For the non-conformists, the classic gold wedding band is out, and custom alternatives are in. With the technology and artistry of today, there is almost no limitation in wedding ring design. The tradition of wearing a wedding ring to indicate marital status has existed for many centuries, and designs vary by culture and preference. In the Western world, most rings outside the plain band can be considered unique.
The most popular variations of the traditional wedding band depend on whether the wedding ring is meant for a man or a woman. For both, rings featuring diamonds are a popular choice, and we are seeing this emerge in jewelry design more and more. This may seem contradictory based on the equally popular trend of honoring the more natural and simplistic, but jewelers respond that it may be due to changes in engagement and wedding traditions.
The traditional diamond engagement ring that we most commonly associate with engagements is in actuality a fairly recent development in the last century to half century--- becoming a new to common practice particularly during the 1920s-1950s. Though the tradition may endure through the rest of time, there are many couples who are opting out of the socially influenced engagement ring extravaganza, and choosing to find one ring that can serve the purpose of both an engagement ring and wedding ring or sets that are literally fused together purposefully for this reason. The other option is to forget the engagement ring business altogether.
One salesperson stated in a CNN April 2002 sales report, "Following the disaster of 9/11 what we noticed was a spike in demand for wedding bands, but not the engagement ring. These days, people know what they want and they're willing to skip the engagement period in order to shorten the wait time!" Those that do opt out of the traditional engagement rings typically have more freedom in finding a unique wedding ring design than those who must find a complimenting pair to an existing engagement ring.
For many women, it may seem that the more elaborate engagement rings become, the more their wedding ring will have to keep up. Designers often times create complimenting counterparts to their magnificent engagement rings, and it may seem like no other ring would even match; especially not the ordinary band. This gives a woman no choice but get a lavish wedding ring or not match. The end result of these elaborate sets are typically desirable; however more expensive because of it.
Unique wedding bands fall into common categories for both men and women. Celtic designs are still top sellers for unique wedding rings, because the designs, almost mysterious, are most of the time symbolic or represent the couple's religious beliefs. Knots, crosses, spirals, and curves are common in Celtic designs. Another option are custom-made wedding bands. Custom wedding bands are available now with our advanced technology, and men and women alike can create a wedding band on screen, sprinkle in sapphire, rubies, emerald or diamond accents, and the ring magically appears within a few short weeks, days, or even hours.
For an especially unique wedding ring, some couples, men especially, are choosing a wooden wedding band. The most popular choice in this growing trend is to mix woods and metals together. Many jewelry retailers, particularly online, are featuring this craftsman inspired design in their virtual inventories.
The pinnacle in unique wedding ring design are tattooed wedding rings. Couples participating in this trend get matching tattoos in the design of a wedding ring actually tattooed on the ring finger. The benefit to this is that the ring may never be lost. Some incorporate their spouse's name, wedding date, or even ability to be seen under a black light into the design.
