Platinum

Platinum wedding bands like the Platinum Braided Wedding Band Ring are the ultimate expression of a love that’s a rare treasure. At 30 times less common than gold, platinum is incredibly precious, and it possesses several unique properties. Platinum wedding rings have a bright, naturally white sheen that doesn’t cast any of its own color onto a diamond. They never fade or tarnish, and are quite strong, making them resistant to wear. Platinum is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a perfect choice for anyone with sensitive skin. Although its rarity gives it a higher price tag than other metals used in wedding jewelry, it’s the perfect choice for a once-in-a-lifetime investment.

White, Yellow and Rose Gold

Gold is the most commonly used metal in wedding bands, and for good reason. Aside from its gleaming good looks, it’s also more affordable than platinum and stronger than sterling silver. All three colors of gold are actually alloys which combine gold with other metals to give them added strength. Each color has its own personality: white gold has a cool, silvery sheen, giving rings such as the Hammered Milgrain Wedding Band in 14K White Gold a look that’s both cotemporary and classic; yellow gold exhibits a sunny hue that has made it the most traditional of metals, as the “I Am My Beloved’s and My Beloved Is Mine” Wedding Band demonstrates; and rose gold gives off a glow that communicates warmth and affection, such as in in the Paisley Engraved Wedding Band in 18K Rose Gold. Although white gold wedding bands are the most popular, a huge variety of styles are available in all three colors of this versatile metal.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver wedding bands like the Silver Heart Diamond Floral Wedding Band are a favorite for those on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice style. With the cool, versatile sheen that has made all types of silver jewelry popular, these rings are able to blend seamlessly with the personal styles of many of today’s brides and grooms. Like the gold used in jewelry, sterling silver is an alloy which adds other metals to silver to make it strong enough for jewelry. Although silver is susceptible to oxidation, the resulting tarnish isn’t hard to remove.

Titanium

Titanium isn’t a traditional medium for wedding bands, but it’s gaining fans for its winning combination of strength, sleek good looks and affordability. Stronger than steel, this metal is used in aircraft, making it a fitting symbol of love that’s unbreakable. However, despite its strength, it’s quite lightweight, making it feel almost weightless on your finger. Titanium wedding rings such as the Titanium Celtic Knot Wedding Band Ring are able to stand up to wear, and they’re non-reactive, which means that they won’t tarnish or rust. Like platinum styles, they’re also hypoallergenic. However, they come with a significantly lower price tag than platinum or gold rings

Ultimately, the wedding band you choose should be determined by your personal preference. Decide which factors are most important to you, and use this guide to help you narrow down your options.

Amethyst

The regal purple amethyst is a favorite of many women for its ability to make anyone feel like a princess. It has captured both eyes and imaginations for thousands of years. Since the time of the Old Testament, it has been prized as a stone of beauty, and it was treasured by both the ancients Egyptians and the Romans. Even the Russian empress Catherine the Great is said to have sought after this gem. Amethyst is the February birthstone, adding a pop of rich color to a month that’s often cold and gray. Since it’s a semi-precious gemstone, it adds a splash of life at a relatively wallet-friendly-price, despite its fit-for-royalty appearance.

Categories: Amethyst Jewelry, Amethyst Rings

Aquamarine

Pliny, the ancient philosopher, said that aquamarine “has charms not to be denied,” and he was right. The March birthstone exhibits a stunning light blue color that complements nearly any skin tone. Aquamarine serves as the birthstone for the month of March, adding welcome vibrancy and sparkle. In addition, it’s almost always completely free of inclusions (flaws) and is able to stand up to a bit of wear and tear, due to its hardness. The word “aquamarine” comes from two Latin words meaning “water” and “the sea,” and once you’ve seen this mesmerizing blue gem, it’s not hard to see how it got its name: its light indigo is truly like the clearest blue ocean, glittering in the sunlight.

Categories: Aquamarine Jewelry, Aquamarine Rings

Citrine

Sunny citrine, the November birthstone, is loved for its ability to brighten a rainy day and to add a pop of vibrant color that’s both playful and sophisticated. Its name comes from a French word for “lemon,” giving a clue to its appearance; it’s a golden, intense yellow, a color that’s caused by trace amounts of iron. Citrine, a type of quartz, is fairly common in nature, and as a result, it’s usually considerably more affordable than another popular golden stone: topaz. And, since it’s relatively abundant, the citrine that is used in jewelry has very few flaws. Like other types of quartz, it’s resistant to scratches and is a good pick for those who tend to be rough on their jewelry.

Categories: Citrine Jewelry, Citrine Rings

Emerald

The rich green color of emerald, the May birthstone, has made this gemstone a favorite for millennia. Emeralds were found in Cleopatra’s mines and are considered to be one of the four classic precious gemstones. They’re actually the most precious stones in the beryl family and their rare, deeply saturated good looks give them a timeless appeal. They’re also resistant to scratches and quite durable, making them suited for jewelry that will be passed down to future generations.

Categories: Emerald Jewelry, Emerald Rings

Garnet

Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January, but this deep red gem adds welcome color and warmth any time of year. As a semi-precious gemstone, it’s significantly less expensive than the classic red precious gemstone, the ruby. However, with its rich hue, it’s not a mere substitute for another gem—it holds a beauty all of its own.

Categories: Garnet Jewelry, Garnet Rings

Peridot

The Romans gave peridot the nickname “emerald of the evening” because of its unique ability to retain its color, even in the dim lights used after dusk. As the birthstone for August, peridot is drenched in both the lush green of summer and the golden rays of the sun. This gem is type of the mineral olivine, and pays homage to this name with its olive-like hue. As a semi-precious gemstone, it’s a wallet-friendly alternative to an emerald and a uniquely gorgeous stone in its own right.

Categories: Peridot Jewelry, Peridot Rings

Ruby

The July birthstone, the ruby, is one of the four classic precious gemstones. It’s known for its bright, bold red color, so much so that the word “ruby” is often used to describe the most crimson of crimson hues. Even King Solomon acknowledged the ruby when he compared this stone to wisdom, indicating that the wisest man who ever lived thought that the ruby was of incredible value. As a variety of the mineral corundum, rubies are also quite hard, giving them a beauty that can endures across generations.

Categories: Ruby Jewelry, Ruby Rings

Sapphire

As the September birthstone, sapphire captures the color of an evening sky and glitters as though it’s covered with stars. Many cultures have regarded this deep blue gemstone as a symbol of heaven, and even more have sought after it as an object of beauty. Even Helen of Troy is said to have worn a large sapphire. Like the ruby, the sapphire is a type of the mineral corundum, and as such it’s very hard and resistant to wear—the only gemstone that’s harder is a diamond. One of the four classic precious gemstones, the sapphire exhibits a timeless appeal that has never fallen out of favor.

Categories: Sapphire Jewelry, Sapphire Rings

Tanzanite

Tanzanite hasn’t been on the jewelry scene for very long compared to most other gemstones, but it’s making a big impact. This gem was discovered just 45 years ago in Tanzania near the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. To this day, it’s been found only in this one location, an area about five miles square, giving jewelry that contains it a large measure of exclusivity. The majority of tanzanite that’s found in nature is green or brown, though a fraction of these stones are naturally blue or purple. Most of the tanzanite that’s found in jewelry is heat treated to create a hue that’s unlike any other: an alluring cornflower blue with a hint of purple that makes it hard to look away. Tanzanite is an alternative birthstone for the month of December and its color is universally flattering any time of year.

Categories: Tanzanite Jewelry, Tanzanite Rings

From amethyst to tanzanite, there’s a gemstone that’s a perfect fit for your personality and sense of style. Use this gemstone jewelry guide to pick one that suits you and explore Apples of Gold’s collection of rings, pendants and earrings to find your perfect pieces.

Related: Gemstone Rings

Related: Blue Sapphire Jewelry, Sapphire Rings

Sapphire demonstrates a richness that few gemstones can match, and its deep indigo hue has long been associated with the beauty of a clear blue sky. The ancient Persians believed that the earth balanced on a giant sapphire and that the color of that sapphire was reflected in the heavens.  Peoples throughout history have seen the sapphire as a symbol of heaven, and sometimes of eternal life.

Related: Sapphire Engagement Rings, Sapphire and Diamond Rings

Blue is a popular favorite color—it’s often cited as the most loved color—and a sapphire radiates the best of this hue, giving off a sparkle and richness that makes it easy to see why it’s so adored. Its hue conveys a sense of richness and time-honored allure.

As fitting as the sapphire is as a birthstone for September, you don’t need to be born in any particular month to appreciate its deep, alluring beauty. As one of the four traditional precious stones, it’s been treasured for thousands of years, catching the eyes and imaginations of cultures around the world, from India to Russia to England.

Related: Sapphire Earrings, Sapphire Pendants

Royalty has long embraced the sapphire as a gemstone of great beauty and worth. According to tradition, Helen of Troy, who had beauty that “launched a thousand ships” wore a large sapphire. King Solomon was also familiar with the sapphire, and his beloved described him as a bridegroom, saying “His body is carved ivory inlaid with sapphires. Century after century, the sapphire has been used as a symbol of love that’s a rare treasure.

Much more recently, the ring that Princess Diana picked out as her engagement ring made headlines when Prince William presented it to Kate Middleton. The ring that now sits on the left hand of the Duchess of Cambridge is a stunning 18-carat oval-shaped sapphire framed by numerous diamonds. Apples of Gold’s 14K Gold Princess Di Sapphire and Diamond Ring channels this famous style, surrounding an oval sapphire with a dozen round diamonds, all set on a 14K yellow gold band.

If a proposal is on your mind for the month of September, consider popping the question with a sapphire engagement ring. Decades before Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond ring became famous, several movie stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age, including Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford and Elizabeth Taylor, wore sapphire engagement rings. Such rings are perfect for a love that’s both true-blue and that’s uniquely beautiful.

Sapphires can also help to express a faith that’s true, through designs like the Sapphire Cross Diamond Pendant. This cleanly sculpted cross seems to radiate from an oval sapphire accented with four round diamonds, creating a simple but powerful statement.

The combination of sapphire and diamonds is particularly stunning, creating a contrast that brings to mind an evening sky filling with stars on a crisp fall evening. The Sapphire Ring with Diamond Accents gives an elegant nod to a star-dotted horizon as an oval sapphire is hugged by two smaller diamonds, all set on a flat, smooth 14K white gold band. Or, go a bit bolder with the 14K white gold Sapphire and 0.30 Carat Diamond Ring, which features an eye-grabbing 7mm-high emerald-cut sapphire accented by two clusters of dazzling diamonds.

Apples of Gold’s Sapphire and Diamond Channel Ring showcases the gorgeous contrast between the gemstones it contains in simple, sophisticated fashion. Six sapphires and five diamonds alternate to create a ring with timeless appeal and modern sensibility. The Sapphire & Diamond Hoop Earrings utilize this same simple concept of alternating diamonds and sapphires to create a pair of earrings you’ll wear over and over again. A total of 12 gems adorn these 14K white gold hoops, which fasten with a secure lever back.

Sterling silver sapphire styles are affordable choices for sapphire lovers, and Apples of Gold carries a number of options that allow you to don this gorgeous blue color—or to give it as a gift—on a budget. For example, the 1.70 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Pendant in .925 Sterling Silver would be well-received by nearly any woman, with its 7mm-high oval-shaped sapphire, three diamonds and unique swirled-design bale.

Sapphire’s timeless appeal makes it particularly fitting for vintage designs, as it both blends seamlessly with the styles of the past and adds a richness to them that’s perfect for the present.  The Art Deco Sapphire Engagement Ring is a stunning example. A 14K yellow gold lotus flower opens to reveal a gorgeous ½ carat round sapphire. The cool, deep color of this stone pops against a warm, graceful backdrop. A 14K white gold band engraved with elegant swirls provides addition contrast, both in color and in texture. This 1920s-inspired design is truly unique and unquestionably beautiful.

Of course, sapphire also plays a breathtaking starring role in contemporary designs. The Diamond and Trillion Shaped Sapphire Earrings dangle with modern flair. Two trillion-cut sapphires, each accented by a small diamond, provide a contemporary angular look.

Did you know that sapphires are actually closely related to the ruby? Both gemstones are varieties of the mineral corundum. As such they are incredibly hard, outranked in this category only by the diamond, and as a result, sapphires have a staying power that few gems can match.

The enduring beauty of sapphire poises jewelry that features it to become treasured heirlooms that will only grow in their appeal as the years go by. Every piece in Apples of Gold’s collection of sapphire jewelry is created with a strong commitment to quality, ensuring that each one is suited to be passed down to future generations.

As summer transitions to fall, sapphire captures a time that’s never long enough. This September, why not celebrate the fleeting beauty of the evening with a sapphire ring, pendant or pair of earrings? The beauty of these pieces will last long after the days have grown short.

See also: Pink Sapphire Rings, Silver Sapphire Jewelry

Related: Peridot Rings, Peridot and Diamond Rings

Peridot has long been loved as a gemstone for jewelry—it’s been used in adornments for over 3,000 years! Peridot has been found in pieces of Egyptian jewelry dating back to the second millennium B.C., and some historians think that Cleopatra was a fan of this gem a thousand years later. Regardless of whether or not the famous Pharaoh wore peridot, its beauty and vibrancy are more than fit for royalty.

See also: Peridot Engagement Rings

The Romans recognized that the look of peridot was something special: they nicknamed this gemstone the “emerald of the evening” because it appeared to be the same color in any lighting conditions—even when illuminated by only the dim, artificial light that was used after dusk. Peridot is also unique in that it’s one of just a few gemstones that naturally occur in only one color.

Actually a variety of the mineral olivine, the color of this eye-catching gem is indeed a bit olive-like. And, like the Mediterranean climate in which olives thrive, peridot is drenched in sunlight. The presence of iron gives this gem its one-of-a-kind good looks, creating a color that brings to mind all the best that the warmest season of the year has to offer.

Classic styles will take you from summer to summer without missing a beat, and the Five Stone Peridot Ring in 14K white gold is a summery take on a style that’s made to endure. Containing 1.5 total carats of round peridots, this ring will never go out of fashion or fail to add a refreshing touch of color.

Peridot pairs stunningly with a diamond, and the beauty of this paring is seen clearly in adaptations of timeless designs. In the Three Stone Diamond and Peridot Ring a 0.25-carat round diamond is framed by two ever-so-slightly-smaller round peridots, all set in your choice of 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold or platinum by request. Or, if you’d rather let these two gemstones reverse roles, consider the Three Stone Peridot and Diamond Ring, which allows a 4mm round peridot to star while 0.15-carat diamonds take on supporting roles. In the 1.75 Carat Oval Cut Peridot & Diamond Ring (http://applesofgold.com/SPR8195PD.html), peridot becomes even more prominent: a bold, sizeable green gemstone is sure to turn heads, while four smaller diamonds add complimentary accents.

Peridot earrings are a lovely way to bring a touch of light and color to your face, whether you choose a classic look or trendier style. Apple’s of Gold’s Peridot Teardrop Earrings add a light yet glamorous touch to an array of summer looks. Teardrop-shaped peridots dangle gingerly inside sleek sterling silver teardrops, creating a look that’s as refreshing as a summer rain. This pair is sophisticated but never stuffy, and at 2” long, they draw just the right amount of attention.

Of course, you can never go wrong with a pair of basic but eye-catching Peridot Stud Earrings, available in your choice of color and style, as well as your choice of push-back or screw-back posts. They partner beautifully with any peridot ring or pendant, and can add a pleasing pop of color all on their own.

If you’d rather allocate most of your summer spending to a vacation in the sun, peridot is an ideal pick! As a semi-precious gemstone, peridot is relatively affordable, leaving you plenty of cash for a sunny getaway. In fact, peridot styles often cost just half the price of styles that feature another popular green gemstone: the emerald.

Peridot has been popular during numerous time periods throughout history, including medieval times and in the Baroque period. Its beauty is truly timeless and its vivid, life-filled color makes old styles fresh again. This is gorgeously demonstrated in Apples of Gold’s selection of vintage peridot rings. Apples of Gold’s Enchanted Peridot Ring in 14K White Gold adds a vibrant twist to a Victorian-style engraved design. Lush with feminine beauty, this handmade ring is also available in 14K yellow gold, 18K gold or platinum. In the Vintage Filigree Peridot Ring, peridot freshens a century-old filigree design. The round, green stone is placed in a unique octagon-shaped .925 Sterling Silver setting for a look that transcends trends and is easy on your wallet.

As fitting as peridot is for vintage designs, it adapts just as effortlessly to contemporary looks. The Oval Shaped Contemporary Peridot Pendant places a single round peridot in a modern, teardrop-shaped design, crafted from cool, 10K white gold. Or, for a look with a bit of an edge, try the Trillion-Cut Peridot and Diamond Ring. This simple, up-to-the-minute look accents a 0.75-carat peridot with four round diamonds, creating a look that’s fresh and dripping with class.

The verdant look of peridot makes it ideal for expressing a love that’s full of life, and heart pendants that feature this gem are lovely gifts for anyone with whom you share a life-filled relationship, no matter when their birthday falls. For example, the Heart-Shaped Peridot and Diamond Pendant, is sure to show that the love you share is vibrant and alive. Although red is the color most often associated with love and the heart, the graceful green in this necklace’s heart-shaped peridot proves that red is far from the only color that can say “I love you.”

Peridot is the perfect birthstone for the last full month of summer—the month when many of us try to squeeze in every last drop of sunshine before the days grow cooler and shorter once again. This August, add some sunshine and life to your style with the unique look of peridot.

Related: Peridot Pendants

Jewelry takes up little room in your suitcase, but it gives you a lot of bang for your buck when you’re trying to dress in style without hauling half your closet with you. In fact, you might even be able to pack less when you have the right jewelry to give your look a boost. Don’t leave home this summer without at least one of these vacation essentials!

The 28″ Labradorite Bead Necklace is the perfect piece to add a light, breezy accent to any vacation ensemble from beachwear to a dress for a romantic dinner under the stars. The signature iridescence of labradorite, a variety of the mineral feldspar, perfectly complements any colors, taking this necklace from the first day of your vacation to the last without missing a beat. Faceted beads of this mineral are perfectly combined with sterling silver hoops and discs to create a fun, fashionable accent you’ll love to put on.

Summer is the season of bare arms, and what better season than the present for bracelets? The Handmade Hammered Oxidized Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet exhibits handmade character that makes it hard to take off. This simple bangle is pounded into shape with care and exhibits a dark oxidized color that usually comes with repeated wear. Like your favorite, broken-in pair of sandals, this bracelet feels instantly familiar.

A rope bracelet is a subtle basic that always works, no matter where your travels take you, and Apples of Gold carries a wide variety to suit your vacation style perfectly. From the petite 1.5mm Rope Bracelet in 14K white gold to the bolder 6mm Rope Bracelet in solid 14K yellow gold, choose the width, length and metal that you like best for a style that you can leave on your wrist all trip long.

Basic earrings are a sure way to add style to whatever attire is in your suitcase. Hoops are an established classic and any kind, from the demure to the daring, will always give your look a pulled-together touch. However, if you’d like to switch things up a bit this vacation, try hoops with a twist, such as the Thin Swirl Design Earrings in Sterling Silver. These dangling mid-size hoops are just as versatile as their plain counterparts, but they add a lively swirl that curls in from one side of each loop. Like a calming ocean wave or a mountain breeze, this little stylistic touch is instantly refreshing and always welcome.

Pearl earrings are another time-honored jewelry tradition, but this vacation, why not try an on-trend variation of this classic? Apples of Gold’s Natural Freshwater Chocolate Pearl Earrings are a gorgeous bronze color that’s perfect for the season of sun. Set in 14K gold, they’re far from mere costume jewelry. These classy studs will adapt to whatever you choose to wear, no matter how dressy or casual. Whether you’re traveling to the beach or many miles from it, these earrings will be a welcome accent.

These fresh, light basics will take your vacation style up a notch, whether you’re heading to the mountains, to the shore or to going to visit family. Slip at least one of Apples of Gold’s vacation jewelry essentials into your suitcase to keep you looking stylish, no matter how long you stay. Have a great trip!

Yellow Gold Wedding Bands

This classic choice for wedding bands is still the go-to gold for many brides and grooms. Yellow gold evokes a sophisticated approach to jewelry that is an excellent choice for traditional-style rings as well as bands with varied motifs. Yellow gold is usually found online in at least 14K gold, but is also available in 18K gold from many retailers. This precious metal is actually an alloy of gold and other metals to give it the right hardness to form jewelry. Shoppers can find every type of gold band online from simple, plain, and polished to complex, patterned, and extravagant. A classic choice for today’s bride and groom, yellow gold is always in style, and promises to maintain its luster long after the vows are said.

Featured Above: Gold Hammered Wedding Vow Wedding Band Ring

White Gold Wedding Bands

White gold is seen as the more contemporary of golds because of its clean, modern color. Couples are steering toward this neutral color choice because it goes well with any style and looks beautiful with diamonds. White gold is also an alloy of gold and white-colored metals like nickel and silver. Online shoppers should look for a 14K white gold ring to ensure the band has that bright white color, and anything lower than 14K white gold could look slightly yellowish, especially over time. White gold is white hot right for its sleek, shiny look that can be gorgeous as a plain band or as a intricately carved piece of art. The selection online is practically endless for this popular precious metal.

Featured: White Gold Paisley Wedding Band Ring

Rose Gold Wedding Bands

This pink-tinted gold is actually a combination of gold (naturally yellow) and copper, along with select other metals to create appropriate hardness. Rose gold usually comes in 14K, much like other varieties of gold. Rose gold is no longer reserved for just ladies looking for a feminine wedding band. This color gold is available in many different forms, and shopping online opens a world of possibilities with the ring. Customers still wanting the feminine look can go with a floral motif wedding band, while men wanting something more sturdy have options like the hammered finish. Whatever your desires, rose gold bands from online jewelry retailers offer a much broader selection than anything in stores.

Featured: Rose Gold Wedding Band Ring

Two Tone Wedding Bands

Two-tone gold rings are usually comprised of yellow gold and white gold, though sometimes rose gold is substituted, too. The two-tone look has blossomed online because of the variety available. In stores, couples may only find a few choice of two-tone rings, but online there are a wealth of choices. Two-tone rings offer a unique marriage of metals that also embodies the idea of two becoming one. This aesthetic significance makes two-tone gold wedding bands an ideal choice for couples who want to add meaning to their rings in a beautiful way. Two-tone rings can come in simple designs or elaborate ones, like a braided look. The dual color look is also popular for Celtic-style rings or those with special patterns that can feature one gold in the center of the band and the other as the base.

Featured:  Two-Halves Wedding Band Ring

Tri-Color Wedding Bands

Tri-color gold wedding bands bring the best of three together in gorgeous form. Yellow gold, white gold and rose gold make up these pretty trios that are usually comprised of 14K golds. There are usually very, very few tri-color rings (if any) in standard jewelry storefronts, so online is the way to go for this superb look. Braided designs are an excellent way to display all three colors while bringing the significance of two lives woven together into the wedding band. This is just one example of the beauty of the tri-color design, but couples have many other options for a triple-colored wedding ring. Shopping for tri-color wedding bands online has never been better because the current selection can’t be beat.

Featured: Tri-Color Gold Braided Wedding Band Ring

Platinum Wedding Bands

Perhaps the most premium of wedding metals, platinum surely stands out among the rest. Platinum is one of the most pure metals used for wedding bands, with purity usually coming in at 95 percent. As a naturally white metal, platinum never loses its luster, making it a very appealing choice for brides and grooms who want a low-maintenance ring. Additionally, that brilliant white color is modern, fresh, and goes with practically every style. Platinum wedding bands do come with a higher price tag than gold bands, but shopping online can help couples find a great deal on a beautiful platinum ring. Jewelry stores in malls can’t compete with the range of prices and styles that exist online for platinum wedding bands.

Featured: Platinum Hammered Wedding Band Ring

Silver Wedding Bands

On the other end of the price spectrum is silver. This economical but beautiful metal isn’t usually an option in regular jewelry stores. Most carry only gold, platinum and some alternative metal rings, but silver is quite often left out of the mix. Not so online. Instead, silver gets a star role for its outstanding price margin and fabulous selection. With options online ranging from plain silver bands to intricately detailed rings, brides and grooms will be able to find that beautiful ring that doesn’t break their wedding budget. Turning to online jewelry retailers is the smartest, most affordable way to get the ring you want to say “I do!” with.

Featured: Silver Paisley Wedding Band Ring

Titanium Wedding Bands

This alternative metal is turning up everywhere online, and for good reason. The titanium boasts many great properties, like extreme strength. It’s also a very lightweight ring that feels great on your finger. Titanium bands in stores are limited, but online shoppers can find an abundance of options from sleek to stunning. The price is right, too, with titanium, because it is significantly less costly than gold wedding bands. The benefits of titanium don’t just lie in money, though. The naturally found metal is also hypoallergenic—perfect for those with sensitive skin. Couples shopping for wedding bands online should definitely take a look at this unique and versatile metal.

The beauty of a wedding band is that it is a just-for-you piece of jewelry. Couples need to find rings that suit their personal style, budget, and desire. They also need wedding bands they can wear everyday. Simply put, most storefront jewelry stores can’t offer the extensive range of wedding bands that most brides and grooms need to be happy. Why limit yourself to what’s under the glass case when online shopping opens up near-endless opportunites to your shopping experience? Every kind of metal and style is found online, from classic yellow gold to cutting-edge titanium. Making the choice to switch is easy: shopping for wedding bands online will be your best decision yet for a stress-free wedding planning experience.

The metal has many unique properties that make it desirable for a wedding ring, because the band needs to last a lifetime. Titanium has incredible strength, especially for its weight. In fact, the metal has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any known substance, making it the strongest metal for the least amount of heavy bulk. This could be an important factor for active couples or those who want a very light ring that won’t weigh them down. For titanium wedding bands pros & cons, couples should also consider the durability of the metal. Titanium is an extremely durable metal, partly due to strength. Titanium’s durability is also a result of its naturally corrosion-resistant quality. So titanium wedding bands will not interact with body chemistry, like oils, and will not corrode when exposed to certain environments, like salt water. That means any titanium wedding ring will not tarnish, either. Unlike gold, titanium maintains its color, which is a rich, deep grey that looks great on anyone. In addition to titanium’s extreme durability and resistance to corrosion, the metal is also naturally hypoallergenic and bio-compatible. This is important for brides and grooms who may have sensitive skin that reacts with nickel or gold and leaves an irritation. Those with sensitive skin won’t have to worry about their titanium wedding band because the metal won’t leave a mark.

Continuing the exploration of titanium wedding bands pros & cons, let’s consider the style and price of the metal. Titanium is becoming more versatile as a metal for wedding rings, with different patterns, designs, and even precious stones included in the rings. Customers won’t have to settle for a just a plain titanium band any more—instead, they can find a titanium wedding band that offers all the style as traditional metals do. In terms of price, titanium is significantly less expensive than gold wedding bands. This allows couples to stretch their budget for other wedding items, which any bride and groom will count as a blessing.

Looking at titanium wedding bands pros & cons, we’ll see that there are some considerations for the ring that need attention. For example, titanium rings cannot be re-sized because of their superior strength. This means couples will have to be very careful about the size they order, because a jeweler cannot stretch and rework the metal, like gold. Also, couples should consider if they have considerable weight and gain or loss as part of their lifestyle, because a titanium wedding ring will maintain its size, but their finger may not. There’s always the option to the wear the ring as a pendant on a necklace, but this may not appeal to everyone. Titanium is also a metal that doesn’t shine as much as gold. Even with a high polish, titanium doesn’t buff out as well as precious metals.

This look at titanium wedding bands pros & cons will help couples decide if this attractive alternative metal is right for their lifestyle, budget, and fashion. The metal is excellent for active couples, but it may not be best for brides and grooms who want the flexibility of resizing rings.

For many brides and grooms, budget is a priority. While it might be easy to dream big when it comes to wedding jewelry, the cost of doing so may shorten the joy of the wedding when big bills must be paid. Couples can stay within their budget by deciding what elements are important to them in a ring. If they’re looking for that bright white color, white gold might be the perfect choice.

White gold is a very popular metal for wedding bands today because of its gleaming white color and affordable price ranges. What many buyers may not realize is that white gold is actually an alloy of gold and other metals. Since pure gold is a yellow color naturally, other metals are mixed with it to give white gold its white color. Typically, white gold is an alloy of gold and naturally white metals like silver, palladium, nickel, or zinc. These metals may cause some wearers light irritation, so couples should make sure the metals used in their wedding band don’t present an issue. The metals used in gold alloys also allow the gold to be strengthened, since pure gold isn’t strong enough to make jewelry with. The purity of a white gold alloy is measured in carats, with 24 carats (24K) being pure gold. White gold wedding bands are usually made of 14K gold, which is about 58 percent gold and 42 percent other metals.

Couples searching for white gold wedding bands should also consider the maintenance and care required to keep the bands looking brilliant. Since white gold can be scratched, most rings are coated with an even harder white metal. This substance, called rhodium, brightens the ring but it will eventually wear off. White gold can be re-coated with rhodium as needed (about once a year) at nearly any jewelry shop for a low cost. White gold bands will show wear and tear, but the metal is much more economical than platinum.

As the more expensive of the precious metals, platinum does fend off wear and tear a little better than white gold and requires less maintenance in the long term. But, platinum also weighs more, too. The metal is denser than gold and some couples may not want a heavier ring to wear every day. Platinum offers a higher value in terms of purity, since it is 95 percent pure in most wedding bands. Unlike white gold, which is alloyed for jewelry at 75 percent purity or less, platinum offers a much higher value in precious metal wear. Platinum wedding bands also bring a naturally white color that is bright enough not to require rhodium plating. This highly valued metal does come with a higher price tag–sometimes 300 percent higher than gold wedding bands. While this may seem sky-high, the benefits of platinum ensure the ring will last a lifetime.

When couples are searching for their perfect wedding ring and are faced with a choice between white gold and platinum, they should consider the benefits and disadvantages to each. Budget may be the priority or perhaps durability is what’s important. Either way, both of these precious metals make for beautiful wedding bands.

Featured: Platinum Braided Wedding Band (above/left), White Gold Paisley Wedding Band (right).

While many of these qualities fluctuate over time, the jewelry industry is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC determines how jewelers and jewelry retailers can term precious and semi-precious stones. This gives consumers buying gemstone rings some protection from being deceived into buying what they only think is a highly valued stone. While these definitions help, there is no set, unchanging list that permanently categorizes gemstones because market demands change often. Cultural importance usually defines what gemstone rings are valuable and which are not, historically speaking.

The quality of a gemstone in terms of cut, brilliance, size and polish will also influence the value of it. Even though diamonds are highly valued today, a poorly cut diamond with many flaws will probably cost less than a premium, semi-precious stone like a topaz that is flawless. So, determining what kind of quality stone is desired is important for customers buying gemstone rings.

Precious Gemstone Rings

The following stones are highly przed and valued for their rarity, brilliance, color, symmetry, durability, and cultural popularity in gemstone rings.

Diamond

Perhaps the most well known gemstone, the diamond ring is practically a category all its own. Diamonds come in various colors, found naturally and man-made, but the most common or popular is the white diamond. Diamonds are prized for being the hardest natural substance, rating a ten on the Mohs scale of hardness, and for their extreme brilliance. Diamonds are very popular as gemstone engagement rings and have become the most traditionally used precious gemstone in marriage proposals.

See: Diamond Rings, Diamond Jewelry

Emerald

Deep green signifies the precious emerald gemstone ring. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it’s an eight, which is actually the softest of the precious gems. Typically, the richer the green color, the higher the value is for emeralds. The verdant color comes from very small amounts of vanadium and chromium, but the stone is derived from the beryl mineral.

See: Emerald Jewelry, Emerald Rings

Ruby

Corundum is also the mineral responsible for this scarlet beauty. Ruby gemstone rings are also known as red sapphires, and are popular for their luxurious red color, which consumers prefer to be transparent. Allowing light to shine from the stone is important to reveal its brilliance, so stones that are too opaque are usually not as popular or valuable.

Ruby Rings, Ruby Jewelry

Sapphire

These precious gemstone rings are known for their gorgeous color, the best well known of which is blue. The color of a blue sapphire is different from a topaz or aquamarine—instead, it has a deep blue color, similar to navy. Titanium and chromium are responsible for the hue in this stone, which comes from the corundum mineral (which is also the mineral of diamonds). The sapphire has a hardness of nine on the Mohs scale.

Sapphire Rings, Sapphire Jewelry

Semi-Precious Gemstone Rings

These gemstone rings typically cost less than the precious stones, but they offer beautiful qualities all their own.

Amethyst

This is one of the most popular semi-precious gemstone rings. Amethysts actually used to be precious, but large deposits were found and so the reduced rarity made it a semi-precious stone. They are typically popular for their purple color, which ranges from bluish-purple to reddish-purple, and the stone itself is transparent. All ranges of the amethyst stone are using gemstone rings, and the amethyst comes from the mineral quartz.

Amethyst Rings, Amethyst Jewelry

Aquamarine

Another popular semi-precious stone for rings, the aquamarine is a pale blue color that can also have a blue-green tint. Aquamarine stones come from the beryl mineral, and are becoming increasingly valuable due to their rarity.

Aquamarine Rings, Aquamarine Jewelry

Citrine

This sunny-colored gemstone comes in bright yellow, gold hue, or brownish orange because of the iron that’s present in the mineral. Citrine is of the mineral quartz and is a transparent stone that usually has very few inclusions. It used to be mistakenly called “gold topaz,” but it does cast a warm golden glow and is naturally a fairly rare stone.

Citrine Rings, Citrine Jewelry

Garnet

Garnets usually invoke a red color to mind, but these gems can also range in hue from black to green, and even come up colorless in some cases. The garnet gem comes from silicate minerals and make for excellent gemstone rings.

Garnet Rings, Garnet Jewelry

Jade

Jade also comes in a range of colors including white, green, red, pink, violet, and black or brown. This diversely colored stone is known for its high strength and durability, and is formed from the minerals jadeite and nephrite. This mineral stone is also better suited for oval, round, and flat shapes in rings, rather than as a faceted stone.

Kunzite

Pale as a pink rose, kunzite is distinct in color and beauty. It comes from the mineral spodumene and shows off wonderful color variations at different angles, which can range from the pale pink already noted to a violet color. It is a transparent gem that is frequently given an emerald cut for rings to best display its beauty.

See: Vintage Kunzite Ring

Opal

Opals are a unique stone that displays many different colors. Their base often appears a milky white, but colors like red, purple, blue, green, and yellow typically shine through and appear at different angles. The opal stone is composed of hydrous silicon dioxide and ranges in clarity from transparent to opaque.

See: Opal and Diamond Heart Pendant

Peridot

This stone is known for its a greenish-yellow color that can also range to brownish-green. The popular shade is a verdant yellow-green with clarity. Some peridots have inclusions, or flaws, in the stone, but ultimately they are transparent and lovely for any ring.

Peridot Rings, Peridot Jewelry

Topaz

Topaz is actually a clear mineral in its purest form, but more commonly, impurities make the gemstone a different color. The most popular topaz gemstone ring is blue, which has four shades of variation. The topaz is also present in gemstone rings in pink, red, green, yellow, and brown. The stone typically has great clarity that makes it a wonderful choice for gemstone rings.

Topaz Rings, Topaz Jewelry

Turquoise

Turquoise brings the best of robin’s egg blue to mind, which is the most valuable shade of this gemstone. It also comes in bluish-green, sky blue, and green colors. This gemstone is soft in nature and rarely cut into a faceted stone. Instead, most turquoise gemstones are bead-like in shape. Made from an aluminum phosphate and hydrated copper, this blue stone is popular in Native American jewelry.

Turquoise Jewelry

Tanzanite

This lovely purple and blue colored stone is named for its country of discovery, Tanzania. The gemstone comes from the mineral zoisite, and exhibits many beauty qualities. Different shades of tanzanite are revealed in different lighting situations, like fluorescent lighting and incandescent lighting. Tanzanite is a fairly rare gem that is popular for its violet color and brilliance.

Tanzanite Rings, Tanzanite Jewelry

These semi-precious gems are some of the most popular for today’s gemstone rings, but others include: iolite, onyx, zircon, tourmaline, spinel, carnelian, jasper, agate, and many others.

Precious and semi-precious gemstone rings vary in quality, color, cut, brilliance and shape. The variety available from these stones is astounding and makes for wonderful gemstone rings. Whether selecting the highly precious diamond ring or the uniquely lovely kunzite stone, customers can find the best gemstone ring to fit their budget and personality.

When you’re in the market for a 1 carat diamond ring, it’s essential to understand the quality of the diamond you’re considering. The 4 Cs of diamonds can provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision:

• Color actually refers to a lack of color when it comes to high-quality diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America likens the highest quality diamonds to a drop of pure water with no hue whatsoever. Color is indicated on a D-to-Z scale, with D indicating a colorless diamond and subsequent letters indicating increasing amounts of color.
• Clarity refers to the lack of flaws, known as inclusions. The flaws of diamonds with slight inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, but those of stones with more significant inclusions will be visibly noticeable.
• Cut can signify both the shape of the diamond and the skill with which it was cut. The cut affects the way a diamond reflects light, and a diamond that is more skillfully cut will appear more brilliant.
• Carat refers to diamond size. If you’re already looking for a 1 carat diamond ring, you’ve already determined which size you’d like, but be sure to find out if “1 carat” refers to the total weight of all the stones in the ring or the weight of one stone if you’re looking at rings with multiple diamonds.

One of the most important factors in buying a 1 carat diamond ring (or any diamond ring) is to choose a jeweler that you trust. Be sure you’re aware of a retailer’s customer service policies before you buy, including their return policy and any warranties they offer. Look for a jeweler that’s willing to stand behind what they sell by the service they offer. For example, Apples of Gold offers a 45-day return policy and a 90-day warranty on all jewelry, as well as a 365-day warranty on all wedding bands.

Price is also an important factor when buying a 1 carat diamond ring. While any diamond ring of quality will cost more than mere pennies, do your homework to make sure that you’re getting a good value. Apples of Gold is committed to value pricing and by eliminating the middle man, they’re able to set their prices an average of 40 percent lower than average retail prices.

Selecting a 1 carat diamond ring is no small decision! However, by considering the 4 Cs, as well as the jeweler and the price, you can buy with confidence.

Featured, Above/Left: 1 Carat Three Stone Princess Cut Diamond Ring, Above/Right: 1 Carat Three Stone Diamond Ring, Left: 1 Carat Art Deco Diamond Ring