It's time for the first round-up of the Weekly Wedding Photo Challenge. This time, it's all about Creative Wedding Ring Shots.

Enjoy the photo inspiration of all the wedding rings and be sure to follow along online as the Photo Challenge continues all year long - each and every week. Credits are below the montage.

Credits: {from top left to bottom right - row by row}
beach vibe wedding ring shot // engagement ring on apple // gold rings on peach flower // emerald green ring box // engagement ring in ivory ring box // peach ring with engagement ring // engagement ring on purple carnation // wedding rings on green stem

At Infinity Tungsten {where all rings are just $39.99 with a 60 day money-back guarantee}, you will find stylish wedding ring options that are durable and scratch-proof. These tungsten rings are perfect for the budget-conscious couple, especially with the inventory blowout sale going on right now {while supplies last}. At Infinity Tungsten, all rings are 89% Tungsten Carbide, 10% Nickel, and 1% Chromium. They do not use any Cobalt in their rings which means an Infinity Tungsten ring is hypo-allergenic. They use a nickel-binder alloy and not a cobalt-binder alloy. Come see a few of the many choices offered at Infinity Tungsten below. My personal favorite of course would be the pink ceramic ring - wouldn't this make a great ring for your thumb or first finger}

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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".

When it comes to engagement rings you can break away from tradition and add a bit of color to your ring. How about an engagement ring that features your birthstone gem in a setting with diamonds? I think this is such a unique and fun way to personalize your engagement ring just for you. What's your birthday gemstone? Mine, believe it or not is January's birthstone of garnet and my birthday happens to actually be tomorrow the 26th :) Garnet is not only a favorite of mine because it's my birthstone, but it's a beautiful, deep red that looks beautiful when set amongst diamonds. By creating an engagement ring with your birthstone surrounded by diamonds, you are creating a personal and one of a kind ring. Below is a sampling of some rings featuring garnet along with the birthstone for September and November {couldn't help it - those are the months my 2 daughters were born in}.

And, of course if you are looking for the perfect anniversary gifts{hint, hint to the guys} you may consider a birthstone necklace or even gemstone earrings.

I have a special post for the guys today and it's truly a wonderful thing.While these rings could be worn by women, these Black Wedding Bands from Tungsten World come in a wide selection that are just perfect for grooms. You can choose rings from solid color, two tone, black carbon fiber and black diamond.

Single Stone Two Tone Black And Tungsten Tungsten Wedding Ring $299 | Beveled Black and
Blue Carbon Fiber Ring For Men $179 | Black Tungsten Ceramic Inlay Ring Two Tone $269

Like all of the Tungsten rings, the black wedding bands feature comfort fit bands which means they're rounded on the inside for a comfortable and luxurious feel. These rings provide the strength and durability of tungsten while combining it with the power and sophistication which the black color symbolizes making them a perfect choice for guys.