Wedding Planning Ideas

Explore the new trend in wedding jewelry — men’s moissanite wedding rings. Men are becoming increasingly savy about their choice of wedding jewelry. Many grooms wish to create a unique yet affordable look by exploring different stones and metals. Men’s moissanite wedding rings are an attractive and economical alternative to the traditional diamond wedding band.

Moissanite is an increasingly popular choice for men’s wedding rings. Though less expensive than the diamond, moissanite is so similar to the diamond in appearance and properties that even those with a trained eye may have trouble distinguishing them. Manufacturers claim that moissanite actually sparkles more than a diamond, and is almost as hard.

Moissanite was first identified as a rare natural substance in meteorites. In the late 1800′s, Dr. Henri Moissan, discovered the substance associated with a fallen meteor in Arizona. However, it is only recently that moissanite was available for purchase. Today, moissanite gemstones are synthetically produced for jewelry. Moissanite’s durability and resistance to heat make it easy to work with for jewelers. Many people are drawn to the stone’s original “otherworldly” origins, and diamond-like appearance.

Men choosing a Moissanite wedding ring can have the look of diamonds without the exorbitant price. Indeed, the groom can splurge on bigger stones and a more dramatic look by choosing the less expensive material. While less expensive, moissanite is a quality stone that is typically set in gold or other precious metals.

Charles & Covard is the only manufacturer of moissanite. JC Penney now sells the line, calling it “one of the fastest growing choices for jewels today.” Moissanite rings come with a lifetime warranty, and will endure the years of marriage as well as a diamond.

Amy Lee Johnson regularly contributes to Wedding-Vows-4u.com a site dedicated to helping you with information about everything wedding related. We feature article directories on many topics such as Wedding Vows and Wedding Gowns to help you get the information you need – check them out!

The origins of the Celts dates back to prehistoric times when they emerged as a
group of loosely knit tribes with a common culture and language.

Celtic settlements stretched from Turkey and the Balkans right across Western
Europe. But it was the rise of the Roman Empire that would expose the lack of
cohesion between the various Celtic tribes and would lead to them being overrun,
expelled from their territories and being pushed back to the western fringes of the
continent.

Although the ancient Celts flourished across Europe, it is in Ireland where their
traditions have been most preserved.

One aspect of this culture that still survives today is the artwork and this is most
commonly seen in jewellery such as celtic wedding rings.

Their artwork was believed to be very symbolic often being based on nature using
images of birds and animals and fish. The Celts believed firmly in the
interconnectedness of all life and produced the familiar Celtic Knots, which are
interlaced patterns with no beginning and no end.

Although perhaps the true significance of these patterns has been lost over the
millennia, Celtic designs remain increasingly popular in our modern world.

The Claddagh is a traditional symbol of love and friendship and is thought to have
originated from Claddagh in Galway as far back as the 16th century since when has
been worn by many as a wedding ring and as a symbol of love.

The design of the Claddagh consists of a heart as a symbol of love, a crown as a
symbol of fidelity or loyalty and the hands depicted friendship. Tradition states that
if you are spoken to you should wear the Claddagh on your left hand facing inward
but if you are unattached it should be worn facing outward on the right hand.

Celtic crosses, which predate Christianity, can symbolize the four quarters of the
earth and or the four elements – earth wind and fire. They are equal armed crosses
which are enclosed or backed by a circle. Following the introduction of Christianity,
it became more common to see Celtic Crosses on top of a matching pedestal, which
gave it a more elongated look. Celtic crosses are often worn as jewellery such as
rings or on chains around the neck.

Geometric designs have always feature prominently in Celtic artwork with spirals,
chevrons, scrolls and knot work. Many of these patterns can be seen decorating stone carvings or ancient manuscripts and religious books.

The Celtic spirals are very symbolic with the single spiral generally thought to
signify growth expansion and cosmic energy.

The dual centred spiral found often on stone carvings signifies duality and nature
and is associated with motifs from other cultures such as the Ying Yang symbol.
Celtic knot work designs remain popular today and can vary from single elegant
knot patterns to complex intricate interlaced patterns.

Although the symbolism of celtic designs may have been lost, many of the designs
remain popular today and will often be seen used in the design of jewellery and in
particular Celtic Wedding rings.

Written by John Lewis of Love2Have who specialise in traditional gold celtic wedding rings handcrafted in the UK.

Is a titanium wedding ring for you? I found that titanium is an interesting metal, and that a titanium wedding ring really is something you should consider. Titanium is actually very common on earth, but until 1791, we humans didn’t even know it existed. Even then, though, we couldn’t isolate it for another 100 years or so. It is a gray metal that is used in alloys because of it is light and resistant nature. Besides from the earth, it has also been found in moon rocks and meteorites.

Besides titanium wedding rings, the metal has many uses. Because it resists corrosion from most anything, including salt water, acids, and even corrosive cases, it is ideal for many industries. It is used in medicine, aviation, and engineering to develop everything from prosthetic implants to building frames. It is also an inert and hypoallergenic material so it can be used most anywhere.

Titanium wedding rings are popular for many of these same reasons. Unlike with silver or gold, it is rare for a person to be allergic to a titanium wedding ring. The durability and resistance to corrosion also make titanium wedding rings a worthy investment. After all, it is a piece of jewelry you will be wearing basically every day for the rest of your life. It is also light weight for the level of strength is provides, so wearing it will not get in the way of your day to day activities like some heavier metals might.

Functionality is not the only reason to think about a titanium wedding ring, though. It is a very beautiful metal as well. Not unlike white gold or silver in appearance, it polishes up very nicely. The durability then allows that beauty to be easily maintained even through the daily wear and tear that is so common with wedding jewelry. Also, by use of different polishes and finishes, titanium wedding rings can be made in a variety of looks with a plethora of shades and colors. Often time, heat can bring about color change in titanium and is thus used by jewelers to get different looks for different titanium wedding rings.

Another way jewelers will create unique looks in titanium wedding rings is through inlays. Titanium can easily be inlaid with various precious metals and gems. Because of its strength, titanium is more difficult to work with, but once it is made how you like it will keep its look and likely last you a lifetime.

Titanium is one of the great discoveries of the last two hundred years. It is useful in a number of industries and technologies and has unique properties that make it incredibly versatile. However, it also makes for great jewelry. Titanium wedding rings are becoming more and more popular because of the durability they offer you. Wedding rings are worn a lot so the strength and beauty of titanium makes for a great combination that you should consider when it comes time to choose your wedding ring material.

If would like to find more of my personal articles on wedding rings, please feel free to visit my website on wedding bands!