Wednesday, 6 January 2010

Rings at Jewish Weddings

In a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, wedding rings play a central role as in the traditional weddings of many other countries. Jewish law stipulates that a mere oral declaration of commitment, however solemn, is not enough for a man and woman to be considered married. To reinforce the Jewish law, the giving of a wedding ring, is considered an outward symbol of the sanctity of marriage.

The ring must be made of solid metal, mostly in gold, with no holes or porosity destroying the circle. The continuity of the rings represents the hope for an undying love and everlasting togetherness.

The ring must be bought and gifted by the bridegroom's family to the bride at the time of the Jewish wedding ceremony. The ring is used as an item of value given to the bride in order to complete the marriage contract. While only one Jewish wedding ring is required by Jewish law to be given by the groom to the bride, many Jewish couples today exchange rings. There are certain sections of orthodox Rabbis who disapprove of a double ring ceremony. It is their contention that it invalidates the idea of the groom acquiring the bride if the bride were also to give a ring back to him.

Jewish wedding rings are generally made of solid gold bands, although mbellishment of these bands with Hebrew letters is becoming commonplace. Many rings are today fully customized with unique Hebrew phrases, or the couple's names either inscribed or raised inside the band. Orthodox weddings require the ring to be solid all the way round into a full circle. It is not necessary to be solid gold and can be of any other metal. Jewish Wedding Rings are made also in silver by some follow the kabbalah trend that requires a silver wedding ring to be used in wedding ceremonies.

During the Jewish wedding, the groom initially places the ring on the bride's right index finger. Afterwords, most women move it to the customary ring finger of the left hand. This time-honored tradition goes back to the time of the Talmud when controversy raged about which finger is closer or more direct to the heart! Christianity claimed it to be the ring finger while Judaism believed it to be the index finger. Today many scholars opine that fidelity, which is what the ring symbolizes, has less to do with the heart than a strong conscience and sense of integrity - and hence any finger should be good enough.

In most traditional Jewish wedding ceremonies, the bride receives the ring from the groom but does not present a ring to her groom in return. This is because of the ancient Jewish belief it is the man who openly declares his responsibility by offering the ring. However, today most brides give a ring to the groom and most grooms are also willing to wear a ring. The bride also places the ring on the groom's index finger during the wedding ceremonies and afterwords the groom shifts the ring to the ring finger.

During Jewish wedding ceremonies, the bridegroom will repeat a Hebrew vow after the Rabbi, while gifting the ring to his bride. The bridegroom would declare, "Behold, thou art consecrated to me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel."

Monday, 4 January 2010

Exploring the Life of a Diamond

If we didn't know something that we should be aware of is the different stages that a diamond may go through I am sure that most of us here have some knowledge of this, and if you don't just consider this a short science class for couple of minutes. From what the Scientific World has told us, a diamond is the only Gem known to human existence that is made of only one single element and if you are scratching your head and guessed that it is was Carbon, than you would indeed be correct.

And if you want to be more mystified apparently these took millions and millions of years to evolve; and when they did evolve, it was due to the pressure of compaction under the earth. This is indeed something to consider the next time you look at your wedding ring or even consider selling your preciousand other forms of precious jewelry. But in addition to all of this once the diamond is made it takes many forms some of them being, diamond rings, diamond necklaces, diamond earringsand of course diamond studs We are probably reminded again once we go to purchase another diamond stone and the actual cost of the diamond is presented to us. Most Historians and Economist agreed that it is that precious length of time that keeps the price of diamonds so high and for other social issues like the blood feuds in Africa as people there try to get their share to get cash for diamonds. What ever the Market, there is always a high demand and need to have diamonds in or lives; or at least that's how it seems to be.

But a diamond may be a relief to people at this time, especially in this "Rough" period. Many people have diamonds that are not being used anymore and could really use extra income to help them in a major time of need. But there have been indications that this "rough" period may be on the decline which means greater financial opportunities for you and your family. And this is something that I am sure that a lot of people could use information on. As stated before there are online pawnbrokersthat would be able to assist you in this process of selling your diamonds. So go ahead and don't hesitate. Take advantage of the current economic changes while you can.

Sunday, 3 January 2010

Diamond Engagement Rings - What You Must Know While Buying It!

If you are planning to propose your girlfriend then you can express your love with a beautiful and sparkling diamond engagement ring. Always remember that diamond has the power to melt heart and by presenting diamond engagement ring you lady will definitely accept your proposal. And it will show that you not love her but you also care for her and can give her all the happiness of the world.

But as we all know that purchasing diamond engagement ring is not just a daunting task but it is also risky and the main thing which comes in your mind while buying ring is whether the lady will love the ring or not. Hence it is very important to buy your ring with utmost care.

And the best way to buy a perfect engagement ring is to buy loose diamond and then set them in your own design. As we all know that purchasing loose diamond and set them in your own design is a perfect choice of getting high quality and lowering your budget also. Always remember that purchasing diamond already set in a setting is expensive.

Generally men can not make the best choice in ring especially those who are purchasing it for the first time. Hence for them it is better to shop with their partner because purchasing a ring is a very important decision and it is also considered as one of the most important aspect of relationship. It is obvious that you will loose the aspect of surprise but purchasing your ring with your beloved you will be assured that you have made the right choice and she will love to wear it.

The most important consideration which you must make for your engagement rings is diamond. Make sure that the diamond set on your ring is of high quality. And you can easily determine the quality of diamond by understanding the 4C'S of diamond which stands for color, cut, clarity and cut. You can find variety of colors and cut in diamond and you can make the perfect choice by browsing online stores. Online jewelry stores help in making the right choice. And the best part of online shopping is that you can save lot of your hard earned money and it is also safe and secure.

Make sure that the diamond engagement ring which you select for your partner must make her feel unique and special and should be truly worth.

Friday, 1 January 2010

Tips on Buying Loose Diamonds

These loose diamonds are those which one can use if he or she wants customized jewelery pieces. It was first mined in the land of India years ago. Up until today, many prefer this diamonds especially for diamond engagement rings because jewelers have also now prepared ring fitters to allow one to choose which set of diamonds he wants to put into the ring. He chooses for and creates some unique styles of diamond rings that suit the likes of the woman he loves. Or one can also express his feelings by the way he wants the loose diamonds to be put into the ring. With loose diamonds, diamond cut engagement rings and even wedding rings and anniversary rings are never this special and very personal.

Upon hearing that specialized and personalized diamond rings can be done with the use of loose diamonds, the first thing that will come to mind is the price. Actually, it is never a problem because this diamonds are very affordable, and having it done for an engagement ring is even less expensive. This is not to say that since it is less expensive, diamond rings with loose diamonds are also less beautiful. They are just the same as the diamonds that are usually found and mined in Africa. The only difference is, one buys it as diamonds, not yet done in rings or any piece of jewellery. That is the reason why men are encouraged to look for jewelery stores and really prepare for a much sweeter way of proposing marriage to the women they love. Engagement rings are very special to women, especially when they are given diamond cut engagement rings. There really is something very special about diamonds. Maybe it is in the way it glimmers and sparkles, or it is in the way that it is cut, just as sexy and elegant.

So, to give men some tips in looking and buying for loose diamonds for their engagement rings, here are some tips. Of course, men must always ask for the carat. Women will more appreciate higher carats, but be practical. Higher carats often come with higher prices. Aside from the carat, be sure to take note of the color of the diamonds. Always consider what color will the woman appreciate for an engagement ring? Take note that the woman will keep and wear this ring wherever she goes, so might as well pick one that is beautiful and sophisticated. Cut and clarity are also to be considered because these two will determine the quality and elegance of the engagement rings. The shape of the loose diamonds also are to be considered because one can choose over emerald cut, heart, oval, princess, pear, among others. Be sure to check on the personality of the woman you are buying these loose diamonds for. They will surely have a say on the ring after it has been given to them. There are many jewellery stores providing loose diamonds with different colors, cuts, and carats. There are also online stores for these. However, it is best that one scrutinizes first the ring before actually buying it because engagement rings are something special and expensive that one cannot afford to buy a wrong one. So when buying loose diamonds, always remember that it is more unique, less expensive and engagement rings with loose diamonds can always be as beautiful as other diamond rings.