WeddingBands.com Blog

Catherine Middleton may be the newly minted Duchess of Cambridge, along with her Prince, the Duke of Cambridge, but her quintessential style and love of classic yet modern has had the whole world watching.  On her big day, Catherine donned a pair of gorgeous pave diamond earrings, a wedding day gift designed by her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, and yet again, another trend has ensued.

What is the newest trend that Middleton has inspired, well a globe?  Her simple drop earrings for her big day!  They are stunning, and were designed by her parents to match her borrowed tiara from the Queen.  The stunning pair incorporates Middleton’s new life as a Royal, as well as her “old” life as a commoner.  The main design of the earrings is an acorn shape, which is predominate in the Middleton’s coat of arms.   

What exactly makes this a new and hot trend for wedding jewelry?  Incorporating your personal style and taste, as Middleton loves classic, clean, designs is a huge factor in her personal life.  By adding the earrings to her wedding garb, Middleton has added one of the biggest personal touches to her big day beside the wedding ring of Princess Diana of becoming the newest Royal.  So, be ready to add your personal flair, style and class to the biggest day of your life!  Whether it be classic, lovely drop earrings like Catherine’s, or your wedding band jewelry, be sure to make a bold, yet very personal statement!

Diamonds are forever and relatively speaking, they have been around forever!  The diamonds that are set into your beautiful diamond ring are in fact the oldest thing that you will ever own.  The “youngest” of these precious stones that you could be displaying on your finger would be approximately 50 million years old.  This age range for diamonds could be as old as 2.5 billion years, now that’s an antique!

Diamond

Diamonds through out their lifetime have carried several different and ornate histories.  They also carry numerous myths and legends that are associated with history.  Some outlandish myths about diamonds range from the stone having the ability to perform magic, have healing powers, grant protection for the bearer of the stone and in some instances induce poisoning.  Outlandish and remarkable become an understatement for the myths that surround this stone. Diamond, the name itself comes from 12^th Century Greek meaning invincible or unconquerable for its hardness qualities. 

The myths and legendary tales of diamonds began as far back as Roman times.  Those stories were recorded in Roman literature.  Stories suggest that Romans believed that diamonds were in fact tears from the gods and splinters of falling stars.  Myths of this beautiful stone do not end there in Roman literature.  The Romans believed that Cupid’s faithful arrows were in fact tipped in diamonds and thus possessed the ability to have magical powers.  Diamonds also captured the attention of famous philosopher Plato.  He wrote of these gems as living organisms, which possessed celestial beings.  Romans loved to possess diamonds due to the fact that they believed the gem had broad magical powers.  Diamonds, amongst other powers were believed to cure life’s troubles and bring about power, strength, invincibility, bravery and courage to those lucky enough to behold the beautiful gem.

In mid-evil times, kings lead their men into battle donning a breast plate that was to be covered in diamonds along with other gems stones which each had a unique magical power.  Diamonds were important to this plate because they believed diamonds gave magical powers far beyond meaning and power of man.  Therefore, it was essential for kings above anyone else to be donned in diamonds. 

Diamonds were held in particular high esteem from 1214 to 1270 in France, when they were especially designated for use by the king only.  King Louis IX of France established a law that would grant the use of diamonds for the king.  This fact just indicates the rarity of diamonds of the time, and their overall worth through out time.  During this time, diamonds were used for representing honor, strength, invincibility and courage of the leader. 

During the 14^th century, a small number of diamonds began to be seen in European regalia and jewelry designs.  Diamonds, at this time, were seen as a sign of love and devotion.  Many of the designs used pearls as an accent gem along with the diamond.  Although the popularity of diamonds was becoming more mainstream, noble and large diamonds were still privileged to Royals and houses of the affluent. 

Since the beginning of diamond’s popularity, they were said to contain numerous characteristics and were able to grant the beholder numerous qualities that they may not have possessed without the stone.  Some virtues that were instilled within the stone were that diamonds are supposed to impart virtue upon its holder, and bring a generous heart to the owner.  Diamonds were also said to bring their owners luck and success.  Diamonds through out their history were talisman, to ward off the potential of poisoning, and overall protection for the traveler. 

Overall the gem of diamond has a full and illustrious history of myths and legendary tales from its inception and its use in cultures.  There is an immense amount of knowledge and characteristics that surround this beautiful stone.  When purchasing diamonds be sure to keep in mind all the myths, legends, and folklore that surrounds this bright, shiny, beautiful gem!

March is a time of renewal, spring is in the air and the effects of winter start to wear off.   What better stone than that of Aquamarine to ring in this time of renewal!  This stone is the birthstone of March.  Its luscious blue hue would make a lovely adornment to any ring.   

The word Aquamarine, itself is a derivative from the 16^th century Latin word meaning, sea water.  Mythical tales do not escape this sea like stone either—the origin of aquamarine has said to have been held captive in the deep ocean blue in the treasure chests of mermaids.  The blue and bluish green color of the infamous stone originates from is the miraculous and broad variety of the ocean’s color pallet.  Aquamarine has a color palette that ranges from light to medium blue hues to greenish blue colors.  Aquamarine is the perfect description of the colors that run with this beautiful gem, as it fully covers the full range of colors available.  The darker, more deep ocean like colors are said to be the more valuable shade of this gorgeous gem, but even the sky blue hues make any look priceless. 

Aquamarine has numerous legends and folklore that surrounds the precious stone.  Mainly though this stone is considered and believed to be the stone of happiness and everlasting youth.  This beautiful shade evokes good feelings and the feeling of warmth and love within an individual.  This stone has been said to promote harmony and everlasting relationships, perfect for marriages, as it brings about a happy union. 

While the legend of happiness has been sustained through out the ages it has also been said that aquamarine has the ability to induce sleep in its beholder.  This quality of aquamarine makes it the perfect stone for those who suffer from insomnia. Other popular tales of aquamarine say that if the stone itself is soaked in water it has the ability to reduce eye troubles and cases of the hiccups. 

You must be wondering by now, where in the world is the beautiful stone found, so I can add it to my collection.  Well, the answer is simple!  This stone is found in numerous parts of the world, with the most famous being the exotic country of Brazil.  Over time Brazil has produced some of the largest and rarest of aquamarine gems.   Other places around the globe include Mozambique, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia, and India.  To care for these precious stones, simply use warm water and a mild soap to ensure the lasting beauty of your gem. 

With breathtaking color variations and versatility for everyday wear, aquamarine is the perfect gemstone for any and everyone.  It may bring happiness and joy to any relationship or friendship with the beautiful blue aquamarine ring, necklace or any staple piece of jewelry, or it could be a perfect way to bring about an everlasting union by adorning your wedding bands with this beautiful stone. 

Classic

Are you currently looking for the perfect band with the perfect fit?  Wondering how to create the most comfort in wedding bands?  Wondering why ‘comfort fit’ is comfort fit and different from all other bands out there?  Look no further, we have all the answers to those questions, right here!

Comfort bands, by definition, are exactly what their name states, ‘comfort fit’.  The rings are made with rounded inside edges, in order to slide on the finger better and maintain overall comfort.  The style is popular among men and women who are looking for a little added comfort for their precious band. Another style is heavy comfort fit bands. They are thicker and more rounded comfort fit bands.  It also gives the band more ‘heft’ and weight.  It gives the individual wearing the band security that the band is there, yet the comfort in which they desire.  This is becoming a popular choice among everyone who chooses to wear a wedding band. Comparing the comfort fit and heavy comfort fit with the non-comfort fit bands, there is a difference. Non-comfort fit bands have a straight edge and not rounded.  Although, still stylish and wearable, it does not have the same comfort level as the comfort fit bands.

Comfort fit bands are preferred over non-comfort fit because they provide an ease to wearing rings.  The edges are rounded and do not pinch the skin.  It slides on easily for all day wear.  With this feature, comfort fit wedding bands are the perfect choice for individuals who do not wear jewelry on a daily basis or do not wear any jewelry.  Comfort fit bands are recommended to these individuals. It will add comfort to all day wear of the band. 

Contemporary

WeddingBands.com offers heavy comfort fit bands in a range of styles.  There are plain wedding rings, classic wedding rings, contemporary wedding rings and handmade wedding rings with the comfort fit feature.

Whether you’re looking for a comfort fit, heavy comfort fit or even a non-comfort fit band, WeddingBands.com has the perfect solution for you!  Everything from Classic to Contemporary, you will be sure to find the perfect band for you.  Make your big day even more special with the perfect and comfortable wedding band!

Contemporary Band

Not that surprisingly, it definitely can depend on your culture, and your cultural background of your ceremony that would determine the traditions behind your adornment of the wedding bands.  Many cultures have developed their own traditions surrounding the ceremony itself, as well as the gifting of the rings to each the bride and groom.  Most of the traditions that occur today in ceremonies and gifting rings tie back to the original European culture.  According to some European based cultures and customs, the wedding ring is the final gift in a series between the lucky couple, which usually begins with the engagement ring.  Furthering European traditions, it has become a custom for both men and women to wear wedding bands.  This tradition has only become popular in the 20^th century, as it were only women who usually wore the bands prior in history.  In Eastern Orthodox traditions and cultures, the exchange of these rings don’t happen during the wedding service.  Rather, they are exchanged between the couple at the betrothal, or the formal engagement of the couple.

Classic Band

One ancient tradition states that the ring shall be worn on the third finger of the left hand, for both men and women, participating in the tradition.  According to the Ancients, the importance of this finger stems from their belief that it was the holder of the ‘vena amoris’ also known as the vein of love.  Therefore, by encircling the finger, and thus the vein, the eternal love of the couple will reach directly to the heart of the beholder and the love of the couple will encircle the heart as a whole.  This has become a popular tradition because it shows the eternal and everlasting devotion and love that the couple has for one another.  It then becomes a symbolic reference to their love and becomes a symbol for the rest of the world that their heart belongs to someone.

Other traditions believe that the wedding ring should be worn on the third finger of the right hand, instead of the same finger on the left hand.  Some legends have suggested that the left hand carries negative connotations; therefore it should not be the holder of a precious object such as a wedding ring.  Since Ancient Rome, traditionally the right hand is raised when taking pledges or oaths, signifying the individual’s undying pledge to uphold their commitment.  Due to this ideal, the right hand has become a very popular choice among couples upon their marriage ceremony. 

The traditions and significance of the bands itself, doesn’t just end with the couple becoming engaged, they carry an immense presence in the ceremony as well.  The wedding bands are usually held secure by a best man, or best woman for the ceremony, until it is time for the couple to exchange the rings.  The gifting of the rings carries a significant meaning, not only for the couple but in significance of the wedding ceremony as a whole.  Once it is time for the exchanging of the rings in the ceremony, each person exchanges the ring as an eternal symbol of love and commitment to one another.  The circle that the ring forms signifies not a beginning, nor an end, rather a lifetime of devotion to one another, and the commitment of your love forever. 

 Not only did the rings symbolize eternal love, but it also symbolized a trade.  Exchanging the rings was also done as a symbol of exchanging valuables.  Before, marriages were connected to the exchanging of valuables as it was customary of the time to trade items of value, for example land, or money, between the families that were being joined through the marriage.  A contract between the two families was being formed with the marriage.  Over time, such traditions have diminished, and marrying your sweetheart for love has long since replaced the traditions of marrying for land or monetary ties.  Therefore, the rings in which one is wed in, have carried an even greater importance than ever before.  The ring now represents the love, commitment, devotion and trust that encircle the couple for a lifetime.  That is why choosing the ‘perfect’ rings have become even more an essential part of the planning process.  Each couple is different, with different standards, ideas of what is their ‘perfect’ band. After all, it will be worn for a lifetime!  Once you and your loved one have selected the perfect bands, now the only question that remains is which hand carries the most significance to bear the band?  After all, it will be there for a lifetime, so what is the ‘right’ answer?  Just like many of the traditions observed by individuals, it depends on your personal beliefs and traditions.  Whether it is ancient beliefs that still hold true or possibly other sacred values that hold personal meaning, the tradition should hold a special significance to the couple. It is completely up to the individual or the individual couple and which tradition they choose to follow to decide where the ring will be worn. 

 Which ever finger, or ring style, or type of metal you and your beloved decide upon for your personal ceremony, the symbol of the wedding band remains the same throughout, as a symbol of eternal love and devotion between the pair.  It is a symbolic representation to the rest of the world, your eternal commitment to one another.  Ultimately this becomes the most customizable and special event for the couple alone to share with each other. Search for your perfect band at WeddingBands.com!  Browse the wide selection of Classic, Contemporary, and Diamond bands!  Looking for rings that you both will enjoy and have more of a unique look rather than a traditional one?  Check out the Royal Duet line, exclusively at WeddingBands.com Make your day and the rest of your life special and check out the extensive selection from WeddingBands.com!