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How to Buy Wedding Rings Direct

Silvya Curtis — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:16:19 +0000

There are literally thousands of websites offering to sell you wedding rings direct online. Buying a wedding ring is a daunting task in a high street store – let alone buying rings online where you pay for the ring prior to seeing it.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe when buying wedding rings direct.

How to Check For Reputable Online Jewellery Websites

When choosing your wedding rings make sure you are purchasing from an accredited jeweller. Choose an online store that is a member of a professional trade association like the British Jewellers Association. Such associations have ethical and quality standards to which their members adhere.

Bliss Rings is a member of the British Jewellers Association and we proudly show off their logo on our website.

Also, check with government watchdog agencies to see if the store has a good record of delivering what they promise. For example, does the store honour its return policy? If there are customer complaints filed with a watchdog then look for another online site from which to purchase your wedding rings direct.

Check out Online Websites Policies Before You Purchase a Ring

All good jewellery stores should clearly outline their policies and commitments to their customers.

At Bliss Rings, we have a privacy policy, an FAQ and also we are very proud to spell out what you can expect from our service via our commitment to you policy page.

Price

Price is probably one of the most important considerations for customers when buying wedding rings direct from a website.

The cheapest site may not be the best alternative – but you also do not want to overpay for the type and quality of ring you are purchasing.

Be sure to get quotes for similar wedding rings on several reputable sites to make sure you are getting the best ring for the best price.

Getting the wedding ring design you want

Find a buy wedding rings direct website that offers multiple styles and types of rings and/or ring designers to choose from.

It is also helpful if the site provides multiple views of the rings available so you can easily see which rings meet your design and style expectations. The more details you can see online the less likely you will end up with a ring that does not meet your expectations.

In our experience in the industry this is the biggest area of disappointment for customers. Often what a customer sees in a single picture on a website doesn’t look quite as nice when they receive their rings in the mail.

This is why Bliss Rings have chosen a different model – where you can try on as many wedding rings as you want in the comfort of your own home before making your selection. We often find that after trying on a range of rings our customers fall in love with a ring that is very different from the styles they have been browsing online.

When to Buy Eternity Rings

What Are Wedding Ring Sets?

Silvya Curtis — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:13:41 +0000

Wedding ring sets sometimes called bridal sets are typically an engagement ring and matching wedding ring with similar or complimentary designs, metals, settings and stones. Occasionally you will see the term “wedding ring sets” used to describe matching his and her wedding bands.

Wedding ring sets tips

Wedding ring sets that include perfectly matched engagement and wedding rings are thought to be symbolic of the unity of the relationship you are creating and are a beautiful way for the bride to be able to comfortably wear both her wedding ring and engagement ring on the same finger. Designed to fit neatly together the rings are made to nest closely one above the other without gaps.

When buying a wedding ring set you need to follow the same guidelines as buying separate wedding and engagement rings. Set your budget first. Select the style of rings you are interested in and the metal or gems stones you want to incorporate in the rings.

Your budget may influence the type of metal you select for your ring. For example, platinum is expensive so if your budget can not accommodate platinum you will want to look at a white or yellow gold ring. Compared to platinum gold is relatively inexpensive.

Another interesting and inexpensive choice of metals is palladium. Palladium offers exceptional value for money. Palladium rings are typically less than half the price of an identical design made from platinum.

Whether plain or patterned or set with gem stones, your choice of wedding ring sets is a personal choice and should reflect your personal taste, the type of other jewellery you wear, your budget, your lifestyle and if you intend to wear the rings everyday or occasionally. There is no right or wrong choice of style, metal or design.

His and her wedding ring sets

His and her wedding ring sets are important to some couples. If you are looking for a matching wedding ring set for you and your significant other make sure you shop together and that your choice of metal, style and design works for both of you. The rings do not have to be identical they can be complimentary and often are different widths to fit comfortably on the bride’s and the groom’s fingers.

Take your time and choose a ring or wedding ring set that you will enjoy wearing for years to come. After all you are entering into a relationship with the intent that it will last for many years and you would like your choice of rings to last as long. Be careful of selecting a trendy or fashionable ring that may go out of style quickly. On the other hand do not feel constrained by tradition. Look for the middle ground; something stylish and striking but with a tasteful design that will have lasting appeal.

Are Platinum Wedding Rings Worth The Price Tag?

Silvya Curtis — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:55:28 +0000

Platinum is a beautiful, durable, scratch and tarnish resistant, shiny (you will never have to have the ring re-plated like gold bands) and hypoallergenic choice of metal for a wedding band.

Ring designers are making intricate, detailed platinum wedding bands either with elaborate designs or with gem stones set into the platinum band. These modern platinum wedding bands are truly works of art you will be proud to wear for years to come.

So is platinum worth the extra cost? We think so.

If you have the budget to buy platinum there is no reason to go with any other metal choice. Platinum is a great choice of metal for any wedding band and is particularly well suited for someone who intends to wear their wedding band everyday or participates in leisure activities that could damage the ring.

Platinum’s history is as interesting as the metal; platinum gained popularity in the 19^th and 20^th centuries as a sought after metal for jewellery for royalty and the wealthy.

White gold was actually first used in wedding bands as a more inexpensive alternative to platinum during the Second World War when platinum was in scarce supply for other than military purposes. White gold or silver however is simply not as sturdy or durable as platinum.

Even in today’s tough economic times platinum wedding bands remain very popular.

If you were considering compromising on your choice of a platinum wedding band for budget considerations here are a few factors to consider.

Platinum is a pure metal unlike other white jewellery metals like white gold which are metal alloys. Because it is naturally white it will never turn yellow like white gold wedding bands do when the rhodium plating wears off. It is also whiter than white gold with no yellowish hues.

The shiny white brilliance of platinum makes it the perfect metal to show off diamonds set into your wedding band. The strength of platinum makes the settings more durable.

The biggest advantage is platinum is four times stronger than white gold and therefore much less likely to scratch, dent or bend. And platinum prongs just don’t wear out or bend as much so your diamond will stay secure in its setting. Platinum wedding bands will truly last a lifetime.

Your wedding ring is an important symbol of your eternal commitment and hopefully you will be wearing this wedding band for years to come. A platinum wedding band will cost you a little more now but will look as good years from now as it does the day you first put it on your finger.

Platinum is virtually maintenance free requiring less frequent polishing than white gold and never needing re-plated to maintain its brilliant white colour. Some even prefer the wear and tear that develops with platinum over time as a symbol of the history of the ring.

Is A White Gold Wedding Ring Still The Best Choice?

Silvya Curtis — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:48:45 +0000

White gold wedding rings are a popular choice for people who want a modern look for their wedding band.

What is white gold?

White gold wedding rings are made of a mixture of gold and other metals such as nickel, palladium, platinum or silver. The white gold is then plated with rhodium to give it a shiny, white finish. While yellow gold is the traditional choice in wedding bands, white gold is often preferred by those who prefer a more modern look.

What style of rings are available in white gold?

One of the reasons many couples choose white gold wedding rings is the variety of styles and design options available. From the simplest plain band to intricate braided, designed or textured wedding rings or white gold wedding bands set with gem stones. You can even have your white gold wedding rings designed according to your own unique specifications if you want a truly distinctive wedding ring.

Many couples looking for wedding bands set with diamonds prefer the white gold rings to yellow gold because the white colour is the perfect backdrop for diamonds. Every couple is sure to find white gold wedding rings that meet their lifestyle and taste requirements.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing white gold wedding rings is their price. White gold wedding rings will generally cost a lot less than an equivalent wedding ring made from platinum.

If you are looking for something fresh and beautiful and within your budget white gold wedding rings are good options.

History of white gold jewellery

First used as a jewellery metal in the 1920’s, white gold was a more cost effective choice for couples who liked the look of the platinum wedding rings but could not afford the price.

White gold wedding bands became a popular alternative during World War II when platinum was restricted for military uses only.

Platinum vs. white gold

Platinum is a stronger, more durable metal than white gold however a good quality white gold wedding ring will stand up to normal wear without bending or scratching.

Few people are able to tell the difference between a white gold wedding ring and a platinum ring by sight.

Platinum does not lose its lustre with wear. Over time with wear and exposure to chemicals, water and the sun the white gold wedding ring will lose its “whiteness.”

To restore white gold wedding rings to their original lustre you must have the ring replated with rhodium. This is a fairly inexpensive, simple job – but over the years the cost can mount up. We usually recommend that white gold rings are replated every 1-2 years.

Wedding Rings for Men

Silvya Curtis — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:12:29 +0000

When selecting a gent’s wedding ring for a gent it is important to consider your lifestyle and personality as well as finding a ring that is comfortable to wear and fits within your budget.

Lifestyle

An important consideration is will you be wearing your ring at work or while participating in sports or leisure activities that may damage your ring. If you intend to wear your wedding ring at work or while participating in rough leisure activities are there special considerations you need to take into account in terms of the design and metal the ring is made of so that the ring will stand-up to your day-to-day activities.

Many men who work with their hands find it easier to not wear their ring at work. Wearing the ring only on weekends and special occasions allows you to expand your choices of designs and metals. Another option is to wear your wedding ring on a neck chain while at work.

Comfort

A major consideration when selecting a wedding ring is to find a ring that is comfortable to wear. This is a much bigger concern for men who have not worn rings in the past. Keep in mind that thinner bands are generally more comfortable than thicker bands. Bands with rounded rather than sharp edges are often more comfortable.

Consider a comfort curve ring that is curved on the inside of the band, rather than having a flat inner surface.

To ensure a comfortable fit you must try on the rings and select the one that feels the most natural on your finger.

Metals

Gold is one of the most popular wedding ring metals. Wedding rings are typically 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold. The higher the proportion of gold used in the ring, the more hard the metal in the ring will be. However the difference in the hardness of a 9ct and 18ct ring is small.

A man who works with his hands might find a titanium ring a suitable option. This high tech metal is much stronger than traditional gold, silver or platinum rings (titanium is the hardest metal in the world) and is also lightweight and hypoallergenic.

Another great metal choice is platinum. Platinum is a very attractive white metal, like silver or white gold – but is much denser, heavier and more hardwearing metal.

Although typically more expensive, platinum wedding rings are my pick for the best wedding rings for men.

How to Maintain a White Gold Wedding Band

Silvya Curtis — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 06:28:43 +0000

White gold wedding bands became popular during World War II when using platinum for non-military purposes was banned. White gold is an inexpensive, elegant, versatile metal that can be used to create unique and beautiful jewellery. White gold wedding bands are lighter weight than platinum wedding bands and stronger and more durable and more scratch resistant than pure or yellow gold. With proper care, a white gold wedding band will maintain a flawless appearance for a long time.

White gold wedding bands are not pure gold. White gold is an alloy of gold and usually nickel, palladium or silver. The alloy of metals is naturally a pale yellow in colour however typically white gold wedding bands are plated with rhodium to make the while gold rings shinier and whiter in colour. Rhodium is very reflective, extremely hard and does not tarnish.

The problem with the rhodium plating is that in three to five years depending on how active you are when wearing the white gold wedding bands the rhodium plating begins to wear off where it rubs against your hand or other fingers and must be replaced. The re-plating process is not expensive. The price depends on the intricacy of the design of the wedding bands being re-plated. Most jewellers offer a re-plating service.

You can easily clean your white gold wedding rings at home. The simplest way to clean the rings is to use a solution of equal parts of ammonia and water although there are also ammonia based commercial jewellery cleaning solutions you can purchase. If your white gold wedding band has pearls or gems set into the ring check with your jeweller before cleaning the ring with an ammonia solution.

Soak the rings in the ammonia solution in a bowl for 10 to 20 minutes to loosen any dirt and grime that has accumulated on the rings. Please note: it is recommended that you soak the rings in a bowl and not in a sink to avoid inadvertently losing the rings down the drain.

After soaking you can use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub off any remaining dirt in the crevices of the ring. After the ring is clean rinse the ring with warm water and dry with a soft towel.

If your white gold wedding band has designs or etchings you may want to use an ultrasonic machine which uses vibrations and water to clean the crevices.

To keep the ring clean it should be stored in a cloth box or bag or a jewellery box with separate compartments to keep other jewellery from scratching the white gold wedding bands.

White gold wedding bands are beautiful and a good value for their cost and even when figuring in the cost of re-plating the rings every so often still are a less expensive option than a platinum wedding band.

Platinum Engagement Rings – The Ultimate Expression of Love

Silvya Curtis — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:15:30 +0000

Your engagement is a special event and the engagement ring which is the physical symbol of that event should be special too. Platinum engagement rings may cost a little more than other types of engagement rings but they are well worth the added expense.

We recommend you purchase a platinum ring. While all final decisions in jewelry are all about personal taste there are some basic facts you should know and consider about platinum before you make your final choice.

Platinum is the perfect metal for diamond engagement rings. Here are a few of the reasons why:

Platinum is a beautiful silvery-white shiny metal
Platinum when properly polished has a lustre that is a perfect compliant to the sparkle and fire of a beautiful diamond
Platinum’s strength and durability make it hard to break making platinum the perfect metal for holding precious gems in their settings (platinum prongs are sometimes used in rings made of less durable metals to ensure the security of the stone in the setting)
Platinum is unique, 35 times rarer than gold
Platinum about twice a valuable as gold
Platinum is durable, scratch resistant and easy to care for (it can be cleaned with soap and water and if scraped or scratched can be re-polished to its original lustre)
Platinum does not rust, corrode or tarnish
Platinum is hypoallergenic
Platinum’s rarity and durability makes it the perfect symbol of the uniqueness and enduring nature of your love.

Platinum has a long and rich history. Platinum has been a symbol of royalty since 700BC. In ancient times kings and their families were buried in sarcophaguses decorated with platinum. The Incas used platinum for ceremonial jewellery. And while out of favour for a few hundred years, in the 1780’s King Louis XVI of France declared platinum the only metal fit for kings and more recently the crown Queen Elizabeth wore during her and George the VI’s coronation in 1937, was made of platinum.

Most platinum today is mined in Russia and South Africa. The pure platinum ore is usually mixed with other metals when used in jewellery. It is not recommended you choose any platinum alloy with a purity of less than 90% for jewellery. The addition of more than 10% of other metals to the platinum may compromise the positive characteristics of the platinum.

While platinum is more expensive than most other metals used in engagement rings it is definitely worth the cost to choose a platinum engagement ring. If you can scrimp other places in your wedding budget in order to work the cost of platinum into your budget you will not regret purchasing a platinum engagement ring.

If you purchase a platinum engagement ring you will do so with the knowledge the ring will last a lifetime and look as beautiful in the distant future as it did the day you first put the ring on her finger.

When to Buy Eternity Rings

Silvya Curtis — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:12:04 +0000

Eternity rings make great gifts for someone special in your life for any occasion. Often someone will buy eternity rings to give to their special someone in on the anniversary of the day they met or the day they knew they were in love, to celebrate the birth of a child, to memorialise a special wedding anniversary or to commemorate a re-dedication of their commitment to each other.

Some couples chose eternity rings as their wedding rings. Eternity rings are simple and timeless making them an excellent wedding band choice to compliant almost any style engagement ring. The sparkle of an eternity ring will last forever unlike some white gold wedding bands that dull with age.

Increasingly popular as a symbol of everlasting love, eternity rings are a band with diamonds or other precious stones set all the way around the band. Other popular choices of stones are emeralds, rubies and sapphires. If the ring is being given to celebrate the birth of a child or commemorate the birth of several children incorporating the birthstone(s) of the child or children is a unique and special design for the eternity ring. The eternity ring’s continuous circle of diamonds (or other stones) symbolizes your continuous and never ending love.

There are also half eternity rings with the gemstones set only on one side of the band. While these half eternity rings do not have the symbolic continuous circle of diamonds (or other stones) they are popular because the half eternity rings are not as thick as the full rings with diamonds all the way around the band. The thickness of the full eternity rings is sometimes uncomfortable especially for women with smaller fingers. Half eternity rings are also less expensive because they can be purchased ready-made and sized to fit your finger. Full eternity rings are more expensive because they have to be custom made. A of a full band of stones cannot be sized later; they to be made to fit the finger.

Some prefer the half eternity ring because you can set the ring with larger stones than are possible with the full eternity ring where the stones circle the entire band.

Eternity rings often use square or oblong stones because they are easier to set end to end. However any shape stone can be set in an eternity ring.

Some people designate a meaning for each stone in the eternity ring. For example, one stone represents the day they met, the second stone their first kiss, the third their engagement and the forth their wedding day. Other stones represent the birth of their children or other special events in the couple’s relationship.

Some couples leave stones un-designated to be designated in the future as they make memories together in the future.

Eternity rings are typically worn on the same finger as the wedding ring and engagement ring. Some women chose to wear the eternity ring with their engagement ring instead of their wedding ring others chose to wear the eternity ring with their wedding ring in place of their engagement ring.

Why Custom Wedding Rings Are Special

Silvya Curtis — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:08:13 +0000

Your wedding is a special event so your wedding rings should be special too. Custom wedding rings can sometimes cost a little more than mass produced wedding rings but since this is a once in a lifetime expense, custom wedding rings can represent everything that is unique about your relationship.

Many couples select a standard wedding ring design and customise it with engravings or other details that are specific to your personalities and relationship. Or, you can design custom wedding rings from scratch.

If you choose to have your ring made from scratch you need to think about the various metal options, the settings you may want to include and any unique design characteristics or engravings you want to incorporate into the custom wedding rings.

Important in considering your design is the size of the rings you need. A design that looks great on a larger band or a ring with a large or several gem stones may work for individuals with larger hands and fingers but will look ridiculous on a smaller more delicate finger. Most likely you will be ordering two rings in two different sizes so make sure you take both sizes into consideration when you are designing the rings.

If you are going to include a diamond or other gem stone into your custom wedding rings designs be sure to read up on how to choose a diamond. You will want to be familiar with the 4 C’s of diamonds: cut, clarity, caret, and colour so you can make an informed choice. If you are considering a different gemstone there are similar guides for selecting all gemstones.

Many couples designing custom wedding rings are looking for a unique gem stone like turquoise, topaz, garnets or tanzanite. Some custom wedding rings incorporate the couple’s birthstones in the design for a truly personalized ring.

Gold is a popular choice for custom wedding rings but there are other beautiful metals such as platinum, white gold, silver, titanium or even special gold shades such as rose or sage gold. If you have the right design you can use a combination of metals to create multi-coloured custom wedding rings.

Once you have a design in mind you need to find a jeweller to take your concept to reality. Bliss Rings provide a unique service that enables you to create a wedding ring that is perfect for you by customising the metal, pattern, finish and width of the majority of our designs.

You can even add or remove diamonds for that all important finishing touch. Our knowledgeable advisors will be able to guide you through this process and help you to select rings that are within your budget.

There is no additional charge for customising your wedding rings – which is why you can trust Bliss Rings to provide the UK’s best value custom made wedding rings.

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Rings for Women

Silvya Curtis — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:05:23 +0000

Most guys do not buy wedding rings for women without first consulting the wife-to-be. Engagement rings are typically purchased in secret to surprise the lady – but wedding rings are most often bought together. This is a good thing because it avoids the size issue. To purchase wedding rings for women you must know their ring size – and just as important – what sort of wedding ring will match their engagement ring.

What if the ring you spend all that time searching for and purchasing does not fit your bride’s finger or sit perfectly with her engagement ring?

My recommendation is that unless you have already had a discussion about wedding rings and already know what she wants, you don’t want to risk choosing your bride’s wedding ring without her being there. If you are sure you know what your bride wants in a wedding ring go for it; otherwise make the selection of your wedding rings a joint decision.

For example, wedding rings for women can match the groom’s ring – or the bride and groom can choose rings of entirely different styles. Either is appropriate. It really is a matter of personal taste.

Selecting wedding rings for women

Selecting wedding rings for women can be tricky; there are so many decisions to make. If your bride has already decided she wants her ring to match her engagement ring as a set, some of your decisions such as which metals to select and the profile of the ring will already be determined by the engagement ring it is going to match.

In selecting wedding rings for women you need to consider the woman’s lifestyle. If your bride is a gardener or uses her hands in her profession you will want to choose a ring that will not be damaged easily. Selecting wedding rings for women who work with their hands means that you should find a ring made from a durable metal that will not easily scratch or bend. You will want to avoid wedding rings with settings that could catch on something and cause the stone to come loose. If you do get a wedding ring with a setting make sure the setting is secure.

If you are selecting a wedding ring with a stone, make sure you have read about the stone and understand how to evaluate the stone’s quality. For diamonds, familiarize yourself with the 4 C’s: cut, clarity, colour and caret. There are similar measures of quality for all gem stones.

The three most popular metals for wedding rings for women are yellow gold, white gold and platinum but there are many other choices including palladium and tungsten.