Your Wedding Advice - StrictlyWeddings.com Blog

Rings and Jewelry Trends

According to The Wedding Report, white gold and platinum wedding bands have now outpaced yellow gold by two to one in popularity. Platinum is especially popular because of its purity, rarity and durability. In addition, men’s rings are getting bigger and more intricate, with a rise in demand for engraved patterns, such as scrollwork or filigree. Men are also choosing rings that incorporate diamonds into the bands, particularly burnished-set stones that are set flush with the band instead of raised.

Ring designers are seeing colored gems and engagement rings with extra diamonds surrounding the larger stone as popular styles. Settings with elaborate and raised stones, and twisted wedding bands are also trendy. Colored stones and stacked wedding bands are alternatives to the traditional engagement and wedding band combination. Piling wedding bands on top of one another creates a striking look and paves the way for future anniversary additions, as well.

Recycling wedding rings is another growing trend, whether it be passing down family heirlooms or melting the metal of older rings and using it in a newly designed creation. Vintage-style bands and antique rings are also quite trendy for 2008. Detailed designs include scroll-like engraving, microset (tiny half-point) diamonds, delicate milgrain work, raised beaded edges, and filigree.

Antique rings with cushion and Asscher-cut diamonds, which were very stylish in the 1920s, are currently popular among brides. These diamonds are square-shaped and designed to reflect candlelight while drawing the eye into the stone. These cuts also complement pavé-set bands, which are currently trendy, as well.

Big, bold jewelry is also quite popular on the fashion runways this year, including wide bracelets, chandelier and long, thin shoulder-skimming earrings, as well as larger-than-life necklaces, such as chokers with six strings of pearls.

With This Ring, I Thee Wed: Buying Wedding Rings

For many couples, choosing their wedding rings is an important part of their Dallas, Texas wedding. A symbol of love and unity, wedding rings are exchanged at some point during most wedding ceremonies. However, the types of wedding rings that you can buy in Dallas, Texas can be as varied as the couples who wear them.

When shopping for wedding rings in Dallas, Texas, you should take time to visit several different jewelers to get an idea of the options that are out here. Wedding rings in Dallas, Texas can come in a variety of materials, with or without stones, and may interlock with the bride’s engagement ring if desired.

There are several things to consider when finding your ideal wedding ring in Dallas, Texas. First is the metal that you choose to have your wedding ring designed in. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Gold – Gold is a popular choice for wedding rings. While most couples will choose to go with white or yellow gold, gold can actually come in a variety of colors, including pink/rose gold and green gold. Besides the color, you also have to consider the karat. 24-karat gold, which is pure, is too soft to use for jewelry. 14 and 18 karat gold are the most commonly used karats for wedding jewelry.
• Platinum – One of the rarest precious metals used in jewelry, it is also one of the heaviest and most enduring. A platinum wedding ring is designed to last forever, and it will show very little wear. The lustrous color of the metal compliments gemstones nicely, and it is considered the best protection you can get for a diamond. It also tends to be one of the most expensive types of wedding rings.
• Other options – two other popular choices for wedding rings in Dallas, Texas include tungsten and titanium. Tungsten is very hard and very dense, and offers a nearly scratch proof wedding ring. Titanium is also very hard yet very light, making it ideal for couples that have an active lifestyle. Both metals are more commonly used in modern-style wedding rings.

Once you have decided on the metal to create your perfect wedding band, there are still other options to consider. Wedding ring styles vary from traditional looks to modern styles, and you can find the perfect wedding ring in Dallas, Texas to suit your taste.

First, you will want to consider how you would like the band. Will you use one metal or a combination? Do you prefer a plain band or something engraved? Do you want a band that is designed to wear alone or linked with the engagement ring? A solid band or one made of filigree?

Another consideration is whether or not you will use gemstones in your wedding bands. While diamonds are the most commonly used stones in Dallas, Texas wedding rings, you can use any stone that holds special significance for you. Some couples choose to use their birth stones, the stone of a special anniversary, or even reset a stone from a treasured family heirloom. Your imagination is your only limit when deciding what will be best symbol of your eternal love!

A Perfect Proposal – All about the Ring

When you have found the perfect bride-to-be, it is time to start shopping for engagement rings in Dallas, Texas.  Here is a look at this small, yet incredibly important, piece of jewelry.

An engagement ring in Dallas, Texas is traditionally worn by the bride-to-be on her left-hand ring finger after she accepts a marriage proposal.  A gift from the groom-to-be, the engagement ring represents the couple’s intentions of getting married in the future.  Some women will also buy their groom-to-be a promise ring at the same time.

For some men, finding the perfect engagement ring in Dallas, Texas can be harder than finding the perfect bride.  Some prefer to choose the ring themselves as a surprise gift, while others involve their girlfriends in the decision in order to find the perfect ring.  There are several decisions to consider when choosing the ultimate engagement ring.

The Style of the Ring

First, you will want to consider the ring itself.  Engagement rings can come in a variety of metals, most commonly gold – either yellow or white – or platinum.  Some couples prefer a plain band with just a single stone setting, while others prefer multiple stones.  You can also look for sets that include both the engagement ring and the matching wedding band.  Many engagement ring stores in Dallas, Texas will offer a variety of choices, but you may also want to visit separate jewelers so you can see traditional versus modern settings and the variety of options that are out there.

The Cut of the Stone

Traditionally, the stone in most engagement rings is the diamond, since for many people a diamond represents eternity.  However, some couples may choose to use other stones with, or in place of, the diamond if they have more significance to the couple.  Even with diamonds, there is a limitless variety that you can choose from.  Some people will choose a single stone setting, while others prefer the look of multiple stones.  The stones themselves can vary significantly in shape, size, color, clarity, and price.

The Myriad of Setting Options

To facilitate buying engagement rings in Dallas, Texas, many jewelers offer a variety of options that you can choose from.  The easiest route to go is with a pre-set ring.  Basically, you walk into your jeweler of choice and choose what you want from the selection.  Many will have solitaires, settings with side stones, and engagement ring sets with matching bands to choose from.  If they do not have the size you need, there may be a wait time while the Dallas, Texas jeweler gets the engagement ring sized appropriately.

If you are looking for something that is a little more personal, you can choose to design your own engagement ring.  With most jewelers, you will go in and choose from a variety of settings.  You can then pick out the perfect stone and have it placed so that you have your own unique engagement ring.  Some jewelers may provide this service on site; thus, provided that they have the proper-sized setting and the ideal stones for your design idea, there will be only a minimal wait time.  Other places may require you to special order the ring from an offsite designer, which could entail an additional wait time.

Congratulations on your happy hunting for the perfect ring with which to say “I do!” 

Diamonds

Anschar Diamonds is the best! They are the nicest people. Brenda Kaunch is so helpful there, and they have the most beautiful things.

I would have them design a ring for me, without a doubt. Quality-Quality and customer service is outstanding! They also have a great selection of wedding bands for men and women that are fab, as well!