Wedding Rings : Selecting the Best One
A diamond ring glittering on the left hand, the ultimate symbol of love, is every woman’s dream. In ancient times, it was believed there was a vein in the third finger of the left hand connected to the heart. It was felt that if a ring was placed on that finger there would always be a strong connection of true love and commitment to one another. The diamond ring is either an engagement ring or a marriage ring that you give to your beloved as a promise to be with him or she throughout your life and thus selecting the best wedding ring is a very important decision,
Why have rings acquired this almost mythical status? Why is it seen as a token of eternal devotion? In days gone by a ring was a symbol of love, faith, friendship. Because gold and precious stones were so rare and highly valued they could only be owned or gifted by royalty and so acquired their unique status as the ultimate gift of love. The shape of the ring, a circle is also very special as a circle was considered a symbol of perfection. A circular shape was meant to indicate a state with no beginning or end. Our planets, the sun, and that favorite of lovers, the moon is also circular. In fact research has shown that ancient man tied his woman to him with a string of reeds to show that they were together. Celtic cultures believed that a lover’s knot symbolized the true meaning of love.
There are many myths and traditions revolving around wedding rings. Usually a couple first has an engagement ceremony where one or both of them have a diamond ring placed on the third finger of the left hand. The wedding band is worn on the actual day of the wedding and usually matches the engagement ring in a very special way. In church weddings the bridegroom has his best friend keep the couple’s wedding rings safe and present them at the auspicious moment. In some families a beautifully dressed children troop in carrying the ring on a gorgeous cushion. In short a lot of pomp and ceremony goes into the creation and presentation of rings.
Platinum which is very fashionable again was first used in Egypt. Cartier and Faberge and Tiffany, experimented with the metal and invented exquisite designs with myriad facets and settings. Platinum is the ultimate in purity, whereas 18 carat gold is only 75% pure. Platinum wedding rings are known to keep their special white shine for the longest time
Palladium is a metal like platinum that has a following now as it is more reasonably priced. Settings include prongs, dome, Celtic, Russian, beveled edge, knife edge, band and the bezel cut. The latest trend is known as the tension setting in which the stone stays in place by the tension of the metal surrounding it. Wedding rings are traditionally personalized with inscriptions, intertwined initials or the wedding date itself to remind the couple of the most special day in their lives, the day they recite their vows and exchange rings for life.
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