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.

Apples of Gold makes solid gold wedding bands affordable! Unlike most conventional jewelers, Apples of Gold doesn’t mark up their jewelry to two or even three times the original cost; instead, they seek to provide true value and their mark-up for jewelry is an average of 40 percent less than that of most traditional jewelry sellers.

White gold wedding rings are the most popular picks for wedding bands, and vintage designs that are portrayed in 14K white gold are stunning ways to showcase its cool beauty, as well as to bring a touch of the romance of the past into the present. The 14K White Gold Paisley Wedding Band brings the past to life through an elegantly-sculpted three-dimension paisley motif that wraps the wearer’s finger with grace. This gleaming design is framed by rope-like borders and smooth polished edges that hem it in with sophistication and class. If you’d prefer, this antique-style ring is also available in several two-tone 14K white gold combinations.

Two-tone 14K gold wedding bands are another excellent way to take advantage of Apples of Gold’s affordable prices! These stunning pieces combine two colors of gold to draw attention to their designs, as well as to the meaning behind them, and the Braided Wedding Band in 14K Two-Tone Gold is a striking example. This eye-catching wedding ring is wrapped in flat braided strands of shining 14K yellow gold, creating a vivid picture of the way that a husband and wife are inextricably woven together to become one flesh. This gleaming braid is bordered by 14K white gold rope-like accents and hemmed in by smooth polished edges. If you’d prefer, this style is also available in several single metals as well as in a two-tone variation that pairs white gold with rose gold.

Celtic designs are particularly striking when given the two-tone treatment, and the Caedmon Celtic Wedding Band in 14K Two-Tone Gold is no exception. This modern take on a centuries-old motif gives Celtic style a bold look with a bit of an edge. An interlocking Celtic knot, crafted from shining 14K yellow gold, wraps around this ring in seamless fashion, creating a gleaming symbol of love that binds two people together, never to be separated. This motif stands out in contrast to a flat band of 14K yellow gold in your choice of widths, either 7mm or 8.5mm.

From vintage wedding bands for women to hammered styles to diamond-studded designs, wedding bands that are crafted from 14K gold are excellent picks for brides and grooms looking for quality and beauty. And, when you purchase them from Apples of Gold, you’ll get not only quality bands but a great value as well.

Strength

First and foremost, titanium is known for its strength. This metal is used to hold aircraft together, and the same fortitude that makes it valuable to the aerospace industry makes it an excellent medium for wedding bands. Titanium wedding bands are highly resistant to scratches and dents, and hold their shape for the long haul, making them excellent symbols of lasting love.

If you’d like a ring that celebrates titanium’s impressive strength, consider the Titanium Hammered Wedding Band Ring. This rugged yet sophisticated ring has an artful pounded texture that makes it the perfect representation of a love that can withstand the storms of life, as well as a picture of two people who are only draw closer together by trials.

Light Weight

Even though titanium is stronger than steel, it’s 50 percent lighter than its notoriously strong counterpart. This means that a titanium wedding band will feel nearly weightless on your finger, making it a comfortable pick, as well as a fitting symbol of love that never drags you down.

Hypoallergenic

Since Titanium wedding rings are crafted from a pure metal, they’re naturally hypoallergenic picks. These wedding bands won’t cause irritation for those with metal allergies or sensitive skin.

Non-reactive

Over time, some of the metals that are commonly used in wedding bands will corrode or tarnish. Not titanium! Titanium wedding bands are made of a non-reactive metal, allowing them to resist rust and tarnish and retain their shine for a lifetime.

The Blue Titanium Celtic Wedding Band Ring is a lovely way to showcase titanium’s lasting shine and fortitude against corrosion. This flat titanium band is wrapped with a modern take on a never-ending Celtic infinity knot, a symbol of eternity. This blue titanium oxide motif stands out from the band that holds it to create a vibrant picture of love that never loses its brilliance.

Sleek Good Looks

In addition to its standout performance properties, titanium has a cool modern sheen that’s won it fans for its looks alone. While titanium is sometimes thought of only as a medium for men’s wedding bands, its good looks make it suitable for both brides and grooms. In addition to styles for men, Apples of gold carries a selection of titanium wedding bands for women, including the lovely Irish Celtic Heart Love Knot Wedding Band.

Affordable

Despite their many desirable qualities and attractive sheen, titanium wedding bands are remarkably affordable. They’re perfect picks for anyone looking to cut costs without cutting quality or style.

Whether you’re looking for a ring that’s strong, that feels light on your finger, that’s gentle on your skin, that won’t rust or tarnish, that’s budget-friendly or that’s simply good -looking, a titanium wedding band delivers!

Wearing matching wedding bands is one way to celebrate your bond with your spouse, and when those rings display unique designs, they serve as symbols that the love you share is far from ordinary. Every time you look at your left hand, you’ll be reminded of that one special someone who’s wearing the same style.

Many of the rings in Apples of Gold’s collection of Celtic wedding bands are perfectly suited for both the bride and the groom. These styles utilize centuries-old knot motifs, designs that many have adopted as symbols of eternity, to create pictures of your endless love.

The Caer Celtic Knot Wedding Band Ring in 14K Gold is an excellent pick for you and your better half. A raised, intertwining Celtic knot motif wraps seamlessly around this piece, creating a picture of the way that you and the one you love are woven together for life. This design is striking in 14K yellow gold, though it’s available in several other metals, as well as a two-tone option. And, since this 7mm-wide band is also available in a wider width by request, the groom can select a slightly larger version to coordinate with the bride’s ring.

Hammered wedding bands can also be great picks for both husbands and wives. Their pounded texture provides rugged yet sophisticated appeal, while disguising any dents or dings that they incur over time. For instance, the 14K Two-tone Gold Hammered Wedding Band Ring is a great style for men and women as it combines two colors and two textures in one winning design. The center of this ring is crafted from 14K yellow gold with a hammered texture and a brushed finish that provides a sense of understated sophistication. Smooth, polished edges of 14K white gold add eye-catching contrast and frame this band with class. This timeless style is available in a number of other metals and several two-tone combinations, making it easy to select rings that fit your style.

Braided wedding bands provide another option for brides and grooms in search of matching rings. These bands’ interweaving motifs are both stylish and meaningful: their intertwining strands create pictures of the inextricable bond between husband and wife. The 14K White Gold Wide Braided Wedding Band is a lovely example. Elegant braided strands of 14K white gold are wrapped around this classy ring, and framed with polished edges. At 7.5mm wide, it’s a size that works well for men and women.

Plain wedding bands are far from your only options when you’re looking for matching rings for the bride and groom! Consider one of these rings to celebrate your connection as husband and wife.

There are a number of stories about the history of the Claddagh, and one common legend tells the tale of how the Claddagh ring originated in a small fishing village in Ireland in the late 17^th Century. An Irishman named Richard Joyce is said to have left his sweetheart to set sail to the West Indies to make his fortune, but before he reached his destination, a band of pirates captured his ship and he was sold as a slave.

Joyce’s master was a Moorish goldsmith, and during his many years of service, Joyce learned his master’s craft. He earned his master’s respect and was even offered his daughter’s hand in marriage; however, Joyce refused, knowing that his beloved awaited him in Ireland.

When King William III negotiated the freedom of the slaves, Joyce returned to his homeland and found that his sweetheart had waited for him for the many long years he had been gone. He crafted the first Claddagh ring for his true love, integrating three symbols: two hands to represent friendship, a crown to represent loyalty and a heart to create a picture of love. The two were married, and Joyce presented his creation to his bride as a wedding band.

Claddagh wedding bands give a nod to the original meaning of the Claddaggh, and they’re wonderful ways to celebrate the friendship, love and loyalty of a married relationship. The Celtic Claddagh Wedding Band Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold frames a 14K yellow gold Claddagh with shining 14K white gold edges, adding a pop of contrast that makes this motif stand out. If you prefer, this ring is also available in several other two-tone and single-metal variations.

While rings are the most common way to wear the Claddagh, they’re far from the only way! Claddagh earrings are lovely ways to incorporate this centuries-old design into your look. For example, the 14K Yellow Gold Claddagh Hoop Earrings meld the Claddagh with gleaming loops of gold to create a pair that’s always in good taste.

In addition to its ability to symbolize friendship, love and loyalty, the Claddagh is also said to have religious significance as it creates a picture of the Holy Trinity: the crown represents the Father, and the two hands represent the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Claddagh Cross Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold gives the Claddagh a clear message of faith by combining it with the symbol of the cross. The two hands and the heart form the horizontal beam of this cross, while the crown sits atop and a smaller cross is carved into the bottom of the vertical beam. This shining, detailed 14K yellow gold piece measures ¾ inches high, making it a lovely accent for any day.

To express your love, to state your faith or to simply make a fashion statement, try a piece of Claddagh jewelry! These pieces provide timeless style and an ageless message.

The Mizpah Break Apart Pendant in 14K Gold  provides a continual reminder that God is watching over you and the one you love, even when you must be apart. When both pieces are present, the inscription “The Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent from one another” can be clearly read. These words originally applied to Jacob and Laban thousands of years ago, and to this day they serve as a reminder of God’s presence with both you and the one you love. Keep one half for yourself and give the other to someone who’s close to your heart regardless of the distance that separates you.

Jewish wedding bands allow you to incorporate a message of faith and heritage into the timeless symbol of lifelong love and commitment. For instance, the “I am Beloved’s and My Beloved is Mine” Wedding Band, 14K White Gold uses a verse from the Song of Solomon to celebrate that you and your spouse belong to one another and that your love is a gift from God. This verse is written in graceful script on a sleek, flat 14K white gold band, creating an elegant emblem of your bond. This modern, meaningful ring is available in three widths, allowing you to choose one that’s perfect for your finger. And, if you’d prefer, you can select a different verse from Apples of Gold’s list or opt for a personal favorite.

The “I am My Beloved’s” Wedding Band in 14K White Gold provides a bolder take on Song of Solomon, laser-inscribing half of Song of Solomon 6:3 on the outside of the band in simple, striking capital letters, and completing the verse on the inside surface. In addition to serving as a unique and meaningful wedding band, this smooth, flat ring is also an excellent pick as a purity ring or a stand-alone piece.

The Star of David Shema Ring in 14K White Gold a could also serve one of several purposes; regardless of what finger you wear it on, it provides a striking statement of faith. A Star of David is laser-inscribed front and center on this piece, providing a simple, straight forward message, while words from the Shema (“Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One”) are inscribed in both English and Hebrew on the inside. These words serve as a continual confession of faith and calls to mind the command that immediately follows them: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.” This shining band is polished to a high shine, creating a look that speaks of class, as well as of the beliefs to which you hold.

Whether you choose a unique pendant or one of Apples of Gold’s Jewish rings, Jewish jewelry can serve two purposes. Try one of these pieces for an expression of both faith and love.

Flowers are often used as symbols of affection as they epitomize the beauty of love that’s fresh and alive. When you give the one you love a floral wedding band (or when you wear the floral style that’s been given to you) you celebrate that your love and commitment are always in bloom, year after year and decade after decade.

Floral patterns are always in good taste, and while they peak in popularity every so often, they never go out of style. Many of Apples of Gold’s botanically-inspired wedding bands display the styles of Victorian Era, a time associated with romance, and capture them with a sense of lively charm.

The Hand Carved Floral Wedding Band in 14K White Gold is overflowing with floral beauty. This 4mm-wide band is adorned with a repeating floral motif that covers three sides of the band, creating a pattern that could have been pulled directly from a Victorian tapestry and that can be enjoyed from any angle. These four-petal blossoms create a look that’s sweet and sure to draw all the right sort of attention.

The Handmade Paisley Floral Wedding Band in 14K Rose Gold is a slightly more subtle take on floral style, but it rewards all those who take a moment to take a closer look. This demurely-designed ring is just 3mm wide, but it packs a lot of feminine style within its petite stature. A soft floral design is delicately carved into this sweet style, accented by swirls of paisley that capture the romance of times past. This lovely handcrafted style is also available in white gold and yellow gold if you’d prefer a more traditional but equally beautiful look.

Paisley is a perfectly pretty partner for floral designs and the Floral Vineyard Wedding Band in 14K White Gold is another lovely example of this pairing. A flower and paisley motif is expertly carved all the way around this ring, creating a look that’s lively, feminine and sophisticated. This three-dimensional design rises above smooth edges, as these sleek polished surfaces create shining borders that hem in this ring’s lively design and add a touch of class.

Not surprisingly, wedding bands with floral motifs can serve as fitting partners for many vintage-style engagement rings, but they’re also lovely with simple diamond solitaire rings or three-stone designs. Wedding rings adorned with flowers bring a meaningful and beautiful touch that adds to the beauty of unfussy engagement rings, just as they accent the designs of diamond rings inspired by the past.

Floral wedding rings like these never fail to communicate that your love is alive and growing. Their beauty—and their message—will never wilt.