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What is a comfort fit wedding band?

Meg Massie — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST

When you shop for wedding bands, you'll be asked lots of questions about what you're looking for. One question will probably be, "Do you want comfort fit or regular fit?" Do you know the difference?

Comfort fit bands are designed with a rounded inside so they slide on easier and sit on your finger more comfortably, as the name suggests. There are degrees of comfort fit, as well. "Light comfort fit" may only be very slightly rounded on the inside, "heavy comfort fit" will be a very thick (from inside to outside) band, and then the regular comfort fit is somewhere in between.

Comfort fit, or internally round, bands are definitely more comfortable for people who have to frequently remove their rings, and for people who are not used to wearing rings, so they are especially popular among men. Because comfort fit rings are thicker from inside to out, they have more metal content than standard rings and may be much more expensive. Regular "half-round" rings don't have the luxurious feel of a comfort fit band, but the truth is that once the ring is on your finger, you don't feel much of a difference.

No matter what you're wearing, if it's on your finger for the rest of your life, eventually you get used to it. It's up to you to decide if the extra cost of a comfort fit band is worth it to you.

Gallery: Comfort Fit Wedding Bands

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Keeping the rings safe

Ilona Peltz — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Wedding party

No, we're not thinking insurance (though that's undoubtedly a wise idea!). This time we're thinking logistics. If you're having a ring-bearer, how do you get the rings to the front without incident? The last thing you want is to reach down to the pillow held by that very sweet little boy, and find it ... empty!

There are several options.

1. Use fake rings. Keep the real rings in charge of a responsible adult. The rings on the pillow can come from a gumball machine! When he gets to the front, depending on this age, you'll either have him stand with you or go sit with his parents. He's just there to look cute, anyway!

2. Secure the rings to the pillow. Thread the rings onto a ribbon, and pin it to the pillow. You might even choose a pin with sentimental value!

3. Try alternative means of transportation!

Continue reading Keeping the rings safe

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WeddingWise: Finding Renaissance jewelry

Becky Scott — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Theme weddings

Staying true to a theme can sometimes be hard, especially when there's a lot of varying information about what's authentic for the time period. Jewelry has changed so much over the centuries, it's not easy to find accurate information. But we think you can come pretty close to historical accuracy, if you so choose.

To find Renaissance-period jewelry, look for a local Ren Faire. While not everything there will be exact replicas of the era's jewelry, you can find some pieces that will appear close - at least close enough for your guests not to know the difference.

If you use a search engine to find retailers, try searching for "Renaissance wedding jewelry" for the best results. And we found a few companies that might suit your jewelry needs as well:

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Ring bearer pillows

Wendy Davidson — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Keeping the Memory, Ceremonies

Want to avoid that dreadful moment when your bestman sheepishly admits he forgot/lost/dropped the rings? Then get yourself a ring pillow and tie those babies firmly on. That way you know you'll have the rings when you need them, plus you provide an extra 'Aah how sweet!' moment as your ringbearer walks down the aisle.

Of course, if you decide to do this you then need to find a suitable ring pillow. One that reflects your wedding theme or personal style. It should be easy - there are lots of ringbearer pillows available, in a huge variety of styles. From classic, elegant and traditional white to cute 'n kitsch to vaguely amusing to quite outlandish.

If you want your dog to carry your ring to you, then get your pup a set of 'doggy wings'. Or maybe you're having a beach themed wedding and would love to have your rings revealed in an oyster? Or in a Cinderella carriage, perhaps? Maybe on a horseshoe? Whatever you want, you'll probably find it somewhere. (And Etsy is, once again, a fabulous source.)

Or, if you're feeling very brave (or just wonderfully creative), then why not make it yourself and get exactly what you want?

For a clearer idea of what's available on the Internet, click through the gallery below.

Gallery: Ring Bearer Pillows

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Ring fit for a princess

Ilona Peltz — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Theme weddings

... a Renaissance princess, that is. If you want anything out of the ordinary, Etsy is the place to go. Wanting something special for a Renaissance wedding, we just popped "Renaissance" into the search window, and just look what we found!

Hand-crafted of silver and studded with sky-blue topaz, said to symbolize the joy of life, this lovely ring would be the perfect complement to your historical celebration and your eternal love. For more information on this ring and others, check ouf the IIIRexes shop on Etsy. The seller also shows her work on her Flickr site.

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Uma Thurman has an ENORMOUS diamond (oh, and she's engaged, too)

Kristen Seymour — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Celebrity

Uma Thurman's rep has confirmed that she is engaged to her Swiss boyfriend of over a year Arpad "Arki" Busson. She was spotted with a humongous diamond at Sir Elton John's 10th White Tie and Tiara benefit earlier this week. Sources are saying the diamond is so large "she can't fit it through the sleeve of her coat."

Listen Uma, we all have problems. You have a ring you can't fit through your coat sleeve, we have rings worth less than your coat sleeve -- it's the same basic thing.

Recently, Uma's ex-husband, Ethan Hawke, took out a marriage license with his pregnant girlfriend, so the timing is interesting. Uma was reportedly "shocked" when Arki presented her with the ring, but wedding plans are now in the works. Now, if the dress has to compete with the ring, Uma might have some shopping to do!

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With rings like these, who needs to get married?

Kristen Seymour — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Relationships

We're seeing an ongoing trend, in Hollywood and elsewhere, of couples making a commitment without getting legally hitched. Some couples, like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, consider their children enough commitment, while other couples, like Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, simply have made the choice not to marry.

If you make the choice to commit without having a wedding or making it legal, you still might want a way to show your devotion. Perhaps you don't want a traditional wedding band, but what about something else? Refinery29 has a great article on rings that are a perfect symbol of commitment without being too bridal.

Whether you call it a commitment ring, a promise ring, or just a gift to show your devotion, a ring on your left ring finger holds a special meaning. We love the idea of using something untraditional to show your unique relationship -- what do you think?

Gallery: Funky Rings for an Untraditional Relationship

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Did Colin Farrell secretly swap vows?

Kristen Seymour — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Celebrity Weddings, Rings, Celebrity

Colin Farrell has been keeping a pretty low-key profile lately, but has he kept a major event under wraps as well?

The smoke-ensconced 32-year-old actor has been seen on several occasions wearing what looks like a wedding ring on his all-important finger, sparking rumors that he has secretly married his dewy sweetheart, 22-year-old Muireann McDonnell. In fact, he was recently spotted at an airport, smoking (of course) and talking on the phone. When he saw the photographers, he awkwardly hid his left hand, adding some credence to the rumors.

It doesn't look like he's currently working as a married character in any films, so it seems rather possible that the ring is the real thing.

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Steal their style: Imitation celebrity engagement rings from Emitations

Meg Massie — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity Weddings, Rings

Gallery: Celebrity Jewelry by Emitations

We're always trying to copy celebrity style. An ordinary girl might be able to max out her credit cards every now and then to get a pair of shoes she saw on Sex and the City, or maybe even an outfit that once graced the catwalks of Fashion Week (but six sizes larger, of course), but when it comes to their bling, it's just too expensive to copy the celebs.

Or is it?

You may never get to wear an actual 10-carat canary diamond engagement ring, but a CZ that size doesn't cost more than a few bucks. When you visit Emitations, you can find inexpensive reproductions of all the hottest celebrity jewelry, and you'll learn that not all inexpensive imitations look cheap. Not all of the copies are exact replicas, but all the designs are celeb-inspired, from engagement rings and other wedding jewelry to red carpet accessories.

One piece of advice, just so we're clear: it's fine to wear faux pieces and pass them off as real, but it is not okay to try to pass faux gifts off as real to the recipient. Got it?

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Finding a diamond that really sparkles

Meg Massie — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Budget Advice, Engagement

A friend of mine called the other day to ask for help finding a diamond for his girlfriend. He's a law student at a competitive school -- the boy knows how to do research -- but he wanted to ask me about any secrets of the trade I could pass on. So I asked him what he was looking for in a diamond.

"She has one request. It has to SPARKLE!" Simple enough. You don't need piles of appraisal documents to know if a diamond sparkles -- you can tell by looking at it, right? You'd think...

Actually, how a diamond twinkles in a jewelry display case can be very different from how it looks in natural light, and most jewelry store sales clerks don't even know about the characteristic that could have the most affect on a diamond's sparkle: fluorescence.

Gallery: Diamond Facts

Continue reading Finding a diamond that really sparkles

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It's a ringer of a cup

Ilona Peltz — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Engagement

We can think of so many ways to present this quirky little number ... It could be a gift from the bridesmaid to the bride; a gift from the bride to the groom; it could be an anniversary gift (or thank-you) to the parents of bride or groom.

The ring comes in faux gold or platinum -- note: at about $16.00/cup, nothing is real but the coffee it will hold! -- and is set with a genuine Swarovski crystal. It is packaged so that only the ring shows. The cup is hidden beneath the platform.

Warning to any guys with a practical-joke streak in them: If you present one of these to your girlfriend, you better make make sure you have the real deal in your back pocket!

If you would like more information on the "2-Carat Cup", you can check it out here.

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Diamond alternatives: Try diamond hybrids

Becky Scott — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Engagement

Our friends at Luxist turned us on to diamond hybrids. If you're concerned about blood diamonds or just the environmental impact of diamond mining, you may be looking for alternatives.

Anna-Mieke Anderson became involved in the diamond simulant industry after learning about the history of her own diamond engagement ring. She researched conflict-free diamonds, but decided that just wasn't enough. She eventually found out about diamond seeding, a technology first developed by NASA. The resultant stones are hybrids that are both simulant and man-made diamond crystal.

MiaDonna, Anna-Mieke's company, focuses primarily on engagement and wedding rings. Their stones are graded through Global Gem Lab and guaranteed for life.

In fact, Anna-Mieke is so concerned about the global impact of diamond mining that she has started a non-profit foundation called Greener Diamond. Their goal is to give back to those affected by the blood diamond industry. Check out some of MiaDonna's wedding and engagement rings in the gallery. You can also read more of the interview at Luxist.

Gallery: Diamond Hybrids

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Involving the children: True-life story of a child's wedding ring

Ilona Peltz — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Relationships, Second Wedding, Ceremonies

The wedding officiant stood before the happy couple. And before the happy bride's little son, who was four years old. The ceremony had proceeded without hitch to this point, the exchange of the rings. When the rings were brought out, the bride and groom turned to the little boy, who had been sitting in the front row with his grandmother.

"You can come up now, hon." He trotted the few paces to the front, stood beside his mother, and looked up at the three adults. The exchange of rings proceeded, and with it, the vows. Bride to groom, groom to bride, and then ... bride-and-groom to child. The couple had had a third ring made, you see, a replica of their own, small enough to fit her son.

The officiant smiled as the boy received his ring, but the little guy obviously thought the event needed some explanation. Pointing to each adult in turn, he declared,

"She's marrying him, and I'm marrying him, too. We're all getting married together!"

Not bad for four years old.

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Wedding rings for nerds!

Heather Hawkins — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Alternative Weddings, Over-the-Top Weddings, Engagement, Grooms

Gallery: Rings For Nerds

If you get unusually excited by the MacBook Air commercials and you find super thick, plastic eyeglasses to be sexier than Cindy Crawford's mole, then you might just be a nerd. For the geek in all of us, this site showcases some ... well, let's just say nerdtacular rings.

Now, whether or not anyone would actually use one of these rings as their wedding bands, we'd love to know. A personal favorite? Yep, the Remember Ring, which heats up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 seconds every hour beginning 24 hours before your anniversary date. How's that for scary?

The binary ring (see pic to the right) is probably the nerdiest out of the bunch for just the concept of having computer language engraved in a precious metal. What's your favorite nerd ring? Check out the gallery and let us know!

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DIY wedding rings

Becky Scott — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Budget Advice, Do-It-Yourself

Here's a great idea for all of you do-it-yourself lovers: make your own wedding rings. At the Wedding Ring Workshop, a jeweler will help you make your very own wedding rings. Not only can you probably save a little money (well, if the price of gold stops going up), you'll have a special keepsake from your wedding. And it will be something you'll probably want to pass down in your family.

You get your choice of design and metal (from those offered). The workshop takes about 5-6 hours to complete and they will make sure that you don't mess up your ring. Already have a stone that you want to incorporate? They can do that, too.

You can make the rings as a couple, or you can surprise your spouse-to-be with a wonderful gift. Either way, we're sure you'll treasure these for years to come.

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Don't panic if you lose your diamond

Meg Massie — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Rings, Budget Advice

About a month ago, my husband and I bought a diamond solitaire to go with the wedding band I've always worn. I chose a bezel setting for my diamond, mostly because I think they're prettiest, but also because I know that they are the most secure. I wouldn't ever have to worry about losing my diamond -- or so I thought.

Imagine my surprise when I glanced down at my new ring (something I do hundreds of times each day) only to find that the diamond wasn't there anymore! I'm amazed with myself for staying as calm as I did, but I didn't freak out at all, and here's why. My many years of employment in jewelry retail taught me that this was a jeweler error. For the stone to fall out of such a secure setting as a bezel less than six weeks after it was put together could only mean that it was poorly set to begin with. I knew that the jeweler would admit his fault and make it right. He's an honest guy and I wouldn't have dealt with him for such an expensive purchase if I hadn't already established a good relationship with him.

Whenever you make a large purchase like a diamond ring, you should ask what the store will do if the stone accidentally falls out of its setting. Many salespeople will take this opportunity to push the extended service plan on you, but you shouldn't bite. When a stone falls out of its setting, assuming you have had the prongs regularly checked for damage, this is almost always due to jeweler error, and any honest jeweler will take responsibility for this and fix the problem without charging you extra. That means anything from resetting loose stones to replacing lost ones.

Continue reading Don't panic if you lose your diamond

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Natural beauty in a pebbled ring

Ilona Peltz — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Rings

This lovely band isn't strictly intended as a wedding ring -- but why not? For the couple who enjoys the great outdoors, or who has a taste for individuality, who likes being creatively "different", these rings are perfect!

Hand-crafted of sterling silver, each "pebble" in the band is a drop of silver, individually hammered and soldered in place by the artist, Lana Doolaege. At $135, it's a great price for a hand-crafted luxury item. A ring you could treasure for the rest of your life, not just for its sentimental value and symbolism, but for its one-of-a-kind artistry.

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Red carpet-worthy ring bling

Meg Massie — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity Weddings, Rings, Engagement

Gallery: Celebrity Engagement Rings

Fashion follows Hollywood. When Lindsay Lohan started trotting around Tinseltown in leggings, suddenly everyone started copying this style, much to the dismay of everyone's favorite fashion critics, and retailers across America struggled to keep an adequate spandex stock. Thankfully, it's not just the ridiculous trends that catch on -- when Ben Affleck gave Jennifer Lopez a 6-ct pink diamond engagement ring, there was a rush on pink diamonds (until the rest of the world realized that they were not movie stars and couldn't actually afford them). So then there was a rush on pink cubic zirconia.

The Bennifer engagement ring really sparked a big trend in Hollywood, and the rest of the world followed. Starlets no longer settled for traditional ring styles like round solitaires in Tiffany settings. Those rings are classic and glamorous indeed, but not unique enough to make a splash on the red carpet. Now we're seeing celebs with every color diamond in the spectrum, like JLo's pink rock, Heidi Klum's huge canary diamond, and Carmen Electra's black diamond ring, to name a few. In addition to the colored diamond trend, solitaires have gone the way of the dinosaur as celebs opt instead for much busier rings with lots of accent stones, and maybe even a non-diamond center stone, like the pink sapphire Nicole Richie received from ex-fiance DJ AM.

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Christina Aguilera: Not your mom's engagement ring

Meg Massie — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity Weddings, Rings

Christina Aguilera's engagement ring from hubby Jordan Bratman is a real work of art. The five-carat total weight ring features a large round brilliant diamond in a tall bezel setting with four channel set diamonds on either side and elaborate engraving on the band. This ring is a real callback to the style of the 20's, and Christina has shown us many times that she is a fan of vintage style.

Is a ring like this practical for the new mom? Well, the bezel setting will protect her baby from scratches from the diamond's edge, but it would be a nightmare to clean this ring between diaper changes, with all its tiny crannies from the artful carving on the sides. We hope Christina leaves this ring in its box at home, and only brings it out on the red carpet, where it belongs.

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Camilla, Dutchess of Cornwall: A royal ring

Meg Massie — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:47:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity Weddings, Rings

Prince Charles presented his bride, Camilla Parker Bowles, with this heirloom diamond ring from Queen Elizabeth herself. This ring was made for royalty. Emerald cut diamonds like this one -- an eight-carat stunner -- are typically much more expensive than other cuts. That's because the relatively few facets allow a view straight to the inside of the stone -- whereas multiple facets can hide or minimize inclusions in a diamond, nearly everything inside this stone is visible to the naked eye. To be suitable for a royal ring, this stone would have to have extremely high clarity.

Flanked by tapered baguettes on each side, the Prince's bride's ring would retail for about $250,000. Factor in its royal history, and the gem is priceless.

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