‘stainless Celtic Wedding Band’
What does a stainless steel wedding band say about you? Are you really preoccupied by the fact that people may judge you?
'stainless Celtic Wedding Band' (Source: mens-wedding-rings.com)
If you do, you should begin to let your preconceptions aside because nowadays a stainless steel wedding band doesn’t put any label on your forehead “this guy has no money, he cannot afford a real wedding band”. Even more, it has become a trend, it is a statement about modern men, I don’t know if unconventional too (due to the fact that the stainless steel is an unconventional material for a wedding band), but it has become the new fashion of wedding bands, especially for men.
It is a perfect alternative for those who don’t like white or yellow gold. You don’t have the same concern in protecting the band (as in the case where it was made from precious soft metal) because the stainless steel is very resistant to external factors and all sorts of accidents (that is the reason why it a stainless steel wedding band is perfect for an active man that is always caught in work, even those who have it tough).
And let’s face it, a stainless steel wedding band is a perfect solution for those who are on a budget, because we all know how expensive a wedding can get (actually the wedding industry in the US is among the prosperous ones). I am sure that among these reasons you sympathize with at least one of them.
'stainless Celtic Wedding Band' (Source: i00.i.aliimg.com)
Now that we’ve discussed the raw material if I may say so – “the canvas for the painting”, it is time we add “the color” and talk about the pattern for the wedding band. Because I have approached the male target (stainless steel wedding bands are not that feminine), I believe that a Celtic inspired model would do just the trick for a manly but elegant wedding band. When I say Celtic patterns I think of those specifically knots and also graphic representations from the Celtic civilization used in ornamental purposes.
Models like step patterns, spirals and key patterns are characteristic to Celtic culture; the realization of these patterns assumed intricate interwoven cords, in our case the woven is made with stainless steel or it is possible only to emboss or engrave the pattern on an already simple made band. Although this style is commonly used by Irish, Welsh and Scottish – who associate with Celts and national identity, but this isn’t a grand rule. If you like it, then you can do it.
Art Nouveau Wedding Bands White Gold
The period of Art Nouveau concerned the years 1890 – 1919 and its main characteristics are the soft curves inspired by the feminine forms. But this wasn’t the only inspiration, because that period put a lot of accent on nature too, from where it took a lot of models. Some particular symbols are: butterflies, dragon and dragonflies, snakes, a lot of flower motifs (orchids, poppies, water lilies, irises). In Art Nouveau gemstones were used in the making of jewelry, here are some examples: citrines, opals, moonstones, amber, peridots.
Art Nouveau Wedding Bands White Gold (Source: faycullen.com)
In contrast to the Art Nouveau, after the war appeared Art Deco, as a reaction to Art Nouveau style, meaning it changed the curved lines into straight ones, inspired by rigors of mathematics, geometry to be more exact.
A wedding band from the period of Art Nouveau is an inspired choice, because the flowing lines used in the design of the rings are a perfect match for this occasion. However, in this particular case we have the same obstacles as in other antique wedding bands, more exactly, they are hard to find and because of their rarity they are also very expensive. And there is of course the risk of paying a lot of money on a replica (because you couldn’t know the difference).
Art Nouveau Wedding Bands White Gold (Source: faycullen.com)
Because the current of Art Nouveau expanded throw-out the world, you can search for a wedding band ring from that period with different influences from the specific country it was made in, keeping, of course, the main basic features.
If you have decided on an antique ring for your wedding day, I think that an Art Nouveau wedding band is the perfect way to make your eternal commitment. It’s very feminine look is anything a bride could ever want on her finger and it will definitely represent the ideal wedding ring.
Antique Art Deco Wedding Band
Art Deco rings are inspired from the period with the same name, meaning the years 1920 – 1935 or in other words – the inter-war period, which meant for some people a prosperous time. Those wealthy persons invested money in new types of jewelry and that’s how Art Deco style appeared. Named after an exposition in Paris, the inherent design of this style resumes in cubical and geometrical patterns resulting in an overall abstract look. This bold but simple approach to jewelry emerged as a reaction to Art Nouveau.
Antique Art Deco Wedding Band (Source: bridology.com)
In which rings are concern, this style was quickly picked up and used with frequency in wedding bands. A lot of persons wanted this design on their wedding rings and the current was propagated really fast in those years. Nowadays, Art Deco wedding bands are considered antique pieces of jewelry and they are this more desired. Their uniqueness makes them a very precious item and, due to the fact that you cannot find them at every street corner you will have to pull more money out of your pocket if you want this particular ring for your very special day.
The modern look offered by the symmetry of the mathematical shapes used in the design of Art Deco rings attracts many customers that like straight lines and a solid feel of things.
Antique Art Deco Wedding Band (Source: faycullen.com)
Now, if you already have decided in purchasing an Art Deco wedding band, you have one more choice to make. If you want an authentic Art Deco ring you have to pay a little extra, as I said earlier, but the price will definitely match your expectations. But finding an authentic ring can be a complicated thing, and if you don’t manage to get one you will have to settle for a replica (when I say replica I mean a wedding ring that is inspired in terms of design from an Art Deco ring). Actually, there are persons who prefer the last alternative, not only because it’s cheaper and easier to procure, but also because for them it doesn’t matter if the ring is eighty years old, they just want a symbol of that period (considering the fact that a wedding ring is itself a symbol of an everlasting bound between two persons).
Antique Reproduction Wedding Bands
Wedding bands reproductions after antique rings are a very good solution for those of you who want for their wedding day to be out of the ordinary, but, at the same time, you cannot afford an authentic antique ring (which costs a little fortune due to their uniqueness and rarity), so a replica comes in handy.
Antique Reproduction Wedding Bands (Source: backyardlandscape.net)
If you have a soft spot for antiques and you consider that their age and their story come together in an interesting package, you can think of choosing such a ring as your wedding band, even though we are still talking about a reproduced antique. Copying the design from an authentic antique ring gives you a piece of what the original symbolizes, and though it isn’t the same, it will still be a remembrance of that period that you appreciate the most. As long as we are here, I want to make a remark and that is the fact that you can get inspired from different periods of time that left behind some exquisite pieces of jewelry. What I am trying to say is that you can choose from various styles of rings when you are thinking of reproduce one for your wedding bands, like Victorian rings, Edwardian rings, Art Deco rings and others.
Antique Reproduction Wedding Bands (Source: dts.ystoretools.com)
Don’t think that if it’s a replica it wouldn’t have the same heavy meaning. It will have the meaning you will assign it. It doesn’t have to be the ring of a queen, it has to be your ring and be the symbol of your communion together with the man you love. The main idea is that, along with the ring itself that symbolizes the eternal bound between a man and a woman, a reproduction after an antique for your wedding band will be the symbol of your personal communion, and nothing can make this become a less special day. The replica will add a nostalgic tone to all of this by being a remembrance of the period of time it represents.
Black Pearl Wedding Band
A black pearl, known also as a Tahitian pearl (because it is the only place in the world where you can find it), is among the rarest pearl in the world. There is one single specimen of oyster who makes this kind of pearl – pinctada margaratifara– and takes up to two years to grow it. The rareness is also due to the fact that these oysters often reject to form the pearl. As a main characteristic, the black pearls are bigger than white pearls, reaching between ten and seventeen millimeters in diameter. All these features make the black pearl to be a piece of resistance for wedding bands; its rareness makes it so unique and so much more desirable.
Black Pearl Wedding Band (Source: wedding-beauty.com)
The color in black pearls is rarely a pure dark black. In the process of making the pearl, a nacre shell (the same material as the oyster’s shell) gives an infusion of colors, such as red, green, yellow, blue or a combination of the above; this unique fact gives the pearl and also the ring that wears the pearl a mystique characteristic, and makes it even more special. Gemologists estimate that, because of this phenomenon, there can be estimated almost forty shades of black, from light grey to rich ebony.
In terms of quality, this is given firstly by the color – the blacker the better – but, it is understandable that much more exceptions are made at this type of pearl, just because its rarity. So, other colors are admitted too, in some cases, these in between colors are more searched because they are more original and they can be used in an exclusive wedding band.
Black Pearl Wedding Band (Source: parisianevents.com)
Unfortunately, this main characteristic, the uniqueness of a black pearl makes it very expensive and also physically hard to find. So, for those of you who want a black pearl wedding band but can’t get one, you can settle for a replica if I may say so. The color of pearls can be imitated (you can distinguish an authentic black pearl from a replica by looking at it: imitation pearls don’t reflect light the same way as natural pearls; real pearls have a smooth, consistent texture, on the other hand, replicas have bumps, grains or other textures).
Zodiac Sign Wedding Band
Astrology is still very popular. Although or perhaps just because we live in an era when everything is guided by technology, science and rational logic, people need a charismatic element, something more symbolic and full of meaning to hang on to, and that is why, I believe that they still believe in the zodiac. These reasons stay among those who believe them and I guess that this is the explanation for those who choose to use zodiac sign on their wedding bands, in their most important day of all.
Let us see the individual characteristic of each zodiac sign to better understand the reason behind the decision.
Aries: very independent, don’t like to take orders from others, they sometimes act in a childish way, they get mad easily, are self-involved, self-centered.
Taurus: highly sensitive, they easily get offended, they are really stubborn, they do only what they want and like.
Gemini: instant reactions to different situations, have a nervous temperament, they are thirsty for information, they hate boredom, they are very emotional and they get very excited for variety, their specific characteristic is duality, they have constant conflicting emotions, they experience spontaneity in all contexts of life.
Cancer: hey are complex, fragile, unpredictable, temperamental, need constant support and encouragement, they are almost all the time cranky and irritated, uneasy, with a delicate temperament.
Zodiac Sign Wedding Band (Source: weddingvowrings.com)
Leo: they love the new, are vivacious, they don’t take orders from nobody, are very prideful and very territorial.
Virgo: they pay attention to detail, sometimes they are indecisive, cold and detached, are unpredictable.
Libra: have excellent instinct and intuition, they have an easygoing attitude, they have a strong need for fairness, they are courageous.
Scorpio: are extremely ambitious, persistent, determined, very controlling, they never give up, they are adaptable and versatile, very competitive.
Zodiac Sign Wedding Band (Source: i.ebayimg.com)
Sagittarius: they are emotionally detached, are optimistic and positive persons.
Capricorn: are melancholic, very disciplined and responsible, are self-sufficient, organized, sometimes they are closed-minded, stubborn.
Aquarius: they have a rebel temperament, they are very stubborn, but also very smart, they are very fixed on their ideas.
Pisces: they are mysterious and elusive, compassionate persons, they experience extreme emotions.
All these characteristic are the reasons that make people choose zodiac sign wedding bands, these people being the ones who find themselves among the characteristic mentioned above.
Woven Wedding Bands
Woven wedding bands are meaningful pieces of jewelry because they represent the ever-lasting and strong commitment between a man and a woman. Besides the intrinsic symbol of a ring, meaning its round shape which makes you think of eternity, fluency, serenity, smooth journey along with your chosen one, adding the woven pattern to a ring gives it a great more deal of significance. The blend metal transmits a very powerful message, namely the merge of two persons who are about to put everything in common – possessions, money, faith, love, respect – in order to reach for a perfect whole put together by two perfect halves.
Woven Wedding Bands (Source: handwovenbands.com)
Woven wedding bands are intricately beautiful hand-crafted rings. They’re production requires a talented workman because there is a great need of attention to details, the result must be flawless in order that the message transmitted by the ring remains pure.
There are plenty of woven wedding bands for you to choose from. We can talk about the simple woven rings as which the design is concerned: the pieces of metal wire are knitted together in a circle shape (the knitted metal wires can be attached on a simple ring platform, by choice); an interesting alternative is to knit together metals of different colors such as white, gold and red gold. A more complex model implies the knitting of the metal in more than three wires; the result has more visual impact because it implies having a more wide and compressed ring. You can obtain the same result if you knit the metal wires in more complex ways. In some cases, if the grooms request it, on the woven rings it can be attached a gemstone, for a little bit of glare.
Woven Wedding Bands (Source: furthers.com)
This being said, the woven wedding band option is a great alternative to pronounce your never-ending bound to your beloved one, simply because its inherent symbolism and beauty.
Amber Wedding Band
Amber isn’t really a stone, in fact, it’s a very old fossilized three resin. Its natural beauty makes it a very appreciated precious gemstone. Because of its origins, the amber was used in many domains, such as folk medicine and perfumery. It symbolizes good luck and also, in some cultures, it means fidelity and the renewal of a commitment. That is why, nowadays, people still wish for amber wedding bands. Another interesting aspect of amber stones is that they are unique – you cannot find two identical amber stones in the whole world!
Amber Wedding Band (Source: getmarriedrings.com)
Amber stones are known for their magical, healing powers, because in ancient times, they were used in order to scare evil spirits. Today, the stone is used with a somewhat different purpose, but it is still believed that amber stones attract positive energy and reduce anxiety.
Usually, amber wedding bands are quite inexpensive (it depends more of the metal you choose for the ring). A setback at these types of rings is that the amber gemstone is very fragile, so it is necessary that the owner doesn’t wear it in day-to-day activities. Among advantages you will find that the amber stone has a pleasant warm feel in contact with your skin, compared to crystals which have a mineral coldness.
The first time that amber was used in wedding rings was in Latvia, before Christianity; the people thought that the stone guaranteed the everlasting bound between a man and a woman. Taking into consideration all these specific characteristic of an amber stone, it is understandable why future grooms select it as an alternative for their wedding bands.
Amber Wedding Band (Source: img0.etsystatic.com)
If you have decided on such wedding bands you should first verify the authenticity of the amber (because there are often made replicas). How do you do that? You can easily determine if the stone is real if you will stick a needle in a hidden side of the stone that was heated to incandescence; if it is real amber it will smell like pine.
1930′s Wedding Band
The 1930s captures the era of romanticism. It combines two antagonistic styles, the flamboyant influence of the previous decade but also the simplicity enforced by the Great Depression.
Not everyone can wear a vintage ring in his/her wedding day. The sophisticated workmanship and the unusual/out of the modern context style implies that the grooms are familiar in advance with this kind of possibility and they are genuinely interested in this sort of wedding bands.
1930's Wedding Band (Source: cf.ltkcdn.net)
We can speak of four wedding band styles from the 1930. The Victorian style gathers the romantic, flower patterns or other delicate designs; the feminine accent is very stringent in this style. The Edwardian style has geometric and filigree patterns; it’s not that different from the Victorian style, with the exception of larger dimensions of the patterns that points to a more extravagant type. The Art Deco style can be resumed as a bold feature, combining bigger gemstones to achieve an abundant impression. The simple style – which can be recognized as being from the Great Depression period – reflects the difficulty of those times, as it is obvious that it has dropped the fancy approach (no more gemstones) for a more affordable model, characterized by engraved metal details and the thinness of the rings.
1930's Wedding Band (Source: cf.ltkcdn.net)
These possibilities are welcomed because you can surely fit into one of those four alternatives.
A serious problem could be finding such bands. Authentic 1930s wedding bands are hard to purchase just because their uniqueness. These kinds of jewelries can be usually found at vintage auctions either online or standard or at vintage stores (even if you don’t find what you are looking for, the owner of such a store might give you some tips of where to keep searching). Another thing you should worry about is the authenticity of the rings. You should get a warranty that says the rings are genuine rather than a replica, a reproduction.
Alternative Metal Wedding Band
When you think of a well planned wedding you have in mind that the rings are an extremely important item. In a standard classic wedding, the rings are always made of gold, as a symbol of success and welfare. But in modern days, this may not always be the case, because of various reasons.
The principal reason is probably the low budget that doesn’t allow you to afford all the luxuries in the world. Even though you wanted something else, there are great options on the market that can allow you to make an acceptable compromise. Another factor may be choosing for an alternative metal wedding band because you are eco-friendly and you don’t want that, in the process of making your wedding bands, nature suffers (gold processing can be polluting). You may wish to choose an alternative wedding band because you are a nonconformist and you want your rings to be original. Whatever the reason might be, it is important that nowadays there are options for you to make a decent choice that doesn’t make you settle with less.
Ceramic wedding bands are light and very durable. Black ceramic rings are for those who don’t want to re-plat their rings too often.
Alternative Metal Wedding Band (Source: weddingjewelrywebstore.com)
Cobalt chrome is the metal used in medical implants; it has a white (whiter than platinum) color and is highly durable. Cobalt chrome wedding bands come as a response to a budget crises, for the grooms that wanted a replacement for platinum but couldn’t afford it.
Titanium wedding bands have the strength of steel and the weight of aluminum. So, you can expect that the rings are lightweight, weighting one third the weight of gold. It has a gray color, close to white, similar to the stainless steel color.
Tungsten rings are chosen because of their good looks and durability and they became the frequent choice of men.
Alternative Metal Wedding Band (Source: weddingjewelrywebstore.com)
Silver wedding bands are probably the most common alternative for gold wedding rings. Silver is whiter than platinum and white gold and it is the most affordable precious metal.
In other words, you don’t need to be preoccupied no more because there are viable alternative metals for wedding bands that are a good option for your very special day.
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