Wedding bands, the symbol of eternal love without beginning or end, are clearly coming into their own. Brides and groom are starting to view them as fashion accessories. The little gold band has been undergoing a makeover that is making it as much an expression of personal fashion tastes as personal commitment.

The first big change is that the metal of choice has become platinum. In fact, it is the metal of the stars - Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lahey, and Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner have all chosen platinum to tie the knot.

Ester Soued, an accomplished jewelry designer, metal smith and Accessory Design faculty member at Ai Miami International University of Art & Design, says that the most sought after metals for wedding bands are platinum and gold. But even though these two metals may be in demand, it doesn't mean they necessarily have to go it alone. Metals can be mixed and match. Ester noted, "A lot of couples like the combinations of different metals in their wedding bands. Generally they combine white gold with yellow gold."

Another emerging trend is the stand-alone wedding band. Here's what West Hollywood, California-based jewelry designer Laura Morton had to say, "Lately, there seems an increase in the number of bands for the bride that will not be worn with the engagement ring, but on the opposite hand. Therefore the band can be something quite interesting on its own and not just the simple gold or platinum band. You can add some stones or interesting engraving on the inside and out; or you change the shape of the band to be wavy or more sculptural."

The gentlemen too have begun to take a second look at their wedding bands. Both designers agree that men either prefer a traditional simple band with little or no detail at all or they use a variation of that, which is heavier than usual or wider than the expected.

Both the bride and the groom seem to be adding stones to the basic band. For men it's diamonds, and for the ladies, it's white topaz, emeralds, and sapphires.
And what can you expect to pay for all this elegance? Well, the traditional look begins at about $150.00. But, if you decide to follow the trends, you can expect to pay as much as $2500.00 for your wedding ring