Choosing Your Engagement And Wedding Rings by Copyright ©2007 Carl DiNello

Choosing Your Engagement And Wedding Rings by Copyright ©2007 Carl DiNello
The choosing and exchanging of wedding rings is steeped in tradition and highly symbolic. The strength of the metal which comprises the makeup of the wedding ring symbolizes the strength of the bond between the bride and the groom. The wedding ring, having no beginning or end, is also a symbol of your undying love.
You will enter into marriage with the hope that you will have your rings for the remainder of your lives. These lifetime symbols of love are often passed on to the couple's children.
The Engagement Ring Selection
For most men, the shopping for an engagement ring may be a little scary. Men, not being as well-versed on the subject of diamonds and jewelry as most women, can be a little uncomfortable investing a great deal of money in something they know so little about.
Here are a few suggestions that may help:
* While many couples today will shop for an engagement ring together, there are still a great many men who prefer the old-fashioned way of choosing an engagement ring themselves. A man who prefers this method doesn't have to go into it blind. Paying enough attention to his future fiance can go a long way toward helping him to make the right engagement ring choice. Chances are, even though the man has intended this to be a surprise, it is very likely that she knows something is up, and more than likely has dropped a few hints as to the kind of engagement ring she would like.
* If you haven't done so already, take notice of the jewelry she currently wears. Is it mostly silver, or white gold? This information alone can help identify her preference.
* Don't be too embarrassed to ask a sister, her girlfriends, or even her mother for advice. They may offer some very useful suggestions. For instance, would she prefer a large solitaire stone, or perhaps she likes smaller diamonds on each side of the ring? What about the shape of the stone? Would she prefer an oval, pear, or round shaped stone?
* Stay away from any supposedly "great diamond deals". Make sure you go to a reputable jeweler who is certified by the Jewelers of America (JA), and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). A lesser priced stone from a mall vendor will most certainly be of a lesser quality. A reputable jeweler will provide you with a diamond-grading report from the GIA that will provide truthful information on the size, clarity, and shape of the diamond. In addition, any imperfections in the stone will also be pointed out.
Selecting The Wedding Bands
Most couples at the time of the engagement ring purchase already have a pretty good idea of the type of wedding band they would like. It may be a simple gold band, or a wedding band with an ornate design. Diamonds, or other gemstones may also be added to the band. However, this option will be at an additional cost.
What color should the band be? The most common are yellow gold, white gold, and platinum. The most traditional metal for the wedding band is yellow gold; but, white gold and platinum are gaining in popularity. While it is difficult to tell the visual difference between white gold and platinum due to their similar silver color, the platinum ring will be heavier with the metal being harder and more durable.
While many couples prefer matching wedding rings, this is not mandatory. There is a good chance that you and your significant other will have different tastes in jewelry. The important thing is that you both choose a wedding ring you like and will be comfortable wearing.
About the Author
Carl DiNello is an Article Author and Wesbite Owner whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internets most popular topics.
To read more on this topic, please visit Planning The Perfect Wedding!
You may republish this article on your website, or e-zine so long as none of the content, or author information has been edited or changed in any way, and all links