Expressions
of Devotion
Buying
Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings and Wedding Bands
Online
Ritual symbolism abounds in everything we do;
this is particularly the case when an individual
commits their love and devotion to another and
offers a promise of marriage. The custom of offering
and exchanging engagement rings and wedding bands
is a time honored tradition rich in symbolism
and meaning that has been carried on for centuries.
As time has changed so have consumer traditions
and buying patterns. The rich tradition of exchanging
vows as a symbol of love and devotion is still
a traditional time honored ritual practiced in
many cultures. Certain aspects of engagement and
marriage have changed with time however. Whereas
in times of old a couple might take several outings
together in search of the perfect engagement rings
or wedding bands, in modern times more and more
couples are buying engagement rings, wedding rings
and wedding bands online. Thanks to the internet
and the resulting access to a global marketplace,
couples are realizing they have more options available
to them all from the comforts of their living
room. Some couples are even going to the extreme,
not only buying engagement rings, wedding rings
and wedding bands online, but also purchasing
wedding gowns, flowers and even participating
in virtual marriages.
How have these changes come about? What can today's
modern couple expect when planning a walk down
the aisle?
The Engagement Ring
The practice of a groom offering his bride to be
an engagement ring as a promise of love and affection
began nearly 2 centuries ago in the United States;
many associate the giving of engagement rings with
a need to express implied commitment and understanding
forever. The term "A Diamond is Forever"
was in fact used as a means of reinforcing the notion
that an engagement ring is a commitment from one
fiancé to another to live a life together
in marital harmony forever. The phrase is also a
popular advertising catch phrase that reinforces
the notion that love and devotion are part of everyday
symbolisms that require an outlet for expression.
The use of engagement rings as a token of love
and affection is a norm that instilled in the
hearts and minds of most people, in part due to
heavy marketing and advertising from diamond ring
and other jewelry manufacturers, and in part based
on the needs of mankind to project symbolism into
everyday living.
Wedding Rings
Once a couple has decided to walk down the aisle
together, the next step is often purchasing wedding
rings together. Because there are so many different
kinds to choose from, it helps to know what distinguishes
one wedding band from another. There are several
tips that you can follow to ensure that you purchase
wedding bands that suit your individual preferences
and budget. First and foremost consumers
should keep in mind that it certainly pays to
do their homework. The best advice for wedding
ring shoppers is patience. Couples should take
the time to shop around and look at several different
wedding bands, and have in mind an idea of what
exactly they are looking for. Far too often customers
compromise because they feel they can't find exactly
what they are looking for; chances are you can
find what you are looking for at a reasonable
price, if you give yourself plenty of time to
research wedding rings thoroughly before purchasing.
An article in Today's Summer Bride in Summer
of 1989 suggested that consumers be patient and
shop wisely, but also have faith that they will
find what they are looking for. The article was
referring to purchase of a wedding gown, but buying
wedding rings follows the same logic. You probably
didn't bump into your partner overnight, and likewise
you should expect it to take some time to find
the perfect wedding rings as symbols of your love
and devotion to one another.
Marriage represents a commitment and shared love
between two people. Wedding ceremonies are often
shrouded in symbolism, among the most significant
of which is the exchange of wedding rings between
husband and wife.
Buying Engagement Rings,
Wedding Rings and Wedding Bands Online
Society is ever changing, and with the advent of
technology and access to a global marketplace, more
and more consumers are buying engagement rings,
wedding rings and wedding bands online rather than
shopping for these ritual symbols of devotion in
a traditional store. Buying online affords consumers
the luxury of perusing the widest selection of rings
available from the convenience of their home.
Some people have infused the process of buying
engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands
online with romanticism. New rituals and traditions
are being built in the face of modern technology.
In fact, some couples are planning entire wedding
ceremonies through their computers. A virtual
ceremony can be broadcast to friends and family
members the world over!
What advice can we offer the couple interested
in shopping for wedding accessories online? Here
are some suggestions for a successful venture:
- Keep an open mind. Know what type of engagement
rings (diamond, gemstone, bands) or wedding
rings you are looking for, but consider looking
at many different varieties. You may change
your mind about what type of ring best symbolizes
your relationship and love.
- Make shopping online romantic! Place some
candles around the computer, turn on your song
and have some wine! Buying engagement rings,
wedding rings and wedding bands online can be
just as fun and exciting as buying them in person...and
even more fun when you create a loving and warm
atmosphere.
- Be prepared to spend a fair amount of time
perusing different styles and makes. There are
an incredible variety of engagement rings and
wedding bands available: titanium, platinum,
white gold, traditional gold, silver, gemstone,
diamond...the list goes on and on. Once you
have reviewed a fair number of styles be sure
to compile a list of your favorites to narrow
down your search.
- Know your size! Nothing is more obnoxious
than having to have a ring re-sized before you
wear it. There are several websites that offer
jewelry sizing online. Typically women wear
between a size 5-9 and men between sizes 8-12.
The average for men: a 10; the average for women:
a 7.
A Symbol of Your Love
and Devotion
Ritual symbols such as the exchange of engagement
rings and wedding rings are time honored traditions
that will likely continue through the next two centuries.
Though the manner in which people shop and commit
themselves to one another is changing, the time
honored tradition of exchanging vows and bands as
a symbol of love and devotion will not likely change
in the near future. Take advantage of modern
technology, and consider buying engagement rings,
wedding rings and wedding bands online. You'd
be surprised the variety available, and pleasantly
surprised by how exciting it can be shopping from
the comforts of your living room, office, or bedroom......
About The Author:
Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer
with 10 years of professional experience providing
consumers with informative articles on such topics
as wedding
rings, engagement
ring design, and diamond
wedding rings.
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