Undoubtedly, the “His Majesty” engagement ring is the main element of the wedding ceremony. And the reason is not only that by putting it on, the girl acquires the status of “wife,” but also because she will have to wear it all her life.
Each engagement ring is beautiful in its own way. But all its charm melts away before our eyes when the product is chosen in the wrong size or its original design creates daily discomfort.
Often emotions take over and newlyweds impulsively make a purchase, without thinking about how the product will look in 10-15 years. However, choosing a wedding ring does not tolerate hasty, rash decisions. The concepts of beauty + convenience are key here. How to guess with this? Not an easy task! This is exactly what the new article from YK is devoted to.
A pleasant neighborhood: how to combine a wedding ring with an engagement ring
“Do people wear a wedding ring with an engagement ring?” We answer loudly: “Yes!” Why would such beauty gather dust in a box because of a trip to the registry office! In addition, modern fashion allows you to wear both rings at once, and on the same finger. This way you get one two-tier ring.
The main rule: both rings must be in the same style and have a similar rim shape!
On one hand you can combine two narrow headbands or a wide + narrow one. But two wide rings will look heavy and clumsy. An engagement ring with a medium diamond will be harmoniously paired with a wedding ring, but with a small path of stones.
But classic jewelry etiquette says: the engagement ring gives way to the wedding ring and is replaced on the middle finger of the same right hand (in the West - the left), or on the left ring finger. This is the safest stylistic variation, especially if the products have a bright design.
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.
Selecting metal and sample
In addition to “like/dislike,” it is important to consider the practical side of the issue. Specifically, which metal is the hardest to wear. Gold and platinum give wedding rings the highest strength, especially if we are talking about 585-carat. But the 750 is softer and, accordingly, sensitive to external influences.
If we talk about the most popular metals, today it is white and rose gold.
When buying a ring with silver, remember that it is softer than gold and darkens faster, so you will have to clean it periodically.
If it's difficult for your partner to agree on a color, then choose gold wedding rings made from multiple metals. In particular, the real hit of the 2022 season is “striped” rings made of alternating strips of metal.
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.
How to choose the right ring size?
An engagement ring should be comfortable - there’s no way around it. After all, you will have to wear it every day. In addition, experts advise leaving a couple of millimeters in reserve, since fingers get fatter with age, and in older people, salts form on the bones.
Making a ring smaller is always easier than making it bigger. Especially if the product is inlaid or has a complex design.
Remember: finger size changes depending on hot/cold and time of day!
Weight changes, daily activity and the same swelling at the end of the day can play a cruel joke on you: the ring will put pressure or will not fit on your finger.
Three useful tips from YK:
- Wide models fit tighter, so buy a ring 0.5-1 mm larger.
- Take measurements in the middle of the day and at room temperature.
- After putting the ring on, clench your hand into a fist and then straighten your fingers. After that, try opening your bag/wallet. This way you will feel how comfortable the ring sits on your finger.
Historical facts
The rule of wearing a ring on the ring finger dates back to before the new era. In Ancient Egypt they knew that the heart and ring finger are connected by a thin nerve. But it is believed that it is the heart that controls all feelings.
The lovers wove symbolic decorations from reeds. It is known that in Rus' the groom gave the bride a straw ring before the wedding. The groom's wedding ring was made of gold, and the bride's was made of silver. An interesting fact is the tradition of the ancient Romans to give a metal product to the parents of the chosen one.
It is important not to forget about this sign - you should not take off your wedding ring and let other people try it on. It is believed that happiness will go away along with the ring. In addition, to protect the accessory is to protect the marital union from betrayal.
Wedding ring design: with and without stones
Although the classic remains a win-win option, more and more newlyweds are opting for a non-standard design. Stereotypes fade into the background, and the traditional smooth ring gives way to products with original patterns and bright inlays.
A modern engagement ring is a mix of classic and extravagant modernity. The ring can combine different stones, colors and textures.
The following inlay options are popular in design: over the entire surface, in symmetrical rows, including along the side edge of the ring. In yellow/red gold you can see all kinds of gems (sapphires, topazes, emeralds, cubic zirconias) and even materials such as enamel and Murano glass.
In addition to stones, emphasis is placed on the texture of the product. Along with classic smoothness, bolder variations with metal texture are possible - carving, matting, graining.
Avoid Conflict Diamonds
Conflict diamonds are stones illegally exported from countries such as Angola, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Such stones are also sometimes found, mainly on eBay. They are usually distinguished by a particularly low price and the absence of certificates issued by serious institutions. Their purchase does not threaten any consequences, but remember that, firstly, you are making a transaction at your own risk by buying uncertified stones, and secondly, very often, funds from their sale are used to finance local armed conflicts in these countries.
General recommendations for choosing a ring
When choosing a wedding ring, it is necessary to take into account the following indicators: thickness and shape; ring profile (European, American); width.
Thickness and shape of wedding rings
The thickness of the product should not exceed 2.5 millimeters, otherwise the ring will put pressure on neighboring fingers. You should not buy rings with a minimum thickness of 1 mm. Such models are easily deformed at the slightest physical impact.
The optimal thickness is from 1.5 to 2.5 mm. For rings with inlay, this value is 1.8-2.1 mm due to the height of the stones, for classics it is 1.2 mm.
In addition to the traditional round shape, the square one is becoming no less popular. It may seem uncomfortable and rough to some, but modern jewelry is already adapted for daily wear. An alternative option is products in the form of various intertwined branches and threads, open rings, or with a curved rim. Quite an extravagant option for risky youth.
Ring profile
Most often, only jewelry connoisseurs pay attention to such a parameter as the profile of a ring. An ordinary buyer comes and orders what he liked based on its external characteristics. And here’s where there’s a possible catch: ring profiles come in different shapes (round, flat, 3/4, 1/2), and they’re not suitable for everyone.
The Comfort Fit profile (rounded on the outside and inside) is considered the most optimal. These rings fit comfortably on fingers of any thickness and do not put pressure on the joints. In addition, the size can be adjusted in case you lose weight/gain weight.
If you plan to make an engraving or a complex design on the ring, then the “American” one (the profile is flat on the outside and inside) is more suitable for such purposes.
Keep in mind that if you have wide joints, a ring with a flat inner profile may have difficulty passing through the bone, while hanging on the narrower lower knuckle.
Wedding ring width
The size of the ring should not match the size of your finger to the nearest millimeter. In wide rings (from 5 mm), it is necessary to make an adjustment to the size: for every 1 mm of width, add 0.1-0.2 mm in size.
The optimal and most comfortable ring width is 3 mm. For male models - from 3-7 mm.
For short, narrow and full fingers, there is only one rule - narrow rings 2.5-3.5 mm wide. On medium-length fingers (16.0-17.5), the optimal ring width is 3-6 mm.
Who should buy
According to tradition, wedding rings are purchased in advance, and this responsibility rests with the head of the future family - the groom.
But in fact, future spouses often make this purchase together. There are a number of reasons for this:
- firstly, it is advisable for lovers to choose jewelry of the same style, which may differ in thickness or the presence (absence) of stones, but be made in a similar design;
- secondly, both the groom and the bride should like the jewelry;
- thirdly, jewelry should suit any look and should not cause discomfort in daily wear.
Young couples begin choosing wedding jewelry long before the wedding, visit stores, and look through catalogs.
The bride most often chooses the style of the jewelry, but it is the groom who buys a set of engagement jewelry - a symbol of marriage and endless love.
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.
Should wedding bands be the same?
There is no clear answer. Each couple decides for themselves whether to buy the same symbols of eternal love or to wear different ones. Some honor traditions and buy identical, smooth ones. Others do not pay attention to signs and choose different models so as not to argue as soon as they become a family. Still others seem to want to keep the tradition, but the tastes of the bride and groom differ. In this case, the couple finds a compromise - they select models with similar themes.
What do signs and superstitions say?
It is unknown what events our ancestors associated the model of wedding rings with. But they still know about signs today, and some people believe in them so much that they blindly honor them, neglecting their own individuality.
So, according to signs and beliefs, wedding rings should be:
- identical - a sign of the unity of husband and wife;
- smooth - then family life will be smooth;
- identical in thickness and width - there will be equality in the family;
- made of gold - a symbol of love and wealth. Gold protects marriage from negative energy.
Significance in the modern world
In our age, wedding rings often serve more of a decorative role and a sign of employment. Young people love to post photos on social media. networks with identical rings. Brides show off their engagement ring to their bridesmaids. And in general, many approach the choice of wedding rings as an accessory, which is combined with a person’s overall style.
With the same design of rings from an unfamiliar company, it is easier to understand that you are husband and wife, and not just 2 people in a marriage. Having nevertheless accepted the symbolic side and interpreted it in a modern way means that the couple was able to find something in common. That there is no longer “yours” and “mine”, now there is “ours”. Your general decision, your general worldview and your general design of rings.
Many men treat this accessory as a mere formality. They do not need frills, the main thing is that it is clear that he is married. But for girls, design is important, and they approach choosing an engagement ring as if they were buying stylish jewelry.
The optimal combination
If you can’t come to a common decision, choose rings that are not identical, but made in the same style. It’s normal that a girl wants something delicate, elegant with notches or pebbles, but a man needs more brutality. Designers come up with different versions of this decoration:
- same design, but different metal;
- one metal, one design, but the female one has a stone;
- different models, but the same engraving on the inside;
- Same design, but different width.
If you can’t find a compromise here, buy different models. Today this is normal and many people do just that. And since this is a symbol of the unification of a man and a woman, you can resort to this trick:
The rings may be different, but on the inside there is an engraving with one phrase for two - the girl has the beginning, the guy has the continuation, or vice versa. Or identical symbols - an infinity sign or a heart.
Therefore, do not get hung up on signs and beliefs. They often lose their individuality and good relationships in the run-up to the wedding, when the bride and groom begin to argue. Everyone has different fingers and a thin ring will not fit on a large male finger. And women's fingers are not always decorated with wide rings.
How to properly care for wedding rings
In order for an engagement ring to retain its original appearance for as long as possible, it must be properly cared for. Gold is more durable to wear, but this does not eliminate the need for periodic cleaning.
smooth rings are easy to clean at home:
- Wash the product with a soft toothbrush in 200 ml of soapy water, adding 6 drops of ammonia;
- If the metal darkens due to constant contact with moisture, carefully rub the ring with a piece of suede or velvet cloth;
- It is best to clean silver rings with liquid soap and soda solution (10 g of soda + 1/4 tbsp of boiled water).
Wedding rings with stones do not tolerate sudden changes in temperature, as well as high humidity. Do not leave products for long periods of time in a bathtub or other damp areas.
Place of purchase
Lovers can choose the most worthy and convenient way of purchasing, based on the pros and cons:
- Jewelry salons. Pros: professional consulting, the opportunity to see the item live and choose what fits in size, regular bonuses and discounts. Disadvantages: large crowds of people, higher cost and time consuming.
- Online stores. Pros: price, convenient payment methods, time saving, opportunity to purchase an accessory in another city or country. Cons: dubious quality, impossible to try on, you can fall for the tricks of scammers.
- Workshops. Pros: exact sizes, custom orders. Cons: prices for exclusive products are much higher, production time and the finished result can be disappointing.
Do not forget that losing a wedding ring is the worst omen for a man. However, just like a woman. It is important to always remember to be attentive.
Jewelry Fashion Trends 2022
A modern engagement ring is not only a smooth product with one or several diamonds. Different metals and stones can be harmoniously combined in one product, creating a unique tandem.
Designers strongly encourage the expression of creative individuality when choosing wedding accessories. The real hits of 2022 will be “striped” rings made from several metals, as well as with multi-colored stones and relief texture. These can be rings made of rose and lemon gold in combination with white. Up to 3 metals are combined in one ring, alternating in stripes.
The geometric style with elegant asymmetry does not leave fashionable laurels. The latter can appear in an unusual cut shape, for example, wavy or “broken”.
In decor, the first place is not inlay, but the texture of the product. Classic smoothness gives way to a more daring solution - engraving, carving, matting, graining. Minimalistic decor focuses on the beauty of metal. The patterns on the ring can be end-to-end, have a smooth base, or be created in the form of a floral design.
The trend for rings with convex stones is on the decline. In 2022, its place will be taken by models where the diamond is, as it were, “sunk” in gold.
Certified Diamonds
Special gemological laboratories issue an official product certificate for each stone or product. It contains all the details of a particular diamond, information about the cut and shape of the diamond, its clarity and color. Before you make a purchase, make sure that a recognized gemstone or gemological laboratory has issued the appropriate certificate. Here are the most famous laboratories that certify diamonds and other precious stones:
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA): In the jewelry industry, this institute is considered by many to be the most authoritative. Founded in 1931, on a non-profit basis, the headquarters is located in Carlsbad (California), and the institute also has numerous representative offices located throughout the world.
- International Gemological Institute (IGI): The Institute evaluates diamonds and other precious stones. The institute has offices in New York and several other locations in the United States.
- American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) was founded in 1978 and is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- European Gemological Laboratory USA (EGL-US): There are several independent laboratories operating under the name EGL that evaluate gemstones. However, only EGL-US certificates are recognized in the USA. In 1986, this laboratory passed into private hands; the main office is located in New York.
If you are purchasing an engagement ring from eBay rather than from a specialty online retailer, it is advisable to review the gemstone certifications listed, making sure a photocopy of the certification(s) and serial number is provided, as well as a photograph of the item.
