Choosing Your Ring
Exchanging rings as a token of love and commitment is an age old practice. Beyond the other accoutrements of the wedding, the rings will be one of the few lasting symbols of your commitment and a sign of love and permanence. The wedding ring is probably the smallest, but most significant, item and its choice deserves some careful consideration.
Whether you believe in the proverbs and legends regarding the history of the wedding ring, marriage is one ceremony that unites nearly all the religions and cultures on this earth. It is the giving or exchanging of a piece of symbolic jewellery that is, of course, central to this ceremony.
It is said that the circular shape of the wedding ring symbolises eternal love, and has done since the days of the Egyptian Empire. It seems rather ironic then that the first wedding rings were fashioned from hemp or rushes, and would have required eternal replacement! In Roman times, iron or pewter were used as their properties for constancy and endurance were seen to be more appropriate (they were also more practical and durable!) Nowadays platinum and gold are the favoured metals due to their lasting beauty, purity and value - traits we all identify in our partners! Contemporary wedding rings come in numerous shapes and forms and your selection will require a little time and consideration.
When choosing your wedding ring there are a number of factors which should be considered. Firstly, you should focus on the engagement band. It’s probably stone-set, but what type of ring is it? Does it have one, two or more stones? Are the stones set in claws or does the ring have a rub-over setting? Is it gold or platinum? Perhaps it’s a combination of the two metals? Is the piece of a traditional design or does the ring have a more contemporary “feel”?
I’m afraid the engagement ring will influence your choice of wedding band. The wedding band should complement the engagement ring as they will usually, if not always, be worn together. You must also consider the shape of your hand and the length and size of your fingers - the width and weight of the wedding ring must be sympathetic to these proportions. Consider also the practicality of the piece. Unlike the engagement ring, the wedding band will always be worn. It should be a practical design that can withstand the rigours of modern life. Finally, the piece must be timeless - the design should last a life-time and should not date. I see hundreds of horror stories, elaborate bands which must have been super-cool in the early seventies, but don’t look very contemporary now!
Most brides that come to pure rings are looking for something a little different, a unique piece designed to an exacting specification. We specialise in handmade wedding rings and have considerable experience in turning an idea into a practical and workable design. At pure rings you’ll find one of the largest selections of wedding rings in the country. With a comprehensive range of over 500 handmade designs and a flexible commission service we believe we can cater for every taste, and budget! Our unique service and personal attention ensure that you will be given expert, impartial advice with none of the pressures or distractions of a retail environment. Call us to arrange an appointment, whether buying, or just looking for guidance, you’ll be assured a friendly welcome and good advice :- (01691) 238297
