Whether you think diamonds or shoes are a girl’s best friend, one thing is certain: the ring matters. Although it is not necessary to have a ring for the engagement to be official, most ladies prefer to have something sparkly to show for their new title of “fiance”. Many couples choose the bride””””s wedding set together, but often the a man will surprise his girlfriend with a ring of his choosing when he proposes. An heirloom from the groom’s family can be a romantic and sentimental bridal set as well.
Diamonds (meaning “unbreakable” in Greek) have four classic criteria: color (the clearer the diamond, the greater the value), clarity (the degree of inclusions when the stone is magnified ten times), cut (stones are proportioned and faceted to maximize the brilliance through their crowns), and carats (the size of the diamond). Diamonds come in a variety of cuts, with the brilliant, or round shape being the one that glistens and dances most in light. The emerald, heart, oval, pear, and marquis cuts are also popular.
Gold is most often used in bridal jewelry and is available in either white or yellow gold. Platinum, the strongest ring metal, is used for the prongs that hold the stones in place. In ancient Roman times, a plain gold ring symbolized true and everlasting love. While today the band is often embellished, the symbolism remains.
Your wedding bands are a symbol of your married love: an unending and unbreakable, pure and precious bond of unequaled beauty. “With this ring, I thee wed….”
