Happy choice: what should the engagement ring be?

Congratulations! Your proposal and engagement ring have been accepted by the happy bride and there are a lot of pleasant experiences ahead about the upcoming wedding. You need to choose and buy wedding rings, organize the celebration itself and fly off to the honeymoon on the coast.

No, you heard right, you need to buy the ring again. No, this is a different ring, not an engagement ring. His magic won't work a second time; stronger magic is needed.

This is exactly how everything works in life: after a wedding, a man wears one ring, a woman wears two: an engagement ring and a wedding ring. Get ready, future husbands. It will always be this way, to your beloved - all the best and in double size, to you - a happy loving wife. Believe me, this is worth more than all the rings in the world.

In fact, this rule about two rings is conditionally mandatory; it is quite possible to refuse to give an engagement ring, but it all depends on personal agreements between the future spouses. But you will have to buy an engagement card early, and in two copies: for the bride and groom. This tradition will not be changed by any modern fashion; lovers have been exchanging wedding rings on their wedding day for centuries, this is a testimony to witnesses and all those invited to the wedding to be together, to support each other throughout their lives.

How to choose the right one?

When choosing a wedding symbol, several nuances are taken into account - appearance, size, quality, cost, convenience, compatibility with appearance and lifestyle.

Size

It is very important to choose the right size of the accessory. If the ring is too small, it will be difficult to put it on your finger, but even more difficult to remove it. Large jewelry can slip off your hand and get lost.

The size of the wedding ring depends on the thickness of the finger:

• The diameter of the wedding accessory is measured in millimeters and varies from 15 to 23;
• The most popular sizes for girls are 17-18, men’s are 21-23;
• There are also so-called half sizes, for example, 18.5, 22. This transitional size allows you to choose the jewelry as accurately as possible.

Advice! In order not to make a mistake with the size, it is better to come to try it on several times!
When choosing a wedding symbol, pay attention to the manufacturer. Rings from popular brands, as a rule, fit perfectly on the finger , while the size of cheap analogues often does not match the one indicated on the tag.

It is better to purchase jewelry together so that you can try it on and make sure it fits. It should be noted that many factors influence the thickness of the finger. From frost, for example, they shrink, but from heat, on the contrary, they swell. Before trying on an accessory, it is not recommended to actively engage in sports and drink a lot of water to prevent your fingers from swelling. The best time to go to a jewelry store is the afternoon.

Width

Many people pay attention to the width of the ring. Although massive jewelry looks more solid, preference is often given to an elegant accessory.

The choice of width is a matter of taste, but there are several general recommendations:

• Very thin or, conversely, wide rings 6-7 mm thick look advantageous on musically graceful fingers;
• For fingers of medium length, narrower jewelry with a width of no more than 6 mm is suitable;
• Wide accessories are chosen by those with short, plump fingers.

With wide joints, take into account this physiological feature: the ring should pass freely through the joint , but at the same time not hang too loose on the phalanx.

Another simple rule will help you choose the right size of jewelry. Products with a wide diameter fit more tightly on the hand. For a narrow accessory, it is better to take half a size smaller.

Try

The cost of jewelry depends not only on the brand, but also on the quality of the metal from which it is made. The sample indicates the grade of the jewelry and indicates the number of parts of the noble metal in the entire alloy.

In America and Europe they use the carat system.

The sample is stamped on the inside of the ring in the form of three numbers. Metals of 500, 585 and 750 standard are used to make jewelry. This is a classic option. Such alloys are optimal for creating jewelry.

Advice! 585 gold is a budget option that is suitable for those who want to save money.

Accessories marked 985 and 999 are rare and are classified as luxury jewelry. But professionals note that the high content of precious metal, despite the high cost, makes the ring less durable and wear-resistant.

Testing is required not only for gold, but also for other metals. If the ring is made of different types of metal, the test must be on each of the parts. If there are no markings on the inside of the jewelry, we are talking about costume jewelry that is not suitable for the role of wedding rings.

Metal

The choice of metal from which the wedding accessory is made depends solely on the tastes and preferences of the bride and groom, as well as on the thickness of the newlyweds’ wallet.

The classic option is gold jewelry, but many today choose silver accessories. This metal is considered ecclesiastical and more “purer” than gold, and it is silver rings that are preferred to be worn during weddings. But remember that silver turns black over time, and therefore silver items require special care.

Platinum and white gold are expensive metals. To purchase jewelry made from them, you will have to part with a decent amount of money, but such rings are considered the most durable and resistant to abrasion and damage. Those who want to stand out choose wedding symbols made of red, pink, black and blue gold.

When choosing wedding jewelry, take into account the possibility of allergic reactions caused by certain impurities in the composition of jewelry.

Profile

By profile we mean the shape of a ring in cross section. Most rings have a flat inner part and a rounded outer part. This option is considered the most convenient. Accessories that are flat on all sides cut into the skin when your fingers swell.

Modern newlyweds prefer rings called “comfort fit”. Such accessories have a round shape and fit most comfortably on the finger. Even if the bride or groom gains weight over the years, you can slightly sharpen the inside of the jewelry to expand the diameter.

Budget

A wedding requires a lot of expenses, and the purchase of accessories is a separate expense item, for which you should budget no more than 3% of the total wedding budget.

Design is of no small importance. Classic accessories are much cheaper. Finger jewelry with precious stones, chips and ornaments are usually more expensive, not to mention the exclusive work of a famous master.

The price of a wedding accessory depends on the brand, quality, and material. Also important:

• weight of the product - the heavier the ring, the higher its cost;
• fineness - the percentage of precious metals affects the price of the product.

Important! There is no need to buy an expensive engagement ring. This accessory should become a symbol of love and fidelity, and not wealth and prosperity, which is why standard jewelry made of gold or silver is an ideal option for most newlyweds.

Brands and jewelry factories

It is a mistake to believe that famous jewelry brands produce only exclusive jewelry. Of course, for $100 you won’t be able to find engagement rings, for example, from Tiffany&Co, unless it’s a good replica, but in the format of costume jewelry. And yet, for fans of fine art, the legendary company can offer options for approximately the cost of two Cartiers for each ring.

BVLGARI also captivates, as always. The standard of luxury, luxury jewelry - it’s not easy to be among the top three jewelry companies in the world, but owners of wedding rings from this brand still have a pleasant feeling of belonging to the world of high fashion.

Cartier is Cartier, as many as seven collections of engagement rings, with prices ranging from surprisingly reasonable to one and a half million for each piece.

Russian manufacturers probably have a soul closer to the aspirations of buyers, because the price tag for wedding rings shows figures several times lower, at least SOKOLOV offers universal options for celebrating a wedding. Nothing exclusive, but everything is within the requirements for modern jewelry. High-quality gold, moderate design, comfortable shape - yes, that same Comfort fit profile.

A heavyweight among domestic jewelry factories - Bronnitsky Jeweler - over a century of work, creating jewelry, has acquired incredible experience in jewelry craftsmanship. The manufacturer's collections evoke awe and delight at home and abroad. The Dancing Diamond is an idea that is magnificent in its originality, and at the same time impeccably implemented.

MYZ, the Moscow Jewelry Factory, does not lag behind its colleague; among the thousands of different rings produced by the company, wedding rings can easily be compared with foreign brands and fashion houses. An undeniable plus is that only this manufacturer has the most detailed range of sizes, the step is 0.25 mm, instead of 0.5 for others.

Types: what are they?

Modern jewelry stores offer a variety of jewelry for every taste. Newlyweds can choose a suitable design, taking into account their own style and preferences.

Classic

A sleek yellow gold ring is a classic option. This is exactly what newlyweds have been exchanging since ancient times. A classic wedding ring cannot be confused with anything else: seeing it on a person’s finger, those around them immediately understand that he is married.

Engraving on the inside will add a special touch to this classic piece of jewelry. This could be the name of a loved one, a wedding date, or a catchphrase about love.

Classic rings are easy to care for and durable. There is no risk that the pebble will fall out and get lost. The jewelry is comfortable and almost imperceptible on the hand. They do not interfere with housework and do not cling to hair or clothes.

Sinterings

More than a hundred years ago, couples preferred combinations of three shades of gold: white, yellow and pink. This design symbolized love, friendship and loyalty in the family. Combined jewelry, called sintering, is also chosen by many modern newlyweds.

Jewelers combine different precious metals: gold and platinum or titanium, all sorts of shades of gold, from white to pink, but no more than three colors, so that the product does not look tasteless and vulgar.

Some people put sacred meaning into combined jewelry. The combination of yellow gold and platinum, for example, represents the fusion of masculine and feminine energies. And the combination of three colors is a symbol of the unity of the triune faith.

Sinterings amaze with the variety of models. Their advantages, in addition to originality, include compatibility with outfits and accessories of different colors.

Embossed with ornament

Relief jewelry with ornaments is an unusual alternative to smooth counterparts. There are two types of rings with ornaments:

• classic model with relief patterns on a smooth surface;
• pattern is the basis of jewelry.

Rings with ornaments, as a rule, are not encrusted with precious stones , because intricate ligature in itself becomes a beautiful decor.

Interesting! Many newlyweds, despite the high cost, choose corrugated jewelry made from combined metals.

The variety of ornaments offered by jewelers allows you to choose an accessory to suit every taste and style. The most popular ornaments are openwork patterns, Celtic, ethnic, Slavic and plant motifs.

With rocks

Often, the fingers of spouses are decorated with rings inlaid with stones. As a rule, small precious stones embedded in metal are used as decoration, which creates the feeling of a smooth surface. Jewelry with raised elements is more often purchased for engagements than for weddings.

Jewelry set with diamonds is especially popular, but not everyone can afford these expensive stones. Not inferior to them in beauty are the more affordable cubic zirconias, which are a synthetic imitation of diamonds. The decoration can be framed with one or more stones located along the edge around the accessory. Less commonly, stones are placed at the end of the ring.

Modern jewelers also offer models with colored inserts of sapphire, emerald or ruby. Blue and green stones symbolize harmony in relationships and tranquility, while red stones symbolize passion.

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.

Recommendations: which ones are better to buy?

Here are some useful tips to help you choose wedding rings:

1. Take care of your purchase in advance, especially if you plan to place an order in an online store or workshop;
2. It is important that the decoration is to the taste of both young spouses, because it will remain a symbol of love and fidelity for life;
3. Decide on a style. The decoration should suit both evening wear and everyday wardrobe;
4. Please ensure that the ring fits correctly and is comfortable. This will allow you not to remove the jewelry before doing household chores or on vacation for fear of losing its value;
5. When choosing a ring, consider the shape of your fingers. For short, plump fingers, rings of medium width are suitable, and for thin and long fingers, narrow or very wide accessories;
6. Don't skimp on your purchase. A high-quality engagement ring will last longer and will not lose its pristine beauty over many years;
7. Don't be discouraged if you can't afford an expensive engagement ring. It can be purchased later, for the wedding anniversary;
8. If you want to wear a wedding and engagement ring on the same finger, make sure that they match in style;
9. It is not at all necessary to buy the same jewelry for the bride and groom, but it is still better to choose models with overlapping motifs;
10. Sometimes gold jewelry contains impurities that cause allergies. People prone to allergic reactions should prefer jewelry made of titanium, platinum or silver.

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.

Signs

Superstitious newlyweds are convinced that when purchasing wedding accessories it is necessary to adhere to a number of rules in order for family life to be happy:

• The wedding rings must be purchased by the newlyweds themselves on the same day in the same store. It is better to go to a salon or workshop alone with your significant other, without strangers;
• If you choose absolutely identical jewelry, then mutual understanding will reign in the family;
• The rings must be absolutely smooth. Carvings, ornaments, stones and other elements symbolize difficulties and obstacles on the path of life, but a smooth surface predicts happiness and the absence of problems;
• You should not let anyone try on an engagement ring either before or after the wedding;
• It is not recommended for newly-made spouses to exchange inherited rings , especially if the jewelry belonged to people whose marriage was not ideal. The exception is jewelry that belonged to relatives who celebrated their golden wedding. The best option is to still find an opportunity to purchase new accessories.

Although according to superstition, wedding jewelry should be smooth, many newlyweds prefer fashionable rings encrusted with stones. In this case, pay attention to the symbolism of the materials for inlay:

• diamond is a sign of wealth and financial well-being of the family;
• pearls symbolize health;
• turquoise – fidelity;
• opal is a stone of trust and sincere love;
• ruby is a symbol of eternal passion and a talisman against the evil eye.

But it is better not to use amethyst for inlaying wedding rings. This stone predicts separation and loneliness.

Wedding superstitions instruct you to buy rings only in a good mood and with a positive attitude, so that valuable symbols are charged with positive energy. After returning home from the jewelry salon, you must say the following phrase out loud at the door: “To a happy life, to a strong family! Amen"

The newlyweds themselves must decide whether to attach importance to the signs in which our ancestors believed. After all, happiness in family life depends only on the spouses themselves.

Symbolism

When a couple is preparing to become legal spouses at the registry office, during a solemn speech they are offered to exchange wedding rings. This tradition dates back to ancient times; the first mentions of it were recorded about 4800 years ago in Egypt.

In this country, the exchange of rings during marriage was symbolic - sacred signs were scratched on jewelry made of leather, bones or precious metals.

They were called upon to appease the gods so that they would send their blessings on the spouses. Since then, this decoration has been considered a symbol of infinity, since it has no beginning or end.

In ancient Rome, where people already had a penchant for jurisprudence, women were required to wear an iron jewelry on their finger as proof that they were married. With the spread of Christianity, this custom was abandoned for a while, as it was considered pagan, but then the church legalized it. Jewish women wear wedding rings on their index fingers because they use them to lead the lines when reading the Torah.

Interesting! Along with choosing rings, we suggest thinking about the color scheme of the celebration and a luxurious dress.

For a time, only women wore them; it was an unspoken symbol that the man was the head of the family and had unlimited power over his wife. Gradually, gender equality was established in many developing countries, and soon husbands also acquired jewelry on their ring finger.

Photo

The jeweler can order any design, including a pattern or an unusual shape. The more original your jewelry is, the longer you can wear it with pleasure. Unusual solutions in the photo: