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Expressions of Devotion: Buying Engagement Rings,
Wedding Rings, and Wedding Bands Online
By
Antigone Arthur
Ritual symbolism abounds in everything we do; this
is particularly the case when an individual commits
their love and devotion to another and offers a
promise of marriage. The custom of offering and
exchanging engagement rings and wedding bands is a
time honored tradition rich in symbolism and meaning
that has been carried on for centuries.
As time has changed so have consumer traditions and
buying patterns. The rich tradition of exchanging
vows as a symbol of love and devotion is still a
traditional time honored ritual practiced in many
cultures. Certain aspects of engagement and marriage
have changed with time however. Whereas in times of
old a couple might take several outings together in
search of the perfect engagement rings or wedding
bands, in modern times more and more couples are
buying engagement rings,
wedding rings
and wedding bands online.
Thanks to the internet and the resulting access to a
global marketplace, couples are realizing they have
more options available to them all from the comforts
of their living room. Some couples are even going to
the extreme, not only buying engagement rings,
wedding rings and wedding bands online, but also
purchasing wedding gowns, flowers and even
participating in virtual marriages.
How have these changes come about? What can today's
modern couple expect when planning a walk down the
aisle?
The Engagement Ring
The practice of a groom offering his bride to be an
engagement ring as a promise of love and affection
began nearly 2 centuries ago in the United States;
many associate the giving of engagement rings with a
need to express implied commitment and understanding
forever. The term "A Diamond is Forever" was in fact
used as a means of reinforcing the notion that an
engagement ring is a commitment from one fiancé to
another to live a life together in marital harmony
forever. The phrase is also a popular advertising
catch phrase that reinforces the notion that love
and devotion are part of everyday symbolisms that
require an outlet for expression.
The use of engagement rings as a token of love and
affection is a norm that instilled in the hearts and
minds of most people, in part due to heavy marketing
and advertising from diamond ring and other jewelry
manufacturers, and in part based on the needs of
mankind to project symbolism into everyday living.
Wedding Rings
Once a couple has decided to walk down the aisle
together, the next step is often purchasing wedding
rings together. Because there are so many different
kinds to choose from, it helps to know what
distinguishes one wedding band from another. There
are several tips that you can follow to ensure that
you purchase wedding bands that suit your individual
preferences and budget.
First and foremost consumers should keep in mind
that it certainly pays to do their homework. The
best advice for wedding ring shoppers is patience.
Couples should take the time to shop around and look
at several different wedding bands, and have in mind
an idea of what exactly they are looking for. Far
too often customers compromise because they feel
they can't find exactly what they are looking for;
chances are you can find what you are looking for at
a reasonable price, if you give yourself plenty of
time to research wedding rings thoroughly before
purchasing.
An article in Today's Summer Bride in Summer of 1989
suggested that consumers be patient and shop wisely,
but also have faith that they will find what they
are looking for. The article was referring to
purchase of a wedding gown, but buying wedding rings
follows the same logic. You probably didn't bump
into your partner overnight, and likewise you should
expect it to take some time to find the perfect
wedding rings as symbols of your love and devotion
to one another.
Marriage represents a commitment and shared love
between two people. Wedding ceremonies are often
shrouded in symbolism, among the most significant of
which is the exchange of wedding rings between
husband and wife.
Buying Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings and Wedding
Bands Online
Society is ever changing, and with the advent of
technology and access to a global marketplace, more
and more consumers are buying engagement rings,
wedding rings and wedding bands online rather than
shopping for these ritual symbols of devotion in a
traditional store. Buying online affords consumers
the luxury of perusing the widest selection of rings
available from the convenience of their home.
Some people have infused the process of buying
engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands
online with romanticism. New rituals and traditions
are being built in the face of modern technology. In
fact, some couples are planning entire wedding
ceremonies through their computers. A virtual
ceremony can be broadcast to friends and family
members the world over!
What advice can we offer the couple interested in
shopping for wedding accessories online? Here are
some suggestions for a successful venture:
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Keep an open mind. Know what type of engagement
rings (diamond, gemstone, bands) or wedding
rings you are looking for, but consider looking
at many different varieties. You may change your
mind about what type of ring best symbolizes
your relationship and love.
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Make shopping online romantic! Place some
candles around the computer, turn on your song
and have some wine! Buying engagement rings,
wedding rings and wedding bands online can be
just as fun and exciting as buying them in
person... and even more fun when you create a
loving and warm atmosphere.
-
Be prepared to spend a fair amount of time
perusing different styles and makes. There are
an incredible variety of engagement rings and
wedding bands available: titanium, platinum,
white gold, traditional gold, silver, gemstone,
diamond... the list goes on and on. Once you
have reviewed a fair number of styles be sure to
compile a list of your favorites to narrow down
your search.
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Know your size! Nothing is more obnoxious than
having to have a ring re-sized before you wear
it. There are several websites that offer
jewelry sizing online. Typically women wear
between a size 5-9 and men between sizes 8-12.
The average for men: a 10; the average for
women: a 7.
A Symbol of Your Love and Devotion
Ritual symbols such as the exchange of engagement
rings and wedding rings are time honored traditions
that will likely continue through the next two
centuries. Though the manner in which people shop
and commit themselves to one another is changing,
the time honored tradition of exchanging vows and
bands as a symbol of love and devotion will not
likely change in the near future.
Take advantage of modern technology, and consider
buying engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding
bands online. You'd be surprised the variety
available, and pleasantly surprised by how exciting
it can be shopping from the comforts of your living
room, office, or bedroom...
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