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.

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The wedding band is perhaps the most important piece of jewelry worn in life. Symbolic of the bride and groom’s commitment to each other, wedding bands are exchanged as part of the marriage ceremony witnessed by family and friends. Unlike other pieces of jewelry, wedding bands are worn every moment of every day. Therefore, it is essential that a wedding band is comfortable and compatible with a couple’s sense of style.

The bride and groom-to-be should spend time viewing and researching band styles and materials prior to making a final decision. By browsing jewelry stores and Internet sites, couples can gain a sense of their likes and dislikes.

Wedding Band Materials

Wedding bands are traditionally made of gold, white gold or platinum. If a couple chooses gold bands, they should select 14k or 18k gold for sufficient quality and durability. Another less expensive choice for men’s bands is titanium. Bands may be embellished with special finishes or engraved patterns to reflect individual tastes. Diamonds or other precious stones may also be incorporated into the design.

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When you’ve found the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, selecting an engagement ring can seem a daunting, yet necessary, task. Diamonds are a classic and traditional choice for such rings. However, with numerous color, size and appearance options available, how does a hopeful groom select the perfect diamond engagement ring for his bride-to-be?

Style

Men should be conscious of his significant other’s taste and lifestyle when choosing an engagement ring. Is she formal or casual? Does she prefer large accessories or dainty pieces? Is she active or sedentary? Does she own mostly gold or silver-colored jewelry? All of these factors should be evaluated before selecting an engagement ring.

An engagement ring should match the personality of its owner. A woman who throws on jeans and a t-shirt every day may want an attractive yet simple ring to go with her easy lifestyle, whereas a formal dresser would likely prefer a more dramatic ring with a larger diamond. Active brides-to-be may value comfort over a cumbersome stone that may be easily damaged. A woman who wears mostly silver jewelry might prefer a platinum or white gold setting to coordinate with her existing accessories.

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Nothing says forever like gold and platinum wedding rings. These precious metals mark the permanence of a lifelong commitment, and will endure beyond decades of married life.

Whereas gold is a traditional setting, platinum has taken off as the newest trend in wedding jewelry. The decision to go for the gold or opt for platinum is based on the personal style of the bride and groom. However, certain factors may contribute to the couple’s wedding ring selection.

Style

What does your wedding ring say about you? Platinum is geared toward a more modern look, whereas gold is traditionally beautiful. When evaluating your style, consider the future as well as the present, as you will quite possibly be wearing this ring for years to come.

Matching Existing Jewelry

Look at your (and your fiancée’s) jewelry collection – do you see gold, silver or a combination of both? If a bride typically wears only silver jewelry, she may wish for a platinum ring to accent her existing pieces; conversely, a gold jewelry fan would likely pick a gold ring. Grooms may wish to match their ring to their favorite watch or ID bracelet. If a couple has different tastes, they may choose a wedding ring that incorporates multiple colors.

Quality

While gold will stand the test of time, platinum is a stronger and more durable metal. Couples that decide on gold should select 14-18k wedding rings. For gold, high karats mean intense color but less durability.

Allergic Reactions to Metals

If the bride or groom reacts to the metals found in certain types of jewelry, a platinum wedding ring is the way to go. Over 90 percent pure, platinum is hypoallergenic to most people.

Price

If shopping by price, gold offers the best value for your money. While platinum is more durable than gold, it is also more expensive. If a couple longs for a light-colored metal but cannot afford platinum, they may consider opting for a white gold wedding ring as an affordable alternative.

Whatever your decision, gold and platinum wedding rings are a wonderful way to express your love and commitment to each other.