Promise rings may seem like a modern piece of jewellery or tradition, but they have actually been around since the 16th century when they would be exchanged by couples too young or too poor to wed. Rings have always been used to symbolise commitment, but there are also biblical references to the religious rings of the devout. It became popular in the in the 15th and 16th century for couples to exchange rings to communicate and solidify their love.
There have been several different types of engagement rings over the centuries: Dainty Silver and Rose Gold Double Knot Ring - Check Price on Etsy How to wear your Promise RingsThere is a variation in how promise rings are worn. Some people wear their rings on their left-hand ring fingers, like an engagement ring. It is also popular to wear a promise ring on the right ring finger of the right hand to avoid confusion that one has got engaged or wed. Buying Your Statement Promise RingIf you are thinking of buying an engagement ring, then try and be unique! Unlike engagement rings where diamonds are generally used, a promise ring can be anything that you can imagine. If you are planning to invest in a diamond engagement ring then you may prefer to get a different promise ring with a different kind of stone, setting or style. Personalized Pure and Simple 8mm Ring - Check Price on Etsy If your budget is limited then don’t worry as you can still choose an economic but statement ring thanks to the selection of beautiful semi-precious stones available today. Aquamarine, citrine peridot and amethyst rings are not only affordable but they are also unique and beautiful. You can also replace gold with sterling silver to make your budget go further. If you wish to go bold and simple then go for eternity bands which are available in a range of metals to suit your budget. Caring guide for your Promise ringOver time, jewellery rings can become a very precious family heirloom. However, taking care of your ring to keep it in prime condition require effort. The gemstones of your ring can lose their clarity from things such as daily wearing, pollution, and fine dust. The surfaces of gold, silver, and platinum rings can become dulled. This is why it's essential that your promise ring receives the proper care and attention it deserves. Custom engraving Promise ring - Check Price on Etsy We recommend that your ring is professionally cleaned at least once a year in order to maintain its clarity and beauty. For the 'in between' care we suggest the following: Cleaning your ring: Your ring is prone to getting dusty, soiled and smudged, the natural oils from your skin, lotions, powders and soaps can all create a thin film on the surface of the metal. There are several ways to clean your ring: • Detergent Wash: You already have what you need to clean your ring: an old toothbrush and some dishwashing detergent. Dish detergent is designed to cut through grease and grime and to rinse off easily, which are exactly the properties needed to clean jewellery. This can be used safely for cleaning both gold and silver jewellery, etc. It will not harm gems or metals. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/the-promise-ring If like me you have straight and sometimes lifeless looking hair, you might be forgiven for dreaming of a having a head full of perfectly formed, glossy and sexy curls, or at the very least having loose beach waves that will stay in place for the whole day. I never really thought it would be possible, but I now have a secret weapon at my disposal, the Babyliss Curl Secret. I’m very excited to share my review with you and hope you’ll find it useful. To give you a little bit of background on my situation, my history with hair styling is a bit and misses, but mostly miss. I have been lucky enough to have worked with many hairstylists and been privy to professional advice, tips and tricks, as well as being in a position to try out many new gadgets which should have made me a hairstyling whiz. However, my ability to style my own hair is woefully lacking. I know exactly what I should be doing, but I can’t seem to put the theory into practice. I’ve tried nearly every available hair curler on the market, from wands, tongs, heated rollers, ceramic curlers and GHD. Unfortunately, the result has nearly always been a disappointing failure; I just couldn’t get it right. Often one side of my hair looked great and the other side looked like a complete dogs dinner, the hair strands where ridged or the ends just never looked right, the curls never made it past lunchtime and nearly every attempt resulted in a minor burn to my hands, scalp or ears, all from using the device badly. My saving grace is that thankfully I have yet to completely burn off a strand of hair during one of my doomed attempts at curling. Sadly this was my first thought when I heard about the Babyliss automatic curler, but as it turns out, my concerns were completely unfounded, as you’ll discover in this review. Fear and unfounded prejudice aside, I can hold my hand up and say that the Babyliss Curl Secret is, without a doubt, the most capable curling device I have ever used. In the rest of this article I’ll tell you about my experiences using this product, how to use it successfully, some tips and tricks I’ve picked up and anything else I think is worth mentioning. The Curl Secret ReviewThe Babyliss Curl Secret is the consumer version and name given to the professional tool from the same brand, the Perfect Curl. The clever technology automatically draws in strands of hair into its ceramic chamber and heats it to the perfect temperature and from every angle in order to create a flawless curl. Once the process has completed simply release the hair and you’ll end up with a beautiful curl. Even though the hair seems to be sucked up into the device, the technology actually uses a specially designed catcher that winds the hair into the heated chamber, it’s in this chamber that the hair is suspended and then heated from all sides. This treatment technique is actually pretty interesting and is well worth knowing about, it’s this method that allows the product to work so effectively. Rather than holding the hair against a barrel or against a heated plate under tension, the hair is free and unconstrained. This is far gentler on the hair, which is reflected in the curls and in how shiny your hair will look after treatment. In only a few seconds, you’ll have a stunning looking ringlet. So, depending on your hair type, length, thickness and all that stuff, in around 20 minute your hairstyle will be completed. One of the best features of this gadget is that it’s an absolute breeze to use and the curls last far longer than they do when using hot rollers, curling wands or a straightening iron. Babyliss Curl Secret ReviewEven if you have no training or instructions you can literally just pick up the machine and get to work curling your hair, I’m a testament to how idiot-proof it really is. With two heat settings to pick from and three timer settings, you can quickly and easily create a range of types of curls, from defined ringlets to natural waves or even free-flowing loos beach waves. Additionally, the Babyliss Curl Secret will automatically alternate the curling direction to give your hair a more natural look, it will also minimize frizz thanks to what they call the Ionic conditioning system which also prolongs how long the curls will stay in place, often changing into beautiful waves after a night’s sleep. I especially love how easy it is to do the back of my hair without any additional hassle and that it’s all done very quickly. How to use Babyliss Curl SecretYou might be one of those women that can use a straightening iron to easily achieve beautiful waves, but I have never been one to have much success with this method, I would invariably end up with ugly looking ridges where I started the curl. Using curling irons, I would have problems curling the end of my hair without creating a ridge. As you might have guessed, I have no hair skills whatsoever and my only option if I ever wanted to curl my own hair was to use an automatic curler. It really is incredibly easy to use and it only takes a few seconds to create the flawless curl, which is not only strong and flexible but is also well defined. The number one thing to remember when using the Babyliss Perfect Curl is to always position the barrel of the curler towards your hair. That means the heating chambers opening should always be angled to face you. The second most important thing to remember is to ensure your hair is clean, free of tangles, straight and frizz free. Don’t add anything to your hair other than maybe a heat protectant. DO NOT use any sort of styling products i.e. hairspray or mousse. Getting started with the Perfect Curl is very straightforward. I’ll normally start by sectioning my hair while the device heats up. You’ll know when it’s up to temperature when the light on the device stops flashing. As a safety feature it has a 20-minute sleep mode function, which means if you leave it idle for too long, it’ll turn itself off and begin to cool down. The curler allows for one of three predefined heat settings to be selected – 190c, 210 c and 230c. Additionally, there are three timer settings: I would suggest that if you have dyed, fine or damaged hair that you try the lower heat settings first until you get an idea of what will work for you. If you have thicker hair feel free to start on the higher heat settings and see what your results are like. At the end of the day, experiment to see what works and what doesn’t. I personally use the 12-second setting to curl my hair, which means it’ll take me on average 15 minutes to complete my hair for the day. I’ll end up with defined curls that’ll last the whole day and into the next. I’m trying not to sound too overenthusiastic, but the Perfect Curl is truly one the best curling methods I have ever used. You’ll receive an audible warning of four beeps in quick succession which is your signal that the curl has completed and it’s time to release the handle and see what you’ve got. The only reason I mention this is because I’ve seen more than one youtube video which shows the user releasing their hair far too early. If you attempt to curl any sections of your hair that are over 3cm thick or you haven’t correctly placed your hair into the curlers barrel, then the built-in sensors will warn you to release your hair to try again, either by inserting less hair or by eliminating any frizz which is adding extra volume. The warning sound is quite unmissable, it sounds angry, and it’ll refuse to swirl your hair around the barrel chamber. The only thing you can do is release the handle, remove your hair and rectify the issue. Once you’ve combed your hair, smoothed out any fuzz and perhaps placed the device a bit further down from your hair root, you’ll probably find your hair is accepted on the second attempt. If you’ve done everything correctly releasing the handle will allow your perfectly formed curl to be released from the chamber. While you wait for the ringlet to cool move onto the next strand of hair. When you’ve finished allowing around 5 minutes for your hair to cool down and settle into its newly curled state. Avoid brushing your hair as this might straighten it slightly. The best thing to do is run your fingers through your hair in order to separate the curls. If you wish you may apply a bit of hair wax in order to define the ends and use a bit of hairspray to set the style. Once you’ve got to this point you can branch out and complete your look with some gorgeous Updos, like a messy Knot Top for a sexy chic look, or a Curly Chignon. With the Curl Secret, you’re really only limited to what your creativity and imagination can come up with, from braids to buns or anything else. I can almost guarantee that once you try the Curl Secret you’ll love it as much as I do. Babyliss Curl Secret Pro’sIt’s easy to use and quick – Depending on how thick your hair is and how long it is, it might take between 10 and 20 minutes to finish curling your hair. This can be reduced with practice until you become an expert at curling your own hair. The curls last – The curls produced by this styler last far longer than any other device I’ve ever used, whether that’s tongs, curling wands, GHD or ceramic curlers. He curls will easily last a whole day in near perfect condition and well into the next. Absolutely brilliant! Symmetrical Curls – As the Babyliss Curl Secret automatically applies the correct pressure, temperature and time, it means that even I can make my curls look symmetrical which is something I have consistently failed to do with any other method. Most of the time when I attempted to use curling irons on myself I would end up with huge variations in the curls produced. Some strands of hair would have tight curls, some would have loose curls, and some would be a mixture of the two. This would invariably look unnatural and make me wish I had the effort to make an appointment at the hairdressers. This is never an issue with the Babyliss Curl Secret. Curling the back of your head is easy-peasy – When you need to curl the back of your head you’ll start to see the benefits this automatic curler has over traditional curlers. Rather than trying to dislocate your arm trying to twist your hair strands into curls, all you’ll need to do is part your hair down the centre and tilt your head so you can reach your hair from the side. This, of course, depends on how long your hair is. I have shoulder length hair and had no difficulties with this method. As the resulting curls are largely unaffected by where you start the curling process, whether it’s higher up near the root or at the tip, you can easily adjust your methods to whatever technique you find easier. The ConsNot the best choice for long hair – The Babyliss was not made to be used on very long hair, anything that goes past the bust is classed as long. Nevertheless, there are plenty of examples online of ladies with long hair using the Curl Perfect with long hair. The main issue is that you’ll need to start the curling process further down and you may only end up with loose waves rather than curls. If that’s what you’re looking for then this automatic curler might still work for you. Not great for already curly or wavy hair – If you’re already blessed with wavy, coarse or curly hair, then I strongly recommend that you do not use the Curl Secret. The exception to this is if you always straighten your hair before trying to curl it. The price is a little bit on the high side – The Babyliss is one of the more expensive curlers available. It’ll cost you more than curling tongs, wavers and heated rollers, but it works and is very easy to use. There’s a lot to be said for convenience and for something that actually works. For the amount of time and frustration saved I would say it’s worth every penny. Where to buyThe Babyliss Curl Secret is available from many high street stores, but I’m a fan of Amazon. The convenience of next day delivery is amazing and the returns policy is fantastic. I would rarely shop anywhere else for electronics. Be wary of fakes and scams that are unfortunately available on some auction sites or in local listings. To avoid any scams, follow the link and order your very own Curl Secret. Let me know what you think in the comment section below and I’ll be sure to answer any of your questions. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/babyliss-curl-secret-review A Claddagh ring is a world-famous traditional ring which originates from Ireland. The ring has three main components, the hands which represent friendship, the crown which represents loyalty and the heart which represents love. Claddagh RingThe customs and designs which have long been associated with the ring originate from the small Irish fishing village of Claddagh, which was historically located just outside of the old city walls of Galway, but is now part of Galway. Evidence suggests that the ring first appeared in its modern form during the 17th century. Silver Claddagh Ring - Buy from Etsy
Sterling Silver Claddagh Ring - Buy from Etsy The Claddagh ring is not wholly unique in its appearance and is, in fact, part of a family of rings call ‘fede rings’, which are common across much of Europe. The name ‘fede’ basically translates into ‘hands joined in faith’. These types of rings date back as far as Roman times, where the gesture of clasped hands was linked to pledging vows, and as such these rings were used as wedding or engagement rings. Fede rings are distinguished by the design of two hands clasped together to symbolise faith or trust. The Claddagh ring is a slight variation on this which also combines a heart and crown into the design. The interest in Claddagh rings exploded during the end of the 20th century, where it came to symbolise Irish identity and for being a fashionable piece of jewellery. Modern interpretations of the Claddagh ring have begun to incorporate additional Celtic and Irish symbolism, further accenting the Irish origins. These design enhancements correspond directly with increasing worldwide popularity and may be linked with Irish descendants looking to increase their sense of identity. Claddagh Ring OriginsGalway has long been a producer of Claddagh rings, but the name ‘Claddagh Ring’ was not applied to the ring before the 1830s. One such jeweller and maker of Claddagh rings was Bartholomew Fallen, who created these rings up until around the 1700’s. Fallen’s rings are some of the oldest surviving examples of this type of work, with many to this day still bearing his mark. Men's silver Irish Celtic Claddagh ring - Buy from Etsy There are numerous legends surrounding the origins of the ring, many of which involve the silversmith Richard Joyce, who worked in Galway during the 1700’s. The story goes that Joyce was once captured and kidnapped by Algerian pirates during the year of 1675. Joyce was subsequently sold into slavery and ended up working for a Moorish jeweller, who taught Joyce the goldsmith craft. It wasn’t until many years later that King William III sent an envoy to Algeria to demand the release of all captured and enslaved British subjects, this included Richard Joyce. So after 14 years, Richard Joyce was finally released, returning to Ireland with his new found skill and the rings he had fashioned in captivity, these rings are now known as Claddagh rings. The legends state that he gifted one the rings to his sweetheart, married and then became a very successful jeweller. His initials are now on some of the earliest surviving Claddagh rings. It wasn’t until the 20th century that knowledge of the ring and its customs spread beyond the limits of Galway. During this time Galway jewellers began to market it to British consumers and meaning and use of the ring began to gain traction and the ring became increasingly popular. Claddagh Ring Usage and SymbolismA Claddagh ring is unique in its appearance, featuring a heart clasped by two hands and usually, the heart is surmounted by a crown. These three elements each symbolise a different aspect, the heart symbolises love, the hands symbolise friendship and the crown symbolises loyalty. It is also possible to get a Claddagh ring without the crown, these are referred to as ‘Fenian’ rings, but the design is not as popular as the more common crowned version and hasn’t gained as much traction with the public. The rings are especially popular with individuals with Irish heritage, such as Irish Americans, where they are commonly used to show culture as well as symbolising friendship, engagements or weddings rings. Claddagh Promise Ring - Buy from Etsy Claddagh Wedding & Engagement RingsCladdagh rings can, of course, be used to demonstrate friendship, but they are more often used as symbols of love and as such Claddagh engagement rings and Claddagh wedding rings are more common. A mother may gift the ring to a daughter when the daughter comes of age. There are numerous wishes and statements associated with these rings, including ‘Let love and friendship reign’. It common practise in Ireland, Canada, the United States and other parts of Irish migration, for the Claddagh ring to be passed down from generation to generation, from mother to daughter or from grandmother to granddaughter. A Claddagh ring can also be worn to demonstrate the wearer's relationship status. • If the ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing away from the palm, the wearer is indicating that they are single and might be looking for love. There are localise variations on the means interpretations of the symbolism. However, all symbolism is a relatively recent addition to the story of the Claddagh ring, there is little in the way of evidence to suggest that the rings have always had this meaning in Galway. Picking The Perfect Claddagh RingIf you’ve been captivated by the romance and legends surrounding Claddagh rings, you might be interested in picking out the ideal ring for the loves on in your life – or maybe just as a treat for yourself. The symbolism and stories behind Claddagh rings have endured through the ages as they are fundamentally associated with love, faithfulness and romance, which is something dear to almost everyone’s heart. Celtic Claddagh Ring Tungsten Wedding Band - Buy it on Etsy There is perhaps no better way or medium to celebrate your appreciation and love for someone dear to you than to give her or him an ageless Claddagh ring. If you happen to be of Irish descent, then the ring will be especially meaningful to you. Claddagh rings come in a huge variety of styles, finishes and at a range of price points, so you should be able to easily identify something that suits your needs. Claddagh Engagement RingWhat better way to surprise your future fiancé than buying her a diamond engagement ring with a Claddagh design. So while the central diamond takes centre stage, the subtle or bold Claddagh features can add an increased depth of meaning for both you and her. There is a huge range of Claddagh engagement rings available, so there’s bound to be a style or design which meets your exact requirements. Regardless of whether the Claddagh symbols are lightly engraved into the engagement ring, or the ring is fundamentally Claddagh in design with an added diamond, you can be assured that your choice of a thoughtful engagement ring will be especially appreciated and deeply meaningful. A Claddagh engagement ring is a brilliant conversation starter and it will surely always evoke interest. Claddagh Rings for MenThere are essentially two sorts of men’s Claddagh Rings. There’s the classic Claddagh ring that can be work with its heart facing inwards or outwards, or there are contemporary Claddagh wedding rings that are subtly engraved with the Claddagh symbols. Claddagh rings are not just for women, men have been wearing the rings for hundreds of years, famously both Bono and JFK Jr have both been known to wear a Claddagh ring. The Claddagh wedding ring offers an interesting alternative choice which is often understated in design and looks. Claddagh Birthstone RingsA Claddagh birthstone ring is a genuinely lovely gift idea. The rings are relatively inexpensive, which is largely due to the use of silver and semi-precious gemstones. Adding a birthstone to a Claddagh ring can really elevate the thoughtfulness of the ring and can make the gift quite personal and touching. The central heart of the ring can come in a range of birthstones, each one shaped to match the heart shape. Claddagh Ring CareAs with all jewellery, it is important to care for your Claddagh ring carefully, excessive heat, abrasion or exposure to harsh chemicals may harm the ring irrevocably, so it’s best to avoid wearing the ring while cleaning or performing DIY. If the damage is caused, I would urge you seek the help of professional jewellers to assess the likely cost of repair. Cleaning a Claddagh RingRemoving everyday dirt is a relatively straightforward task, but extra care should be taken with rings that contain a gemstone. First, prepare a bowl of warm water with a small amount of mild soap added. Submerge the ring in the water and using a soft bristled brush (such as a baby toothbrush) or by using a soft cloth, work to remove all visible dirt and grime. Take care of gemstones to make sure excessive force is not applied. Once the ring has been cleaned, rinse the ring using freshwater, removing all soap residue. Lastly gently pat the ring dry with a soft cloth and leave in a well-ventilated area to dry, do not leave the ring in direct sunlight. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/the-beauty-of-the-claddagh-ring We’ve spent some time looking at the huge variety of rings available for ladies, so now is the perfect time to look at the options available for the groom to wear for one of the most important events of their life. It is often in the shadow of the bride's engagement and wedding rings, it’s often neglected and one of the last things considered by the groom or bride, but it deserves to be well thought out given the time it deserves. Finding the perfect wedding band can be a challenge, especially if they are not already an avid wearer of rings, it might be tough finding something they’ll be happy to wear for years to come. Men's Wedding RingsWe think the male wedding ring deserves to have more attention paid to it, a groom should definitely think about the type of wedding band they want since it’s likely the only piece of jewellery they will consistently wear every single day. To help you in your quest for the perfect unique men’s wedding band, we’ll explore the range of wedding band designs, styles and materials available to the groom of today, and we’ll hopefully provide you with some stunning wedding band inspirations to make the choice that much easier. One of the first steps in picking the perfect wedding ring should be to pick what sort of material you would like to have. In our guide below, you’ll find a list of the different sorts of men’s wedding rings available, along with an explanation of the materials available, tips and tricks to care for your new ring and style choices which might suit your lifestyle. Materials Used for Men’s Wedding RingsBefore you dive in and look at the styles of rings available, I would suggest becoming familiar with the metals available for your wedding ring. There are more than a few metals available these days, so it’s no longer a simple decision of picking between white or yellow gold. This might have been the case a few years, but we now have a multitude of metals and materials available, all with unique characteristics and advantages, so finding the perfect choice in 2017 requires some research. When picking the wedding ring, consider the materials and whether or not they suit your lifestyle and what you do for a living. Certain materials are better suited to rough treatment based on the properties of the metals use, while others offer aesthetic properties which might particularly suit a professional environment. In addition to Gold, Silver and Platinum, here are some wedding ring materials which are readily available and might be worthy of consideration. Silver Men’s Wedding RingsSilver is one the most traditional and ancient metals used for men’s wedding rings, it’s been used for centuries and for good reason. Silver is a reasonably soft metal and is more pliable than platinum, titanium, tungsten and gold, it doesn’t possess the resilience and hardness exhibited by some of these other metals. It’s a very popular choice for custom made and boutique jewellery as it’s very malleable, easy to work with and is one least expensive precious metals available. This malleability and softness have an obvious disadvantage, silver can scratch easily and it will tarnish and lose its shine over time. For these reasons, silver is most commonly recommended for a piece of jewellery which is only worn occasionally and is not recommended for wear every day or to be worn for extended periods of time. Silver jewellery starts at around £50. Shop for Men's Silver Rings on Etsy Gold Men’s Wedding RingsGold is probably the most popular choice of metal available for a men’s wedding ring, this is partly due to tradition and partly due to golds properties which means it rarely decreases in value and it does not tarnish. Gold is a soft, dense and one of most malleable precious metals available. Gold men’s weddings rings are often very shiny and bright, which is something that is not likely to fade over time due to their resistance to tarnish. When picking a gold men’s wedding ring, it’s important to consider the colour and carat value. You’ll likely see 9k, 14k and 18k carat values for wedding rings, this value indicates the purity of the gold, the higher the value the more the ring will cost. Gold can come in a variety of colour choices, with yellow and white gold being the two most popular options, however, rose gold, bronze, red and lime gold are sometimes used. Shop for Men's Wedding Rings on Etsy Platinum Men’s Wedding RingsPlatinum’s acceptance as a men’s wedding band is on an ever-increasing upward trend, it’s easy to understand when we appreciate the metals substantial durability and it’s increasing value. To the eye, platinum will look silver-white in appearance, but unlike gold, jewellers will often use platinum in its 95% pure form. Platinum as a very heavy, dense metal, so if comparing two rings, platinum will appear heavier than a similarly sized gold ring. Not only is the density of platinum significantly more than gold, its values are also around twice as much. If all aspects are equal, a platinum men’s wedding ring will on average cost twice as much as the equivalent gold ring. The selection of platinum rings styles available will also generally be smaller versus gold, silver or titanium rings. Shop for Platinum Men's Wedding Rings on Etsy Titanium Men's Wedding RingsTitanium is one the longest lasting and resilient metals in the world, it could conceivably last several lifetimes of punishing daily wear and still appear unscathed. The popularity of titanium as a wedding ring is partly due to its immense durability, partly due to its lightweight and partly due to its exotic nature, featuring heavily in aeronautics, performance cars and space exploration. By default, titanium is a dull grey colour, however, due to clever scientists and jewellers, it’s possible to get a titanium wedding ring in a range of colours and hues. Pure titanium is 100% hypoallergenic, so if you find yourself adversely reacting to other types of metal ring, a titanium wedding ring would be an obvious choice as it won’t react with your skin. It’s important to remember that titanium cannot be soldered, which means it might be impossible to resize your ring, so make sure you carefully select the correct size option when purchasing your ring. Shop for Titanium Men's Wedding Rings on Etsy Tungsten Men’s Wedding RingsSimilar in respects to titanium, tungsten is a popular choice for a men’s wedding ring, due to the metals innate strength and durability. A ring made from tungsten is incredibly scratch resistant and will not bend or become misshapen, making them an excellent choice for any man that likes to work with their hands occasionally. Tungsten by default has a grey-white colouring, which in some ways is similar to white gold or titanium. Tungsten rings can also come with a permanent polish applied, which means they will always look brand new, shiny and bright. They will not need to be polished, which is a massive advantage over any other metal ring. Tungsten is very affordable and is less expensive than gold or platinum, it’s closer in price to titanium or silver. As with titanium, it’s very important to purchase the correct size of the ring as they cannot be resized due their incredible hardness. Shop for Tungsten Men's Wedding Rings on Etsy Cobalt Men’s Wedding RingsComparable to tungsten and titanium, cobalt chrome is one of the more recent types of metals to become available as a wedding ring. Traditionally, cobalt has commonly used to provide a deep rich blue pigment to jewellery. However, in its natural form, a cobalt men’s wedding ring will have a white silvery hue, so it’ll look similar to white gold or platinum. Cobalt is a light metal, yet it is also very strong and hard, meaning it is difficult to scratch and should last a lifetime of use. Despite its durability, cobalt can be quite workable given the right jeweller's equipment and can be easily worked into stunningly unique custom pieces. Shop for Men's Cobalt Wedding Rings on Etsy Stainless Steel Men’s Wedding RingsStainless steel wedding rings for men are not an especially common choice. While stainless steel is by no means a new metal, it's used for jewellery is relatively rare, however, that is changing. Buoyed by a surge in popularity across Asia, stainless steel jewellery is making inroads into the western market. It’s a great choice for any man that wants a functional, durable and affordable men’s wedding ring. The benefit of stainless steel is that you need not worry about stains or smudges, it has low associated maintenance costs, caring for the ring may only involve giving it a wipe down occasionally. Shop for Stainless Steel Men's Wedding Rings on Etsy Palladium Men’s Wedding RingsPalladium is a silvery-white precious metal and is part of the platinum family, characterised by their natural silvery white colour which will not tarnish and their innate durability. Like platinum, palladium will not tarnish, it’s hypoallergenic and it’s flexible, but the cost of palladium is less, which is attributed to its lesser density. Palladium has a darker cast to it when compared to platinum, but it’s no less beautiful. Shop for Palladium Men's Wedding Rings on Etsy Ceramic Men’s Wedding RingsCeramic men’s wedding rings are incredibly durable and pocket-friendly option. One of ceramics best features is its long-lasting shine and glossy finish. This modern compound is said to have the best elements of both tungsten carbide and titanium; it’s scratch resistant, lightweight, durable and crack resistant if treated well. A ceramic ring offers a contemporary alternative to a standard metallic option. Shop for Ceramic Men's Wedding Rings on Etsy Wooden Men’s Wedding RingsWood, either as a standalone ring or when it’s combined with metals such as gold and silver, can make a beautiful ring. A polished wooden veneer or solid wood ring can be a unique and earthy wedding band, the downside is that they can be vulnerable to damage, additionally, they hold no intrinsic value and can be hard to clean. Shop for Wooden Men's Weddings Rings on Etsy Picking the Ideal Wedding BandAs a man, I can appreciate that the process of choosing the perfect wedding band can be a daunting prospect, especially if like me you’re not used looking at men’s jewellery. Additionally, the terminology used in jewellery can seem otherworldly, and the seemingly endless variations types of rings can make it exceptionally difficult to find that perfect option. The easiest way to make your job easier is to break down your options, considering the features and properties you’re most interested, this will help narrow your choices until you find the ideal men’s wedding ring. Wedding Ring ComfortSome men are concerned that a wedding ring might not be comfortable, especially after extended periods of wear, but they can be if you know what to look for and you pick the ring carefully. The two most important factors to consider is the shape of the ring and the width of the men’s wedding ring. Shape of the Wedding RingThe shape of the wedding ring will go a long way to determining how comfortable the ring is when worn on your finger. There are a few factors and options that must be considered when choosing the shape of the wedding ring:
Width of a Wedding RingWhen choosing the width of the wedding ring, consider the length and size of the fingers. Men’s wedding rings are generally wider than a ladies wedding ring, which is obvious when you consider men’s fingers are generally wider. It’s very important to have your sized correctly, it’s probably worth going into a store to try on a variety of ring sizes to find a size you feel comfortable with. A Wedding Ring for Every ManThe ‘I’m Not Fussed’ GuyA classic choice such as gold wedding ring may suite a no-fuss kind of guy perfectly, it’s not too fancy or alternative. There are still many sorts of simple men’s wedding rings out there, with a huge variety of widths and shapes to choose from, it can change the look and feel of a ring substantially. A simple metal wedding ring for a not fussy guy might look like a gold 7mm band, but there are still plenty of other options if that doesn’t take your fancy. The Gemstone KingIt might not be the first thing that springs to mind, but it is perfectly acceptable for a men’s wedding ring to contain gemstones. You might want to give careful consideration to the type of lifestyle you lead, the works that you do and the sports that you play before considering a gemstone. Most gemstones require some sort of setting, and depending on the setting used, the gem might be vulnerable to damage or being lost depending on the activities performed while wearing it. You’d want to avoid any rough contact sports or manual labour when wearing a men’s wedding ring which contains a claw setting. The Hard as Nails RingIf the ring wearer lifts a lot of weights, performs manual labour or spends their spare time doing DIY, then a delicately intricate wedding ring might not be the most appropriate choice. A heavy ring choice such as stainless steel, tungsten, palladium or cobalt might be better suited to some rough work. The rings can still be interesting and fun, for example, a two-tone option woven together might be a perfect balance of design and functionality. The Modern ManIn decade past picking a man’s wedding ring was as easy as picking out a correctly sized gold ring. Over the last 10 – 20 years the popularity of a simple gold wedding ring has been declining, style and trends have gravitated towards something a little bit different. More eccentric cool men’s wedding rings have started to make an appearance, including designs featuring rose gold, titanium, platinum; coupled with inlays, wavy edges and of course the ultimate wedding band with diamonds. Caring and Cleaning for your Men’s Wedding RingDIY Jewellery CleaningIt should be noted, with the exception of tungsten wedding rings, metals will invariably scratch, no matter how careful you are. As such, never use a hard-bristled toothbrush to clean your wedding ring, this can and will result in tiny scratches which will dull the appearance of your ring. If you want to avoid such issues then you should definitely read on for our easy to do home care solutions. These tips and tricks can apply to most metals such as silver, titanium, platinum and gold. Platinum and titanium are fairly resilient, however, with time even these metals will become scratched, there’s just no way to avoid this short of not wearing your ring. We would suggest having your rings professionally cleaned and polished once a year. Caring TipsCaring for your wedding ring at home can actually be quite straightforward. Following the steps laid out below will keep your ring in tip top condition, allowing the ring to sparkle just as much as the day you bought it. If you want to restore the shine to your ring consider using a store bought cleaner, there are several types available, you should ensure you buy one to suit your ring metal. If in doubt consult a professional jeweller. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/mens-wedding-rings Men's earrings are an intrinsic part of many ancient civilisations and have a cultural significance for many people around the world. There is no clear-cut evidence which definitively tells us who first introduced earrings for men, it might have been the Persians or the Egyptians, or far more likely it was a culture which predated these civilisations by many hundreds or thousands of years. Men's EarringsIn modern times, thanks to changing tastes and opinions on acceptable men’s jewellery, earrings are more popular than ever. They are no longer exclusively relegated to punk culture or pirate wannabees, white-collar middle-income male workers can and do wear earrings, with barely a batted eyelid. Earrings Associated with Musical GenresThe classic rap look nearly always includes a set of stud earrings that are made from diamonds, cubic zirconia, gold or other precious metals. This type of earring not only represents style, it will invariably be worn to indicate status as well. While these statements are quite generalised and sweeping, they are only intended to provide a rough guide, and should not be taken as gospel. Someone that likes rap can, of course, wear a barbell earring and someone that likes metal can wear a pair of diamond stud earrings, there is no hard and fast rule. Men's Stud EarringsStud earrings are a type of post earring which gives the impression of floating freely on the ear. The stud earrings are made from a rod that penetrates the earlobes cartilage and will often be adorned with a metal stud, gemstone or another type of decoration on the front. Recently skins have become available that are intended to cover the metal stud earring, these are quite often brightly coloured and may even glow in the dark. Studs are one of the easiest types of men's earrings to wear. They generally look good if you’re clever about how you wear them and can be easily matched to the clothes you’re wearing. We would advise using stud earrings to enhance your overall look, rather than using them as a standalone statement piece. The available stud designs are quite substantial, so there’s likely something that’ll match your style preference. I would suggest sticking with small designs such as circles or crosses until you’re comfortable wearing earrings and you begin to develop your own earing sense of style. Men's Hoop EarringsHoop earrings are traditionally circular or semi-circular in shape and are made from a hollow tube which uses a post or wire to penetrate the earlobe. Men's Barbell EarringsBarbell earrings look exactly like you’d expect them to look, a straight bar with a ball at each end. Bent versions are also available, but are slightly less common. Barbell earrings come in a range of sizes and finishes. Longer ones are usually used to go from the top of the ear down to the bottom. This type of earring can be quite risqué and flamboyant, which might not be the best option for a traditional office job, but might work quite well if you work in a club or bar. Men's Novelty EarringsA novelty earring is a broad term that applies to almost every style available. They are often an attachment or skin which applies to an earrings ball or studs and can be changed whenever you want a new look. Some of the styles you might see are cartoon characters, bright colours, pop culture references, skulls, guns etc. Novelty earrings have their place in the world, but I wouldn’t make a habit out of wearing them every day. They are probably best kept for special occasions, festivals, nights out and any other social situation that warrants a bit of flair. Men's Spacers or Plug EarringsSpacers are also commonly known as plugs, gaps or flesh tunnels (gag) but they all accomplish the same thing. They are sometimes made from a solid cylinder that goes into the earlobe which will stay in place due to the flared design of the cylinder. Other varieties can include a hollow middle, these can also be called bullet holes. Wearers will typically increase the gauge of the earring over time until the desired size is reached. There’s no denying that spacer earrings are quite popular in the alt crowd. It’s a look that has its fans and opponents, you’ll either love the look or hate it. Just be aware that you may need to have cosmetic surgery in order to return your earlobe to its original shape if you ever decide it’s not for you anymore. Mens Magnetic EarringsIf you don’t want to have your ears pierced but still want to try out earrings, then magnetic earrings are one of the choices available. Magnetic earrings normally come in the form of a stud which is held in place by a magnet at the back of the ear. Mens Clip On EarringsLike magnetic earrings, clip-on earrings are an option for anyone that doesn’t want to have their ears pierced. Clip-on earrings will typically attach to the ear by way of a hinged clip and will often have a charm attached to them. When to Wear Mens EarringsLike almost every other accessory, there are times when it’s appropriate to wear earrings and there are times when it’s not. Depending on where you work, it’s probably not advisable to wear earrings while at the office. However, if you work somewhere that readily accepts accessories such a creative design studio, or your work for yourself, then you might get away with wearing earrings. In terms of style, showing off a couple of diamond studded earrings while wearing smart suite might not be the best choice. It’ll likely detract and distract from the suit much in the same way a flashy belt buckle would. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/mens-earrings If like me, the words ‘stretch marks’ send shivers down your spine, then you’ve probably wondered if there’s a way to get rid of them. Nearly every woman alive, whether they are young or old, has likely worried about forming stretch marks at some point in their life. If and when pregnancy becomes part of your life, there’s no avoiding the fact that your skin will stretch and expand in order to accommodate the miracle of life. This can and does result in stretch marks. For the lucky ones this might be barely noticeable, for others it can lead to your skin looking like a zebra’s fur coat. So, when bio-oil made an appearance, it’s not surprising that it took the world by storm. Not only does bio oil promise to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, uneven skin and even rejuvenate skin, it’s also got a growing legion of fans that claim it works. In this bio-oil review, we’ll try to get to the bottom of this craze and determine once and for all if this product actually works. Bio-OilIf you take a look at the back of a bio-oil bottle you’ll find a ton of ingredients listed, some of which might be familiar and some of which might be completely new to you. In terms of skin repair and care, we’re largely interested in the following:
Packaging of Bio OilLike most other available skincare products, the Bio-Oil bottle comes in a fairly plain but functional white cardboard box, this box also houses the instruction manual. The instruction manual contains several easy to understand illustrations which make using the product a breeze, it’s a nice touch which saves the consumer from reading a bunch of text. The bottle itself is a fairly non-descript slightly opaque bottle with a screw on cap. The bottle's opening is covered by a white cap with a small hole which will restrict the flow of oil, this addition is ideal for me, given that I’ve got a gift for spilling expensive perfumes and oils within seconds of opening. Looking at the bottle, the oil has a slight orange tint, thankfully when poured out the oil looks for all intents and purposes, completely transparent. So, you don’t need to worry about dying yourself or your clothes orange. The smaller 60ml version is ideal for travelling, it’ll fit into most handbags easily, and it’s well under the TSA liquids allowance. Given that the packaging is pretty sturdy and as long as the cap is screwed on, there’s unlikely to be any worries about leaking in your bag. Bio Oil Benefits and UsesBefore we deep dive into the effectiveness of Bio-Oil, we need to make it clear that the company that manufacturers Bio-Oil does not make any claims that it can completely remove scars or make stretch marks disappear entirely. Its goal is simply to reduce the appearance of such marks. With that now out of the way, let’s proceed with the rest of the review and see what this product has to offer: Bio-Oil For ScarsNever apply Bio-Oil to an open wound, it will not prevent scarring, this needs to be stressed. Applying Bio-Oil to an open wound is just asking for an infection, one which will make the scarring worse when the wound finally heals. If you have an already healed scar, then this is a perfect candidate for Bio-Oil, but remember, it won’t completely remove scars, it’ll just lessen the appearance. To test the effectiveness of Bio-Oil at reducing the appearance of scars I’ve enlisted the assistance of our office assistant Julie. Julie has a scar on her back from a minor surgery performed a couple of years ago, can Bio-Oil reduce the appearance of this scar with consistent use? The answer is, yes. As you can see in the picture below, the scar has lightened and now more closely matches the tone of the surrounding skin. The scar is still visible, but I would hope with continued use it would become even more indistinguishable from the surrounding skin. For full disclosure, this was with one month of continued use and to the best of our ability, we’ve used the same lighting conditions and camera. Bio-Oil For Pregnancy Stretch MarksFor many women around the world, stretch marks are part in parcel of being pregnant, but can they be prevented and reduced with the use of Bio-Oil? Many women around the world swear by this treatment, so it must do something right? My mother in law advised me throughout my pregnancy to use Bio-Oil, I just nodded, smiled and filed it under old wives tails. Roll on 9 months and my abdomen looked like it’s gone through several rounds with Wolverine. Keen to restore my skin to its former flawless beauty (ahem), I took the decision to try Bio-Oil for myself. Surprisingly, it worked… sort off. It didn’t restore my stomach to that of a 21-year-old, but it did improve things. I still look like I’ve had a child, which is fine, but at least I don’t look like Freddie Kruger's practice dummy. My biggest regret is that I didn’t pay more attention to my mother in law and started using Bio-Oil at the start of my pregnancy. It was this that prompted me to write this article. Bio-Oil For Uneven Skin ToneThis was a difficult scenario to test. As far as I know, variations in skin tone can be caused by a huge variety of factors, for example, the sun, location on the body, exposure to chaffing, dirt? So, how do we test? I thought screw it, I’ll rub it everywhere and see what happens. Surprisingly, the bags under my eyes looked less pronounces, but that could also be a side effect of my wee one starting to sleep through the night. I welcome anyone else’s feedback on this one, if you’ve tried Bio-Oil to even out skin tones, please let me know, good or bad. Bio-Oil For Aging SkinSeeing as I’m already a vision of youthful invigoration, I palmed this one off to my Mum. According to the blurb, Bio-Oil restores ageing skin to its former glory by improving the collagen and elastin content in your skin. So, what did my Mum think? She loves it and continues to use it today. Did it make her look younger? Seeing as my Mum will be reading this, of course, it did, but not that she needed it. In all seriousness, she likes it and tells me it’s working, which is what really matters. Bio-Oil For Dry SkinI’m already aware that many of the essential oils contained within Bio-Oil are excellent for moisturizing the skin, so you would expect Bio-Oil to be a good moisturizer, and it is. I would happily keep using it for its moisturizing ability alone. It’s definitely a thumb’s up from me. Bio-Oil Pros
Bio-Oil Cons
Bio Oil ReviewBio-Oil came into my life not long after I had given birth. I was tired, stressed and overwhelmed by the new responsibility in my life. I barely had time to eat properly, let alone adhere to a beauty routine. My opinion of my body was at an all-time low, I had stretch marks, I looked exhausted and my pregnancy weight seemed to be stubbornly sticking around. Needless to say, my self-esteem was very low. Something needed to change! Thankfully my husband was a massive help and did more than his fair share of baby duty. I set aside a couple of nights a week to attend trampoline fitness classes and did what I could to eat well, sleep well and try to enjoy my new life. But what could I do about stretch marks? I did some research, tried various home remedies and creams and was just about to give up when my mother in law again reminded me about Bio-Oil. At this point, I was ready to give anything a go. Simply put, Bio-Oil is brilliant. I’m not a fan of greasy skin care products, I was very much pleasantly surprised when I found out that it was not greasy at all, and would be absorbed into my skin in a matter of seconds. The oil is so light that it barely feels like I’ve applied anything at all, which really is a testament to how spot on the formulation is. I had feared using an oil-based product would end up blocking my pores and causing a breakout of spots, but thankfully, this did not happen. If anything, my skin actually felt much cleaner and fresh. My stretch marks have faded significantly over 3 months of consistent usage. My skin is healthy, hydrated and feels better than it has in years. How To Use Bio Oil in 4 Easy Steps
Rating 4.7/5 Do I Recommend Bio-Oil?Yes, two thumbs up. Treat your skin to something extraordinary. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/bio-oil-review-does-it-work-for-reducing-stretch-marks-scards Leather bracelets are a great way to add a bit of individuality and flair almost any type of outfit and suit many occasions. Contrary to particular to belief, not all leather bracelets are plain and simple, with there actually being a wide variety of choice within the leather bracelet category ranging from embroidered and decorated, to those with gold and silver plaques. You may not think that leather bracelets or other jewellery is “for you” and in that case, you’ll probably be surprised by the variety on offer, and the wide selection available which means that it’s pretty unlikely that’s there absolutely nothing that catches your eye. Here is simply an overview of the variety on offer, and a suggestion as to which one is best suited to you and even how to wear it. Shop NowLeather Bracelets - What’s on Offer?The starting point for any leather bracelet is, of course, going to be the leather – if it’s genuine leather it will be incredibly soft and comfortable, the kind of thing you could keep on days without even realizing! Of course, you can get different types of leather that have been treated in different ways and therefore will have different types of textures, it’s mainly up to personal preference what type leather your bracelet is made from. The leather need not be shaped into a plain cuff, it can be braided into different designs, such as the round braided bolo, the regular braided bolo, and the regular braid. The texture of your leather will depend on whether it has been braided, and if it has, which braid it was fashioned into. If you want to experiment with making your own leather bracelet, you could also try a whole variety of other braids to give your bracelet a unique look and feel. RETRO CROSS GENUINE LEATHER BRACELET - Shop Now If you prefer, you can get a leather bracelet in a blank and bare cuff, or you could get something a little more colourful like leather bracelets decorated with gems and beads, and a variety of other embellishments. More than anything, it depends on what you gravitate towards naturally – be that a splash of colour, or a simple and clean look. Of course, when it comes to leather bracelets, you don’t only need to look at ones targeted specifically to men, within the unisex category there are yet more options between the different types of thick, thin, and slim leather bracelets. There is a large scope for personalization with leather bracelets, and you have the option of adding special and memorable dates and names, perhaps you can get the name of the person you are gifting the bracelet to embroidered or pressed onto the leather itself, to make the gift that much more personal. If you wish, you could even get gems or jewels that may have special meaning to you because of a special event or person. Therefore, leather bracelets are in many sense a blank canvas, and you can give your bracelet as much or as little emotional significance as you wish! ID TAG LEATHER BRACELET - Shop Now You can even get plaques of gold, silver or any other metal on your leather bracelet. These types of bracelets are of course pricier but go very well with the more sophisticated outfits you may wear for special occasions such as weddings and graduations. If you do wish to acquire a bracelet with silver or gold, the general advice is that gold goes better with warmer skin tones, and silver is better with colder skin tones, though some people suit both gold and silver equally well. It’s worth finding out which metal compliments your skin tone better because it means you’re much more likely to a worthwhile purchase, especially if you are spending a fair amount of cash. Looking at the more technical aspects of a leather bracelet, you would need to decide how you would prefer to fasten your bracelet- which method is quicker and easier for you. You can find leather bracelets that are closed by locking a pin into place or those with buckles and adjustable straps, but you can also find the standard one-size-fits-all bracelet if you don’t have any particular preference. It is recommended that you do your research or maybe look at bracelets you already own as guidance. How Should I Wear Them?The most effective way to wear leather bracelets is sparingly – that doesn’t mean once a month, it means limiting yourself to one or two bracelets at any one time. Of course, some guys do a like a stack of 4 or 5 on their wrist, which is fine if that’s their personal taste, but if you are trying to achieve a classy and sophisticated look then sticking to a minimalist approach will tick more boxes for you. There’s a risk, particularly if you’re in formal wear, of overdoing it with bracelets or other jewellery. Having a precise and clean, rather than hectic and busy look, looks much more elegant and refined. If you are in casual wear, leather bracelets are still a worthwhile addition to your outfit if you want to add something a little different. Of course, there is no “specific” outfit that would go well with leather bracelets, as they are a very versatile piece of jewellery and can be worn regardless of whether you’re wear shorts, a hoodie, a t-shirt or a tux! A casual bracelet suits most occasions, but it could be said that not every occasion is suited to an armful of leather bracelets, for example, a job interview, where you likely won’t want to look casual but mature and serious. Therefore, use your own initiative and consider whether the bracelet/s are suited to the situation. Overall however, leather bracelets are perfect if you want to add a bit of flair and uniqueness to your daily outfit, especially because your bracelet can be as personal to you as want it to be, and reflect who you are. They are great stepping stone if you are looking to add more types of jewellery to your look, as they allow you to start off very plain and simple, as per your tastes. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/men-s-leather-bracelets Resin nowadays means any liquid that will solidify into something with the consistency of enamel or other such hard substances. Therefore, if you’re wondering what a resin ring is, it is at its core a ring that has been produced as a result of a gooey liquid that eventually solidifies into a see-through and solid resin, and showcases the many wonders and treasures that are placed inside, ranging from glowing shards to sparkles to breath-taking scenes of nature. The theme of nature features heavily within resin rings, so if you have ever found yourself captivated by scenes of sunsets and splendid seas, then resin rings are no doubt a perfect match for you. Resin RingsWhy are they special? Many would say that the most remarkable feature about many resin rings is that they cannot be replicated. Each takes its own individual and unique form, and no craftsmen, no matter how skilled they may be, can get two resin rings to be directly identical. Instead, the scene, the beauty, the smooth and sharp edges on your resin ring, cannot be found on anyone else’s, which is part of the reason they are so appealing to so many; your resin ring is yours, and will always be unique to you (just make sure you don’t take it off and forget about where you put it!). Aside from that, you truly only need to take one look at resin rings to see why they stand out a mile from their competition; they don’t offer expensive jewels and hefty price tags, but they offer an entire world, an entire scene, a portrait to gaze at in awe. Whilst a lot of high-end jewellery is the product of impressive skill and effort, there is no doubt that resin rings are particularly stunning pieces of art. You can choose between varieties of shades, as well as which flower/s you want to feature in your ring. It could be a flower that has a particular emotional significance for you, or perhaps a flower that you have always admired from afar. We all know that there are countless sapphire, opal, gold, diamond rings, and however coveted they may be they can run the risk of becoming cliché – resin rings are out of the ordinary, and the beauty of them is that even if you encounter others who take a liking to resin rings, their collection could be wildly different to yours, i.e. theirs feature autumnal shades and wooden bases, whereas your collection might feature waterfalls and blossoms – the resin rings that you own and wear will reflect the person you are and will be individual and striking rather than generic. You’ll likely never have to fear about needing a conversation starter again if you’re wearing one of these rings! We all know that there are countless sapphire, opal, gold, diamond rings, and however coveted they may be they can run the risk of becoming cliché – resin rings are out of the ordinary, and the beauty of them is that even if you encounter others who take a liking to resin rings, their collection could be wildly different to yours, i.e. theirs feature autumnal shades and wooden bases, whereas your collection might feature waterfalls and blossoms – the resin rings that you own and wear will reflect the person you are and will be individual and striking rather than generic. You’ll likely never have to fear about needing a conversation starter again if you’re wearing one of these rings! How are they made?Resin rings are made by pouring resin that can solidify and harden (usually after a period of 24-48 hours) into a mould. Whilst the resin is still gooey and therefore malleable the decorations and colouring are added to the ring, and these will feature in the finished piece. It is at this stage where small flowers, crystals, shards and different dyes can be added in and manipulated to give all kind of effects and create natural scenes within the ring. The resin itself can have a variety of appearances, from being a solid colour to being ombre to being translucent, depending on what the craftsmen are trying to achieve. Once the resin has solidified it cannot be internally modified, though of course it can still be polished and neatened from the outside. The resin ring can be worn as it is or can sit on a wooden base. Either way, to finish the ring, it must be sanded and smoothed down, after which extra coats of polish can be added to give the ring an extra shine. If the resin ring is one that can glow in the dark, that feature would now be tested out in a dim room to see if truly dazzles as you would want it to. Once the ring is preened and polished, there is nothing left to do but wear it, admire it and treasure it! from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/resin-rings Widely considered to be the quintessential wedding ring. The ring is available in widths ranging from 2mm through to 16mm and it can be finished in a range of styles, from satin through to colourful. Classic Court Flat Tungsten RingThe court flat tungsten ring is a simple yet elegant style and is characterised by the flat top of the ring. Coloured Tungsten RingThis ring is often black and gold, but may also be silver, platinum or bronze in colour. A single highlighted brightly coloured line down the middle of the ring or a coloured inner surface serves to add a splash of colour. Carved Tungsten RingThis type of ring encompasses a range varieties which might be a ridge, faceted or textured in many other ways. Brushed or Grooved Tungsten RingCan come in many forms but they are generally matt in appearance. All of these styles are suitable for men to wear and what you pick largely comes down to personal preference. What Else to ConsiderThere are some things that are worth keeping in mind when picking a tungsten ring. Perhaps most importantly you need to know that these rings cannot be resized. Due to incredible toughness and the forging process, there is just no practical way of resizing a ring. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that you know your ring size before deciding to buy. You’ll also want to take into consideration the size of your knuckles and what any weather changes, changes in altitude or injuries might do to the size of your fingers. Many men have knuckles which are larger than the rest of their finger, which might make putting the ring on a bit difficult. If you are someone with knuckles that exceed the base of their finger, then it’s well worthwhile considering getting a larger ring size. Changes to pressure and weather conditions can cause fingers to swell, if you’re one of the people that find they have swollen fingers in hot weather, this may be something you’ll want to consider when choosing your ring size. Ideally, you’ll want a ring that fits all year round, regardless of the weather, heat and pressure. Watch out for rings that are made with cobalt and nickel, especially if you have allergies. Many people find that they have an allergic reaction to nickel, which even if it’s very mild, might become uncomfortable over time. It’s best to leave nickel out when picking your ring. Tungsten rings that have cobalt included might not be as resilient as vanilla Tungsten ring, this may or may not be a problem, depending on how much abuse you’re going to through at your ring. If you might end up hitting the ring with a hammer, this is probably an issue. The rings are quite heavy and can be quite large. If you want something slender and lightweight then tungsten is probably not a great choice, having said that, slimmer tungsten rings are now becoming available. Caring for a Tungsten RingIf you’ve decided to go ahead and purchase a tungsten ring, you’ll want to ensure its kept in great condition, continuing to stay beautiful and bright. Despite tungsten rings being made from one of the hardest materials available, they are not impervious to damage. If you can, remove your ring before undertaking any DIY or going to the gym. As well as keeping your ring safe, this also helps keep you safe. Wash the ring with soap and water regularly. You can clean the ring while you’re still wearing it, but it should be done regularly. This helps keep your ring and fingers sanitary, but it also helps to prevent the oils and salts from your hand adversely affecting the ring. Lastly, enjoy your Tungsten ring, with the right treatment and care it’ll last many generations of wear. from https://www.mypearls.co.uk/blogs/news/tungsten-rings |
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Men’s Tungsten rings are seeing a massive increase in popularity, they are now the go-to choice for many men tasked with finding a ring for the first time. As such, many men are looking into replacing the traditional gold wedding ring with a tungsten wedding ring. Tungsten is a heavy metal which is also incredibly hard and will keep its shines no matter what kind of conditions and abuse you throw at it. Fun fact: tungsten is so hard, long lasting, strong and has such a high melting point that it’s commonly used as a filament in incandescence light bulbs. A couple might be persuaded to buy a tungsten wedding ring as their durability could be used to symbolise their permanent and forever love (aww).
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Why Pick a Men’s Tungsten Ring
CLASSIC TUNGSTEN CARBIDE RING - Buy it from My Pearls
WOOD DESIGN TUNGSTEN CARBIDE RING - Buy it from My Pearls
BLACK CARBON FIBER INLAY TUNGSTEN CARBIDE RING - Buy it from My Pearls
CROSS DESIGN CARBIDE TUNGSTEN RING - Buy it from My Pearls
The main benefit of tungsten is its resilience and hardness, which means it’ll last an incredibly long amount of time, tens if not hundreds of years. Additionally, tungsten will not easily tarnish, which means if it’s finished to a bright shine, it’ll keep on shining. A well-polished tungsten ring will have an almost mirror-like finish, which is unlike any other metal. As the metal is incredibly tough, it’s also innately resistant to scratching. Tungsten is roughly 300% harder than titanium and nearly as much as 900% harder than 18-carat gold.If you’ve ever worn a silver or gold ring before, then you’ll know how easily they can scratch and lose their lustre. Tungsten does not have this problem. Anyone that works with their hands goes to the gym, occasionally does gardening or performs a spot of DIY can benefit from wearing a hard wearing and manly ring.
How To Make Your Own Tungsten Ring
If you’re thinking about buying a Tungsten ring, or you’re considering forging your own, then you’ll probably want to know how they are made.
The first step involves grinding up some choice pieces of Wolframite ore, carbon and a couple of other choice elements, ensure the mixture is like a fine powder. Take the ore mixture and place it into a ring blank, you really have to stuff it in there, hydraulics will probably help to get as much powder into the blank as possible.
Take the powder filled ring blank and fire it in an oxygen-free furnace, ensure the temperature exceeds 1400 Degrees Celsius. Once the ring has been well cooked you’ll end up with what looks like a solid black blank. This blank needs to be ground into the required shape and then polished as required. At the end of this procedure, you’ll have a beautiful hardwearing Tungsten Ring. Alternatively, you could buy one from us instead.
Types of Men’s Tungsten Ring
Despite the forging process being quite difficult, long and complicated, there are actually many variations of the tungsten ring available to buy. This is largely due to the ever-increasing popularity of these masculine rings.
Classic Dome Tungsten Ring