Choosing Your Wedding Ring

If you appreciate symbolism and meaning, you may like to consider a Celtic-style wedding ring. Many elaborate styles follow traditional Celtic designs (as well as non-traditional designs) to express particular qualities, for example unity, love, desire or strength. Interestingly, many jewelry makers have noticed a big rise in demand for rings with meaningful symbolism since the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Understandably, everybody wants something different. If you really can’t find the perfect wedding ring already made, you can have one custom designed.

Each option has different advantages. Buying an already made ring in a shop gives you absolute certainty that what you are getting is precisely what you want. In a store, you can also more easily match up various engagement ring and wedding band combinations to help with your choice.

On the other hand, commissioning a custom-made ring gives you control over your unique design. I would encourage people to make the design of their ring a priority. Get something that you like– after all, you’re going to wear it for a long time. The vast majority of couples these days don’t have matching wedding bands; instead, they each go for the style, material and design they most prefer.

A design can be commissioned from a manufacturing jeweller based in a retail store, or by an independent designer/jeweler. Whoever you choose to create your ring/s, make sure you have total confidence in the jeweller’s intergrity and skill. And be certain that they understand precisely what you want. Having a ring made can be a big investment, so if you aren’t totally comfortable with a jeweller, ask more questions or choose someone else.

A couple I know wish they had chosen someone else after they commissioned a jeweler to make their rings while living in Singapore. The jeweler they selected offered very little advice and input into the process, so they were left unaware of key issues that should have been considered.

They ended up negotiating with the jeweller to have their wedding rings melted and totally remade, which of course is not a situation you’d want to find yourself in.

Fashionable Titanium Wedding Bands For Men

Mens titanium wedding rings have all the style and sophistication that you would expect from any jewelry designer. The designs are sleek and elegant that they really don’t detract from the masculinity of any man that would wear one. Today, it is a popular choice either as a wedding band or just as a fashion item for men whom like wearing jewelry other than just a watch.

The titanium metal has been highly processed and can be really expensive to buy in some of the exclusive jewelry shops. It no longer looks ugly or garish or cheap. Obviously, all things taken into consideration, men’s jewelry will be a lot heavier than women’s jewelry but it can be equally aesthetically appealing to the eye if chosen well. If you search online, then you will come across many shops that will sell gemstones separately from the metal. In that case your problems are solved, because you can design your own ring with a titanium band.

If you dislike gemstones, then it is good idea to look at more plainer designs and select one of those. Experimenting with titanium and other metal, mixing and matching or blending can give you a good effect when you wear it on your finger.

In the jewelry trade, titanium is usually referred to as ‘white’ because of its light color. But it can be found in black also, which if tastefully designed can look really perfect on the right person.

There is a huge range of unusual designs to choose from. Other than having the conventional gemstones like rubies, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires etc, there are other non sparkle stone like amber you can use.
Most men will not go for sparkling, shiny types of jewelry. They will go for something that is duller, more matte and has a certain amount of chunkiness so it looks and feels more masculine when you wear it.
So when looking for mens fashion rings then its worthwhile setting aside a budget and then searching online for the perfect ring.

The Challenges of Buying Wedding Shoes

We all know that planning a wedding has many challenging issues.  If you are not already burdened with decisions involving the caterer, the photographer, and whether or not you are inviting your mom’s cousin on her father’s side (twice removed), think about the daunting task of finding your wedding shoes.  You have already picked out the dress and the color scheme for your bridesmaids.  But deciding on the wedding shoes can be an issue.  Don’t fret because this is the fun part.  Besides, it’s always fun to buy new shoes.

First, be aware that the newest fashion will determine the availability of the most popular bridal shoes. At this point, you still have not decided whether or not you are going with flat bridal sandals for comfort, a beaded thong sandal for a dazzling look, or a satin shoe with that marvelous heel.  If the shoes are designed for dyeing, they have highly absorbent materials.  If that is the case, wear a pair of stockings to avoid staining when you try them on.

If you are like most brides to be, you are interested in style, but also very interested in comfort.  Flat bridal sandals are designed to be much more comfortable than in the old days.  The materials are lighter, yet much more durable.  Often, bridal sandals can be worn for hours upon hours and will endure through the reception as well.  When you are walking down the isle, it is important that you not only look good, but feel good as well.

Let’s talk a bit about color.  Unless your dress is pink and you plan on wearing pink wedding shoes, you may want to think about white or satin as the color of choice.  My daughter would love wearing pink wedding shoes, although she is only six years old at the moment.

Where are you going to buy your wedding shoes?  Do you want to shop at a mall, a warehouse, or a retail boutique shop?  As you know, the most expensive stop is going to be the boutique shop.  However, this may be your best bet if you have a budget that yearns for originality.  Remember that looking doesn’t always mean buying.  So don’t deprive yourself of the chance of finding the perfect shoes.  The worst thing that can happen is that you walk away without a purchase.  However, you will surely have a few more ideas in your head for the next shopping trip.