Vintage styles are an obvious theme in the best jewelry of 2013, but that’s not all the top five have to offer. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best jewelry of the year:

The Antique-Style 1/3 Carat Diamond Wedding Ring Set: This vintage bridal ring set is a celebration of love that’s made to last. A third-carat round diamond is the focal point of this striking pair; it glimmers elegantly from the engagement ring and is surrounded by a meticulously-crafted design of swirls and openwork that calls to mind the feminine motifs of the Victorian Era. The slender, perfectly coordinating wedding band curves alongside this ring in perfect harmony, creating a picture of the way that a husband and wife walk through life as one.

The Vintage Rose Kunzite Ring in .925 Sterling Silver: Also inspired by the Victorian Era, this antique-style gemstone ring places a softly glimmering gemstone in a distinctive setting. A sizable oval-shaped kunzite, a unique stone with a demure violet-purple hue, is perfectly complemented by numerous carved flowers that give this ring a decidedly ladylike feel. Crafted in top-quality .925 sterling silver, this ring is affordable as well as beautiful.

The 1/2 Carat Art Deco Black Diamond Ring: The glamour and excitement of the 1920s come to life in this classy ring. A half-carat round black diamond emerges from the petals of an opening lotus flower that’s been expertly crafted from 14K white gold. This shining blossom rises from a band that’s adorned with a carved leaf and swirl motif that provides the perfect contrast in texture, while keeping with the floral theme.

The Handmade Paisley Floral Wedding Band in 14K White Gold: The touch of a skilled craftsman is obvious in this handcrafted wedding ring. This Victorian-inspired band has been meticulously carved with a demure design of swirls and open flowers that captures the romance of a bygone era. Formed from cool 14K white gold, this 3mm-wide ring is soft and feminine, with a sweet sense of style that sets it apart.

The Emerald Cut Pink Topaz and Diamond Ring 14K White Gold: This attention-grabbing style gorgeously showcases one of the top trends of 2013: bright, eye-catching color. Like all pink topaz rings, this stunning piece features a vibrant gem that’s both bold and undeniably feminine. A 4.50-carat emerald-cut pink topaz, a full centimeter high, is the star of this ring, and it’s framed by glittering round diamonds. Additional diamonds stud the slender band that holds this show-stopping gem, contrasting its daring hue with colorless sparkle.

It’s not hard to see why these five pieces have earned the honor of being the best jewelry of 2013! These rings are impossible to ignore.

Gold

White gold wedding bands for men, as well as their yellow counterparts, are traditional picks, and they’re earned their classic status for good reason. Gold is an excellent all-around metal and can adapt to nearly any style, from timeless plain bands to those with unique Celtic or braided motifs.  The 14K White Gold Hammered Wedding Band Ring gives a 14K white gold style an added benefit: like all hammered wedding bands, it’s able to hide any dents and dings it incurs over the years. This rugged yet refined ring has a stylish pounded surface that stands out against the smooth, polished edges that frame it. Available in 4mm, 8mm or any other width you choose, this is a versatile band for nearly any guy.

If you’d rather a wedding band with a look that’s a little different, consider one of Apples of Gold’s rose gold wedding bands for men. These rings utilize a variety of gold that displays a warm, soft glow, a subtle variation on tradition. The Wide Square Wedding Band in 14K Rose Gold contrasts the soft hue of rose gold with a strong, bold design. This 8mm-wide band is given a squared off-look that sets it apart from other plain wedding rings. A highly-polished finish accentuates the unique form of this ring and draws attention to its color.

Silver

Silver is a top pick for budget-conscious guys, but its cool good looks make it a stylish one as well. While some shy away from silver because it tends to tarnish, silver wedding bands aren’t hard to clean and remain a solid pick for those trying to pinch pennies.

Platinum

Known as the most precious of metals used in wedding jewelry, platinum has a cool white luster that’s similar to that of white gold. Platinum wedding bands for men are luxurious picks, as well as good choices for those with metal sensitivities: as a pure metal, platinum is naturally hypoallergenic. The 6mm Knife Edge Platinum Wedding Band displays this shining metal with strong style. This sleek ring has a beveled, angled look that gives it a modern yet timeless sensibility.

Titanium

Titanium is known for its strength—and it is exceptionally strong—but there’s far more to this metal than brawn. Like platinum, titanium is naturally hypoallergenic; it’s also non-corrosive, which means that it won’t rust or tarnish. However, unlike platinum, it’s a relatively affordable pick. This sleek, modern metal has a cool grey look that’s understated and contemporary.

The metal you choose can make a big difference in the appearance and the performance of your wedding band. Use this guide to choose one that’s right for you.

Updated shapes dominate in many modern wedding bands for men. For example, the 14K White Gold Concave Wedding Band turns the shape of the traditional wedding ring inside out as it curves inward toward the wearer’s finger from the edges rather than upward. A highly-polished finish draws attention to the unique form of this minimalistic yet striking 14K white gold band. If you prefer, this contemporary band is also available in 14K yellow gold, 18K white gold or platinum by request.

Updated designs are also popular elements on men’s modern wedding bands, and several of the styles in Apples of Gold’s collection take centuries-old motifs and reimagine them in a way that’s completely fresh. For instance, the Kendrick Celtic Wedding Band in 14K Two-Tone Gold reinterprets a time-honored Celtic knot design, giving it a slightly angular look that’s perfect for the present. This motif is sculpted from gleaming 14K yellow gold as it wraps in never-ending fashion around this eye-catching ring. This design sits atop an 8mm wide band that provides a pop of contrast, drawing extra attention to this ring’s up-to-the-minute motif. This is just one of Apples of Gold’s men’s two-tone wedding bands with a decidedly modern personality.

A modern metal can also render a men’s wedding band a contemporary option. While gold, platinum and silver can certainly look up-to-date, when you choose a metal that’s a relative newcomer to the jewelry scene, you can be sure that you’ll get an up-to-the-minute piece. For example, men’s titanium wedding bands feature a metal that’s not only incredibly strong, remarkably lightweight and naturally hypoallergenic, but that also has a sleek, understated look that’s the epitome of cool.

The Black Titanium Wedding Band Ring is a simple yet striking example of titanium’s contemporary good looks. A single recessed black stripe wraps around this minimalistic design, adding an eye-catching, upscale accent. Available in your choice of widths, from 4mm wide to 10mm wide, you can customize this ring in proportion to your finger. You also have your pick of two finishes, polished or satin matte, allowing you to choose a band with impressive shine or one with understated sheen.

Cobalt is another modern metal choice, and rings that feature it are both contemporary and classy. For instance, the 6mm Satin-Finished Beveled Cobalt Wedding Band Ring communicates a sense of undeniable class as it combines two textures in one modern style. A satin-finish center contrasts with highly-polished beveled edges in stunning fashion.

From bands with updated shapes to rings with reinterpreted motifs to pieces crafted with modern metals, today’s men have plenty of contemporary options! Try one of these rings to communicate that your love is perfect for the present.

Vintage wedding rings for women are popular picks, not only for their good looks, but also for their ability to represent the timelessness of your love. The styles of these rings have proven their staying power, and the fact that they’ve retained their appeal decade after decade allows them to serve as more-than-fitting symbols of a lasting relationship.

Quality craftsmanship is a hallmark of vintage styles, contributing not only exquisite style but also fitting representations that you’re willing to give the very best to the one you love. For example, the Handmade Paisley Floral Wedding Band in 14K White Gold is expertly carved by hand with a graceful motif of flowers and paisley-like swirls. This detailed motif provides a look that’s soft yet stunning as it adorns this 3m-wide band. And, if 14K white gold isn’t your thing, this demure little ring is also available in 18K white gold, 14K yellow gold, 14K rose gold, platinum and sterling silver.

Flowers are a popular motif on vintage wedding bands, both with and without paisley, and their presence adds an unmistakable touch of romance. And, when these botanically-inspired patterns are paired with diamonds, they create a glittering picture of love that’s always in bloom. For instance, the Floret Diamond Wedding Band displays a row of 11 glittering diamonds, totaling nearly a quarter carat, placing them in a band with time-honored appeal. These channel-set gems glimmer as they’re framed by delicate milgrain edges, while a meticulously-carved repeating floret motif adorns the sides of this lovely 14K white gold piece. The design that’s lavished upon this striking, feminine wedding band matches the motif found on the 3/4 Carat Three Stone Princess Cut “Floret” Diamond Ring, allow this wedding band to serve as a perfect partner for a truly stunning engagement ring. These two rings are also available as a matching bridal ring set.

While vintage wedding bands are often thought of as styles for women, they’re not just for ladies! Apples of Gold carries a number of vintage men’s wedding bands, such as the Antiqued Celtic Knot Wedding Band. This 8mm-wide 14K white gold band is wrapped with a Celtic knot motif, an emblem that many have adopted as a symbol of eternity, creating a stylish picture of love without end. An antiqued finish makes this design stand out, while simultaneously giving this ring a look that’s cool and eye-catching.

Whether you think of them as something old or something new, vintage wedding bands are excellent options for expressing timeless love. These rings declare that your relationship has staying power.

They’re pictures of complementary love. In a healthy marriage, each person helps to make the other better as husband and wife complement one another’s strengths and each helps the other shine. Coordinating bridal ring sets capture this complementary nature, making pieces such as the 1.00 Carat Diamond Wedding Ring Set fitting ways to celebrate that you and the one your love help one another be the best that each of you can be. This glittering set features a 0.40 carat round center diamond and surrounds it with a halo of smaller diamonds. The band of both rings in this 14K white gold set are adorned with additional channel-set stones.

There’s no guesswork involved. When you pick a pair of rings that’s specifically be designed to go together, there’s no wondering whether or not the wedding band will complement the engagement ring and vice versa. By choosing a diamond bridal set, you guarantee that you’re going to get two perfectly coordinated pieces.

They’re more than the sums of their parts. The engagement ring and wedding band in matching bridal ring sets may each be beautiful on their own, but together they create a look that’s more stunning than either piece could be alone. This makes these pairs of rings ideal ways to symbolize that you and the one your love are better as a pair that either of you could be solo.

The 1 Carat Love’s Embrace Carat Diamond Bridal Ring Set in 14K Yellow Gold is an excellent example of a pair that’s more beautiful than the sum of its components. The pieces in this contemporary, asymmetrical set work in harmony to create a striking picture of all-enveloping love. A half carat round diamond serves as the focal point of this modern set as it rises from the engagement ring in a four-prong setting and overlooks a diamond-studded band that seems to loop around it like a hook-and-eye closure. The slender, coordinating wedding band nestles next to this engagement ring, perfectly meeting its every curve. A foundation of 14K yellow gold gives this up-to-the-minute style warm shine and timeless class.

They can save you a few bucks. In many cases, a matching bridal ring set costs less than the rings that comprise it would cost if purchased separately. Many gemstone bridal sets, such as the 1 Carat Garnet Art Deco Bridal Ring Set, 14K White Gold provide particularly affordable options. The engagement ring in this unique vintage style places a one-carat garnet within the petals of a graceful lotus flower that blossoms atop a band adorned with meticulously-carve leaves and swirls; a similarly adorned wedding band snuggles alongside. This set brings the 1920s to life and gives it a fresh burst of crimson glimmer.

There are plenty of reasons to pick a matching pair! Coordinating bridal sets are perfect expressions of complementary love.

The dazzle of a diamond engagement ring is a fitting symbol of the way that true love has the power to illuminate your heart even when you and the one you adore are separated by thousands of miles. For example, the 1/3 Carat Engraved Hearts Diamond Engagement Ring pairs a glittering diamond with timeless symbols of love in a sweet and sophisticated design. A third carat round diamond rises above this ring, held in a four-prong setting as it presides over a band that’s been carved with rows of tiny hearts. Carved swirls accent the sides of this band, while milgrain edges frame this design with elegance.

Purchasing a wedding band is also an excellent way to take advantage of Apples of Gold’s military discount, and the Braided Wedding Band Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold is a stylish and meaningful pick. This classy wedding band is wrapped with braided strands of 14K white gold, a symbol of the way that you and the one you love are being woven together. Milgrain borders and smooth polished edges contrast this braid in color and texture.

If you’d rather give the one you love a completely coordinated bridal jewelry look, take a look at Apples of Gold’s collection of diamond engagement ring and wedding band sets. Each of these pairs of rings combines two pieces to create a look that’s more beautiful than either could be alone, making them ideal representations of the connection between husband and wife. These sets can be especially meaningful for military couples: the way that these rings work together harmoniously can serve as a continual picture of your bond, even when you must be apart.

The 1 Carat Diamond Swirl Bridal Wedding Ring Set is a striking example of a bridal ring set in which the whole is more beautiful than the sum of its parts. A total of 45 dazzling diamonds adorn this unique and contemporary wedding jewelry set. A half carat round diamond is the star of this head-turning pair of rings; this round stone rises elegantly above this set as it’s held in a simple yet elegant four-prong setting. Two arcs of channel-set diamond embrace this stone from the right and the left, capturing the feeling that’s only found in the arms of your one special someone. A coordinating wedding band matches the curves of this lovely ring, while adding extra diamond-induced sparkle.

If you’re a member of the U.S. military, don’t forget to take advantage of Apples of Gold’s military discount—especially when you’re purchasing an engagement ring or wedding band. Let us say “thanks” by helping you say “I love you” for less.

While a tension setting may seem like a precarious way to hold a precious gem, it’s actually quite secure. Despite its name, this setting actually uses compression—not tension—to hold a stone in place in tiny groves that are cut into the band. Due to the high level of pressure that’s exerted on a stone to keep it firmly in place, the tension setting is only suited for gemstones that are quite hard, such as sapphires, rubies and, of course, diamonds.

The tension setting is a relatively new: it was invented by Friedrich Becker at Niessing, a German jewelry company, in the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until approximately two decades later that it began to be used in jewelry—and it’s been gaining fans ever since! Tension settings allow more of the gem to be put on display than other settings, such as a prong setting (in which a gem is held by prongs) or a channel-setting (in which a gem in set in a groove, or channel). And, since a tension setting leaves a stone bare on the bottom, it allows the maximum amount of light to pass through that stone, making it seem even more brilliant.

The Personalized Tension-Set Gemstone Birthstone Ring is a striking example of the tension setting. A 3mm (0.10 carat) round birthstone of your choice is squeezed by the simple,
shining 14K white gold band of this personalized piece, making it a modern way to remember someone you love or to celebrate your own birthday. Each side of this contemporary piece can be engraved with up to eight characters, allowing you to customize it with a name and a date.

Tension settings are an excellent way to add a unique look to wedding jewelry and they’re ideal for celebrating a love that makes you feel as though your heart is floating in midair. The Blue Titanium Sapphire Wedding Band Ring is a striking example of how a tension-set gem can make a wedding band extraordinary. A tension-set 3.5mm round sapphire seems to float as it’s held by a sleek 6mm-wide titanium band. A stripe of blue wraps around this ring, adding to its modern, colorful appeal, while the titanium that surrounds it has been polished to a nearly mirror-like shine. It’s a truly exquisite blue titanium wedding band.

The tension setting is also an excellent pick when popping the question, as demonstrated by the 1/2 Carat Tension Set Diamond Engagement Ring. This contemporary take on the classic diamond solitaire hugs a half-carat round diamond with two arms of 14K white gold that emerge from a simple, shining band.

A tension setting is a head-turning option, whether you’re looking for a piece to express your love or your fashion sense. This modern pick seems to elevate your look, no matter how you wear it.

Braided wedding bands use interweaving strands to create timeless looks, as well as to represent two people who are being woven together into one, never to be torn apart. And, just as a braid is stronger than any of the strands that comprise it, a husband and wife are stronger together than they are apart. The 14K White Gold Braided Wedding Band Ring is a classy example of braided style. This gleaming ring combines three textures to create a unified symbol of your inextricable bond with the one you love. A braid of flat strands wraps around the center of this ring, framed by thin rope-like accents and smooth, polished borders. This 14K white gold band measures 7.5mm wide, making it substantial but not overwhelming, and its elegant design renders it a ring with lasting appeal—and a lasting message.

Celtic wedding bands also use interweaving strands as they portray centuries-old Celtic knot motifs, as well as represent the intertwining of two hearts. Many people have adopted these designs as symbols of eternity, making them lovely ways to celebrate love that never comes to an end. The Titanium Celtic Knot Wedding Band Ring adapts one of these motifs to a flat band crafted of aircraft-grade titanium, and carves it simply into a sleek surface. This contemporary take on Celtic style is available in your choice of widths (6mm to 10mm) as well as your pick of finishes (matte, polished or satin). The metal from which this ring is made adds an additional touch of symbolism: titanium is incredibly strong, making it a perfect way to represent love that can stand up to whatever life throws at it.

Two-tone wedding bands use two contrasting metals, not only to create an eye-catching look, but also to represent two different people who come together to form a one beautiful whole. Each metal in these designs makes the other stand out, just as a husband and wife can complement one another and make one another better. The Two-Halves One Flesh Wedding Band Ring pairs 14K white gold and 14K yellow gold to create a unified representation of love. These two metals seamlessly form this flat, 7mm-wide band, the border between them curving gracefully as each color ebbs and flows.

Obvious symbols are far from your only options when you want a wedding band that’s rich with meaning. Consider a braided wedding band, a Celtic design or a two-tone style for a subtle symbol of love, presented with beauty.

Vintage wedding bands for women are particularly popular picks for brides these days. These feminine pieces bring a taste of the past to symbols of love without end, and are beautiful and meaningful ways to celebrate a love that will stand the test of time. While these designs may be inspired by the pieces that were popular several generations ago, their charm and meaning are always in good taste.

The Paisley Carved Wedding Band in 14K White Gold is a much-loved example of vintage styles’ appeal. This airy yet substantial 14K white gold style gorgeously displays a gracefully-curving paisley motif, framed by smooth, shining borders.

Of course, vintage styles aren’t the only way to go! Brides who are fans of modern looks or classic styles with a twist have many designs to choose from, including the 14K White Gold and Rose Gold Wedding Band. At first glance, this unique piece appears to be a plain brushed 14K white gold wedding band; however there’s more to this ring than first meets the eye. The sides and inner surface of this ring reveal a soft, warm surprise: shining rose gold. This contrasting color and texture is a creative way to represent the love that you share with only one.

For those in search of a completely coordinated bridal jewelry looks, one of Apples of Gold’s diamond bridal sets may be a perfect pick! These pairs of engagement rings and wedding bands are designed for each other, and when they’re nestled side by side they create stunning pictures of the way that a husband and wife who complement one another are truly better together than they are apart.

The 1 Carat Diamond Swirl Bridal Wedding Ring Set is an excellent example of a set in which two rings cooperate to form a unified symbol of love that’s more beautiful that either piece could be on its own. A glittering half-carat round diamond is the focal point of this contemporary pairing, and it’s joined by 44 smaller round diamonds that adorn the elegantly-curving bands of the both the engagement ring and the wedding band. These stones sweep up and around the center stone, creating the illusion of a wave of diamonds that washes over the wearer’s finger in perfect harmony. These two rings are perfect for one another and perfect for any bride looking for a modern way to symbolize her connection with the one she loves.

Pieces of bridal jewelry are far more than accessories for the wedding day—they’re lifelong symbols of love! And, a wedding band or bridal jewelry set that perfectly suits your personality is a celebration that you and the one you love are an excellent fit.

The heart has represented emotion for centuries. While it’s uncertain exactly when the symbol of the heat was first used to symbolize love, by the Middle Ages it was used to represent the love of Christ and it appeared in Christian art of that time period. Within a few centuries, the heart became associated with Valentine’s Day, solidifying its connection to a message of affection.

Regardless of exactly how the heart came to symbolize love, it’s not surprising that it’s long been connected with emotion. After all, when we’re in love, we feel it in our physical hearts as they flutter, pound and race when the one we love is near.

White gold wedding bands for women that feature hearts are an ideal way to celebrate a love that makes your heart skip a beat. The Eternal Heart Wedding Band Ring in 14K White Gold is wrapped in a ring of gleaming three-dimensional hearts bordered in clean lines of 14K white gold. This sweet wedding band is available in your choice of widths: 6mm or 7mm. In addition to 14K white gold, this design is available in several other solid colors as well as an array of two-tone combinations.

Diamond heart rings are ideal engagement rings as they convey your affection with both a time-honored symbol and the most brilliant and resilient of gems. A heart-shaped diamond is an unmistakable way to communicate your love—not to mention to pop the question in style—and the 3/4 Carat Heart Shaped Diamond Ring is a simply stunning selection. This unique ring provides a creative twist on the classic solitaire engagement ring by replacing the usual round or princess-cut gem with a ¾ carat heart-shaped diamond. This specially-shaped stone is held by a polished band of 14K white gold for a look that’s shining, sweet and sparkling.

If you’d prefer a more elaborately-styled diamond heart ring, consider the 1/2 Carat Diamond Heart Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold. A round glittering half-carat diamond presides over this feminine piece, overlooking a band that’s adorned with symbols of love. Numerous hearts are nestled side by side in the band of this gleaming piece, creating a look that makes no mistake about your affection. This lovely engagement ring pairs perfectly with the aforementioned heart wedding band. In addition to this cool 14K white gold style, this design comes in a two-tone variation that places yellow gold hearts against a white gold backdrop; you can also choose from a number of differently-sized diamonds for just the right amount of sparkle.

Whether you choose hearts in a wedding band, an engagement ring or both, these symbols of love are the perfect way to show your affection. Try one of these heart-laden pieces for a lasting reminder of love.