Our Love Affair With Shiny Things
Those of you who have been following me for a while know how much I love showcasing the details which make each couple’s story unique. How those details all fit together make each elopement and wedding that I photograph so incredibly special to capture. And they always begin with a couple’s engagement and wedding rings. I adore the result every single time that I have the privilege of memorializing these most precious pieces of jewelry. So I thought I would share a collection of the incredible, shiny circles of love that I have had the enormous pleasure of capturing for my wonderful couples!
People have always been attracted to shiny things – searching for them, collecting them, and showing them off (*cue Gollum’s “my precioussssss”). Especially in the form of jewelry. They sparkle, they make us feel pretty (or handsome!), and they are often seen as a mark of wealth and privilege. The first diamond engagement ring dates back to the 15th Century; but back then, wearing diamonds and other gemstones was exclusive to the world of aristocracy and nobility. Thankfully, the world of precious gems has become more affordable and accessible for most people, and the diamond industry has tackled a lot of the fair trade issues that it faced in the last few decades. We are firmly entrenched in a love affair with these super shiny stones, and there are plentiful options, with precious gems coming in round, square, oval, diamond, emerald, and princess cuts. Couples often choose gemstones such as emerald, sapphire, topaz, ruby, or my very own birthstone and favorite gem – amethyst, as their stone of choice for a special symbolism or simply because they love the color and hue. And for those who are set on diamonds, adding to the stunning array in white, diamonds are also available (and often much more rare) in yellow, pink, blue, and even chocolate variations to symbolize the permanency of the commitment between couples in love. The creative options for incorporating different gemstones into rings is endless!
Long before we forged such a strong connection between these breathtaking “stones” and romance, people used rings as an external reflection of their unions, marriages, and commitments. This stems from the use of a circle to symbolize sentiments such as endless love, infinity, and two lives becoming one. And the best part about these emotionally-charged circles is that most are made from elements and other materials which are naturally occurring. The Earth produces the strongest, longest lasting, and – without a doubt – the most beautiful things on the planet – all by itself! The choice to display a piece of the Earth as a symbol of forever love is a wonderful tribute to the amazing world around us, and an extra special treat for a photographer like myself whose goal is always to incorporate as much of Nature as possible into the process of capturing elopement and wedding day memories!
Designs for engagement and wedding rings have also expanded into a much wider variety of natural elements in recent years, allowing couples to choose totally unique looks to cement their individual relationships. Titanium and tungsten have become big players in the engagement and wedding ring arena, joining the long-standing materials of silver, gold, and platinum.
Finding or designing rings which are particular to your love and your commitment to each other makes them even more special. That extra effort is definitely worthwhile for something that you will wear every day for the rest of your lives!
If you’re planning on popping the question, or if you’re recently engaged, let’s connect so we can schedule a session and I can help you show off your stunning bling!
Deborah
* Bamboo Dreams Photography captures the natural beauty of love through elopement and wedding photography, engagement sessions and proposals throughout Florida and beyond.
