Titanium has a long history of being a metal that is indispensable to industry, primarily the aerospace industry. As the aerospace technology improves, fleets are designed to use aircraft grade titanium parts, and it is this same grade of titanium that is used in some top designer jewelry. To meet FAA standards, aircraft propellers need to be made of a metal known as Ti-64, a superior grade of titanium. It is a more potent version of Ti-662, which is also very hard and strong.

Aircraft grade titanium wedding bands are more scratch resistant and much stronger than Ti-999, or commercially pure titanium. Unlike many other metals, titanium is 100 percent compatible with the human body, which means it will not cause allergic reactions or skin irritations. This is true with any grade of titanium.

The trend towards titanium wedding rings for men is relatively recent. In fact, the use of titanium in any type of jewelry is a thoroughly modern concept. Not long ago, men were limited to a few basic styles of yellow gold and white gold traditional wedding bands. Now there are several contemporary metals available in men’s rings, including titanium, tungsten, cobalt and stainless steel. But it is the unique quality of titanium that has set the standard for contemporary men’s wedding rings.

Despite the fact that men’s titanium wedding bands can be difficult to find in your local jewelry store, there are myriad choices to be found online. As the public’s comfort level with online shopping improves, more and more couples are using the internet as their preferred shopping destination, even with something as important as modern wedding rings. Not only is the selection far better online, but an ecommerce store will often sell these rings at much more affordable prices.

Many men prefer titanium wedding bands because they are so strong and durable without being heavy on the hand. For men who work with their hands or in situations where rings can become dented and scratched, titanium is far superior to gold and softer metals. Other men simply prefer the look of titanium over other metals. It can be just as shiny as platinum, or brushed for a more modern look. Men who are allergic to gold or silver choose titanium because it is hypoallergenic and doesn’t react with the skin.

For those of you who wonder about the origins of men’s titanium wedding bands, the metal was named after the ancient god Titan when it was first discovered in 1795. With an atomic number of 22, this naturally occurring element is so prevalent in our universe it has even been found in space. Because it is such a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal – and extremely strong – titanium was primarily used for making airplane propellers and other aerospace parts. Today, it is this same aircraft grade of the metal that is used to make men’s designer titanium wedding bands.

Author’s Bio

Marissa writes for Mens Wedding Rings, an online shop that offers a wide selection of unique men’s wedding bands, traditional rings and many alternative styles, like the men’s
designer titanium wedding band.

More Colours for 2012

Colour has always taken the centre stage when it comes to unveiling trends and 2012 will be no exception. Elegance is another aspect that always finds its place in the pinnacles of fashionable designs. Gone are the days when brides only confined themselves to white accessories to match their attires. Nonetheless, even though white still remains popular, pink and blue colours are also quickly stamping their mark as popular colours. Expect to see more brides walking down the aisle in blue or pink shoes donned with crystal embellishments to bring out that extra kick of elegance.

The Jewellery to Choose

Jewellery will also be one of those accessories that will stand out in 2012. Wide bracelets, glittering diamond earrings and stylish necklaces will take their place as the ultimate compliment to the bride’s dress. Most women consider jewellery to be a symbol of commitment and it has to stand out. Most jewels in 2012 such as rings, earrings and bracelets will likely be simple and classic, but nonetheless, the elegance factor will still stand out.

Trends for Crowns and Tiaras

Crowns and tiaras are also a popular wedding accessory. This year will witness many brides preferring jewel-encrusted pieces. With the fashion trends likely to take shape in 2012, most brides may opt for embellishments such as pearls, crystals or diamonds to enhance the look. Nonetheless, it is advisable to keep the veil simple and not decorate it heavily. In addition, the decorations on the veil do not have to match the dress, but they should not clash.

Handbags

The handbag will also be a major accessory in weddings for 2012. While neutral tones dominated yesteryears, more colours will be preferred in 2012, with blue most probably taking the centre stage as the prominent colour.

Conclusion

The year 2012 will be the year in which to expect more emphasis on colour. Blue will be the most preferred, and many brides will line it up in their wedding accessories to complement their dresses. Nonetheless, even with the sophistication, vintage inspired accessories such as chandelier earrings, British hats such as those worn by Princess Kate among others will likely be a common fixture in weddings. When choosing the must have wedding accessories for 2012, it is imperative to understand that balance is always the key.

When it comes to bridal fashion itself, winter styles of dresses and outerwear may have longer sleeves or higher necklines than they otherwise would during the summer. This allows the bride to stay warm in a colder environment. A higher neckline causes a pendant to lay against the dress instead of against the skin, so to make the pendant or necklace stand out, it must be larger or have more sparkle. Long sleeves on a dress or shrug hide small, insignificant bracelets, so cuff style bracelets or bracelets encased in glittering jewels should take precedence in winter weddings. Earrings, meanwhile, should match the other jewelry in both size and shape. When it comes to specifics, pay heed to the following guidelines and your winter wedding is sure to be cool as ice:

Silver
Opt for silver jewelry, instead of gold, for a winter wedding. Silver lends a special sparkle that exudes the freshness of winter. Gold tends to impart a glow that is more subdued, yet which shines well in the warm summer months. Pair silver with crystals or other gem stones for a crisp, frosty look befitting the crispest season of the year.

Pearls
Real pearls are rarely pure white, but that does not mean they cannot be worn in frosty white winters. Brides that opt for an ivory dress can easily pair that dress with ivory pearls for a winter wonderland look. Use multi-strands to make the pearls stand out. Pearl bracelets also make a great choice for a winter wedding; the opalescence of the pearls shimmering against the light makes them look almost iridescent. On the ears, wear dangling pearl earrings or a single pearl stud.

Crystals
Diamonds are a glorious accent to any winter bridal gown, but how many can afford all but the diamond engagement and wedding bands? A more affordable way to go is to use crystals. Many crystals have a clear-to-white tone, making them look like frosty ice. Swarovski crystals are a particularly good choice for a winter bride, as they are notorious for their sparkle and shine. They are actually glass that is cut to refract the rainbow spectrum of light, and some are treated with a metallic coating to make them shine even more. A combination of crystals and pearls makes for an elegant pairing for a wedding. Make sure the pearls match the dress and do not look yellow against the fabric.

Snowflakes
Snowflakes are always a popular theme for winter weddings. Crystal snowflakes in the form of a pendant, bracelet or earring set can easily steal the show, but be sure to choose from either crystal-encrusted or shiny plain silver snowflakes. Snowflake earrings do not need to be large to be seen because of their sparkle, so pick modestly; choose dangling snowflakes to represent the snowstorm of passion that led to the wedding day. Actress/Model Heidi Klum herself famously dressed as a snowflake in the 2010 Victoria’s Secret fashion show, proving that even the top designers are taking inspiration from the natural beauty which winter provides.

Hearts
Hearts are always a romantic gesture at a wedding, for fairly obvious reasons. Heart pendants are appropriate for any wedding season, but a winter wedding heart should be sparkly and bright. David Yurman designs many heart shaped pieces appropriate for a winter wedding. There are heart pendants encrusted in glittering Pave diamonds or set off with mother of pearl. Similarly, Jane Seymour created the open heart collection and one of her bracelets is perfect for any winter bride. The bracelet completely encircles the wrist of the bride in an intricate design that glitters beautifully against a wedding dress. She also designed an open heart angel necklace which serves as a wonderful accessory to any winter bride. Angels are always popular during the winter holidays and this one in particular will watch over the bride and make sure her heart stays wide open.

Color
Stay away from combinations of red and green; these are Christmas colors and this is a wedding celebration, not a holiday get together. That does not mean, however, that red and green should be avoided completely. Opt for a ruby or garnet theme to embody the coziness of the winter holidays. Try using emeralds to give off the brilliance of the holiday without overdoing it, as the deep green of the emerald serves as a good duo with satin, which is also a bit shiny. A single ruby or emerald teardrop necklace is striking when contrasted against a pure white wedding dress. Use red roses in the wedding bouquet with ruby and garnet jewelry, but keep to white flowers when using emeralds so as not to take away from the beautiful coloring of the stones.

Headwear
Tiaras or headbands keep the veil secured during the wedding. They are probably the most understated piece of jewelry a bride wears, but a good choice in a tiara can make all the difference in the world. Winter brides are lucky in this sense: they can bring as much glitter and sparkle to head gear as they want to bring in the romance and iridescence of winter, and it will still look classy. A pearl encrusted headband sets off a beautiful vale, while a snowflake inspired tiara is simply spectacular. Make a dazzling headpiece by wiring strung crystals or snowflakes into a headband.

There are so many choices for the winter bride when it comes to jewelry, but the most important thing is that the jewelry stands out and is not understated. It is also important that it glows and glitters like the first snowfall of the season, without taking any attention away from the true gem of the wedding: the beautiful bride.

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year to tie the knot. The mild temperatures, riotous fall colours, and approaching holidays make it a wonderful time for celebrating family and friends, too. Plus, this Fall 2011 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in fashion’s memory — especially for wedding dresses! This is an article on some of my favourite bridal trends for this fall. We’re seeing lots of exciting texture and volume in many of this year’s fall and winter wedding dresses. These features are both extra festive, and very becoming on all body types. Your betrothed will fall in love with you all over again when he sees you coming down the aisle in an ultra feminine wedding dress with lots of embroidery on the bodice, and a sexy, unexpected ball gown skirt with crinoline hoops to give it shape. These gowns make an elegant statement without your ever having to say a word.

Additionally, lush skirts decorated with luxurious feathers, embroideries, and even translucent prints were all over the bridal shows. These decorations looked amazing, as with your every stride, the gown will undulate hypnotically. This is a glamorous take on the simple, relatively unadorned white skirts we’ve seen on bridal gowns for years. If you’d like to really make a statement on your wedding day, this is a trend you should explore. Beautiful, dramatic skirts have the added advantage of making your waist seem very small, and give you a lovely hourglass figure.

While many women were excited to wear long, dramatic veils after both Kate Middleton and Kate Moss reinvigorated the tradition, with the advent of these very dramatic bridal gowns, we are seeing this trend for fancy veils die back again. It just doesn’t look right with an ultra-fancy dress. So, if you choose to wear a voluminous, richly decorated wedding dress this autumn, consider pairing it with a short veil, or even foregoing the veil altogether, and wearing your hair in a sleek, glamorous style. This will keep your look modern, and prevent it from feeling “overdone.”

We’re also seeing lots of classic “fishtail” silhouettes on the bridal runways. This look is a bit trickier to pull off, but if you have a fabulous figure and want to make a singular entrance, this look is very glamorous, and you’ll want to display all your wedding pictures with pride. “Fishtailed” gowns are a fantastic way to show off a toned rear view, but they can be a bit difficult to walk in, so keep this in mind. It’d be a shame to trip and fall. If you decide to go this route, you may want to consider finding a dress with a removable skirt so that it is easier for you on the dance floor, or you may even want to change out of your bridal gown after the ceremony entirely.

Finally: sleeves. I already mentioned the residual effects of the royal wedding, and while a dramatic veil doesn’t look as fresh as it did last season, princess tiaras are still extremely popular, as are sleeves. Whether you want to look ladylike, need to cover up your tattoos, or just feel more comfortable with extra coverage, this is a very flattering look.

I hope this overview of this fall’s bridal trends helps you in your decision. And whatever look you choose, above all, remember to have fun! Happy hunting!

You probably haven’t let too many details slip through in your wedding plans, but have you considered the accessories you are going to wear with your wedding dress? You wouldn’t plan for any big night without taking accessories into consideration. You want to look the best you ever have and you know how important accessories are to complete any outfit. Your wedding dress is no different. Here are a few things to remember for your wedding day accessories.

• Choose simple, elegant jewellery. You want to keep the attention firmly on you and your dress on this special day. Make sure that you don’t choose any distracting jewellery. You want an attractive look that is not too over-the-top. Even if you typically wear a lot of large jewellery pieces, try to scale back on your wedding day. You can always put on a few bigger pieces for the reception. Keep it simple and attractive for the ceremony and for pictures.
• Take a balanced, coordinated approach. You may have a special piece of jewellery passed down to you for this occasion. If you do, try to coordinate all of your other jewellery with that special, centerpiece. You don’t want to have a fantastic antique diamond ring on one hand paired with a ruby necklace and earrings. Keep everything centered on a common theme with your jewellery choices.

You may go with the traditional, “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” But try to keep your accessories simple and your overall look balanced and coordinated. By taking this approach to accessories for your big day, you’ll make sure that the attention stays exactly where it should be – on you.

Have a Shopping Partner

If you haven’t already noticed, counting on your fiancé for wedding dress shopping help can be an exercise in futility. The fact is you need a friend to help you scour the stores and Internet for the most beautiful wedding dresses. If you can hit some of the bridal shows with your friend, you will have an ally on this elusive hunt. Your friend may end up somewhere that has just what you’re looking for and can easily snap a picture on her phone to send to you. You may even want to sit down with your shopping partner and hit the Internet to find the perfect dress together.

Have a Budget

If you’re trying to find the perfect wedding dress, you have to focus your efforts. Part of staying focused is going to revolve around your budget. Don’t waste your time looking at $10,000 dresses if you have a $2,000 budget. You’ll just be wasting valuable time and effort by spreading your search into price ranges you cannot afford. If you shop for your wedding dress with your budget firmly in mind, you will be better able to make a good decision and focus your energy on finding the best dress in your price range.

Think About the Big Picture

Your wedding dress should be the crowning jewel of your wedding day. Consider all the details about your wedding that you have already decided on. Have you picked out the flowers yet? If so, make sure that the flowers accentuate any dress that you do end up deciding on. You have to think about every other element of the wedding and make sure that they all flatter the wedding dress choices you are considering.

Your big day will be here before you know it. Make sure that you stay focused on the goal of getting the perfect dress for your wedding. You will only have this special day one time in your life. Make sure that you get exactly what you want. And be sure to use the right resources to help you make your dress shopping efforts more fruitful.