Thursday, May 5, 2011

Wedding Rings for Women - Top 5 Styles

The number of styles of wedding rings for women has increased a lot over the last few decades. This isn't to say that the classic wedding band isn't around any longer - it is, and it too has seen an expansion in terms of the number of shapes and sizes that are available. Here are what we consider to be the top 5 styles of wedding rings for women.
5. Carved Band

A popular variation on the classic wedding band style, carved bands can feature a myriad of patterns and motifs carved along the band, adding a touch of artistry without making the ring too showy or inappropriate for everyday wearing. The best styles of carved bands use a simple yet elegant style which distinguishes them ever so slightly from the ordinary. Carved bands are available in a variety of materials, the most popular of which are platinum, white gold, and yellow gold. White and yellow gold combination carving patterns are also common.
4. Three Stone

The three stone style of rings for women takes a concept that was once strictly the domain of engagement rings and scales it down to create a wedding ring that is both wearable and spectacular. The diamonds used in three stone wedding ring styles are usually set in bezels or, in some cases, heavier than usual prongs, in order to provide protection and help reduce the need for maintenance. Rings for women with more than three large stones are also available, but the three stone variety usually offers the best combination of value and style.
3. Eternity

Also commonly used for post-wedding occasions, eternity bands are becoming more popular as wedding ring choices. With their 360-degree diamond settings, eternity bands are uniquely stunning. While a range of eternity band sizes are available, we feel that the .25 and .50 carat types are the most outstanding thanks to their combination of value and comfort.
2. Classic Band

The classic band persists as a popular style among wedding rings for women because of its inherent advantages: cost, comfort, and durability. Nowadays there are so many sizes and styles on the market that every bride is assured of a perfect fit. In terms of materials, as well, although the standards like platinum and white gold still rule, there are all kinds of choices out there. When all else fails, the classic band is sure to provide satisfaction.
1. Pavé Set

Pavé set wedding rings for women represent the ultimate in style and elegance. Pavé set rings are available in varying degrees of extravagance, and some can indeed be surprisingly affordable. As with other styles, pavé set wedding rings tend to be smaller and more wearable than engagement rings, and this has the added benefit of meaning that they're also more affordable. By carefully choosing your diamonds, you can ensure that you get great value along with the one of a kind beauty provided by this type of wedding ring.

Why Have Titanium Wedding Rings Become So Popular?



Fifteen years ago very few people outside of very high end jewelry shops had even heard of using titanium for rings. While it had been used in aviation, medicine and manufacturing, the use of titanium for rings and jewelry was just unheard of for the most part.

Now titanium wedding rings are the hottest sellers in the jewelry industry. Those couples who compare gold, platinum and titanium for their rings often end up with a titanium wedding ring.

There are several reasons why titanium has become a popular choice for those seeking a wedding ring:
Hypoallergenic Properties
Many people have had the experience of buying a watch, ring or earrings and suffering an allergic reaction. Impure metals-rings are seldom 100% of any material-can cause reactions with human skin. Titanium is inert, which means it will not react with human tissue. In fact, it is often used for hip transplants due to its strength and non-reactive properties.

Cost
The cost of gold and platinum are at all-time highs. This, of course, means that gold wedding rings and platinum wedding rings are also very expensive these days. For example, a basic platinum wedding band will cost at least $1000 and a gold wedding bands, depending on the design, can be equally or more expensive. Titanium, however, has not seen such dramatic rises in cost over the years. A great, handcrafted titanium ring is typically about half the price as its counterparts.
Strength and Durability
Titanium is an extremely durable material for wedding rings. Often used for airplane and submarine components, titanium is very strong and will not ding or dent like gold-a much softer metal. Scratching, though possible, is much more unlikely for a titanium ring than a gold ring. Another great thing about titanium is that it won't react with sea water or almost all corrosive elements. This means that titanium ring wearers can wear their ring day in and day out without worrying about damaging the ring. A well-made titanium ring will last a lifetime.
Design Choices
Many people getting married these days do not want the same gold wedding band style their father, uncles, grandfather and grandfather's father had. Gold rings are just, well, too traditional and boring for many wedding ring buyers.
Titanium, unlike gold, allows for some very creative and unique ring designs. For example, a simple titanium wedding band can have a gold inlay, but it can also have an opal, Koa wood, or Tiger's Eye inlay. Titanium rings with inlays are very popular for wedding bands because they are available in many designs that are stylish, unique and a better reflection of the wearer's personality than the old standby-a yellow gold wedding band.