Wedding bands - traditional gold, or modern Celtic designs?

The wedding band is the symbol of the marriage contract, and no element of a wedding is more emotional than the exchange of the rings. Most brides like their wedding ring to sit well beside the engagement ring. Although there are matching sets available, it is easy to pick a complementary wedding band independently.

It’s usual to select rings of the same metal, but you could be individual. One bride right here at The Pink Fridge selected white gold for her engagement ring, yellow gold for her wedding ring, and finally rose gold for her eternity ring. Likewise, although many couples like to wear matching rings, this is by no means obligatory. It would be best for each person to choose the ring that they would most like to wear for the rest of their lives, even if they were very different. After all, opposites attract, so why not consider contrasting rings?

Standard wedding bands are plain circles representing endless love. Gold is the most traditional metal, but recent trends have seen white gold and platinum increase in popularity too. For a deviation on a theme, you could consider a titanium wedding band. An extremely durable material, titanium is feather-light and you'll hardly feel it on your finger.

For those seeking something less basic and more modern, the diamond wedding band is a stunning and romantic choice. Set with either one diamond, or a series of smaller diamonds, this style of wedding band represents the richness of marriage. Not all men are comfortable wearing such feminine jewellery, so you may consider adorning just the bride’s ring with the diamonds, and keeping the groom’s wedding band plain.

A more adventurous couple may consider adopting wedding band traditions from different cultures or eras. The Irish tradition of Celtic wedding rings is again very popular. Bands are engraved with continuous intertwined ‘knotting’ patterns. Representing the continuity of life, this design continues the idea that love has no beginning or end. Another Irish style is the Claddagh ring, which has been worn as either an engagement or wedding ring for centuries. The design includes a crowned heart clutched in two hands and represents love, friendship and loyalty.

Both the Middle East and Russia have a centuries-old tradition of using puzzle rings. These wedding rings are constructed from many entwined pieces, which fall apart if the ring is ever removed from the bride’s finger. The idea was that a husband could tell if his wife was being unfaithful as only he would have the instructions for solving the ring’s puzzle. Antique style wedding bands also offer the opportunity to have something a little different from the norm. Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs make stunning wedding rings, with beautifully crafted geometric patterns.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Wedding Bands