The Perfect Wedding Ring

The wedding ring is perhaps the single most important piece of jewelry that you will give to your spouse in your lifetime. It is important that you choose a timeless ring that will not become outdated or unstylish after a length of time. Men and women have different options available to them when choosing a wedding ring and it is not required that they choose matching rings.

The couple traditionally picks out their rings together so there is no need for either the bride or groom to become unnecessarily stressed out about choosing the perfect wedding ring. Choosing the rings together takes a great deal of pressure off of the couple because they do not have to worry that their spouse may not like the ring that is expected to last for their entire lifetime.

The material of the ring is an important consideration for both men’s and women’s rings. The most common materials include gold, silver and platinum although the rings can be made of any material that the couple chooses. Gold is the most popular wedding ring material. Gold can be 14 karat gold, 18 karat gold and 24 karat gold. Of these three options 14 karat gold is the type that is most recommended for wedding rings. 14 karat gold is durable without sacrificing luster. 18 karat gold can also be used for wedding rings but because it is a softer metal it is more prone to scratches. 24 karat gold is even softer than 18 karat gold and many do not recommended creating rings out of 24 karat gold because it is so prone to scratches. Silver is another metal that can also be used in creating a wedding ring. Silver is a soft white metal that is very soft and therefore prone to scratching. Additionally it is also prone to tarnishing and discolorations but it is still a popular choice because of its relatively low cost. Platinum is a precious metal that is becoming increasingly popular as wedding ring material. Although platinum is considered too soft to be used in making rings, small amounts of ruthenium and iridium can be added to platinum to increase the hardness and result in a wedding ring that is extremely durable.

After choosing a metal for the wedding ring, it is time to consider the style of the ring. When it comes to style there are even more options available then there are for metals. Some of the basic wedding ring styles include flat bands, half-round bands and comfit bands. A flat band is one that is rectangular in cross section. These types of bands are also decorated with engravings. Half-round bands are the most traditional style available. These bands are flat on the underside or against the finger and have an arched structure on the top. Comfort-fit bands feature an oval cross section and they are heavier and more expensive than the other types of rings. If a bride intends to wear her wedding band with her engagement ring, she should consider choosing a wedding band style that matches her engagement ring so that neither one overpowers the other.

Once you have decided on a metal and style, it is time to choose whether or not to engrave your wedding ring. A good jeweler should be capable of engraving anything you want onto your ring including letters, numbers and symbols. Many couples choose to have their names or initial along with the wedding date engraved on the inside of the ring. This is not necessary though as the couple is not required to have the rings engraved. If the couple does opt for engraving though, they must realize that they can choose to engrave anything they wish on the rings. It could either be names and the wedding date or a phrase that has significant meaning to the couple. The wedding ring is a very important piece of jewelry because it is meant to be worn for a lifetime. When choosing a wedding ring the material of the ring, the style of the ring and whether or not to include an engraved sentiment are just a few of the factors to consider. Shopping for a wedding ring can be a wonderful experience if the couple makes an effort to enjoy the experience instead of stressing about it.

Let the experts at Elie International help you in your quest for the ideal ring.

Metal Education: White Gold

White gold is quickly becoming the most popular style of gold. Often, white gold is purchased in 14 carat jewelry because it looks more similar to platinum. White gold basically has the same attributes as yellow gold, except it is mixed with different metals - nickel, zinc, silver and palladium - that give it a white color.

Often, white gold is plated with rhodium. Rhodium is a shiny, white metal that is a member of the platinum family, and is used to give white gold an even whiter appearance. White gold is a great choice to compliment very white diamonds, as it strongly enhances their brilliance and sparkle.

Caring for White Gold
Even though gold is resilient, there are still measures you can take to keep you jewelry looking good as new. First, be sure to store your gold jewelry in a soft cloth bag or a fabric-lined jewelry box. Second, be sure to keep your gold jewelry away from corrosive chemicals. Third, clean your gold with mild soap and warm water only. Make sure to use a non-metallic, soft brush (like a toothbrush.) Forth, make sure to dry your gold with a lint-free towel (no paper towels.)

Metal Education: Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold

Gold is the absolute oldest of all metals. It doesn't corrode, tarnish or rust, so you can count on it to always stay gorgeous. Despite being a strong metal, it is still more "flexible" than the other precious metals. To keep gold solid and suitable for jewelry, pure gold is commonly mixed with different metals to increase its strength. Yellow gold is the most common form of gold found in jewelry and is usually mixed with copper and silver. Its color depends upon the amount of pure gold in the alloy. The purity of gold in an alloy is expressed in carats. Pure gold is 24 carats, but it is too soft to be used in jewelry. 18 carat gold is made up of 75% gold and 25% other metals. It is commonly used in fine jewelry. 14 carat gold contains 58.3% gold. This is the most common form of gold found in jewelry where strength matters. 10 carat gold is made up of 41.7% gold. This is the minimum amount of karats an item needs to be classified as real gold in the U.S.

Caring for Yellow Gold JewelryTo keep your gold shiny and free of scratches, store it in a soft cloth bag or a fabric-lined jewelry box. Make sure to keep gold jewelry away from harmful chemicals such as bleach, ammonia and chlorine. Always use a soft cloth to dry your jewelry, never paper towels.