Many people ask us: “what type of wedding band will go with my engagement ring?,” and, “do I have to wear one?” Today, there really is no right answer. As a matter of fact, engagement rings themselves aren’t necessarily quite as traditional as they used to be. The traditions of yesterday have changed drastically, and the rules are: there are no rules.

The sapphire was the original engagement ring, and it’s making the rounds back to us again. While most women still dream of that big diamond ring, some opt for a less-traditional approach with a colored gemstone. Many go for the sapphire; some even go for an aquamarine. Some don’t wear an engagement ring at all; they simply get married with a wedding band.

While some are fortunate enough to find the perfect wedding band to match their engagement ring and others have one custom made, some don’t run into that problem at all. The option of no wedding band at all is common today, with a wider diamond ring and no need for the band. Wearing the engagement ring on the right hand while wearing the band on your left also eliminates the need for the rings to fit together or match perfectly. Stacking rings on your left hand, such as using “bookends” with the engagement ring in the middle is also a great alternative.

Now, moving on to the men. Matching wedding bands are certainly a personal preference. They do look nice in wedding photos, and it’s a great idea to think of them as a “set.” However, if the engagement ring you love is white gold, and your hubby-to-be prefers yellow, let him have it. You could argue if you’d like, but the fact of the matter is, he’s stuck with that band for the rest of his life. It should be something he really likes. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get a fiancé who doesn’t have too strong of an opinion, and you can choose anything you’d like. The point is, don’t get too hung up on rules. Do what you like, and be sure that you’re happy with what you end up with.

While the traditional engagement ring/wedding band set will always be at the center of the bridal jewelry industry, it’s good to know that there are other options for those who are not quite so traditional. Your wedding ring(s) can be as unique as you are, and every once in a while, it’s good to break the rules.

Our new in-store collection, The Renaissance Collection, is a sterling silver recreation of some of the most prominent pieces in Renaissance history. Made in the Netherlands, the pieces are hand-crafted from original Renaissance period molds,and includes many Art Nuevo and Art Deco designs.

The Renaissance Period was characterized by an exponential growth in knowledge, artistic expression, global exploration, and trade. The search for beauty was a prominent objective during this time. Jewelry played a large part throughout the times, with the European fascination of gold and gemstones.

Luxuries during this period were mostly confined to the upper class, with the rich finding it easiest to condense their wealth into the more easily exchangeable currency of gemstones. Such jewels and gem stones became symbolic for wealth, with Monarchs and European nobility holding the majority of divine gems.

While many pieces during the period were focused around larger gemstones, cabochon stones as well as baroque pearls were extremely popular. Many pieces featured pearl accents, and exotic animals were quite popular. It was common to find pendants adorned with parrots, pelicans, and lizards. The period also saw early stages of costume jewelry, with beads in place of pearls and conch shell rather than stone cameos. Jewelers introduced parures, suites of matching jewelry, such as a diamond tiara, earrings, necklace, and brooch. These sets were popular among royalty, and have managed to hold an influence on today’s jewelry trends.

We all know that wedding bands typically signify love, commitment, and eternity, and that in the United States, wedding bands are worn on the left ring finger. We also know that the wedding band is an important necessity on our wedding day. While most understand the significance of wearing a wedding band, many are not aware of where this tradition came from. The wedding band has journeyed far and long to become what it is today, which is surely a tradition, which, like the ring symbolizes, will last for eternity.

The wedding band is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt, where it is said that plant sections were fashioned in circles to signify never-ending and immortal love. The plant was fashioned around the fourth finger, now known as the ring finger, with the idea that the finger contained a vein that was connected directly to the heart. This tradition continued in Rome, where men would use a band to “claim” their loved one.

.During the American Colonial times, items of jewelry were prohibited due to their apparent “moral worthlessness.” A simple thimble was given as a symbol of love and pledge of eternal togetherness. Upon marriage, the women removed the bottom of the thimble to form more of a ring. It wasn’t until the late 16^th century that men consistently began to wear wedding bands. The double ring ceremony gained importance after World War II, symbolizing love and partnership in marriage.

Today, we have our wedding bands in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Some bands are square, while most maintain the traditional round shape, a circle with no beginning or end. Many couples choose to have matching wedding bands, though traditions have changed, and there really aren’t any rules anymore. Some couples even choose to tattoo their rings on their fourth finger! Most women choose wedding bands that complement their engagement rings, while most men these days opt for a simple wedding band, matching their fiancée’s metal of choice. These rings will be worn for the rest of the couples’ lives, as a symbol of their commitment and everlasting love.

There are many people who own significantly valuable pieces of jewelry that haven’t even considered the purchase of jewelry insurance. To those of you in this position we say this: do it now.  Insuring your jewelry can really prevent a whole lot of heartache in the instance that you lose your engagement ring or that dazzling diamond bracelet. Sure, it can’t necessarily replace the sentimental value, but it’ll save you thousands of dollars for just cents a day.

We recommend that pieces appraised at $2,000 or more are insured, whether it be with your home insurance or a company that we like to recommend called Jeweler’s Mutual. The latter is highly preferred, as your standard homeowner’s policy often provides only limited coverage for jewelry. This particular form of insurance covers loss, theft, damage, and even a mysterious disappearance. There are no deductibles, and it’s really an affordable way to protect your valuables. If something should happen to your engagement ring, with an insurance appraisal of around $12,000 for example, you could save yourself having to purchase a whole new diamond by simply spending around $120 per year for the insurance.

While losing or damaging a beloved piece of jewelry is the last thing you want to think about, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. It is recommended that you have your jeweler do a regular inspection of your pieces. Checking for normal wear-and-tear such as loose stones and worn prongs can help to prevent a much larger problem. You can always come and visit us; it’s a great opportunity to have your jewelry cleaned as well!

Cocktail rings today are an incredible fashion statement, with colors that pop and eye-catching sparkle. Their popularity is undeniable, worn by well-known celebrities and local fashionistas. The cocktail ring is sure to stand out at any formal occasion, but also adds pizzazz to the jeans and t-shirt look.

Cocktail rings got their name from the times of the prohibition, where women, dressed in their finest, wore them to signify that they were drinking illegally at parties. The rings developed into a status symbol during the 1920s, and has spanned through the 1940s and 50s. Celebrities have proven that the cocktail ring is here to stay, with the baubles frequently present on red carpet events and fashion runways.

Most early versions of the cocktail ring were made with diamonds for those who could afford them, while others opted for less expensive stones such as blue topaz and amethyst. Most commonly today, the cocktail ring is made with rhinestones and semi-precious stones. A cocktail ring made with diamonds and precious stones could cost a buyer millions. While wearing a cocktail ring used to signify status, today it eludes more of a fashion statement. There is one thing for certain, be it a symbol of status or good fashion sense, the cocktail ring isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.