Shots Photography

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 engagement ring design, and diamond wedding rings.

MORE ARTICLES:

Wedding Traditions?what Do They Symbolize?
There are many traditions involved in getting married. From ?jumping the broom? to borrowing a piece of bridal jewelry?the traditions are many. Most people practice wedding traditions without having a full understanding of their origins. Have you ever wondered why the bride walks down the aisle on a white aisle runner? History tells us that using an aisle runner helps to ward off evil spirits. It was once believed that evil spirits lived beneath the floor and in order to keep the spirits away from the bride, the white runner was used to protect her purity. Today, the aisle runner is used to protect the brides dress from getting dirty.

Wedding Cake Bakery Saves The Big Day for Seven Brides on 7/7/07
Days before what may be the most popular wedding day ever, one popular wedding cake bakery found itself with seven wedding cakes to bake, seven expectant brides, 25 pounds of batter and no oven.

Fine Art Photography Organization's Innovative Marketing Makes Them a Top Google Find
One of the best kept secrets in the art world is The Center for Fine Art Photography. Occupying the third floor of the Museum of Contemporary Art in historic Old Town, Fort Collins, Colorado, this unique international organization and its gallery is better known on the world wide web than around its own state. According to Google statistics, with 61,000,000 returns, the Center’s website is ranked in the top fifteen for "fine art photography" searches. An incredible accomplishment in just over two years.

Start Your Own Photography Business from Home
Anyone with the right camera equipment, and the necessary skills can set up a home business, marketing photography. You need only to convert a room of your house into an office, and then you can work immediately.

Wedding Jewelry Tips Tricks and Helpful Hints
So your not one of those fabulous actresses or models who has the luxury of the finest gems and diamonds being loaned to them by the likes of Harry Wintson. No matter, you can add a little sparkle and look extra-ordinaire in your gown on your wedding day.

Pick Your Wedding Ring From A Splendid Collection Of Wedding Rings
So, are you confused over which wedding ring to buy on your wedding? Are you not aware of the latest and the most famous wedding rings? And above all, do you want to buy one of the best wedding rings for your marriage? If your answer to these entire questions is affirmative, then its time you take a look at some of the famous wedding rings available in the market today. Yes, when you would know about the different types of wedding rings, you would be able to make a conspicuous decision on which ring to buy on your marriage.

Digital Photography - Simple Tips And Advice To Help You!
For sure, even those of us who've always owned digital cameras for a long time can use tips on how to make better pictures and troubleshoot when problems arise. And beginners to digital photography need a little guidance to build confidence in their ability to take great shots.

The Secret To Enhancing Colour In Your Digital Photography
It's quite an extraordinary thing, colour. It can enhance or diminish emotion in a digital photo. It's really that powerful. Yet working with colour, it can assist the photographer to emphasise, dramatise or detract from a certain feeling in a digital photograph. Its funny that colour can impact our senses to such a degree. When there is the absence or presence of certain colours we can feel a certain level and depth of emotion. So how can we add drama to photos by using colour? Well the first thing to understand about colour is what it does to our senses as I have just briefly mentioned. To understand what impact colour has on us think of a digital photo that has we must look at what colours mean. For example think of a color that has lots...

Wedding Loans – When Wedding Bills Are Postponing the Wedding Bells
Somewhere when you least expected, you find the person who you know you are going to share your life with. You met that wonderful person.

Wedding Photography: Preserving Your Memories
You may spend all your time planning your perfect day from the dress down to the perfect little cake topper. However, may brides forget the importance of good wedding photos. While you may think you are going to remember all the special moments of your wedding, memories fade faster than we would like. Your wedding photographs will be some of the most important possessions you will have. One day you will find yourself looking for those photos to remember just how truly special your day was.

Ethical And Green Weddings
Many of the rich and famous including Charles and Camilla served organic food at their wedding, but elsewhere it is very much on the wedding menu as brides and grooms go ethical on the most important day of their life. Make your wedding a special day - for you and the planet. To help, we have put together a list of suggestions and pointers towards your ethical big day, from the ceremony and catering, to an eco-friendly honeymoon.

Las Vegas Wedding Music - 12 Unique, Inexpensive Options
While rumors continue to fly that Las Vegas wedding music is expensive if live, the number one contracting company in Las Vegas continues to dispel those rumors daily.

The Perfect Bridal Makeup for Your Wedding Day
It's important that your makeup look its absolute best for your wedding day. Whether you plan to marry on a beach at noon or at night under the stars, by keep your makeup simple you will look and feel great.

Calphalon Cookware: A Great Bridal Shower And Wedding Gift Idea
Calphalon is a brand name registered to the Newell Rubbermaid Corporation. Newell Rubbermaid is a global, publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Product lines include items for offices, cleaning and organization, tools and home. Calphalon is part of the home and family line.