Surprisingly, men are choosing their own wedding rings and seeking simpler, masculine designs. They're less inclined to add diamonds and gemstones to their bands. Celebrities and professional men alike are choosing heavier metals in their rings. Titanium, tungsten alloy, and stainless steel are trending upward in sales along with cobalt and platinum instead of traditional soft metals like gold and silver.

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In many cases the lower cost is not a factor at all for a groom's choice of metal. When it is cost impacting their decision, it's because men are afraid they will lose their first wedding ring - which is often what does happen!

Popular new metals have made their debut, and men are stepping forward to voice their own preferences. Men are preferring platinum over gold, cobalt over silver and other hard metals like tungsten and titanium over the softer metals. Overall, they prefer simpler styling and comfortable fitting rings. The wider the band, the tighter the fit, so grooms are deciding on more narrow bands that feel a bit heavier with a looser fit. Perhaps the best indicator that your man would be safe wearing the softer metal options is if he normally wears a wrist watch. If so, we can assume that his hands and arms are not subject to regular abuse and he could wear gold, silver or platinum without constantly fearing damaging or losing his ring.

Wedding planners beware! Brides are more likely to allow their future husbands decision power in several areas of wedding planning. Men are typically more involved and aware, than in past generations. First came the changes in the apartments and modern home decor with preferences for industrial-looking materials. Such as more masculine, sleek and casual stainless steel appliances with re-purposed wood, metal on ceilings and feature walls. This trend has evolved into the fashion and jewelry industry as well. You can learn more about the strength, weight, and costs of the modern mens wedding band metals on "The Mens Wedding Band Comparison Guide".

from the press release:

Diana Vincent, one of America's most creative, original jewelry designers, is proud to announce the launch of her online store at www.dianavincent.com. It will enable internet connected customers around the globe to view her original designs and for the first time for people in the United States to purchase them online. The web site was designed to showcase the Diana Vincent brand, to put her collection pieces on center stage, and to be user friendly. It also enables customers to join the Diana Vincent email community, to make and share wish lists, and to email a collection piece link to a friend.

Diana Vincent is the consecutive winner of the most prestigious design award in the jewelry design industry, The DeBeers Diamonds International Awards in Paris and Milan. In 2007, Diana Vincent was also named one of the top jewelry designers of the past 30 years by the Jewelers of America. Her beautiful collections of platinum, gold, silver and gemstone jewelry have won numerous awards and accolades, and are featured in exhibitions, museums, television and print.

Diana Vincent's collections include: Sterling Silver, Engagement Rings, Wedding and Anniversary Rings, Rings, Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces / Pendants, Pins / Brooches, and One of a Kind.

On Diana Vincent's online store, you can shop by category, collection and occasion. There's even custom designs available too. Be sure to visit each category as there is so much eye candy - I love it. The jewelry designs are exquisite and the large photographs of each piece are spectacular for seeing all the great detail.