Amongst all of the traditions we use in matrimonial ceremonies and celebrations, none is more familiar or meaningful than the wedding ring. The time honored tradition of couples wearing bands to signify their unyielding love and devotion for one another goes back perhaps farther than recorded history. In modern tradition, the wedding ring is typically a band of 18 karat gold, but that tradition has changed in recent years. Today there are many more designs in wedding rings available than there were even as recently as when your parents were married. The traditional plain gold bands are still available, of course, but so are more intricate and ornate designs, as well as bands made of white gold, platinum, and a popular new choice: titanium. In fact, titanium wedding rings are getting more and more popular and there are several reasons for this phenomenon.
Most certainly a part of the reason for the steady increase in the use of titanium wedding rings is the price. Titanium wedding rings cost considerably less than gold or platinum rings but are every bit as beautiful. A titanium wedding ring can cost hundreds of dollars less than comparable rings made of the other precious metals. This is an important consideration for many couples who, due to budgetary limitations, may have had to buy the poorest quality gold rings or do without wedding rings entirely. Titanium rings are a good choice for the budget conscious.
Titanium wedding rings are also more durable than the traditional gold rings. Titanium becomes scratched less easily than gold and can stand up to more of the wear and tear that can result from a person wearing the ring all the time. This is especially true of the men’s rings as men tend to be much harder on their wedding rings than women are. Titanium is more resistive to heat and cold and extreme pressure than gold or platinum are. Think about it. Titanium is used in the space shuttle. It is an alloy that can take a beating.
Titanium is a very smooth alloy as well. Due to this, titanium wedding rings tend to be very comfortable and there is less chance of skin irritation. Also, there are some people who, due to an allergic reaction, can not wear gold jewelry at all. In the past the only option for them has been the far more costly platinum rings. Now titanium wedding rings are a viable alternative for these people.
When it comes time for you to choose wedding rings for yourself and your intended spouse, you may want to look into titanium. Many jewelers as well as online marketers carry an impressive array of titanium wedding rings that are every bit as lovely as their more traditional gold, white gold, and platinum counterparts. In an aspect of life that is full of tradition and similarity all through history, it’s nice that there are now more choices available. Titanium wedding rings are now just one more of those choices that may be right for you.
Kirsten Hawkins is an event planner from Nashville, TN. Visit www.wedding411.net/ for more event planning tips, strategies, and resources.
Rhinestones have a glittering past. Originally rhinestones where referred to Czechoslovakian or Bohemian glass dating as far back as the 13th century in Bohemia and the Czech Republic. Both have a history steeped in beautiful hand blown glass as well as molded and cut glass.
By 1918 glass was no longer limited to functional items. Czechoslovakian glass began to make its appearance in dazzling and brilliant jewelry. This Czech glass became known as rhinestones.
Rhinestones were manmade gems from highly refined glass. By using various metals the glass was colored to the desired shade. It was then pressed into molds. Each stone was then ground and polished by machine, resulting in a brilliant glass stone. Often the stones were foiled on the back which increased their brilliance.
Today, the same refining process is still used. You will often here rhinestones referred to as paste. Originally paste was referred to a glass stone that made of ground glass which was molded and then melted, producing an opaque dense glass frosted stone. Paste had many air bubbles and swirl marks. The high lead content glass was then polished and faceted, and set on either copper or silver resulting in a brilliant stone. Today the term paste usually refers to rhinestones. In Europe rhinestones are often referred to as paste, strass, and diamante.
Austria is another area with a history in rhinestone production. In 1891 Daniel Swarovski created a new glass cutting machine which quite literally revolutionized the jewelry business. This machine could cut faceted glass, producing finely finished product in a very short time. Prior to this invention it would take a very long time for each stone to be hand cut and finished. Swarovski’s background in glass making, combined with his glass cutting machine soon found him producing rhinestones with a lead content of over 30%.
The brilliance of these rhinestones was superior to anything seen on the market. Swarovski wasn’t content with his invention and the best rhinestones ever seen. His next invention was once again transforming to the jewelry industry. He created a vacuum plating for the backs of the stones with silver and gold, reducing the need for hand labor. Still today Swarovski rhinestones are recognized as the highest quality in the industry. Over 80% of rhinestone jewelry manufactured in America use Swarovski rhinestones.
Rhinestones have played an important role in costume jewelry for hundreds of years. It is used to enhance and accent, and sometimes rhinestones will provide the entire design. During the Victorian period common motifs for jewelry included snakes, flowers, and hands most often adorned with rhinestones.
The 1890s were a time for extravagant jewelry heavily adorned with rhinestones. As time moved forward designs became simpler with figural shapes once again making their fashion statement. However this time they were small and more elegant with small rhinestone accents.
During the Edwardian period extravagance had made a comeback with diamonds and pearls being the focal point. Once again rhinestones were in heavy use, often used to imitate the real thing.
During the 1920s fashions were rapidly changing. Dresses had gone from fitted to a looser more comfortable style. Two distinct styles occurred during this era - the feminine style and the androgynous style. Jewelry from the 1920s drew on the art deco period. The majority of rhinestone jewelry was made with clear rhinestones.
As the 1920s moved jewelry once again became bolder. Dramatic color was in style. Designer Coco Chanel was an integral figure in the setting the stage for jewelry of this era.
During the 1930s during the depression labor intensive fashion was no longer feasible. While the world was in turmoil, jewelry represented an affordable comfort to many women. Inexpensive costume jewelry could be used to revitalize an old outfit. The industry began to produce bright colored enamel pieces accented with rhinestones. Dogs, birds, or cats with a rhinestone eye were common place.
The jewelry during the 1940s once again became big and bold with rhinestones being produced in every imaginable color, large stones set on large bold settings was the norm.
By the 1950s there were two very distinct looks - elegant and sophisticated for the more mature woman, and casual and fun for the younger woman. The 1950s saw jewelry made completely from rhinestones. For the younger woman were flirty pieces, for the older woman sophisticated elegance. Rhinestone parures became extremely popular.
In 1953 the aurora borealis rhinestone was introduced to the market with its fabulous array of color. It was an instant hit!
By 1960s women were wearing very functional clothing. By the late 1960s the hippie fashions were extremely popular with their roots tied to Mother Nature. Tie dyed shirts, long flowing skirts, frayed jeans were everywhere. This generation had no interest in rhinestone jewelry.
By the mid 1970s the punk look had been born and the rhinestone was revitalized. It was the disco movement brought the rhinestone back to center stage. The disco movement turned into the club movement during the 1980s and rhinestone jewelry continued to gain popularity.
Since the 1970s rhinestone have remained main stream in the jewelry world. They continue to gain popularity and today there is a style to suit almost every ones needs. There is rhinestone jewelry which is perfect for a bride, rhinestone jewelry for a prom girl, rhinestone jewelry for the young and fun crowd, the business woman, the sophisticated woman, and the mature woman. Beautiful pieces of rhinestone jewelry adorn almost every woman’s accessories.
If trends are an indication of the rhinestones future, it appears to have a vibrant healthy life ahead of it. Pleasing for most woman with a fashion sense who instantly recognize the value and beauty of rhinestones!
Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.
