Palladium Wedding Bands

All of the palladium wedding bands from e-Wedding Bands contain 95% palladium and 5% ruthenium, a combination of two of the precious metals from the Platinum Group Metals*. This combination is referred to as 950 palladium or PD950. Palladium is one of the relatively unknown “sister” metals of platinum and shares many of the same unique characteristics and physical properties of platinum: both are naturally white precious metals, strong, non-tarnishing, and hypoallergenic. They are equally rare and are mined together in less than a half-dozen regions around the world.Palladium was first used for jewelry when platinum was declared a strategic metal and reserved for military use in 1939. Since then, palladium has been the metal of choice for diamond setters. But with the formulation of newly developed 950 palladium alloys, palladium is now a smart choice for engagement rings and wedding bands.

Why Palladium instead of White Gold?
The weight of 950 palladium wedding bands is very close to that of 14k white gold wedding bands. However, palladium wedding bands will stay white forever, never needing the “renewed whitening” from rhodium plating that white gold requires. Palladium wedding bands are the perfect choice for those with sensitivity to nickel because they are nickel free and hypoallergenic - unlike white gold wedding bands. Palladium is an extremely rare metal, much more so than gold. It is one of the whitest of all metals and consequently yields wedding bands of extraordinary and uncommon beauty. Plus, palladium wedding bands are incredibly durable and virtually tarnish proof.

White gold is not a true white metal like platinum or palladium. It is made by mixing pure yellow gold with other white metals like zinc and nickel to change its color to white. As a result, it usually has a slight yellowish tint. To enhance the whiteness of white gold jewelry it is electroplated with another precious metal called rhodium. Rhodium is very white, reflective, extremely hard and virtually tarnish free, so it's the perfect protective coating for a white gold ring. However, rhodium coatings wear off gradually. Many people choose to have their rings re-plated with rhodium. Others love their rings with the natural not-quite-white look of white gold.

How does Palladium compare to Platinum?
In virtually all jewelry circles, platinum is still considered to be the king of metals. Platinum wedding bands are approximately 60%-70% heavier than gold or palladium wedding bands. They are extremely durable and will last much longer than comparable gold wedding bands Plus, a high world-wide demand for platinum has driven prices much higher in recent months, making platinum wedding bands a great investment. Even the name Platinum denotes the highest standard available.

So why choose palladium?
If your budget allows, platinum is still the king of all metals. However, palladium offers many of the same desirable characteristics of platinum at a much lower price. It is equally as white as platinum and whiter than white gold. Palladium is hypoallergenic, never needs rhodium plating, and is more precious than white gold. And, as a Platinum Group Metal, palladium wedding bands provide wearers with the same durability and premium white beauty that platinum wearers have learned to treasure. But perhaps the best part is that palladium wedding bands offer a pricing choice right between white gold wedding bands and platinum wedding bands.

Characteristics of Platinum/White Gold/Palladium:
Info order by::
Precious Metal
Specific Gravity
Melting Temp
Color
Vicker's Hardness

950 Platinum
20.7
3235˚ F
Tin white
131

950 Palladium
12.0
2480˚ F
White
150

14K White Gold
12.7
1710˚ F
White to yellow
165

Source : e-wedding

Tungsten Wedding Bands

We are excited to be offering the finest quality tungsten wedding bands at prices that are surprisingly low—sometimes less than half the price charged in jewelry stores. However, don’t confuse our low prices with inferior quality! All of our e- Wedding Bands tungsten carbide rings are made with the superior nickel-binder alloy instead of being made from pure tungsten or with the cobalt-binder alloy. Nickel-binder alloys are superior for several reasons:

Nickel-binder tungsten carbide is hypoallergenic, chemically inert and therefore will not oxidize, cause rashes, or irritate the skin.
We do not use cobalt as it can have an adverse reaction with the wearer’s skin, sometimes causing a rash.
Cobalt bonds with oils in the skin and leeches out of the ring resulting in oxidation. The oxidation appears similar to tarnished sliver, but cannot be removed by polishing or grinding. Nickel, on the other hand, does not bond with oil and therefore does not oxidize.
Many jewelers offer pure tungsten wedding bands which lack the hardness of tungsten carbide and can scratch quite easily. Some offer tungsten rings made with cobalt binder because it is cheaper to produce than nickel-binder carbide. We caution you against buying from a jeweler that doesn't specify that their tungsten wedding bands are made with the nickel binder alloy. Many stores don't list which alloy they are selling because they don't know which alloy they are selling. If they don't know, it is most likely cobalt alloy or pure tungsten which are cheaper and inferior to the nickel binder tungsten carbide wedding bands.

What is Tungsten Carbide?
Tungsten is a very hard and dense metal, mined from Wolframite ore and symbolized by a (W) on the periodic table of elements. It melts at an extraordinary 6,100 degrees Fahrenheit–the highest melting point of all metals. On its own, tungsten is vulnerable to scratches and damage just like any other metal, such as titanium and steel. Tungsten does not gain its extreme hardness until it is combined with a carbon alloy, transferring it into tungsten carbide (WC) with a hardness between 8.5 and 9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Tungsten carbide is four times harder than titanium, twice as hard as steel, is virtually unscratchable, and has been widely used for decades in industrial applications such as cutting tools, mining machinery, and rocket engine nozzles.

The unique formula of our tungsten carbide allows these rings to be both visually stunning and durable enough for every-day use. You are no longer required to constantly remove and replace your ring in order to protect its finish.

What is Black Tungsten?
With its rich color, lustrous shine, and sleek new designs, black tungsten is the hottest new look in tungsten wedding bands and is proving to be a popular choice for brides and grooms wanting wedding bands that express their individuality.

Tungsten carbide is naturally grayish in color, and because of its extreme hardness is a perfect base metal for physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings. Under carefully controlled manufacturing conditions, and using this special process, the exterior surface color of naturally gray tungsten carbide wedding bands can be permanently changed to a rich and luxurious black. The interior is also coated except for a very thin line used for metal identification. The PVD coating on our Black Tungsten wedding bands not only produces a handsome wedding band that is similar to the color of onyx, but it improves the material properties of these wedding bands by extending their service life through high wear resistance and low surface friction. We have tested these Black Tungsten wedding bands for over a year now, and found that they are resistant to typical wear and scratching. Just like all of our other tungsten carbide wedding bands, sizing exchanges are free except for postage.

Can Tungsten Carbide Rings ever scratch?
Tungsten carbide can only be scratched or damaged by extreme measures, like abrasion from diamonds or corundum. Consequently, activities that would normally require the removal of conventional wedding bands for their protection can be performed without concern by the wearer of a tungsten carbide wedding band. While extremely strong and scratch-resistant, Tungsten carbide is a bit more brittle than traditional metals used in wedding bands. Fortunately, our outstanding warranty covers even the unlikely event of your tungsten carbide ring chipping or breaking! In addition, we warrantee the sizing, polish, and texture of our tungsten carbide wedding bands for life. If an e- Wedding Bands tungsten carbide wedding band ever needs to be exchanged for a different size, repolished, re-textured, or replaced because of chipping or breakage, all that is required is a copy of the original receipt and the ring. You will only be charged for return shipping and handling.

All of our tungsten carbide wedding bands are comfort-fit style, providing optimal comfort while wearing the ring and when putting it on or removing it. Because our tungsten carbide wedding bands are engineered to be maintenance free, we offer a lifetime warranty*.

e - Wedding Bands combines traditional precious metals with tungsten carbide to create a unique piece of jewelry with a style, polish, and texture that will last a lifetime. We offer tungsten carbide wedding bands with precious metal inlays of Sterling Silver, Platinum, Rose Gold, White Gold, and Yellow Gold. The tungsten carbide portion of the ring will maintain its original polish and luster for life, while the softer inlaid precious metals will eventually develop a textured appearance over time, creating an attractive contrast against the lasting polish of the tungsten carbide.

Can a Tungsten ring be cut off?
Can a Tungsten ring be cut off?
Yes! Please be aware that in any situation where there might be a medical necessity to cut off or remove a tungsten ring--for instance excessive weight gain, hand injury, etc.,--removing a tungsten ring doesn’t pose much more of a challenge than cutting through a gold or platinum wedding band. In our own jewelry shop, as in many other jewelry shops, we have a cutting tool designed for cutting titanium and tungsten wedding bands. In addition, tungsten bands can be fractured into pieces using vise-grip pliers. When we contacted our local hospital emergency room and asked if they were equipped to remove tungsten wedding bands in an emergency, they told us that most hospital emergency rooms are prepared to handle almost anything, and assured us that it would be no problem for them.

During our 30 years of jewelry repair experience, we've only seen a dozen or so rings that have been cut off in hospital emergency rooms, and in most of those cases the rings had been bent out-of-round and were putting painful pressure on the finger. Tungsten rings will not crush or bend out-of-round, so if you shut your hand in a car door or drop a heavy object on it, a tungsten wedding band is likely to fracture into several pieces and fall off your finger freely. You might be safer wearing a tungsten ring than a precious metal band! Nonetheless, check with your local jeweler or medical facility if you have concerns.

Sizing and Engraving
Because of the extreme hardness and durability of tungsten, tungsten wedding bands cannot be sized like gold, silver or platinum rings, so please take extra care in determining the proper size. Also, engraving a tungsten wedding band is possible but it is very faint and difficult to read. Because of this, we have chosen not to offer engraving on Tungsten rings.

*Warranty
e- Wedding Bands offers the best tungsten ring warranty available! Our tungsten carbide rings are engineered to be maintenance free, and we provide a lifetime warranty on the sizing, polish, textures, and against breakage. Under normal usage there will be little or no wear on both the polish and the textures of the tungsten carbide. Precious metal inlay material is excluded and is designed to exhibit a contrasting textured appearance after normal wear.

Our tungsten ring warranty includes lifetime ring size exchanges (tungsten carbide wedding bands cannot be resized conventionally due to their extreme hardness) plus we warrantee the polish and texture of our tungsten carbide wedding bands for life. If an e- Wedding Bands tungsten carbide wedding band ever needs to be re-polished, refinished, exchanged for sizing, or replaced due to fracture or breakage, all that is required is to return the ring with a copy of the original receipt, plus $35 for handling and return shipping. For inlaid tungsten bands, there is a small deductible depending on your inlaid metal: Sterling silver inlays require a deductible of $75 per ring. 14K and 18K gold inlays run $85 per ring, and platinum inlays are $135 per ring.

Please Note: Tungsten carbide rings are not indestructible. Therefore, e- Wedding Bands will void the warranty if a ring is altered in any way, including engraving, sizing, drilling, stone setting, polishing, boiling, cleaning with harsh chemicals, soldering, burning or showing evidence of obvious repeated physical abuse, such as striking with a hammer.

Titanium Wedding Bands

All e- Wedding band Titanium wedding bands are made from high Aircraft Grade (6AL/4V) Titanium unless specified otherwise to provide our customers the highest quality.

Titanium's unique properties make it an excellent choice for a wedding band, although it's very different than gold or platinum. It’s a very lightweight metal, almost like aluminum, weighing only 1/3 as much as gold! Many people prefer this light feel because they hardly notice they are wearing a titanium ring at all! Its grayish color is close to white, but a few shades darker than platinum and white gold, more like the color of stainless steel, or gun-metal gray.

Titanium is often marketed as being scratch-resistant, but our experience shows that with normal wear, titanium wedding bands will quickly begin to show small scrapes and scratches just like gold and platinum wedding bands. Although titanium is a very hard and durable metal, it can still be scratched by abrasive materials like rocks, sandpaper, and even hardened steel tools and utensils. The good news is that any jeweler in your area should be able to make your titanium ring look new again with a little polishing. Titanium rings look great and have a nice shine when they have been polished! Due to the incredible strength and durability of titanium, it is difficult to cut and shape compared to gold, silver and platinum. Because of this unique nature, re-sizing these rings is nearly impossible; therefore, great care must be taken when sizing your finger. It is possible to slightly increase a titanium ring's size by removing a small amount of material from the inside surface, but it isn't possible to make it smaller.

Titanium is not a rare or precious metal, it is readily available to those who want to use it in any industry. Most of the cost in making a titanium ring is in the skilled labor to craft the ring from such a hard metal. All of our titanium wedding rings are made from high grade aircraft titanium to provide our customers the highest quality. Titanium rings are constructed from solid bars of titanium, which results in a perfectly seamless ring. Titanium will not irritate or discolor your skin and will not harm the body in any way. Titanium is used in the medical and dental fields in surgical implants, bone screws, hip replacements, heart valves and more. Titanium rings are superior in durability to precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum (as you might guess from its uses in the aerospace and medical fields). A Titanium ring may long outlive the wearer.

Black Titanium Wedding Bands: What is Black Titanium?
Natural titanium is grayish in color and, when alloyed with specific metals to increase its strength, has recently become a popular choice for wedding bands. The light weight of titanium and the grayish color appeals to many people, as well as the incredible strength and hypoallergenic properties. Under carefully controlled manufacturing conditions and using a special titanium alloy, the exterior surface color of naturally gray titanium wedding bands can be permanently changed to a rich and luxurious black. This color is not a paint or coating that is applied to outside surface after the wedding band is finished, but it actually forms on the titanium wedding band during part of the manufacturing and treatment process.

The proprietary alloy needed to achieve this great look is used exclusively by the Spectore Corporation and is trademarked as Black-Ti™ . Several other manufacturers have tried to produce comparable black titanium wedding bands, but have had poor results. We have tested some of those products and found that the black color is only on the surface and eventually scratches off, revealing the gray titanium underneath. Our Black-Ti™ titanium wedding bands are the only true black titanium wedding bands that are impervious to typical wear and scratching and are guaranteed to stay black forever.

Can a Titanium ring be cut off?

Yes! Please be aware that in any situation where it might become necessary to cut off a Titanium ring - for instance excessive weight gain, hand injury, etc., - cutting through titanium will be more difficult than cutting through gold or platinum. However, it can still be done. In our own jewelry shop, we used a separating disc and flexible shaft tool-items commonly found in nearly all jewelry shops that work with gold, silver, and platinum--to cut through one of our 5mm domed and comfort fit titanium rings. Cutting it all the way through took only 20 seconds. Next, we contacted our local hospital emergency room and asked if they were equipped to cut off a titanium ring in an emergency. Most hospital emergency rooms are prepared to handle almost anything, and ours assured us that it would be no problem for them.

During our 30+ years of jewelry repair experience, we've only seen a dozen or so rings that have been cut off in hospital emergency rooms, and in most of those cases the rings had been bent out-of-round and were putting painful pressure on the finger. Titanium rings are less likely to crush or bend out-of-round, so if you shut your hand in a car door or drop a heavy object on it, it might be safer to be wearing a titanium ring than a precious metal band! Nonetheless, if you ever need your Titanium ring cut off, just contact a local jeweler that uses separating discs. Please check with your local medical facility if you have concerns.

Platinum Wedding Bands

All e- Wedding Bands platinum bands are SOLID (not hollow) 95% pure platinum and 5% ruthenium. This particular platinum/ruthenium alloy combination -- generally referred to as PLAT or PT950 -- is the highest purity available in platinum bands. Platinum wedding bands made with ruthenium are harder and more durable than platinum wedding bands made with iridium. In addition, all of our platinum bands are made from the highest quality seamless tubing with the exception of a few of our Unique and hand-woven or braided styles.

All of our Platinum Wedding Bands are stamped with either PLAT or PT950, both of which indicate pure PT950 quality as required by the FTC. We strictly follow guidelines set by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Title 16, sec. 23.7 which states: (1) "The following abbreviations...may be used for quality marks on articles: "Plat." or "Pt." for Platinum. (2) An industry product consisting of at least 950 parts per thousand platinum may be marked or described as "Platinum." We want you to be 100% confident in ordering from us and knowing that you are receiving true PT950 platinum!

When deciding on the best precious metal for your wedding band, we would like to give you some information regarding different types of metals. We have received valuable feedback from our customers in the past and we would like to share that feedback with you.

How does Platinum differ from White Gold?
Unlike white gold, which is pure yellow gold mixed with alloys that overpower the yellow color and create an almost white color, Platinum is naturally white. Platinum is very durable and typically outlasts gold by many years. Platinum is also one of the heaviest metals, weighing almost 60% more than 14K gold. This property gives platinum jewelry the substantial feel that many people prefer. However, care and maintenance of Platinum is a bit more demanding than gold is. Read more about the maintenance of Platinum below. The Platinum offered by e- Wedding Bands is 95% (PT950) pure. White Gold is 75% pure (18K) or 58.3% pure (14K) and is combined with nickel and copper alloys.

How durable is Platinum and why does e-Wedding bands sell 95% pure Platinum (marked PLAT or PT950) and not 100% pure Platinum?
Platinum in its pure form is relatively soft. When alloyed with Ruthenium, however, it is extremely strong and malleable. If we were to offer 100% pure Platinum, your ring would bend and scratch far more easily than PT950 Platinum does. The stamp of PLAT* or PT950 on your ring is your guarantee that it is truly 95% pure. Some jewelers offer PT900 platinum which is no stronger and contains less platinum. We encourage you to be careful with PT900 as some jewelers use it to increase their profit by selling a customer inferior metal, and thus providing a lower value.

Why is Platinum more expensive than Gold?
Platinum is mined primarily in Russia where the unstable political and economic climate has led Russia to restrict the export of Platinum. As a result, prices are typically higher than gold. Platinum is a rare metal that today requires the processing of nearly 10 tons of ore for one ounce of Platinum. In comparison, Gold requires only 3-4 tons of raw rock for the same yield. There are also fewer Platinum mines. For every 10 Gold mines there is only one Platinum mine.

How do I care for and maintain Platinum?
No jewelry is completely resistant to scratches, and Platinum is no exception. Often times Platinum loses its new look a bit more rapidly than gold, but with proper care can retain its new look. Unlike Gold which is easily restored to a like-new appearance with just a few minutes of polishing and cleaning, Platinum is more difficult to polish and refinish than gold. The result is that Platinum is very beautiful when maintained, but maintaining it can be a bit more time-consuming and costly than gold.

A brief history of Platinum
The first Platinum processing techniques date to Ancient Egypt in 700 BC. Platinum was not widely used in jewelry design until the 18th century. From 1901-1940 Platinum was the metal of choice, lending its unique luster to classic Deco and Art Nouveau designs. In 1940, during World War II, Platinum was placed on the strategic metals list. This prohibited its use in jewelry fabrication and White Gold became the white metal of choice. After its removal from the restricted metals list, Platinum found widespread use in the electronics and automobile industries. By the late 1980s Platinum had begun its resurgence in fine jewelry.

Gold Wedding Bands

18K gold…14K gold…10K gold? Which one is the best?
“Could you tell me what the difference is between 18K and 14K gold? Does one wear better than another? Isn't one softer? I'm not sure which I should choose.”

We’re often asked questions like these and hope the following information will help you make the best choice for your wedding bands.

Pure gold, also referred to as 24 karat or 24K, has many unique and desirable characteristics that make it valuable. For instance, it doesn’t tarnish, it is non-allergenic, it is very malleable/workable, it polishes to a mirror-like shine, it is rare, and it is highly valued in every country in the world. However, it is very soft and pliable in its pure 24K state and is generally considered to be unsuitable for wedding bands and other jewelry. As a result, e-wedding bands doesn’t offer wedding bands made from 24K gold.

Top 10 Wedding Rings | Apples of Gold

Apples of Gold has the latest wedding band trends of 2009, with fashion-conscious, affordable, uniquely-designed rings. But more importantly, we have selected bands that are not only in style today, but timeless . . . designs that will endure.

The Unity Wedding Band signifies two halves coming together in eternal union. The meaning behind this band is timeless and significant in today’s age. Also available in 18k gold and as a platinum and 18k gold wedding band. Each half is permanently soldered together.

View the Two-Tone Gold Unity Wedding Band from Apples of Gold, starting at a mere $375.00 (also available in all white or all yellow gold by request).

Hammered Wedding Bands will always endure–with their versatility in design and rugged good looks. Apples of Gold has taken this to the next level by infusing 2009’s popular metal–rose gold–in their Rose Gold and White Hammered Wedding Band.

View the Rose Gold Hammered Band, starting at only $425 (available in any color combination by request).

The Celtic knots from the Caedman Celtic Wedding Band represent the eternal, spiritual, and unbroken love contained deep within your bond of marriage. Available in a wide 8.5mm (shown) and a 7mm two-tone gold celtic band. Also available in 18k gold and a platinum and 18k gold celtic wedding band. Celtic knot wedding bands remain historically-inspired pieces combined with today’s fashionable, universally acclaimed designs. Priced at $525 for the 7mm and $625 for the 8.5mm.

Paisley Wedding Bands are a tour de force in 2009 with their elegant, beautiful scroll work. The Paisley Engraved Wedding Band has a deep-etched paisley design in 14k white gold. Also available as a rose gold paisley wedding band and 14k yellow gold paisley band. Priced at $525.

Would you like some diamonds to go with that? The Handcarved Paisley Diamond Wedding Band exhibits sheer magnificence in design. Set with a 1/2 Carat of high quality G-H Color, SI1-SI2 Clarity diamonds on each side of the beautifully carved paisley design (also available as an 18k diamond paisley wedding band or platinum by request). Band measures 10mm wide and is oriced at $1,125.00.

Titanium Wedding Bands continue to excel in fashion circles and alternative trends among and are among the top choice of precious metals for wedding bands. The downside had been that most titanium bands were very standardized, heavily machined and often plain pieces.

Apples of Gold breaks the mold with its Blue Titanium Celtic Wedding Band of intricate woven patterns and rich colors. Prices at a mere $250 for aircraft grade titanium!

Christian Wedding Bands are among 2009’s latest fashions with faith-inspired rings that are no longer cliché. The Jerusalem Cross Wedding Band from Apples of Gold is fashionable and strong in meaning. Also available: The 14k white gold and 14k rose gold Jerusalem Cross Band. Another favorite Christian ring: the Song of Solomon Bible Verse Wedding Band (with custom full-length Scripture engraved on the inside). Priced at $525.00.

The Braided Wedding Band is a permanent fixture within the halls of wedding ring fashions. Stylish in 2009 and well into the future, the braided band is truly an enduring classic. The Wide Braided Wedding Band from Apples of Gold is available in 14k white gold (shown), 14k yellow gold, and as a platinum braided wedding band. This is a quality, substantial piece priced at only $425.00.

Square Wedding Bands are not only fashionable, and masculine, but they break the mold of the traditional circle-inspired wedding band and place a little modernity within our midst. Brushed with a fine satin-finish and measuring 6mm wide, this is a quality, substantial ring weighing approx. 13.0 grams of 14k white gold! Also available as a platinum square wedding band. Priced at $475.00.

Finally, we come face to face with the wedding precious metal of the year: Platinum Wedding Bands. Platinum prices have declined approx. 60% in the last year making 2009 the year to buy platinum jewelry! Platinum bands are not just plain platinum bands either–with versatile design platinum wedding bands, there is a plethora of choices in 2009!

Shown above: The Platinum Hammered Wedding Band priced currently at $1,399!

Biggest Britain Jewel Robbery News : A Million Pound Offered

Wow, the biggest jewelry robbery news! Anybody who has clue on this case will be paid million of dollars..., not dollar exactly, pound! This news came from guardian, read this :

A £1m reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of thieves who pulled off the £40m Graff Diamonds heist, the Metropolitan police said yesterday.

For sheer audacity and criminal cunning, the execution of the robbery was as flawless as the gems the two suited armed robbers scooped from a cabinet in Britain's biggest jewellery raid.

Their identities, hidden behind latex masks, the hostage-taking, the "warning" shots, the chain of getaway vehicles, the stunning swiftness – all seemingly went to plan, a plan undoubtedly hatched months before.

No doubt too that the 43 dazzling necklaces, earrings and bracelets are already out of the country. As diamond dealers across the globe are placed on alert, experts believe they could be headed to east Asia, particularly China.

Must to Consider Before Buying Wedding Ring

1. Consider your style. Are you classic, artistic, sporty or modern? Going against your personal grain when selecting a ring might make you regret your choice down the road. You’ll also want to be sure that your wedding band matches the style of your engagement ring. If your engagement ring is modern, look for channel-set or bezel-set wedding bands, possibly with a matte finish. If you have a vintage or antique-style ring, milgrain detailing and bead-set or pavé diamond accents will be beautiful stylistic complements.

2. Consider matched sets. For a truly unified visual impact, a wedding band that perfectly matches the style of your engagement ring can’t be beat. Brilliant Earth offers a variety of matched sets. View our engagement settings and accompanying wedding bands for numerous different style options.

3. Consider relevant cultural or family traditions that might influence your wedding band selections. More ornate designs accented by milgrain or engraved details are a staple in some cultures while plain metal bands are the norm in others. In some traditions, the new bride even receives two wedding bands - score!

4. Consider starting your own meaningful tradition. Have your family members recycle jewelry that they no longer wear toward your wedding bands. Your rings will be not only eco-friendly, but will also be a symbol and constant reminder of your loved ones. Contact a Brilliant Earth representative to learn more about assisting guests with recycling their old jewelry for a credit toward your wedding band purchase.

5. Consider keeping metals consistent. If you will be wearing your engagement ring and wedding band on the same finger, it’s important that they be made of the same metal. Platinum, gold and palladium all behave differently over time. Also, more durable metals may cause less durable metals to scratch and wear more quickly.

6. Consider stacking rings and wider bands. If a classic engagement ring isn’t your style, think about wearing multiple bands or one larger stand alone band. Multiple bands can each symbolize different milestones in your lives - engagement, wedding, honeymoon, kids - and can be mixed and matched for varying stylish effects. Selecting a single wider band is another stylish look for those who prefer something a little different from the traditional engagement ring and wedding band combination.

7. Consider engravings. While choosing a beautiful ring for the world to see is important, inscribing it with a deeply personal message makes it a truly enduring symbol of your love. Personal vows, short quotations, or simply the date of your wedding engraved inside your bands will be a private gesture of love and commitment for years to come.

8. Consider whether or not to solder your engagement ring and wedding band together. While it may seem convenient to have the feeling of just one ring on your finger instead of two, once they are fused you will not be able to wear them separately. It may also be worth considering whether or not you will want two rings to pass down to future generations.

9. Consider the durability of your gems. Diamonds and sapphires are the two most popular choices for wedding and engagement rings because they are as durable as they are beautiful. Some precious stones, such as peridot and opal, do not hold up well to wear and tear, and may not be the wisest choice for an item of jewelry designed to last a lifetime and beyond.

10. Consider your budget and your financial future together. When confronted with the many beautiful choices of wedding rings, you might be tempted to exceed your budget. We recommend that you set your budget and stick to it! You’ll want to begin your life together on the right financial foot. Plus, you can also look forward to milestones and special anniversaries for further jewelry purchases down the road.

10 Ways to Save on Buying a Wedding Ring

It’s tough times out there, but you don’t need to sacrifice your ethics in order to save on your engagement and wedding rings. Here are some tips from our jewelry specialists on how to save a bit of green when shopping green.

1. Opt for one special ring in place of both an engagement ring and wedding band. Look for rings with ornate patterns, unique details, conflict free diamond accents, or a more substantial width to serve as your all-in-one symbol of love and commitment.

2. Instead of giving an engagement ring with a larger center stone, give her multiple bands - each with its own meaning - that she can stack. One for the engagement, one for the wedding, another to symbolize your families coming together….The possibilities are endless!

3. Purchase your wedding bands before purchasing the engagement ring. This way you will both have a ring to wear as a symbol of your love for one another. You will have plenty of time together to design that perfect conflict free diamond ring down the road.

4. While platinum is a beautiful choice, you may want to consider the less expensive 18K while gold option, or even alternative precious metals, such as palladium. Palladium is a naturally white precious metal from the platinum family, but costs less than both platinum and gold. All of Brilliant Earth’s rings are also available in recycled palladium- contact us for more information.

5. Select classic, recycled metal wedding bands. They are simple, understated and elegant, and are reminiscent of many of our parents’ traditions. They are also a beautiful, classic accompaniment to any diamond engagement ring.

6. Select an ethical origin sapphire center gem for your engagement ring, which is more affordable than most diamond options. Precious sapphires have been revered all over the world for centuries. They are very durable, and are therefore an excellent choice for engagement and wedding rings. Deep-blue sapphires are most well-known, but they also come in many other colors, including pink, orange, green, yellow and purple.

7. Select recycled metal rings that gleam with light-catching details, such as milgrain and engraving. These brilliant features will make your ring sparkle without the additional cost of diamond accents.

8. Take advantage of upgrade policies! You’ll want to start your life together in a strong financial position, so be realistic about what you can truly afford. Down the road you will be able to upgrade to a larger conflict free diamond - which will be an especially romantic gesture of your growing love.

9. Recycle your gold and platinum jewelry that you no longer wear for a credit towards any Brilliant Earth purchase. By selecting jewelry made of recycled metals, you will help to decrease the global demand for newly mined metals. Contact a Brilliant Earth customer service representative if you are interested in sending us your jewelry for recycled metal credit.

10. Shop online! You won’t be paying the retail store overhead for bright lights and glass display cases. Brilliant Earth will even ship your rings to you with free fully insured next day shipping.

Why the Price of Platinum Jewelry is Expensive?

Why is Platinum Much More Expensive Than Gold?

Platinum is a hypoallergenic virtually pure precious metal. Jewelry stores who sell high quality platinum offer 950 Grade (95% pure platinum) jewelry. Anything less should not be considered either pure or hypoallergenic or of substantive quality.

This means that 95% of the content of a piece of platinum jewelry is pure platinum and 5% is another platinum group alloy such as palladium, ruthenium, or iridium. Most of these alloys are excellent choices to mix with platinum jewelry, but palladium and ruthenium should be considered top choices.

In addition, unlike white gold, platinum does not require rhodium plating for maintenance.

Platinum Purity Compared to Gold

Platinum is 30 times rarer than gold!

Compared to 14k gold (which is only 58% pure gold or 14 of 24 parts gold) or 18k gold (75% pure gold or 18 of 24 parts gold), platinum can cost significantly more due to its purity and value as a rare precious commodity.

Since platinum is a purer and denser metal than gold, it will weigh more than gold (about 60% heavier).

For example, the same wedding band weighing 10.0 grams in gold will weigh 16.0 grams in platinum.

Since the amount of a precious metal (or the gram weight) is a significant factor in determining prices, platinum tends to be more costly than gold, but well worth the difference in price if it meets your budget.

Manufacturing and Labor Costs

Platinum is also more expensive than gold due to the fact that it is slightly more difficult to work with and less platinum jewelry is produced than gold jewelry, thereby effecting the manufacturing and labor costs of platinum vs. gold.

Overall, you can expect to normally pay 3-4 times more for platinum than for gold. Although with platinum prices historically lower than average, you may be able to find platinum jewelry costing closer to 2.5 – 3 times more than gold currently. Still a premium, but a bargain today regardless.

Market Price of Platinum

Platinum is a voraciously volatile precious metal whose base price is directly connected to the metal’s market price. As of today, platinum hovers at $965.00 per ounce (a historically low price that will probably change by the time I finish writing this).

In figuring out the base price of a piece of platinum jewelry, a rudimentary formula is used to determine the value (exclusive of labor, manufacturing costs, as well as wholesale and retail markup).

Platinum Formula for 950 Grade Platinum Jewelry

Market price of platinum per ounce + 18 / 31.1 = Price of Platinum Per Gram

Taking today’s price of platinum of $965.00 per ounce, this yields:

965 + 18 / 31.1 = $31.60 per gram

(Why +18 and divide by 31.1? 18 is the amount of estimated loss of platinum when the metal is refined into jewelry, and 31.1 is the number of grams per ounce).

Keep in mind that rarely should platinum jewelry’s value or price be determined solely on gram weight alone–there are many factors including design and labor, limited production of a specific piece, whether the item is handmade or mass produced, and many other factors. But this formula will give you an idea of the base price of your platinum jewelry.

For example, a ring weighing 20.0 grams of platinum may cost $1,425.00. If you divide 1,425 / 20 — you will get $71.25 per gram. That is the amount you are paying per 1 gram of platinum in your ring (inclusive of labor, retail markup, etc.).

Apples of Gold has recently reduced the prices on all of its platinum wedding bands–in response to platinum’s current market valuation. Now is the time to buy platinum, before platinum prices skyrocket as they have in times past. (Platinum used to be valued at $2,300+ per ounce just 11 months ago!) It will probably return to such levels again.

The jewelry has not changed–but the market’s valuation of the metal has–for now.

Featured 950 Grade Platinum:

Platinum Braided Wedding Band

Platinum Celtic Wedding Band

Platinum Men’s Cross Pendant

Platinum Paisley Wedding Band

View more Designer Platinum Wedding Bands from Apples of Gold.

10 Materials for Wedding Rings

Gold has been a favourite metal for wedding rings for centuries and is set for a fresh lease of life as traditional yellow gold comes back into vogue. Its popularity comes from its intrinsic value – gold has been used as a currency since before Roman times – and its attractiveness. 9 carat gold is cheapest (because more other non-precious metals are mixed in with it) and 18 and 22 carat gold more expensive. White gold remains popular for wedding rings, but requires more maintenance because its rhodium plating wears off quite easily.

Silver is another metal that has long been popular because of its inherent value as a metal. It is an attractive white metal, and relatively inexpensive compared to gold. This makes it a good substance for fashion jewellery, but it is rarer to see silver wedding rings. It scratches easily and has a tendency to wear thin over time.

Wood is growing in popularity, especially with the green-minded, as it signifies a commitment to the Earth as well as to each other. Its benefits are that it is cheap and relatively easy to craft your own wedding ring from wood. On the down side, wood hasn’t got anything near metal’s durability, can be hard to keep clean, and has no intrinsic value.

Titanium is a relative newcomer to the British wedding ring market but increasingly popular with men because of its strength and durability and the popularity of titanium watch straps and cases.

Stainless Steel has yet to gain popularity as a metal for a wedding ring but as precious metals become scarcer it will gain increasing recognition. It is highly durable, if a little heavy; will remain free from rust but – as with all metals – will show signs of scratching.

Hula Hoop crisps have been used by generations of primary school children in mock marriage ceremonies since time immemorial and had to be mentioned.

Zirconium is another newcomer to the world of wedding rings. As a sister metal to Titanium, it has all the same qualities – being hypoallergenic, lightweight and strong. When heat-treated, Zirconium forms a black, ceramic-like, oxide coating that is extremely resistant to scratches (although scratches, and dents, will eventually appear in time).

Tungsten – yes, the stuff they make light bulb filaments from – is another potential wedding ring material. It is extremely hard, scratch-resistant and durable and will keep its appearance for years. Unfortunately, its hardness is such that a tungsten ring cannot be removed in an emergency – meaning the only option will be to destroy either the ring or the wearer’s finger.

Palladium is similar to platinum, with practically the same properties but at a fraction of the cost. For some reason, though, it has not taken off as a wedding ring material, and you may struggle to find a jeweller who sells palladium wedding rings.

Platinum wedding rings have increased in popularity over the last twenty years. Platinum like combine the whiteness of white gold with the durability of titanium – and as a result are comparatively expensive.

Titanium Ring Knowledge

Titanium was first discovered at the end of the 18th century. The name was derived from the Titans of Greek mythology, known for their extreme and superior strength. Titanium is the only element possessing the strength of steel, yet with a weight comparable to aluminum.

Titanium has positively and diversely impacted mankind more than any single element. It has taken us to the depths of the ocean and to the far reaches of space. (85% of the space shuttle’s structure is titanium.) It is placed inside our bodies and on our sporting equipment. It is only in the last few years that we have begun to explore the artistic benefits of this miraculous material.

Titanium is the only element that offers the unique combination of beauty, strength, light weight and bio-compatibility.

Titanium now commands the highest levels of quality for many consumer product industries; including sporting equipment, medical, automotive and marine, art and architecture, gift ware and, of course, jewelry. Even credit cards now tout their ultimate achievement with a titanium designation.

UNIQUE & EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES OF TITANIUM
* Highest ratio between strength and density of all metallic materials
* Extreme mechanical and thermal loading capacity
* Extreme tensile strength - stonger than steel but 42% lighter
* High corrosion resistance, particularly against oxygen
* Extremely bio-compatible because of it’s tissue compatibility and it’s elastic attributes

TITANIUM FACTS

What is “Titanium”?
In 1791, William Gregor of England, discovered titanium in an impure form. It was first known as “Manachite”. It was later given the name “Titanium” by a German chemist, Martin Kloproth. He derived the name titanium from the Titans of Greek mythology, known for their extreme and superior strength.
In 1910, pure titanium was manufactured by M.A. Hunter, an American chemist. Hunter was able to extract the metal from the ores and developed the process of mixing rutile ore (TiO2) with chlorine and coke, then applying extreme heat, producing titanium tetrachloride (TiC14), which was further reduced with sodium to form titanium. The hunter process successfully produced high quality titanium.
Dr.Wilhelm Kroll, in 1946, developed the process currently used for producing titanium commercially. The Kroll process reduces titanium tetrachloride (TiC14) with magnesium. Titanium belongs to an elite category of elements identified as strategic metals.

It wasn’t until 1910 that titanium was able to be separated from its compound materials. By nature of its reactive properties, titanium could not be processed by conventional extraction methods. It took nearly half a century for scientists and metallurgists to develop a cost effective method for its extraction and refinement. In the 1950’s Lockheed Corporation built the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane – out of almost entirely titanium. Afterwards the aerospace industry began using titanium regularly.

Titanium is an element (symbol Ti) like gold, silver and platinum. It’s atomic number is 22, with atomic weight of 47.9, an electron configuration of 2-8-10-2, and a specific gravity of 4.5. Titanium has a melting point of 3020 F (1660C) and a boiling point of 5949 F (3287C). It is a silvery white non ferrous metal with the highest strength to weight ratio of any known element. For this reason titanium is the favored material in the aerospace industry. 85% of the structural components in the Space Shuttle are made of titanium. The average commercial aircraft contains over 1 ton of titanium.

Titanium has impacted mankind more positively and diversely than any single element in history. It is the element that took us to the depths of the ocean, the far reaches of the galaxy and elevated our capacities in medicine, industry and science.

“Few materials have as much potential for dynamic growth during the 1990's, and beyond, as titanium. It's on the cutting edge of some really exciting and extraordinary developments, many of which are in newly emerging technologies." - Sen. John Glenn

Titanium is inert.
Titanium has been embraced by the medical world for its superior bio-compatibility, and is the preferred material for surgical instruments and implants. Titanium is inert and therefore completely corrosion resistant. It does not react to salt water, sunlight, or any body chemistry. Titanium is 100% hypoallergenic. Titanium is the preferred material for surgical tools, implants, pacemaker cases and other internal casings. It won’t react with any part of the body, making it a great choice for even those persons most sensitive to other materials. When a person has an allergic reaction when wearing a pair of gold or silver earrings due to the alloys, it is recommended that they switch over to titanium earrings. And unlike silver, titanium will never tarnish!

Titanium is extremely durable and strong.
Titanium is more resistant and has the highest strength to weight ratio of ANY known element, which is why 85% of the Space Shuttles structure is titanium. In fact that is why many titanium ring manufacturers have a lifetime warranty. In jewelry applications, titanium’s strength allows for design capabilities that were otherwise impossible. For example, tension set rings made with titanium provides maximum security for the stone. Softer materials such as gold, silver and platinum cannot make this claim! In fact, even the softest forms of titanium start with over 30,000 psi tension, much more than platinum. Titanium can be worn throughout active and demanding lifestyles without concern for the excessive wear and tear that would be exhibited by gold and platinum.

Titanium is lightweight.
Only slightly heavier than aluminum with the strength of steel. Today, “light’ is the quality standard in all fields. With jewelry, titanium’s light weight translates into comfort. Platinum, gold and silver must sacrifice style and function to reduce weight and costs.

Titanium is proven.
Titanium is the fastest growing category in jewelry history. Without exception, titanium has dominated each and every market arena it has entered. From sports products like bicycles, tennis rackets, and golf clubs, to marine hardware, computer cases and jewelry, titanium symbolizes the new standard for excellence. Even the term “titanium” has come to represent the highest standard of excellence and quality. (For example: titanium credit cards.)

Titanium is pure.
The World Titanium Council endorses Spectore’s grey titanium which is 99+% commercially pure. No other conventional material can boast this claim. 14kt gold is 58% pure and platinum is generally 90% pure. For those who wish to wear a pure metal, titanium is the logical choice.

Titanium is a noble element.
Titanium is the first new element to enter the noble metals arena of platinum and gold in over 3,000 years.

Titanium is leading edge.
The technology used in working with titanium has significantly and positively impacted manufacturing methods throughout the entire jewelry industry. Titanium is the perfect marriage of art and science.

Titanium is virtuous.
Many say that had titanium been discovered before platinum and gold, it would be the leading jewelry material today.

Titanium is fashionable.
Titanium provides the stylish rich grey tones of platinum at a much more attractive price. Many designers such as Edward Mirell are designing fashion forward cutting edges styles for titanium jewelry. Titanium is at the forefront in the designer jewelry community. No other metal has experienced such a dramatic rise in popularity as titanium.

Why different grades of Titanium?
No doubt you have noticed that there are many different grades of titanium jewelry on the market. Most titanium jewelry products being sold are some type of alloyed titanium - not pure titanium. We use a commercially pure (CP) grade of titanium. Within the CP category the most popular are grades 1 through 4. CP Grade 1 is the softest and Grade 4 is the hardest. The primary difference between the grades is the quantity of Oxygen, the addition of which creates the increases in hardness. We use CP Grade 2 in all of our gray titanium products. We found it to be the ideal balance between titanium's hardness and workability. It can be cut off, refinished, and engraved, yet it is resistant to marring and polishes well.

What about Aircraft Grade Titanium?
The vast majority of titanium rings being sold today are made of Aircraft Grade Titanium. Aircraft Grade Titanium is alloyed with aluminum, vanadium and tin to create a very hard metal. However, the World Titanium Council does NOT endorse aircraft grade titanium due to safety issues. In the event of emergency removal an aircraft grade titanium ring may not be easily cut off, creating a potential safety risk to one's finger. Also, they are much more difficult for a jeweler to refinish them, are not pure and cannot be easily engraved. We use commercially pure titanium (CP) that has been endorsed by the World Titanium Council.

--http://www.titanium-jewelry.com

Top 10 Most Expensive Engagement Ring:

Taken from a 2007 report, the following are the top 10 most expensive engagement ring:

10. Ben Affleck has proved numerous times that when it comes to romance he is a big spender. Despite costing half as much the notorious J-Lo engagement ring, his promise to wed Jennifer Garner set him back 500,000 dollars.

9. When Tony Parker made up his mind to propose to Eva Longoria, he commissioned famed jeweler Jean Dousset to create an original emerald cut diamond ring with an estimated value of over 500,000 dollars.

8. It is a wonder that Brooke Mueller can lift her hand at all after fiancé Charlie Sheen placed a huge Radiant Cut, Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring on her finger when the couple became engaged this year. The price tag? Upwards of 550,000 dollars.

7. When Prince Charles proposed to Camilla Parker on bended knee, he was holding a square-cut diamond ring worth an estimated 1 Million dollars - a very warm welcome to the royal family for Camilla.

6. Again, Ben Affleck graces the list when he made headlines by dropping over 1.2 million dollars on Jennifer Lopez's engagement ring. The ring sported an attention grabbing 6.1 carat Harry Winston, pink diamond.

5. Tom Cruise showed no uncertainty in his desire to wed Katie Holmes when he presented her with an Edwardian style oval shaped diamond ring rumored to have cost upwards of 1.5 million dollars. One has to wonder if Katie did a little jumping on the couch herself.

4. When Michael Douglas asked for Catherine Zeta-Jones's hand in marriage, he gave her a 10-carat marquise cut, antique diamond engagement ring with an estimated value of over 2 Million dollars.

3. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's 40-carat diamond ring from Aristotle Onassis auctioned for 2.6 Million dollars in 1996 making it the third most expensive engagement ring in history.

2. When Donald Trump fastened a gigantic 15-Carat diamond to Melania Knauss's finger for their engagement in 2004, the billionaire proclaimed that it was the most expensive engagement ring in history. And with a price tag of over 3 million dollars he was right - for awhile.

1. Paris Hilton's 24-carat emerald cut diamond ring marked Paris Latis's promise to wed. With an estimated value of 4.7 Million dollars the ring is more than enough to earn the pair of heirs the number one spot on this list. The engagement lasted only 5 months and the ring was later auctioned off for charity by Hilton.