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Expressions of Devotion - Buying Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings and
Wedding Bands Online
By Antigone
Arthur
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 engagement
ring design, and diamond
wedding rings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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