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If you’ve ever visited Colorado, New Mexico or Arizona, then you have probably seen your fair share of turquoise jewelry. In this part of the country men’s turquoise rings are elevated to an art form, and Native American craftsmen combine silver and turquoise to make beautiful rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings. One question that visitors often have about turquoise is whether it has a special meaning in Native American society. Truth is, the importance and reverence associated with turquoise in Native American cultures cannot be overemphasized. In fact, turquoise factors into the myths and lore of hundreds of cultures and has even been found in burials from more than 7,000 years ago.
Because its color so closely resembles the sky, Native American cultures give prominence to turquoise in many of their legends and ceremonies. Long before it was paired with silver and made into men’s turquoise rings, turquoise was made into beads and mosaics over bone, wood and shells. Prehistoric Indian cultures would shape turquoise for use in jewelry by rubbing it against fine sandstone, followed by sand, clay and leather, producing a shiny turquoise bead that was strung onto the clothing and headdresses of Southwestern tribes. Many of these early methods of hand-rolling turquoise jewelry have been revived by present-day artists and are still in use today.
Technically speaking, turquoise is a hydrous copper aluminum phosphate that is formed when feldspar or apatite are infused with the copper-rich lava that seeps through fissures in the surface of the Earth. When the copper elements of the lava become oxidized in small cavities near the surface and mix with the phosphoric acid, all it takes is a little water and a lot of time for turquoise to form. While this whole process may sound complicated, it is actually quite common in some arid regions of the country. The Cerrillos Mine is an ancient turquoise mine located in New Mexico near Santa Fe, and has been a great source of Native American turquoise for more than 2,000 years.
Men’s turquoise rings are the perfect gift for men who appreciate the longstanding tradition of turquoise, not just for its significance in Southwest Native American cultures, but also for its natural beauty. The combination of silver or white metals with turquoise has inspired many jewelry designers to make exquisite works of art, and this has translated into an impressive array of masculine styles. Unlike the early silver and turquoise “tourist” jewelry that was made with thunderbirds, crossed arrows and other Southwestern symbols, modern turquoise rings for men are more likely to use a flat rectangle of turquoise in a hefty shank style ring.
If you’re interested in shopping for men’s turquoise rings, don’t wait until you make that trip to the Southwest. An incredible variety of attractive turquoise rings can be found online at web sites that specialize in men’s rings.
It seems like every time I look at my favorite online jeweler’s web site I see another new “contemporary” metal has been added to the mix. First it was titanium, then tungsten carbide, then cobalt chrome. Stainless steel made a comeback, and just recently I saw the latest collection of white tungsten rings.
Some men are opting out of metals entirely and going for ceramic or seranite. But I was already sold on one of the handsome tungsten wedding rings for men that are available at my favorite online jewelry store. I wasn’t always sold on the idea of industrial metals; in fact I was planning on getting the most traditional gold ring I could find. Like most men, I don’t enjoy wearing a lot of jewelry for fear of appearing too “cute” or fashion conscious.
So how did I switch from gold to tungsten? It wasn’t until I overheard a few of my friends talking about how much they saved by purchasing a tungsten ring that I decided to check out the collections of tungsten wedding bands for men. No one ever prepares you for the cost of a wedding, so I was interested in learning about anything that would save me a few bucks. With the rising price of precious metals, I knew something had to be done to reduce the cost of my wedding band, but I never expected to like tungstenmore than gold.
Even after I found a tungsten wedding ring that I liked at an online jeweler, I thought my fiancéemight insist I get white gold. Surprisingly, she was already looking at tungsten wedding bands for men. She was even planning to suggest that I check them out too. What can I say? Great minds think alike.
By now you’re probably wondering why I’m focusing on tungsten wedding bands for men, rather than other metals like cobalt or titanium. There is nothing wrong with the other industrial metals, but tungsten rings have enormous benefits for men who work with their hands. Tungsten carbide is one of the few metals that is virtually scratch-resistant. Heavier and denser than other jewelry metals, tungsten was first known as an industrial metal. Before the tungsten carbide alloy came onto the scene, tungsten was used to make everything from heating elements to engine nozzles, mainly because it retains its shape at extremely high temperatures.
A great illustration of tungsten’s density is the fact that there is only one material strong enough to make a dent in tungsten rings - a diamond. In addition to their natural strength, tungsten wedding rings for men are hypoallergenic. This means they will not cause the common skin irritations that often arise with other white metals.
All of these practical reasons for choosing tungsten over gold have generated plenty of demand for this new metal. Now, in addition to their natural gray color, tungsten rings are available in a rich jet black color and in a brilliant silvery white. But one of the best reasons to consider tungsten wedding bands for men is the price. If you are planning a wedding and trying to figure out which metal is the right one for you, I urge you to consider a tungsten wedding ring.
Ever since it became fashionable for everyone to wear green on St. Paddy’s Day, it has also become perfectly normal for people from any nationality to participate in other aspects of Irish culture. Irish and Celtic culture has penetrated American culture in such a way that everyone can adopt a few of their traditions. Some may embrace this by decorating with Leprechauns and shamrocks, while others may choose to buy a Celtic men’s wedding band.
Celtic men’s wedding rings represent a variety of beautiful rings, from intricate Celtic knot rings to braided wedding bands and Claddagh rings. While they may be designed in any metal, the most popular Celtic bands are made from sterling silver, white gold and stainless steel. Celtic rings are more likely to be worn by Irish men, but that doesn’t mean non-Irish men don’t wear them as well. The truth is, men from all walks of life are attracted to the rugged simplicity of Celtic men’s wedding rings.
As more shoppers look for rings that reflect their unique Irish heritage, many of the online ring stores have started featuring complete collections of Celtic rings, from the simplest braided stainless steel spinner to contemporary Celtic knots. Rather than choosing the casual charm of aCladdagh ring, men are just as likely to wear a stylized Celtic knot to celebrate their Irish heritage.
What is the history of Celtic men’s wedding rings?
Believe it or not, these decorative rings can trace their origins all the way back to the 4th century AD, when the Irish church and Christian missionaries influenced the Celts during their migration out of the British mainland. In addition to the influence of Celtic mythology, these intricate designs were also the result of Christian thought. A good example of this is the “Celtic Trinity Knot,” whereby interwoven strands symbolize the three persons of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Christian symbols are often found in modern Celtic men’s wedding bands, particularly with eternity knots that endlessly intertwine. This design is particularly befitting for a Celtic wedding band, since marriageis meant to last forever.Celtic knots are also known to symbolize the strength and courage of the Irish people.
Among the other symbols found in Celtic jewelry is the Claddagh ring, which was introduced in the 17th century by an Irish fisherman in the village of Claddagh. After he presented this symbolic ring to his wife, it became known throughout the region, and eventually throughout the world. In a Claddagh ring, the hands symbolize friendship, the heart love, and the crown fidelity. Some Celtic versions of this ring replace the hands with the legendary Celtic hero Cuchulainn, also known as the “hound of Culann.”
Learning about the history of Celtic men’s wedding rings, it’s easy to see why so many people find them fascinating. Whether it is the elaborate Celtic knot work or the rich symbolism they represent, these attractive rings are the perfect way to celebrate your love.
It’s been a long time since men’s Claddagh rings appeared on the scene. At first they were worn exclusively by men with an Irish heritage, and perhaps the occasional superstitious person with a penchant for Irish good luck charms. But the uniqueness and symbolism of these traditional Celtic bands caused them to rise quickly to the top in men’s jewelry sales.
It wasn’t until the 60s and 70s, when couples started to plan very personalized weddings, that men’s Claddagh rings became a must-have for Irish-themed nuptials, but these rings are not just for the Irish. Couples from all nationalities appreciate the wedding traditions surrounding the Claddagh ring, which actually include directions on how it is to be worn.
The Claddagh is actually an ancient Gaelic symbol, but it has evolved to become the universal symbol of eternal love, friendship and loyalty. It was originally created about 400 years ago in a small village near Galway, Ireland. Men’s Claddagh rings didn’t come along right away, yet they have become just as popular as women’s Claddagh rings. The symbol itself shows a crown above two hands clasping a heart in the middle.
A traditional Irish wedding ring incorporates the design of the Claddagh, but in the U.S. a Claddagh ring is just as likely to be worn as a fashion ring or promise ring. The imagery on Claddagh rings represents two hands holding a lover’s heart with a crown above, which is translated to mean, “With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love.”
Like everything else that stems from Celtic roots, the images on men’s Claddagh rings are steeped in symbolism. The crown is a symbol of loyalty, the hands a symbol of friendship and the heart a symbol of love. Some contemporary versions of the Claddagh rings also incorporate a cross to symbolize faith. In keeping with Irish tradition, a mother would typically pass along the family’s Claddagh ring to the oldest daughter on her wedding day.
Not everyone who buys a Claddagh ring is aware of this, but there is a specific way to wear these symbolic rings. When worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward, it means your heart is still open to new love. If it is worn on the right hand with the heart facing inward, it tells the world you are dating and unavailable. However, when it is worn on the left hand with the heart facing inward, it means you have found your life’s true love. This is an important consideration when buying men’s Claddagh rings as wedding bands.
Most of the Claddagh rings worn today are made from sterling silver or stainless steel, but it is also possible to find them in 18K gold. Some couples purchase plain men’s Claddagh rings and ask a jeweler to add a diamond or other gemstone later. Others prefer the simplicity of a polished silver Claddagh ring for both a man’s and woman’s wedding band. However you decide to wear Claddagh rings, it makes sense to compare prices online before making a purchase.
Some of the top designers in the jewelry industry have recently added new diamond rings to their men’s jewelry collections, which has generated quite a bit of interest from male shoppers. This came as a surprise to many jewelers, who have always had a hard time selling men on diamonds. It also signals a more relaxed attitude about men’s jewelry in general. Over the past few years, unique and alternative rings have become a popular option for men who want to make a statement, and men’s CZ rings are a big part of that trend.
As men begin to feel less inhibited about wearing diamonds, they have also started accepting the concept of jewelry as a personal accessory. This might sound elementary to women; after all, isn’t that what jewelry is for? But men have traditionally regarded wedding bandsand wristwatches as practical possessions. Looking at the latest collections of men’s CZ rings, it’s clear that times have changed.
What are men’s CZ rings?
CZ is simply an acronym for cubic zirconia, a crystalline form of zirconium dioxide that is optically flawless and resembles a diamond. While synthesized in a lab, it is often the preferred stone for wedding bands because of its durability and low cost. It has quickly become the most important competitor to diamonds, both for its gemological qualities and its low cost.
When cubic zirconia first became popular, it was more likely to be seen in women’s earrings and tennis bracelets, but it has started showing up more and more in men’s rings. Now it’s possible to buy men’s CZ rings as fashion rings and wedding bands. Some of the bestselling designs include stainless steel Christian rings with a cubic zirconia cross, flat-topped titanium rings with a single CZ in the corner, and black stainless steel rings with a contrasting stone in the center.
How do men’s CZ rings compare to diamonds in price?
Men will often set out to by a diamond eternity band to match up with their fiancées wedding band, but the price of diamonds in a gold setting can make this an expensive proposition. Men’s CZ rings offer the brilliance of channel-set stones in titanium or stainless steel settings, at just a fraction of the cost. Looking at the latest collection of men’s CZ wedding bands available online, many are available for less than $50.
What are the most popular styles of CZ rings for men?
It seems like every man has a different idea of what they want in a wedding band, but they can usually find a cubic zirconia ring that matches their style. Some of the most popular designs utilize a single bezel-set CZ that serves an accent to a contemporary design. Others make the CZ the focal point, calling attention to its natural brilliance.
In an article I published last April about the “weightiness” of tungsten wedding bands for men, I used the word “gravitas” to describe the way these rings underscore the importance of a lifelong commitment. Based on the feedback I got from that article, it seems this description resonated with a lot of tungsten wedding band owners. Then in June I wrote another article about this sturdy industrial metal entitled, “Men’s Tungsten Rings – Could They Become the Gold Standard in Men’s Wedding Rings?” That resulted in numerous emails from gold jewelry designers proclaiming the superiority of gold over tungsten. While opinions may vary about the desirability of wearing them, tungsten wedding bands for men are selling quite briskly.
At first, many believed it was the newness of tungsten carbide that was causing such a spike in sales, but time has proven that this is a metal with staying power. One reason for this is the fact that it’s used primarily in men’s jewelry. Unlike women, who tend to be more traditional in their choice of wedding rings, men are perfectly willing to try something new. They are less concerned about the intrinsic value of a metal and more concerned about how it will hold up after years of daily wear. Let’s face it; men are much harder on rings than women and they are less worried about impressing other guys with the “brilliance” of their wedding ring.
Tungsten carbide is a slightly darker hued metal that lends itself well to modern designs. It is much more likely to look terrific after years of daily wear than almost any other metal. That’s because it is so much stronger than gold, silver, palladium and yes, even platinum.
What’s the secret behind the success of tungsten wedding bands for men? Some have argued that it’s only popular because of the price, but I know differently. After working in the retail jewelry industry for more than two decades, I’ve seen countless men come in looking for a new wedding band after less than ten years of marriage. While they were still quite attached to their original gold wedding band, the softness of the metal had worn away at the details over time. Not surprisingly, many of these men didn’t replace their wedding band with another gold ring; they bought a new one in durable tungsten carbide. As more designers have caught on to this trend, the selection of tungsten wedding bands for men has improved dramatically.
Men are known to be pretty hard on rings, so it makes sense to wear a metal that won’t wear down. Tungsten wedding bands for men are made from one of the hardest and densest metals known to man. This means they will hold their shape and shine for many years to come. The weight and density of this industrial-strength metal is noticeable from the minute the ring is slipped onto the finger and serves as an ever-present reminder of the commitment for which it stands.
If you’re looking for a wedding band for the first time or as a replacement for an old one, consider the most practical choice on the market today – tungsten wedding bands for men.
It’s funny how you can be away from something for what seems like just a few years, yet when you come back to it the playing field has changed entirely. This was my experience with men’s jewelry, particularly wedding bands. When I bought by 14K yellow gold band 15 years ago, it was one of a handful of wedding rings displayed in my jeweler’s case. But when I started shopping for a new one this year, I found there were several new metals I had never heard of before, such as men’s tungsten rings, cobalt chrome rings, and black titanium rings. In many ways I was relieved to find such an exciting assortment of affordable wedding bands, but I also missed the simplicity of choosing from a handful of rings.
Fortunately, I decided to start my search for a new wedding band online, so I was able to learn a lot about each of the “new metals” on the market today. I found out that titanium rings are very lightweight and strong, but they’re not all that scratch resistant, and that cobalt rings have a whiteness that resembles platinum but they lack its natural brilliance. Even though I usually prefer a whiter metal, I was most impressed with men’s tungsten rings.
Perhaps it is the weightiness of the metal, or its longstanding association with industry. Or maybe it’s the fact that tungsten rings for men are so affordable and they never wear down. All the industrial metals claim to be scratch-resistant, but the natural density of tungsten makes it almost impossible to dent or scratch. When it was first introduced, only a few designers were bold enough to launch a collection of men’s tungsten rings, but now there are countless designs to choose from. Looking at the new playing field of contemporary jewelry metals, it looks like men’s tungsten rings are here to stay.
What are some of the special qualities of men’s tungsten rings?
The first thing most men notice is that the metal is slightly darker in color than the other silver-toned metals, such as sterling silver, stainless steel and cobalt. It is alsoconspicuouslyheavier on the hand, which some men say gives men’s tungsten rings “gravitas.” While many prefer this added weight because it lets them know the ring is “there”, others stillgo forlighter weight metals like titanium.
Tungsten requires very little maintenance, and unlike white gold it will never need re-plating. Some men have an allergic reaction to the nickel that is often alloyed with white gold, but men’s tungsten rings are hypoallergenic. Men’s tungsten wedding bands are much stronger and more durable than white gold, and they are ten times harder than 18K gold.
What are some recent trends in men’s tungsten rings?
Not long after tungsten rings for men were introduced, designers were already busy trying to discover the“next big thing.” In other words, they needed a way to keep men coming back for more. Fortunately, metallurgists were able to reinvent standard tungsten carbide by making black tungsten and white tungsten rings. These rings are not merely coated with a black or white color on the outside; their color is changed from the inside out. Shoppers who want a unique look in a wedding band that will really last forever should be seeking out the latest collections of men’s tungsten rings.
After you start shopping for wedding rings, it won’t take long to figure out which metals are considered the most “precious.” All you have to do is look at the price tag and you will see that men’s platinum bands command a higher price than gold, silver, titanium and any other alternative metal. Unless you’re already familiar with the various metals on sale today, the reasons for the higher price may not be obvious at first.
Have you ever wondered why men’s platinum bands are so much pricier than other rings? There is no doubt that platinum is a brilliant white metal that looks terrific on any man’s hand, but few people understand how it got so expensive. As someone who fell in love with platinum “at first sight,” I just had to know why I had to pay so much more for it. That’s how I uncovered some interesting facts about this rare and precious metal.
Not that this has anything to do with platinum jewelry, but I learned that platinum is often found in meteorites. Since the first recorded meteorite is believed to have fallen to earth more than two billion years ago, this means platinum is one of the oldest metals known to man. I had always considered titanium to be the “space age” metal, but it looks like platinum is the real deal.
As for its significance in the world of jewelry, platinum was used in ancient Egyptian tombs long before it was seen in men’s platinum bands. But what is most interesting about this is how history proves that platinum really is a rare metal. It would seem to “go away” from the scene for a few centuries at a time and then resurface in another part of the world. It was even found in some pre-Incan civilizations and among the relics of Spanish conquistadors. Not surprisingly, France’s King Louis XVI declared platinum to be the “metal of kings.” This may have been what prompted Spain’s King Carlos III to commission a platinum chalice for presentation to the Pope. Who knew, way back then, that platinum would be worn by “commoners” who favored designer wedding rings?
What took jewelers so long to start using platinum in jewelry? At first, the metal was too hard to be formed into a ring. It wasn’t until British scientist, W.H. Wollaston discovered a method of making it more malleable that platinum could be used for commercial purposes, but that didn’t happen until 1803. The first jeweler to make a successful line of jewelry from platinum was none other than Louis Cartier, who became known as the “jeweler of kings” in the early 1900’s. But men’s platinum bands were yet to be introduced. It wasn’t until a major platinum discovery was made in South Africa later that century that platinum became more accessible to the general population. Once Hollywood celebrities discovered it, the rest was history.
One of the earliest debuts of platinum jewelry in a movie was in the 1930s with Jean Harlow’s “Platinum Blonde,” but it was Elvis Presley’s marriage to Priscilla in 1967 that catapulted the platinum wedding ring to infamy. From then on, it was perfectly acceptable to insist on a men’s platinum band for your wedding day, and it soon became the favored metal for women’s engagement rings too.
Today, men’s platinum bands are much easier to buy and they are available in an incredible variety of attractive designs. There may be several “alternative metals” that claim to resemble platinum, but there is nothing like wearing the real thing. Thanks to the rise of specialized online jewelers, it is now possible to find a nice selection of quality platinum rings for less than $1,000.
Over the past several years, men have cornered the market on spending money on Valentine’s Day gifts. As a retailer, it always warms my heart to see so many men out there looking for ways to woo their sweetheart with flowers, candy, lingerie and perfume. But a new trend is evolving that brings women into the mix – it is men’s Valentine rings. It’s true that women have always had a hard time finding romantic gifts for men, and they often express how difficult it is to find something special every year. Perhaps this explains why men’s Valentine rings are quickly gaining recognition as the ideal gift for a man.
When women ask me what kind of ring to buy for Valentine’s Day, I usually tell them it depends on where they are in their relationship. For example, a woman who is not yet engaged and wants to “play it safe” will often choose a stylish ring that expresses a man’s interests, occupation or faith. This is a good time to shop for biker rings, Army or Navy rings, Celtic rings or Christian rings. It may also be appropriate to buy him a fashion ring made from black titanium or sterling silver. Men’s Valentine’s rings can also be a romantic expression, with words inscribed on the side such as “Forever Love” or “My One and Only,” but these are usually better for couples who are in a serious relationship.
A ring for Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be very expensive. In fact, men’s fashion rings are now available in a variety of unique styles, so there is a ring for every man’s taste. State-of-the-art metals like tungsten carbide, cobalt chrome and titanium have made it easy to find a durable and brilliant ring for under $100.
Men’s Valentine’s rings are also worn by married men. If your husband’s wedding ring is worn looking or outdated, Cupid’s favorite holiday may also be a time to find him a new one. Shopping at an online store that specializes in men’s rings will be the simplest way to find that perfect ring. Prices are usually much lower on the Internet, and they are reduced even further for Valentine’s Day. It is also much easier to find the ring you want when you can search by size, metal, collection and price. Even if your husband wears a size 17 ring, it’s possible to find a wide variety of rings at an online ring store.
Nothing is more romantic on Valentine’s Day than presenting your man with a ring that was chosen especially for him, but if you are planning a Valentine wedding it may be best to start looking at designer wedding bands. Whether his taste is more conservative or he’s looking for a contemporary wedding band that makes a bold statement, giving him a personally engraved wedding band for Valentine’s Day will be a memory that lasts a lifetime.
No matter which ring you choose, a men’s Valentines ring will most certainly become a lasting symbol of your love, and a great way to show him just how much you care. If you want this to be a Valentine’s Day he will always remember, now is the time to start shopping for the best selection of men’s fashion rings and wedding bands.
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