Luxurious, neat, elegant, paired or different, with precious stones or engraving, made of gold, platinum, palladium or silver - how varied are wedding rings! YesYes invites you on an excursion into the world of the most romantic jewelry. You will not only receive aesthetic pleasure, but also learn:
- what metals are used today for wedding rings;
- what types of wedding rings are waiting for you in jewelry stores;
- what are the features of each model and how to make this important choice.
Which engagement ring is better to choose?
The tradition of exchanging wedding rings dates back to either Ancient Greece or Ancient Egypt. In any case, we find the first mention of this custom, filled with deep sacred meaning, in Plutarch.
Over the centuries, this tradition has been modified many times until it has reached us in a crystallized form. Nowadays, it is rare that a planned wedding takes place without the exchange of rings. Newlyweds can go to the wedding in jeans or swim in diving equipment, but they will definitely have these attributes of family life.
In Soviet times, the question of how best to choose an engagement ring was not faced by young people: the industry produced predominantly smooth rings made of 585 red gold, only the thickness and diameter of the products varied.
Wedding rings in the Sunlight catalog
These days, choosing the right engagement ring is much more difficult due to the abundance of shapes, materials and design features. That is why this pleasant and responsible procedure should be planned in advance. And no matter how great the temptation is to make a stunning surprise, it is better to make a jewelry voyage together, slowly and with pleasure.
Before you finally choose rings for the bride and groom, you need to clearly define both your budget and your own needs. In the first place it is worth putting practicality and compatibility with the general daily look, because “engagement rings” are not ceremonial decorations, but symbols-amulets of marriage that are worn constantly.
Choice of metal and sample
The top material for making wedding rings is gold. Yes, some originals gravitate towards silver, titanium, palladium, and sometimes even ceramics and plastic, but these are rather exceptions to the rule. Platinum products are original and very expensive - if people can afford it, why not?
But let's stick to good old gold, which also comes in different forms. This metal itself is inert and very beautiful, but it is very soft and unstable to physical influences. In order to give it greater practicality and hardness, gold is alloyed with all kinds of additives and alloys. Not only the physical characteristics, but also the color of the alloy depend on the quantity and composition of the alloy.
So:
- Red gold. Copper predominates in the composition of alloys, but silver is also present. This gold is the most inexpensive, visually inconspicuous, but remarkably hard. Here is the most practical option that you should choose for an engagement ring for every day.
- Yellow gold. Silver clearly predominates in the composition of alloys, with very little copper. This gives the noble alloy a spectacular classic yellow color and a higher price, but reduces the degree of strength. Exclusive, but, unfortunately, short-lived jewelry is made from yellow gold.
- White gold. A very effective metal that harmonizes with any look, from casual to evening wardrobe. Alloys are very expensive palladium and platinum, which determines the highest price of this alloy. White gold rings look amazing, but not every couple can afford them.
Red gold engagement ring Yellow gold engagement ring White gold engagement ring
Now let's talk about the hallmark. For some reason, many are sure that the higher the sample, the better. Yes, this makes a certain sense: the higher the standard, the more gold there is in the alloy and the fewer alloys. However, you need to understand that the more gold, the softer the alloy.
Therefore, for daily wear it is better to choose rings of democratic, but very practical 585 standard. But if you are not going to wear a symbol of marriage all the time or can afford a couple more rings for a ceremonial option, gold of a higher standard, for example, 750, is appropriate.
Some believe that mandatory hallmarks on precious metal jewelry appeared during the Soviet Union. However, this is not so: branding became mandatory under Emperor Peter I, back in 1700 - the autocrat was then carrying out a monetary reform.
What should be the design of an engagement ring?
A wedding ring is a solar symbol. In the classical interpretation, the ring should be absolutely smooth, so that the newlyweds’ family life would be the same. Another traditional requirement is that the ring design for a couple must be the same.
Times are changing, and now an engagement ring for a girl can differ significantly from the male version. However, even in this case, it is reasonable to maintain the unity of style and materials.
The most common are still the classic profiles, with a smooth outer and convex outer surface. Alternative design options that are quite close to them are:
- “washers” – straight, without thickening or rounding;
- straight - the same “washers”, but with rounded edges;
- “donuts” – rings in the form of tori, round in cross-section;
- “barrels” – very wide and outwardly massive rings, often “blown”;
- curly - rings of designer shapes, with weaving, various inserts and stones.
How to choose the right wedding ring size
A win-win option to choose the right size of a wedding ring is to go and try it on, taking into account that in the heat the diameter of the finger is larger than in the cold. However, often there is no time for this or there is a burning desire to order rings on the Internet. For such cases, there is a caliper, and in its absence, an ordinary non-stretchable thread and a ruler.
Wedding rings made of white gold in the Sunlight catalog
You need to measure your finger in two places, at the place where the jewelry is supposed to be worn and at the bone, and the thread should be wrapped tightly, but not pull the finger. The larger diameter is taken into account. Under no circumstances should the ring fall off or cut into the body, otherwise there will be no talk of any comfortable wearing.
In accordance with Orthodox custom, the “engagement ring” is worn on the ring finger of the right hand, while Catholics move it to the left. And Orthodox Jews even prefer the index finger.
Our distant ancestors, the ancient Russians, wore wedding rings on their index fingers. Their movement to nameless ones is associated with the advent of Christianity.
The thickness and width of the ring should correlate with the diameter and length of the fingers. On short and charmingly plump fingers, a ring that is too wide or narrow will look unfavorable.
Unusual types of materials
Jewelers never cease to amaze with the variety of original materials from which symbols of a sealed marriage are made. Having an unlimited budget, you can order meteorite rings.
The price of one gram of meteorite ranges from 300 to 1000 conventional units. But the words that a marriage is made in heaven take on a material meaning.
Ceramic jewelry is a new direction in jewelry making. Jewelry ceramics has nothing in common with pottery. Jewelry is made from zirconium oxide, which is baked to obtain good performance properties.
It does not corrode, is resistant to various chemicals and is not scratched. Due to the added dyes, white, pink or black color of jewelry is obtained.
How to match a wedding ring with an engagement ring
Engagement rings are not such an unshakable tradition for the Slavs: many couples do without them at all. But to give the bride a ring with a diamond or cubic zirconia, which will symbolize her romantic status - isn’t that wonderful?
It is not at all necessary to part with such beauty after marriage: the engagement and wedding rings do not conflict in any way from the point of view of signs and symbolism. Of course, it is desirable that they be made in the same style: grace and sophistication do not correlate with geometric shapes and massiveness. But in extreme cases, these rings can be distributed among different hands.
The ideal option would be to purchase a set of rings of the same or at least overlapping design.
Engagement rings in the Sunlight catalog
Useful tips for newlyweds
If you don’t have any special preferences, you can choose an engagement ring based on signs. In accordance with popular beliefs, the “engagement ring” should be smooth, without inserts, thickenings, corrugations and other frills - according to popular beliefs, they symbolize obstacles and sorrows in family life. And always made of gold - a metal dedicated to the Sun.
A classic ring is more comfortable for constant wear. It does not cling to anything, it is easier to polish it to give it the original golden shine, restore it after damage and adjust it to a changed finger size.
If you really want to, you can choose rings with all sorts of designer delights, but it’s better as a second, ceremonial pair.
Cost of wedding rings
The price of high-quality jewelry from manufacturers within the same country is approximately the same. First of all, the materials (we have already discussed them above) and the work of the jeweler are evaluated.
Now you can buy quite decent classic rings made of red, yellow and even white gold for 6-9 thousand rubles. There are also interesting options made of silver and even titanium on sale, and the brutal men's models are especially good. There are decent options made of gilded silver: the asking price is 2-3 thousand rubles.
Gold rings of complex shapes and massive items cost over 15–20 thousand rubles. And the price of exclusive jewelry can be hundreds of thousands and even millions.
Rings may cost less than they look. “Blown” (hollow inside) jewelry is a real find for rationally thinking lovers of massive jewelry.
Traditions of choosing wedding jewelry
According to church canons, to carry out the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds must exchange special rings, different from those that they gave to each other at the registry office. According to ancient tradition, a man wears a gold ring on his finger, and a woman a silver one. There are two explanations for this unusual choice. First: gold has long been considered a symbol of the sun, the personification of which in the family is the man as the head of the house. Silver was usually associated with the moon, which reflected sunlight. Translated from the language of symbols, this means the wife’s fidelity and submission to her husband.
To understand the second interpretation, let us turn to the writings of the Apostle Paul, who compared the marital bond with the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. In this case, the husband is a type of Christ, and the wife is a type of the church. Gold precious metal is considered a symbol of the Savior, and silver is a sign of spiritual light and purity. Some people follow this canon completely. Others prefer the option of combined gold (white and yellow), thereby emphasizing the equality of spouses in marriage.
Before the wedding, tell the priest about the rings. Many clergy do not require young people to strictly follow the rules regarding silver and gold. You can even use your wedding rings during the wedding, if they are not obnoxiously luxurious. Laconic models with a minimum of decor and precious stones are quite suitable for a church ritual. Among the patterns on wedding rings, crosses, words of prayer and simple ornaments are preferred.
Choosing wedding rings is a pleasant and educational experience, because this is another opportunity to get to know each other’s tastes and interests better. It is recommended to select wedding and wedding jewelry together, but buying an engagement ring will be a real test for a man. After all, you need to guess not only with its size, but also with its design.
Jewelry fashion trends
For several decades in a row, products made from several types of gold in various variations have been in trend. This could be weaving, a contrasting smooth or corrugated insert in the center, or other designer finds. This is a great option: such rings are usually not demanding when it comes to choosing a wardrobe and other jewelry.
Small diamonds and cubic zirconia, “recessed” into metal, are gaining popularity - it’s more practical. All kinds of engravings are in demand, and it is better to do them on the inside of the ring: this way the precious saying will not be erased, and the sacred decoration will visually look more expensive and respectable.
The most important thing: the engagement ring should be so beautiful and comfortable that you don’t want to take it off!
05.03.21
The cherry on the cake: beautiful presentation
Beautiful presentation of rings is an integral attribute of a wedding photo shoot and the ceremony in general. Themed pillows, boxes, plates, chests, baskets and caskets will highlight the sophistication of wedding rings and the style of the holiday. They can be personalized with the newlyweds' initials, wedding date or romantic phrases - whatever the newlyweds wish.
The tradition of presenting rings with additional accessories has ancient roots. It was believed that wedding rings had a special energy and only newlyweds could touch them.
Today, the trend is fresh flowers and fruits, both in their pure form and in compositions for serving rings. In the production of Eco-pillows, tree bark, flower petals and other natural materials are used.
