Month: January 2025

The circular shape of rings is a symbol of eternity and has been used as a sign of commitment throughout the ages, from engagement and wedding rings to family heirlooms and decorative accessories. From the simplest bands to ornate creations adorned with precious gemstones, rings are worn on all types of fingers and can be made out of almost any hard material. Rings are often a mark of status and affiliation, as well as a statement about the wearer’s style, tastes and preferences. In mathematics, the concept of a ring was first formalized in the 1870s and 1920s with key contributions by Dedekind, Hilbert, Fraenkel and Noether. Rings are a generalization of the Dedekind domains that occur in number theory and of polynomial rings and rings of invariants that occur in algebraic geometry and invariant theory. Although the majority of people wear their rings as simple ornaments, they can also serve various symbolic functions respecting marriage, exceptional achievement, high status or authority and membership in an organization. Rings may be engraved with insignia, used to seal documents and used as a badge of membership. Rings are also used as a type of social security identification card, displaying the month and day in which an employee was born and the date in which the worker began his or her employment. For many people, the most significant function of a ring is in expressing love and commitment. Engagement and wedding rings are the most common examples, and in many cultures, specific fingers have been assigned certain meanings. For example, the fourth finger on the left hand is associated with romantic relationships. The ancient Egyptians were enthusiastic about the use of rings and even wore theirs on both hands. Rings are also used as a sign of friendship and teamwork. Interlocking rings, which evoke the concept of inseparability, have been popular in several cultures. For example, Celtic rings resemble knotwork and can be worn by individuals or in groups. Fashion rings, which usually feature multiple gemstones in a variety of designs and colors, are sometimes known as cocktail rings. They can be very ornate, with elaborately designed metal finishes. Many of these fashion rings are crafted from precious gemstones, but they can also be created with semiprecious stones and synthetic gems. A ring can be worn on any finger, although they are more commonly worn around the thumb or middle and index fingers. They are usually made of metal but can be fashioned from almost any hard material, such as wood or bone, and can also incorporate glass, crystal, jade, and other materials. Rings that are worn on other parts of the body, such as necks or arms, are usually called bracelets. Bands that fit loosely on the finger, like a necklace or armband, are not considered to be rings.

As a physical symbol of love and commitment, wedding rings have been an integral part of the matrimonial experience for millennia. Whether you’re shopping as a couple or independently, there are some universal steps that will help you find a ring that truly feels like yours. 1. Decide What Metal is Right for You As with all jewelry, metal plays a key role in both the aesthetic and durability of a wedding band. When deciding on the best option for you, consider factors like tone (gold, white gold or rose), purity and durability. Choosing a metal that matches or complements your engagement ring is also important for visual harmony. For example, a platinum ring with a diamond engagement ring will work well together for an elegant and cohesive look. If you prefer a more modern or casual style, materials like titanium and tungsten offer a sleek and durable alternative to traditional metals like gold. 2. Think About Your Lifestyle As you browse designs, it’s helpful to keep your day-to-day routine in mind. For instance, if you have a hands-on job or spend a lot of time outdoors, a more durable metal that can withstand abrasions and the elements may be the best choice. Similarly, if you often wash your hands or work with chemicals, a more durable metal such as platinum might be a better fit than a softer metal like gold. 3. Make an Appointment with a Jeweler A reputable jeweler should be able to guide you on what type of ring will best suit your style and needs. Having an open conversation about budgets will ensure that you’re not looking at options that are beyond your reach, and it can also help the jeweler narrow down your choices to those that best meet your price range. 4. Decide What Finger to Wear It On Traditionally, it’s been customary to wear a wedding ring on the left hand ring finger, symbolizing that you and your partner are united in marriage. However, in an increasingly diverse world, many couples choose to celebrate their individual relationships with a variety of ring styles and metals. Regardless of the order you choose to wear your wedding and engagement rings, it’s most important that they reflect the unique meaning behind your relationship. 5. Browse Celebrity Styles As much as we may hate to admit it, scrolling through all those gorgeous celebrity rings is actually a useful tool when shopping for your own. A little inspiration can be a great way to spark creativity and get your wheels spinning as you start trying on options. If you’re having trouble finding your own unique style, try taking a cue from some of our faves, like Hailey Bieber or Sofia Richie, who have some seriously stunning rings that can inspire your own look. 6. Conclusion: Take It Easy

When it comes to weddings, we love to see couples embracing their own unique style and making the day a true reflection of who they are as individuals. But even more so, we love it when those weddings are a little out of the ordinary—like when Alia-Ranbir’s private affair was a bit lowkey and Anbani’s was a tad grand or when a couple gets married in outer space. But what if there was an even more out-of-this-world way to tie the knot? A new space startup is offering the chance to have a wedding in the Metaverse, or immersive virtual world. And while it may sound like a crazy idea, this is actually very real and very close to becoming a reality. The startup, Virbela, creates environments that can be used for work, learning and events. And they’ve recently started to host wedding ceremonies. It’s all part of their efforts to explore how they can expand the Metaverse to accommodate more than just the typical work and play activities it was originally designed for. For those who haven’t heard of the Metaverse, it’s an online virtual world that allows you to interact with others using avatars. It’s the same way we navigate social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. You can do all sorts of things in the Metaverse, including livestreaming a wedding or even marrying a digital version of yourself. In fact, last year a couple who’s own in-person ceremony was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic staged their nuptials within Animal Crossing, a popular video game. And now, a company called Space Perspectives is offering to take those ceremonies to the edge of space in a virtual capsule with breathtaking views of Earth below you and the stars above you. The first space wedding will take place in 2027 aboard a Voyager Station, an orbiting space hotel that will be built much like a cruise ship. And if you don’t have the budget for a trip to outer space, the company plans to release more Plug and Play assets that you can use in your own virtual wedding in the future. So if you’re ready to go the extra mile for your big day, or maybe just want a glimpse into what a Metaverse wedding might look like, check out this episode of Wedding Wednesday. I’ll give you the lowdown on what traditional venues, naked spaces and private property bring to the table, plusses and minuses and help you decide which is best for your big day! A Raw Space is any non-traditional venue (museum, arts center/theater, town-building, park or historical property) that doesn’t come with the traditional tables, chairs, flatware, china, glassware and decor. Most Raw Spaces have rental fees that are lower than traditional wedding venues but they usually come very bare bones. This can be a DIYer’s dream but it can also be a disaster if you aren’t careful. It’s important to do your research on the space and make sure you have a solid plan for all of the necessary vendors to be brought in before booking a Raw Space venue.