Attending The to Details
How to pick the perfect wedding ring and accessories
By Rita Ross
Your wedding ring is the one piece of jewelry that you're likely to wear every day. And even though it's such a special ring, it doesn't have to be a headache to pick the perfect one.
Tom Jacobi, owner of Schneider's Jewelers in Kingston, says that, with such a large variety of wedding stones, styles, and settings to choose from, the key is to opt for what you personally like.
"Diamonds are always the top choice in stones, but that doesn't mean they're your only option," Jacobi says. Some couples choose other stones such as sapphires or
rubies, while others like simple, unadorned wedding bands.
And even if you've always dreamed of wearing a traditional diamond wedding ring, you can still face dizzying choices — from shapes to sizes to settings.
You can also opt for fancy colored diamonds, ranging from pink or blue to yellow or green. "Or you can pick an enhanced color diamond." Jacobi explains. In this case, diamonds are treated with high-energy electric particles that cause color changes, creating stones in colors that include green, red, yellow or blue.
While a simple, classic wedding ring is always popular, Jacobi says he sees shifting trends when it comes to settings. "A while back, platinum settings were very popular," he says. "Then a lot of brides seemed to prefer yellow gold. Now we see a lot of brides choosing white gold or platinum settings."
Honoring Ancestors
Kevin Lesser, owner of Monroe Jewelers in Monroe, says some brides like to honor a beloved relative by incorporating a piece of prized family jewelry into their
wedding ring.
"For instance, a bride might ask us to reset the stone from her grandmother's wedding ring," he says. Brides who prefer an antique look might opt for a filigree setting
or an antique reproduction. Edwardian or Art Deco designs are also popular.
No matter whether a couple ultimately selects a traditional or modern style ring, Lesser suggests that they should have a general idea of their preferences when they start to shop. "Otherwise, the choices can seem overwhelming," he says.
Good sources for ideas are wedding magazines, Web sites — and don't forget window-shopping, as well as the timeless ritual of admiring other brides' wedding rings. "But basically, the right ring will just grab you when you see it," Lesser says.
Is "The Big Surprise" Wise?
Many guys still like to surprise their brides-to-be by popping the question with an unexpected engagement ring. But lots of couples like to shop together for both the engagement ring and the wedding rings, says David Nabizadeh, owner of Cyrus Jewelers in Monroe.
"It's usually better if both pick it together. Because that way, you can choose a style and setting for the engagement ring that will complement the wedding ring," says
Nabizadeh. "But of course, that ruins the surprise of the engagement ring."
One thing couples don't want to be surprised about is the quality of the gemstones they choose. "That's why it's important to go to a jeweler you trust," says Nabizadeh. He recommends dealing with reputable, established jewelers, and getting recommendations from other brides.
"Also, you can look for diamonds that are certified by the Gemological Institute of America," he says. GIA diamonds are guaranteed to be the real deal. Another
reliable professional trade organization is the Jewelers of America (JA).
Hers and His Rings
While the wedding ring is definitely a "gal thing", more and more men are choosing to wear wedding rings. "Most men's rings are fairly simple in style," says Joan
Zeffiro, who with her husband, Sal, owns the House of Mar-Sal jewelers in Middletown.
Zeffiro notes that, while the standard man's wedding ring is an unadorned band, some men like to a more elaborate one — sometimes even diamond-studded.
And rings aren't the only jewelry to consider for a wedding. Brides often wear accessories that complement their gowns — earrings, bracelets and necklaces, such as a strand of pearls or a choker. Some choose to wear a symbol of faith such as a cross or Star of David.
There are gifts for the wedding party to consider, as well. "It's traditional to give gifts to the wedding party, and often the bridesmaids will receive something like a
pendant necklace and earrings, or a bracelet," Zeffiro says.
Other nice choices for bridesmaid gifts include matchstick or pearl drop earrings, or even brooches.
The males in a wedding party shouldn't be forgotten, either. "Grooms sometimes give them gifts like tie tacks, watches or cuff links," says Sue Paik, owner of
Crown Jewelers in Monticello and Goldland Jewelers in Middletown. Other popular gift choices for groomsmen include flasks, mugs or tankards, and money clasps.
Celtic Designs
Celtic designs are popular styles in wedding rings for brides and grooms of Irish heritage, says Nancy MacDonald, owner of Traditional Celtic Imports in Middletown.
"Some brides choose a setting that has Celtic filigree design, and some pick a Claddagh ring, which traditionally represents love, friendship and loyalty," MacDonald
explains.
She adds that original Celtic-style rings worn in Europe were often either plain bands or rings containing a birthstone. "But modern interpretations often include diamonds.
And some couples today like to design their own rings and have them custom-made," she says. Regardless of the style a couple chooses, MacDonald says, it's vital
to be happy with your wedding ring. "After all, it's the most important piece of jewelry most people ever own. It carries a lot of symbolism and sentiment," she says.
Rita Ross is a freelance writer based in Sullivan County, NY.
