Rings and Engagement Rings

What is it about diamond rings that so compel us?  Is it the shine and lustre – that which jewelers refer to as “fire”?  Is it the mystery and allure that you’ll find in a platinum diamond engagement ring? Or is it just good marketing?

When it comes to the precious stone that is the centerpiece of diamond engagement rings and men’s diamond rings, it is all of the above. Although diamonds have long been treasured for their hardness and rarity, they were not always beautiful to look at. It took centuries of trial and error before jewelers learned to create the exotic cuts such as the princess cut diamond engagement ring.

A Diamond…or a Lump of Coal?

The story of diamond rings starts hundreds of millions of years ago and miles beneath the earth’s surface. You are probably aware of the fact that petroleum and coal is formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived and died over half a billion years ago. These remains went under the earth over time, where they were subjected to preternatural geologic forces, which transformed them from organic matter into oil and coal.

The precious stones that are set in diamond engagement rings are formed the same way. The difference between a lump of coal and a diamond is one of degree – the geologic forces of heat and pressure that transforms organic carbon into gems that wind up as part of  diamond eternity bands are thousands of times greater. In fact, it is possible to turn coal into diamond, which is essentially what happens when artificial, industrial-grade diamonds are manufactured in a laboratory. (Theoretically, it is also possible for diamonds to turn back into coal, were they subjected to hard vacuum under a complex set of highly unlikely circumstances.)

Early Diamond Rings

Diamond jewelry had been around for awhile, but diamond engagement rings and wedding rings were pretty well unheard of before 1477, when Archduke Maximilian I of Austria presented one to Marie of Burgundy on the occasion of their wedding.

Diamond rings became popular during the Victorian Period, although the custom of presenting diamond engagement rings and the concept of mens diamond rings came along much later.

Today, the tradition is found almost everywhere in the Western world as well as Japan and India (where the bride usually wears a diamond toe ring).  Diamond engagement rings or eternity bands can be purchased as is, or can be created especially for the customer.

C. Sparkles

Special bonds need unique presents to be reckoned with.  If the person is going to be your better half, the specialty of the gift not only needs exclusivity but also a redefined elegance. The time you both spent, the hurdles you overcame together and the road blocks you cleared hand in hand had not gone in vain. Your commitment and love trounced all odds. So, in this auspicious occasion of your wedding she deserves the best gift for being with you at all odds and obstacles.   If you are looking for a present that symbolizes timeless beauty and elegance, designer engagement rings fit the league in the perfect manner.

There are several reasons behind presenting designer wedding  and engagement rings  to your better half.  Most important of them is the look of the jewelry that has contemporary style and modern techniques while still maintaining the old-world craftsmanship that ensures the quality of the piece.  Made up of different metals, they are famous worldwide for their elegance and keen eye for elegance.  If it is a not an exaggeration of fact, every groom wants his bride to look like a princess.  Designer engagement rings rings and wedding bands can empower you to add a dazzling and glamorous effect for your engagement and on your wedding.

Quality and genuineness

While buying designer jewelry, make sure that you are buying it from a genuine dealer.  Be more cautious if you are buying it online.  Read reviews and customer feedbacks regarding the web store from where you are going to make the purchase. Friends who have purchased earlier can also be consulted. The rings you are going to buy needs to be qualitative and must have a unique look and feel.

Choice of your better half

You are buying the perfect gift for your better half. Hence, never forget to take her views before purchasing. Her choice, wearing habits and preference for stones also need to be given importance. That makes the right present for the right person of your life.

C. Sparkles

Everyday, couples exchange vows and rings as part of their wedding ceremony.  Surprisingly though, most people are unfamiliar with the historic meaning of wearing a wedding ring.

Some early engagement rings were a symbol of the sale of the bride that occurred from the father to the groom.  Also, since Roman times it has been believed that the ring finger contains a vein that is directly connected to the heart.

There are actually quite a few reasons for this age-old tradition.  The circular shape was a sign of never-ending love between the couple, with no beginning or end.  Today we call these rings eternity bands and are traditionally given as wedding bands or anniversary gifts.

In early days rings were used to seal the deal of an engagement only. Thanks to Pope Innocent III in the 13th century, women get two rings: an engagement ring and wedding ring.  He instituted a waiting period between the engagement and the actual marriage and also required that a ring be used in the wedding ceremony.

These days more and more couples are choosing to spice up their wedding rings and go beyond the traditional band.  Diamonds can be found encircling the band of men’s and woman’s rings alike.  Colored stones and even pearls are gracing the tops of wedding bands, as more couples move away from tradition.  Engraved wedding bands are also very popular in the U.S. today.

So whether or not you think about the tradition behind wearing wedding rings, know that you can’t go wrong with your ring selection be it traditional or nontraditional.  Just buy beutiful wedding jewelry you will admire for a lifetime!

C. Sparkles