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Find a Ring
That Fits Your Lifestyle
(ARA) - The process of getting married can be daunting. There
seems to be a million decisions to be made, and all of them
important. But once the caterer has packed up and left, the
honeymoon has been enjoyed, and the thank you notes are written,
there are only a few tangible reminders of the day -- and none
more important than your ring.
The wedding ring is how you show the world that you're married.
You'll wear it everyday, whether you're dressed up for a night
on the town, or spending a lazy afternoon on the couch. So it's
important to choose a ring that not only fits your personal
style, but also your lifestyle.
Luckily, today there are more choices in rings than ever before.
No longer content with only choosing between yellow gold and
white gold, brides and grooms have a host of alternative
materials, finishes, embellishments and designs to select from.
But it's important to know why some rings may be a better choice
for you.
"There are many reasons besides aesthetics that a person will
consider in selecting a type of ring," says Steve Blackwell of
e- Wedding
Bands, one of the Web's most trusted
e-commerce sites. "Someone who works with their hands may want a
stronger metal, like titanium, to avoid scratches and nicks. Or
if someone's daily life involves messy work, they may want to
select a solid band without much of a design."
Whatever type of ring you choose, make sure you buy it from a
reputable retailer who will stand behind their rings and answer
any questions you might have. Here are some of today's most
popular metal choices:
Gold
"We're often asked questions about the differences between 18
karat and 14 karat rings," says Blackwell. "It's important for
brides and grooms to understand these differences so they can
choose the strength and price that best suits them."
Gold is combined with other metals -- called alloys -- to
make it more durable. Alloys add strength, but dilute the value
of the gold. In an attempt to achieve the best balance between
the strength of alloys and the valuable and desirable properties
of gold, three different karat gold combinations have become
standard: 18 karat, 14 karat, and 10 karat -- and all three are
available in white or yellow gold. While many people are
familiar with 24 karat gold as the finest, it is also the
softest, and not a good choice for a piece that will endure
everyday wear and tear.
Platinum
The metal of choice in the early part of the 20th century,
platinum was restricted for nonmilitary use during WW II and
fell out of favor as people became accustomed to using white
gold. Today, brides and grooms are once again drawn to the
luster, rarity and heft of
platinum wedding bands. When selecting
platinum, make certain that the ring is stamped "PLAT" or
"PT950." This designation ensures that your ring is 95 percent
pure.
You will pay more for a platinum ring, because it takes more
effort to obtain the metal. It requires nearly ten tons of ore
to yield one ounce of platinum, compared to the three to four
tons of raw rock required to produce the same amount of gold.
There are also far fewer platinum mines, which adds to the
metal's allure and exclusivity.
Titanium
A newer choice for rings, titanium is popular with those people
looking for a strong durable, lightweight ring. It is becoming
increasingly popular for those who work with their hands, as
well as people who might find wearing rings uncomfortable.
Weighing only 1/3 as much as gold, titanium offers a clean,
modern look in a gun-metal grey color. "Our
titanium
rings are made from solid bars of high
Aircraft Grade titanium, which results in a perfectly seamless
ring," explains Blackwell. "These rings provide a great look on
a budget, as you won't pay a premium like you would with a
precious metal."
Tungsten
With a weight comparable to platinum and incredible strength and
scratch-resistance, tungsten is quickly gaining popularity as a
jewelry metal. For rings, tungsten is mixed with alloys to
create tungsten carbide, a material so strong, it needs to be
worked and formed with diamond cutting tools. Because its
strength is superior to other jewelry metals, rings made from
tungsten may long outlive the wearer.
Diamond bands
Originally introduced to the public as anniversary bands,
diamond bands have recently gained popularity as engagement and
wedding rings with brides-to-be searching for a clean, modern
look. Customers need to keep in mind the same "4 Cs" often
associated with shopping for a diamond solitaire: cut, clarity,
color and carat.
No matter what type of ring you choose, it's a purchase that
shouldn't be taken lightly. Be certain to find a jeweler you can
trust, who offers a large selection, so you can find the perfect
ring for you.
Copyright © 2005, ARA Content
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