WeddingBands.com Blog

Ever since Prince Charles gave Diana the stunning 18 carat blue Sapphire engagement ring, surrounded by 14 smaller diamonds, the world has been astounded with curiosity of the wonderful blue stone.  Now, 29 years later, Prince William gave Kate Middleton the exact ring that captivated the world so many years ago. 

The stunning blue hue is the most famous and most valuable of all the tones in which Sapphires can take.   This intense and rich blue color is what stunned Lady Diana when Prince Charles proposed in 1981, and sure to stun Kate as Prince William proposed this past October 2010.  This sacred and treasured gemstone has been the choice of Royals, and Kings for centuries.  This beautiful blue stone has been a sign of romance, thus making it ideal for an engagement ring. 

Sapphires can occur in all colors, except for red as that is considered a Ruby.  The most popular and traditional version of Sapphire is the blue Sapphire, with all other colors in the spectrum considered to be fancy colored Sapphires. These stones, most notably the blue sapphire, have been adored and loved for centuries.  Sapphires even adorn the British Crown Jewels and have been the symbol for many Royals through the centuries. 

Sapphire Ring

Legends have surrounded Sapphires for centuries upon centuries, as they have become the most sought after, and had an array of tales of the powers of this beautiful stone.  Many have held this stone in high regard, as it has become a symbol for romance and faithfulness.  Sapphires are also regarded as the stone of devotion and enlightenment.  Its beauty gave way for it to become one of the most regarded talismans for travelers, as it is said to the ultimate guiding star, often having the ability to guide those to their directed path, or help them along on their journey. 

For centuries, Sapphires have carried many legends, as well as it has been the most popular gem for Kings and other Royals, but it has also been a favorite among priests and other members of the clergy to adorn them.  This stone was a popular choice for many of the clergy as it was believed for centuries that the beautiful blue hue of the Sapphire represent Heaven.  One ancient tale suggests that Moses was given the 10 Commandments on stone tablets, made of Sapphire.   Thus making Sapphires an important and sacred stone to all those who behold the beautiful blue stone. 

Although, these legends have surrounded the beautiful blue hued stone of Sapphire,  clergymen and royals are not the only stories of this stone, as it carries many other legends as well.  Through the centuries, it had been thought that Sapphires were the ultimate medicinal stone.  By having a Sapphire in your possession, you were able to cure what were thought to be incurable diseases and illnesses.  The use of Sapphires was also said to be able to relieve illnesses that concerned the eyes of an individual.  The blue hued stone was said to be able to remove all impurities.  Sapphires have also been noted as being able to revitalize eye sight, and produce many medical miracles. 

Sapphire Ring

So with all these legends surrounding this mythical blue stone, where do these beautiful stones come from?  They are found in various parts of the world, but the most sought after hues are hailing from Madagascar presently.  What makes Madagascar so special?  Due to the rich, velvety hues that are produced in the region, as well as their impeccable quality, make Madagascar the perfect setting for finding luscious blue hued stones.  However, Sapphires can be found in other places such as, Australia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tanzania, as well as a few surrounding countries. 

From the beautiful blue hues, to the legends of medical miracles, it’s no wonder that this precious stone has thrived in popularity for thousands of years. Sapphire has been a source of strength as well as love and romance for those who surround themselves with the stone.  Symbolizing truth, sincerity and faithfulness, it is no wonder it has also become a popular choice in rings and other fine jewelry, and of late, in Kate Middleton’s engagement ring! Sapphires also bring its rich and intense hues to the birth month of September, making the stone a perfect gift for a loved one!  Check out WeddingBands.com for their variety of Sapphire rings, as well as their classic and contemporary bands, to make a sure fit to any Sapphire addition!

What is the newest precious metal to be hitting the jewelry scene?  Well, it’s palladium, of course! It is the silver-white metal that is taking jewelry, and especially wedding bands and rings by storm!  So, you’re probably asking, what is this metal? Why is it becoming so popular? How does it stack up against traditional favorites, like gold and platinum?  Well, here are some quick facts about this budding precious metal:

First, this new trend in metals was discovered in 1803 by British chemist, William Hyde Wollaston.  Wollaston named his newest

Palladium Anniversary Band

 discovery after the asteroid, Pallas, which was discovered just two years prior to Palladium.  Since then, Palladium has become apart of the platinum metals, containing similar characteristics to the ever popular Platinum.  One subtle difference from the rest of the platinum metals, however is that Palladium does have the lowest density as well as the lowest melting point.  Just like platinum, this metal stays that soft, silvery white color, and does not tarnish!  Thus, with qualities like these, it is further adding to its immensely growing popularity. 

Palladium is a great metal for jewelry simply because it has a vast majority of similar characteristics to platinum, yet it is a fraction of the overall cost!  At some points in Palladium’s ever growing history, it was even less expensive than gold, thus further fueling its rise to success.  After all, Palladium was put into production after the US Military declared platinum a strategic metal, and was only for government use.  Ever since then, Palladium has grown in immense popularity.  Palladium offers customers similar qualities that make platinum popular, but at different price points in order to satisfy a wider variety of customers.  That is not the only reason for Palladium’s sudden rise in jewelry usage, it is also the fact that this white metal does not need to be rhodium plated, and does not tarnish, much like platinum!  Palladium also makes for a great metal for jewelry usage because it is a malleable metal, as it is not as hard as platinum, which is also easy to finish and polish into a beautiful piece.  Palladium is sold as Palladium 950, meaning that it is 95% Palladium and 5% Ruthenium, giving Palladium that characteristic to look much like platinum.  Palladium also has a lighter feel to the metal, versus its platinum counterpart.  This unique characteristic also adds value to Palladium and adding to the growing trend of using Palladium in jewelry.  Another plus to Palladium is the fact that it is a hypoallergenic metal, thus making it a perfect combination for everyone!

So, after all these amazing qualities, you’ve got to be wondering, where does this miraculous material originate from?  Well, there are two answers to where you can find the metal of Palladium.  The first of which, is the form of the metal that can be found naturally.  It can be found naturally in sections of the Ural Mountains, Australia, Ethiopia, and in both North and South America.  In addition to being found in parts naturally, this metal is also formed commercially by combining it with nickel-copper deposits. 

Palladium, fashionable and affordable?  Quite essentially the perfect combination!  Check out WeddingBands.com for a wide selection of Palladium rings!  Including such styles, Classical, Contemporary and Diamond rings!  For more information on Palladium and its uses don’t forget to check out Palladium in the Precious Metals section, also at WeddingBands.com!

Ruby Anniversary Band

There is no stone that is quite as popular, or quite as legendary as the gleaming red beauty known as Ruby.  Due to its immense popularity over centuries, the infinitely valuable Ruby has many tales, traditions and mythical sagas that still hold true to this day and make Ruby one of the most cherished gems in history! 

This illustrious and famous gem has been mined for over 2,500 years, and continues to be mined today, and can be mainly found in extraordinarily legendary places including, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Thailand to name a few, of which have been beloved for centuries.  Nicknamed the “Lord of Gems”, Rubies also hold the name of ‘precious stones’ in Sanskrit.  These elements just further add to the mysterious and legendary nature of the beautiful red stone of Ruby.

In ancient times, Rubies adorned the garments worn by warriors into battle, as it was said to make them invincible in battle and be able to protect them while they fought.  They believed by adorning them, they would then become victorious in battle, as they are protected from all evils that would be surrounding them as they fought.  Warriors also adorned themselves with this stone as it was said to protect an individual from poisons and have the distinct possibility to counteract any effects of being poisoned.  Rubies have a rampant history of being able to do a lot of extraordinary things.  According to European folklore, Rubies brought about health and wealth for the owner of the precious stone.  Besides bringing health to the individual in care of this stone, it was also believed to restore youth and vitality to the individual, simply by rubbing on your skin!

Other tales of the red Ruby include success and wisdom as well as ever lasting love to the lucky beholder of the stone.  Ruby has long stood as a great symbol of love and passion.  Traditions and tales of the stone according to the people of India say that the stone gives the beholder the ability to live at peace with all of his enemies.  Kings, heads of state and other notable Royals kept Rubies in precious possession for these reasons as well as the tale that they protect against vulnerability.  Royals sought after this stone because of its legendary ability to turn to a darken state when they are presented with danger, and return to their normal state when the threat is gone. 

 With this illustrious and well known history, it’s no wonder why this beautiful red stone has kept immense popularity for centuries! Due to its rarity, and overwhelming amount of history and legendary tales that surround the red Ruby stone, makes it extremely valuable and expensive.  These stones can even be more expensive than the rare, colorless diamonds!  Ruby’s distinctive red color is what differentiates itself from other and closely related sapphires.  This is a controversial issue when it comes to Rubies, as sapphires are categorized as all other colors minus the beautiful red color of a Ruby.  This draws controversy due to the pink to red colors of stones that can be considered in the realm of Ruby as well.   The most expensive and valuable of these stones are the deeper and pure, vivid red colors that make Ruby distinct from every other stone there is!

Ruby & Diamond Band

Thus with reputation and fame that comes with this precious stone, care and cleaning of the stone becomes a very important task.  To clean your gorgeous Ruby stone use only warm, soapy water.  Avoid the use of strong detergents and vigorous scrubbing of the stone, as it will affect the overall quality and beauty of the Ruby.  If you choose to clean this precious stone by means of an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, those are generally safe for the stones as well.  It is important for you to check the overall quality of your stone as well to ensure a lifetime of use, and to observe any fractures or cavities within the stone.  Fractures or cavities within the stone can damage the overall quality as well as the overall look of the stone.  Stones with poor quality can change color or even affect the clarity of the Ruby.  Also by having fractures or cavities within the stone can ultimately damage and destroy the stone as a whole. 

In the end, one legend of this stone has remained constant throughout its popularity and solidified its status as the symbol for eternal love.  Thus making Ruby the absolute perfect gift for both the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries! Show your beloved just how important your love is with this everlasting symbol!  Ruby is also the birthstone for individuals who are born in the month of July.  So, spread, and share the love with this eternal symbol of love!

 Speaking of eternal love, Congratulations to Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson!  Eric popped the question to Simpson with, what else, than a 3 stone ring, featuring a center stone of Ruby, flanked by two diamonds!  Looking for something distinct and yet traditional?  Check out thethe Ruby rings by WeddingBands.com!  As well as Diamond bands, and Anniversary bands that can be a great addition to any engagement ring!

You’re engaged, you’ve been married for years, or you just want to buy a fun ring to wear.  All great times to look for bands with diamonds or a unique style!

Diamond Eternity Ring

Eternity rings are rings made with diamonds around the whole ring. It is to symbolize the eternal love between two people. The continuous circle with diamonds shows the eternal relationship between couples. Eternity rings come in a few different styles. There are eternity rings made with a single row of diamonds, either prongs or channel set. These styles are great to compliment an engagement ring or wedding set.  You can also use these types of eternity rings to celebrate a milestone anniversary. All are great options.

Anniversary rings are rings given to celebrate milestone years in a marriage or relationship between two people.  These types of rings can be anything.  From rings with a certain number of stones to mark the years together to a couple rows of diamonds or to rings made with a unique style (and worn on a different finger).  Anniversary rings cover a lot of classic and unique styles.  There are no rules for buying an anniversary ring. 

Diamond Fashion Ring

Diamond fashion rings is another very broad category. This can be any type of ring made with diamonds. It can be wide rings made with diamonds around whole band; diamond rings made with different colored gold; spinning diamond rings, or sliding diamond rings. Diamond fashion rings can range in any style the wearer wants to show off. They are great ways to compliment any outfit, casual or dressy.

These three styles are great to wear for any occasion. Eternity rings, anniversary rings, and diamond fashion rings can be used for the mentioned above but they can also be used for anything the wearer wants.  Do not let the ring style sway your buying decision, because if you like the style then wear it the way you want. Until next time, please remember learn about the jewelry you are buying, it will make the whole experience better!

A big ‘Congrats’ goes out to Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo on their recent engagement!  The pair, who have been dating since 2006, recently decided to make their relationship official after Lachey popped the question Thursday, November 4^th, 2010. 

 Shortly after the engagement, which was rumored to have a beach side backdrop, the couple released a joint statement about their happy news. “We’re excited an incredibly happy about our engagement and we look forward to a wonderful future together” , said the couple.

 Now begins the planning of the wedding of a lifetime for the duo!  One of the main priorities will no doubt be finding a wedding band to match Minnillo’s gorgeous asscher cut diamond.  Perhaps she would like a diamond wedding band to add sparkle to her already glittering hand?  Maybe Minnillo would like something more contemporary?  Lachey could be looking for something more of a classic style for his band? 

Are you recently engaged, like Minnillo and Lachey, don’t forget to check out the vast selection of these styles and many more that WeddingBands.com has to offer!  Get your planning for the big day started off right, with beautiful rings that will be prized for a lifetime!