Alternative jewelry is a trend that has been gaining popularity for some time now. There are many forms of alternative jewelry, and the idea is simply to take what people expect to find and to do something different. In many cases, this occurs in the instance of wedding rings, but it can occur with all types of jewelry, from standard rings and necklaces to promise rings, eternity bands, and even divorce rings.
A common alternative jewelry type is to take a standard wedding ring setting and replace the traditional diamond with a brilliantly colored stone. In many cases, less expensive stones are used, but a number of people choose to place rare and precious stones into the setting. Birthstones of the spouses are among the most common choice, though many people base their choice on other criteria as well, such as a favorite color or a color with a particular sentimental value.
This same principle applies to other jewelry as well, with typical teardrop earring settings being used to house rubies, emeralds, and a host of other precious and semi-precious stones. Many people elect to use a variety of nontraditional gemstones and patterns to create entirely unique and individual pieces. When properly designed, these alternative jewelry pieces are stunning and eye-catching without having a gaudy or overwhelming feel.
Another option many people choose to employ is to change the setting for their alternative jewelry. Platinum is quickly becoming one of the most popular settings, and many people are now looking to titanium jewelry settings as well. The chance to use an alternative metal to craft a unique and elegant ring gives both the designer and the wearer a chance to exhibit creativity and to experiment with new mediums, creating an entirely individualized appeal with every piece.
Other forms of alternative jewelry focus more on intent than design. For example, promise rings have experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity among young people since popular music group The Jonas Brothers announced that they wear the rings as a pledge to save themselves for marriage. Since that announcement, record numbers of young couples have begun exchanging the rings and making similar pledges. Many young celebrities have since stepped up to announce their use of promise rings. The rings themselves have started a unique trend, and one that many parents are certainly willing to stand behind.
The promise ring has also gained a new use among adults in recent years. With more and more young men being called away into military service, many couples have taken to exchanging the rings as a promise to remain faithful and to wait for one another. Couples of all ages have started to employ the idea, noting that the alternative jewelry adds a sense of security and comfort for both parties, giving them a constant reminder of what they are waiting for.
On quite the other end of the spectrum, there is a new trend growing among the formerly married; the divorce ring. While there are many styles of divorce ring, they commonly share the theme of ended relationships. This is commonly symbolized by a depiction of a broken heart or other design that is divided down the middle. Other people choose to make alterations to their existing wedding ring to send a signal while maintaining the use of their precious jewelry. This is certainly an interesting form of alternative jewelry, and the trend is actually growing rapidly.
There is also an alternative jewelry piece that has become increasingly common for married couples. The eternity band is a breathtaking band that is designed to symbolize the eternity of love. Often given at a landmark occasion, such as an anniversary, childbirth, or renewal of vows, the eternity ring is an exquisite way to say I love you all over again. Full eternity bands have stones, typically diamonds, surrounding the band in its entirety, while half bands have stones encircling only the top half of the ring. While they can be worn on any finger, many people choose to use the eternity band in place of the wedding and engagement band on the left hand ring finger. These are certainly among the more traditionally styled forms of alternative jewelry, and are rapidly growing in popularity all over the world.
In short, alternative jewelry is a unique way to express many things. Whether it is used to express a promise, a commitment, or even a lack of commitment, these rings are certainly unique a purposeful. For a significant number of people, alternative jewelry pieces are designed to express only a unique style. No matter your reasons for purchasing one of the many alternative pieces available, it is certainly an excellent way to express one’s individual style, creating a unique combination of flair and boldness that was for a long time rarely seen in the jewelry world.