Vintage wedding rings were much-loved picks over the past year. For instance, the Paisley Engraved Wedding Band in 14K White Gold is inspired by the feminine motifs of the Victorian Era. An expertly-carved paisley design wraps around this ring in lively fashion, bordered by fine lines of milgrain and smooth edges.

Hammered wedding rings allow sophistication and rugged good looks to meet, and when they do, the result is a simple but powerful picture of the resiliency of your love. Several of the most popular styles of 2012 were hammered pieces. For instance, the 14K White Gold Hammered Wedding Band Ring combines a brushed, pounded-finish center with smooth, polished edges. It’s a great pick for both men and women.

Many of the top wedding rings of the year contained extra touches of significance that make them even more meaningful. For instance, braided styles provide a picture of the way that two lives are woven into one. The 14K Tri-Color Gold Braided Wedding Band is a particularly stunning example, braiding strands of yellow, white and rose gold into an eye-catching motif that wraps the band as a symbol of your connection. Yellow gold borders pull the look together and add a big dose of class.

Several Christian wedding bands were also top picks in 2012, including the Song of Solomon Cross Wedding Band in White Gold. This simple style serves as a reminder of the faith that’s central to your relationship. A thin outline of a cross accents this flat, polished 14K white gold ring, but that’s not the only way that it communicates your dependence on God and your gratitude to Him for bringing the two of you together. The inside of this band is engraved with your choice of verses, allowing you to add a personalized message of faith. Choose one of several sample verses, such as “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine,” or opt for any verse of your choice, up to 225 characters.

Titanium bands were another popular option for wedding bands, as were Celtic designs. The Titanium Celtic Wedding Band Ring exhibits both. This sleek style is wrapped with a modern version of the infinity knot, a Celtic motif that many have used to represent love without end. The titanium from which it’s crafted is incredibly strong, making it an ideal symbol of the fortitude of your relationship. This ring is available in a matte, satin or polished finish for a variety of contemporary looks.

These may have been some of the best wedding rings of 2012, but that doesn’t mean that they’re on the way out. Any would be a fitting symbol of love—for a 2013 wedding and for a lifetime.