorporates the golden band as being centered on the ring and leaving exposed platinum toward the outer edges. A mens two tone wedding band with a custom finish is often created from using a base band created an alternate metal, particularly titanium or tungsten, which has then been over a portion of the ring finished in such a way as to create multiple colorings or tones. For the most part, both of these mens wedding ring types do not incorporate diamonds or other gemstones. Not to say that such design features can’t be included in a two tone wedding band.

Other two tone wedding bands do not take such a straightforward approach. One might say that they are more artful in their design. Jewelry creation techniques such as engraving, coupled with metal inlays or electroplating, offer unique ways to build upon the theme of a two tone gold wedding band. Using multiple bands to design a single ring is also an effective way to create a two tone wedding ring. For example, an individual could order a golden wedding band which has been engraved with an inscription or perhaps some type of knotwork design. A jeweler could then inlay platinum or some other type of metal to create a two tone wedding band effect across the piece. The ability to electric light an alternate metal onto a wedding ring to create a two tone gold wedding band is also one option, but electroplating isn’t advisable for anyone who believes their wedding ring may receive a lot of daily wear and tear. One simple scratch is all it takes to ruin what was otherwise an extremely aesthetically pleasing piece. Another way to create two tone wedding bands, or any number of colors in rings, is to create a single wedding ring comprised of multiple bands. Each band could consist of a different metal set artfully next to a different color to create a multi-toned appearance. Such two tone mens wedding rings, though not necessarily easy to purchase from your average mall jewelry store, are readily available at both designer and Internet boutiques.

So if you been thinking about updating your wedding ring, or perhaps you’re shopping for your wedding ring set, a two tone wedding ring is a design option worthy of exploration.

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January 12, 2010

Dispelling Some Widespread Rumors Regarding Tungsten Wedding Bands

The fastest growing trend in wedding ring styles has come about with the newfound availability of Tungsten Wedding Bandss. Wedding bands made from tungsten carbide have been made in small numbers and simple styles available at a select number of jewelers for years, but never before have there been so many different styles of Tungsten Wedding Bands to suit every personality available from so many sources. The exponential growth of online commerce has now made accessible many less conventional goods and services to people in geographical areas who were not previously being optimally served, and tungsten wedding bands can now be found and happily worn by anyone who wishes. My spouse and I actually wear tungsten wedding bands ourselves, a choice which we decided on after both of us had purchased and worn some fashion tungsten rings and been extremely impressed by their strength and quality. To help you to be a smart shopper, this article will address some common and lesser known facts about tungsten wedding bands as well as dispel some widespread myths.
Tungsten carbide, the material used to make all wedding bands, is an alloy of tungsten, carbon, and small amounts of other binder metals that are also in standard use in the production of most gold jewelry; nickel is the most commonly used example of such a binder. Even when tungsten wedding bands are marketed as “pure tungsten”, what the seller is really trying to say is that the highest quality tungsten carbide has been used. This is because pure tungsten in its elemental form is very brittle and does not polish well, so there is no such thing as “pure tungsten” jewelry. Some tungsten carbide alloys are made with a cobalt binder, but those should be avoided for several reasons. Cobalt is a highly reactive metal that causes an allergic reaction for most people and binds to far too many substances (even the oils in your hand!) for it to last very long without your ring ending up with some nasty discolorations! All in all, cobalt binders result in tungsten wedding bands that will not hold up or be a good experience to wear. Reputable retailers of high quality products will not carry tungsten wedding bands containing cobalt, and will make this very clear on their websites.
Tungsten wedding bands are best known for their incredible strength and durability, which they absolutely possess, but this has unfortunately led to many people drawing incorrect conclusions about Tungsten Wedding Bands. One story that has been making the rounds as an e-mail forward and general discussion topic is the idea that they are impossible to break, and should an injury to the hand occur that would require the removal of a tungsten wedding band, the patients finger would have to be cut off instead. This is a MYTH! No ring of any material is completely indestructible, and every hospital emergency room and jeweler has a set of vise grips which place incremental pressure on a ring to easily shatter it with no further injury to the hand. So wear your tungsten wedding band with confidence– just be sure the retailer you order from provides a solid warranty!

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November 2, 2009

Matching Wedding Bands for Couples

Matching Wedding Bands are a highly emotionally meaningful symbol of a couple’s love and devotion to one another as they begin their journey through life together and are now available in so many different styles and so customizable that you are sure to find a set that suits you both and will make you happy to wear them for years to come. Simple flat or domed yellow gold matching wedding bands will never go out of style, and they are the easiest to match, size, and engrave. If that is too plain for you, a beaded or milgrain edge or adding single inset diamonds to make them matching diamond wedding bands may be what does the trick. If your tastes are entirely different, a white gold eternity set of matching wedding bands could be the way to go. Eternity rings are so named because they are comprised of channel set stones in precious metal. Sometimes an eternity set is a pair of matching diamond wedding bands, and sometimes these Matching Wedding Bands incorporate other stones into a pattern as well.

Ultimately, choose matching wedding bands that suit your personalities and lifestyle. Many couples decide on the metal for their bands by matching it to their engagement ring. However, don’t feel bound to this. A bride can choose to wear her engagement ring on her right hand, and wedding ring on the left. Consider which metals each of you wear regularly– whose jewelry is silver? Whose watch is gold?

Even if you are one of those “opposites attract” couples, choosing a set of matching wedding bands is not impossible and it can even be one of the first and most fun subjects upon which you’ll work out an agreement and reach a compromise. Does one partner have very refined, elegant tastes while the other is rugged and adventurous? Try matching wedding rings in white gold, platinum, titanium, or tungsten, as they are all very bright, dressy metals that are stronger then yellow gold and require less maintenance. The couple in this case would even be able to find matching diamond wedding bands, since diamonds are the hardest material on earth and as such are very difficult to damage. Matching Wedding Rings in eternity styles and other styles can include other strong stones as well. Some of the strongest are rubies, eneralds, and sapphires, all of which bring a lovely hint of color to any piece of jewelry and can be part of your matching wedding bands selection process.

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