11/12/2007

The Promise Ring And Its Meaning

A promise ring is a symbol of commitment, usually given to a man by a woman. It is a special piece of jewelry that is often classed as a mans engagement ring. It symbolises a 'promise' of commitment.

A promise ring can also be exchanged between couples as a pre engagement, or even just as a token gesture between a man and women, For younger people it is an updated version of wearing your boyfriends ring around your neck on a chain, it symbolises being together.

That being said, promise rings are also exchanged between friends, for many years rings have been used to seal promises between close friends or family.

A Promise ring can be worn on any finger depending on the type of ring. If the promise ring is given to a man for friendship then it can be worn on any finger or even the thumb. If the promise ring is to symbolise pre engagement or engagement then it is traditionally worn on the left hand ring finger like a traditional engagement ring.

There are many types of promise rings available, if the ring is to symbolise engagement then it is worth considering a diamond promise ring, you can select other stones to sit along side the diamond also, it is a good idea to look at what colours your partner wears when choosing a mixed stone promise ring, have a look in their wardrobe and select a stone that wont clash with their clothes.

If the promise ring is for a man and will be worn on a daily basis then it is wise to choose durable metal, titanium being one of the most popular.

There is also the option to have the ring engraved with your 'promise' this will make the promise ring unique and more meaningful, this type of ring is extremely romantic and a way to share your heartfelt sentiments with the one you love.

Depending on your budget will effect which type of promise ring you purchase whether it be a diamond promise ring, a gold promise ring, a titanium promise ring or even a silver promise ring, the most important thing to remember is to make clear the promise you are making when giving the ring to someone. There is nothing worse than receiving a ring and assuming it is for engagement when it is in fact just a symbol of your friendship. Enclosing a note to explain what the ring s for should clarify things and avoid embarrassment.

Promise rings are also given to children from parents as promises to refrain from bad virtues such as smoking or drinking or even forming a sexual relationship before marriage.

Some religions also use promise rings to symbolise their faith. These rings are usually worn by followers and the promise ring is a commitment to follow the beliefs and teachings of their religion in everyday life.

Vicki Churchill writes for several sites including Diamond And Sapphire Rings and Diamond Rings including what, where & how to buy the perfect Promise Ring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vicki_Churchill

Who Cares If It's Real Or Fake If No One Knows the Difference

Cubic zirconias are synthetic gemstones created in a laboratory. Cubic zirconia engagement rings are somewhat less sparkly than diamond engagement rings but project more rays of color. While diamonds typically have flaws and impurities, cubic zirconias are typically flawless. CZs are approximately 70% heavier than diamonds but are also softer and more brittle. Like diamonds, CZs come in a variety of colors. This happens when oxides such as titanium, iron, nickel, etc. are added during the CZ synthesis process.

Cubic zirconia production took of in the 70's, with advancements in the process of growing the crystals in the laboratory. CZ became a household name when Swarovski & Co. began producing these beauties for mass consumption.

The average joe could not distinguish well-designed cubic zirconia engagement rings from authentic diamond engagment rings. It takes a well-trained eye and/or a microscope and additional fancy tools to differentiate quality czs from the ice. Perhaps this combined with the price explains why cubic zirconias continue to rule the diamond simulant market.

A cubic zirconia ring may be appropriate for couples who do not feel as though they have the money for an authentic diamond engagement ring but want to get married nonetheless. In addition, some couples may be able to afford an authentic diamond engagement ring, but prefer to spend money elsewhere and hence, a cubic zirconia will do just fine. One option for couples on a tight budget is to mix in cubic zirconias with real stones and precious metals. For example, the ring metal could be white gold, the center stone could be a cubic zirconia, and the side stones could be small rubies.

If you are going to go the CZ route, it is best to discuss this with your woman in advance. By all means, do not try to pass off a CZ as a real diamond to your potential spouse!!!!! If you do this, I have serious concerns for your safety! God forbid, she tries to get it insured or has it independently appraised years later and finds out the truth.....you will probably need to go into hiding. And above all.....you don't want to start out your lives together based on a lie!!

Diamonique engagement rings sound exotic and mysterious.... in actually, they are a registered trademark belonging to QVC. Diamoniques are really synthetic gemstones otherwise known as cubic zirconias. Because these gemstones are made by man, they can actually outdo nature and provide you flawlessness when it comes to those all important Cs. They are almost as hard as diamonds. Diamonds rate as a 10 on the Mohr's hardness scale whereby diamoniques come in at an 8.5

The rings are set in an array of precious metals including silver, yellow and white gold and platinum. You can basically get any shape diamond you want from traditional round to vintage asscher cut. The rings cost anywhere from around $25 to $350.

Those clucking hens in the office will be oohing and aahing over your diamonique engagement ring, having no idea that the 2 carat zinger costs under 350 bucks or less You could buy 5 diamonique rings and still have spent much less than on the cost of a real diamond engagement ring. You will laugh your head off all the way to the bank.

QVC offers these bad-boys in an array of rainbow colors. You could get a pink J-Lo diamonique ring or a canary yellow Paris Hilton diamonique ring.

Moissanite Engagement Rings gained popularity in the mid-90s with the invention of a lab process to grow the crystals. Moissanite is actually a naturally occuring mineral although it is extremely rare and small in size......hence, making lab-grown moissanite more appropriate for most jewelry pieces.

Moissanite is almost as hard as diamonds and is often as brilliant if not more so. Moissanie can be made into a number of shapes and put in a variety of settings. However unlike diamonds, moissanite often may reflect faint color hues of yellow, green or gray, under certain lighting. In addition, Moissanite is not graded in carat weight but a comparable diamond carat value is usually given to allow the buyer to make useful comparisons

Many experienced jewelers can mistake a high-quaility moissanite for a diamond and sometimes lab instruments must be used to aid in this determination.

Moissanite can be fairly difficult to grow in the laboratory, and high-quality moissanite can be more expensive than low-quality diamonds and are almost always more expensive than cubic zirconias. In general, Moissanite stones cost about 1/8 of what diamonds cost.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Shields

Men's Promise Rings

Even though promise rings are not commonly worn by men, men’s promise rings have their own significance. Promise rings are exchanged between a girlfriend and boyfriend with a commitment to stay faithful to each other.

Men’s promise rings can be worn as pre-engagement rings, friendship rings, or just as purity promise rings. Purity rings are a special category of promise rings, often presented by parents to their children. These rings signify the strong bond of trust between them and indicate a promise on the part of the child to stay away from sexual relationships and practice abstinence, until marriage.

To intensify pre-engagement relations, the design of men’s promise rings is made similar to that of their spouse. Generally referred as promise pair rings, these rings express the couple’s love and care for each other.

The finger on which the promise ring is worn depends on the type of the ring. If men’s promise rings are exchanged as a symbol of friendship, then it is common to wear them on any finger including the thumb on the right hand. The pre-engagement rings and purity rings are mostly worn on the left hand ring finger.

As men’s promise rings are meant for daily usage, they should be made of durable metal. Men’s titanium promise rings are certainly the best choice. Beautifully inlayed gold, silver and platinum men’s promise rings are also of great demand. Some men’s promise rings are marvelously hand-painted while others have an antique touch. Further, some men’s promise rings are inscribed with names, initials, or a brief verbal description about the promise.

Men’s promise rings are cool jewelry pieces which come in a variety of designs. Both handmade and machine cut promise rings are available. The most commonly used designs are Celtic knot rings, Sterling silver rings, Turkish puzzle rings, and Greek key style rings. Men’s promise rings with multi-gemstones and other precious stones are also available.

Mens Rings provides detailed information on Men's Rings, Men's Engagement Rings, Men's Gold Rings, Men's Promise Rings and more. Mens Rings is affiliated with Anniversary Flowers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Bellamy