There are almost as many different styles and types of engagement rings as there are couples planning to get married. Finding the right types of engagement rings is an important step along the path to marriage. Looking beyond the common, traditional types of diamond engagement rings may be just the opportunity you have been searching for to find a really unique style.
A popular twist on the traditional engagement rings and wedding band sets is to use unique types of metals and gems. Engagement rings can now be made of the standard gold and silver, but platinum, titanium and palladium are also becoming more popular. There is also the option to use pink gold or combine different colors of gold and silver or other types of metals.
Bands can also be different shapes, although many engagement rings feature a relatively simple flat or round band. Other options can include curved bands, bands that interlock with the wedding ring or bands that are uniquely shaped as a combination engagement and wedding style set.
The type of cut of the stone, usually a diamond, in the engagement ring can also add to the originality of the ring designs. Many engagement rings feature the more traditional round, heart or oval shapes of diamonds, but just a small change on the shape of the diamond can give a completely new look to a traditional band and ring.
Princess cut engagement rings have always been popular but continue to seen as a great option for any style of ring. The princess cut diamond is square in shape rather than round, but they are also tapered to a point on the underside. The cut increases the amount of light reflected through the ring. This gives a lot of fire and sparkle to a diamond, adding to the overall appearance of the ring.
Marquis cut diamonds are not new but are rapidly overtaking some of the more traditional cuts in solitaire styles. The longer, oval shape ending in tapered points can make a smaller diamond look much longer. It is a perfect shape for those with longer, delicate fingers since it conforms to the shape of the hand.
Ascher, princess cut diamonds and Marquis cut diamonds can be stand-alone stones in solitaire engagement rings but they can also be used in three stone engagement rings. The natural shape of both these cuts lends to being bordered on either side with smaller baguette style gems or diamonds. Other shapes that do well in three stone bands and rings include round cut, oval and princess cut diamonds.
Engagement rings are a symbol of love and unity, so choosing the right one is important. It is always best to learn as much as you can about diamonds and engagement rings before shopping so you are sure you are getting the quality she deserves.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Engagement Rings Beyond The Traditional
There are many different styles and types of wedding and engagement rings that are classic and traditional in their appearance. If, however, you want to look for engagement rings that are different than the ordinary it is now possible to completely customize engagement rings to create that one of a kind piece.
Even just a few years ago most engagement rings were sold as sets, already including both the bands and the diamonds. Now there are more jewelers that offer diamond engagement rings that allow the buyer to select the diamond for the setting, making each ring one of a kind.
Another way to move engagement rings away from the traditional and into the more original is to add colored or fancy diamonds. Although the majority of diamonds are considered white or colorless, there are also colored diamonds including rare blue or green colors the slightly more common yellow to brown colored natural diamonds. Even clear diamonds can be color enhanced through specific processes resulting in amazing, lasting colors.
The cut of a diamond will definitely influence and affect the beauty of the diamond in engagement rings. The cut is not the same as the shape, rather it is the facets or sides that are cut into the diamond to provide light reflection. The more facets in the diamond the greater the fire or flash within the diamond itself.
The cut and facets not only have to be perfect, but the shape of the diamond also impacts the cut. Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are longer, rectangular shapes with blunted corners. They can be used for the main diamond in engagement rings or as accent diamonds.
Although not a new cut, emerald cut diamonds are becoming very popular. The stepping along the sides of the diamond provides excellent light reflection. The shape makes these styles of engagement rings perfect for almost every style of band.
Three band engagement rings and wedding sets are also becoming very popular. With these styles all rings interlock with a wedding band and anniversary band fitting over and under the engagement ring. Using these types of styles means you don’t have to focus on a huge diamond, the rings themselves add beauty to the set.
Not all modern engagement rings are brand new in design. Many of the antique and estate style engagement rings are very popular, both as new recreations and as heirloom pieces of well preserved jewelry.
Even just a few years ago most engagement rings were sold as sets, already including both the bands and the diamonds. Now there are more jewelers that offer diamond engagement rings that allow the buyer to select the diamond for the setting, making each ring one of a kind.
Another way to move engagement rings away from the traditional and into the more original is to add colored or fancy diamonds. Although the majority of diamonds are considered white or colorless, there are also colored diamonds including rare blue or green colors the slightly more common yellow to brown colored natural diamonds. Even clear diamonds can be color enhanced through specific processes resulting in amazing, lasting colors.
The cut of a diamond will definitely influence and affect the beauty of the diamond in engagement rings. The cut is not the same as the shape, rather it is the facets or sides that are cut into the diamond to provide light reflection. The more facets in the diamond the greater the fire or flash within the diamond itself.
The cut and facets not only have to be perfect, but the shape of the diamond also impacts the cut. Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are longer, rectangular shapes with blunted corners. They can be used for the main diamond in engagement rings or as accent diamonds.
Although not a new cut, emerald cut diamonds are becoming very popular. The stepping along the sides of the diamond provides excellent light reflection. The shape makes these styles of engagement rings perfect for almost every style of band.
Three band engagement rings and wedding sets are also becoming very popular. With these styles all rings interlock with a wedding band and anniversary band fitting over and under the engagement ring. Using these types of styles means you don’t have to focus on a huge diamond, the rings themselves add beauty to the set.
Not all modern engagement rings are brand new in design. Many of the antique and estate style engagement rings are very popular, both as new recreations and as heirloom pieces of well preserved jewelry.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Choosing Engagement Rings
Narrowing down choices for engagement rings is always important especially since this ring is more than just a piece of jewelry. It is the symbol of your love and commitment to each other, so it needs to be ideally matched to the style and personal choice of the bride-to-be. Looking thorough the various styles of engagement rings is the first step in determining what your final choice will be.
Solitaire rings are very popular since they are striking and elegant but also match well with most wedding band styles. Typically these styles of engagement rings have larger sized diamonds, however with the right cut and type of diamond it is not the size but rather the brilliance and cut of the diamond that adds to the beauty of these elegant rings.
Princess cut engagement rings are a good match with solitaire rings if you want to try something different than the more traditional round cut. This cut is square in shape and has many different facets or angles within the cut that make light reflect, giving a dazzling appearance to the stone.
For narrower band engagement rings a small stone often makes a perfect match and tends to make the ring more understated in appearance. For women with small hands and fingers these more delicate rings are much more balanced in appearance. Smaller diamond of gemstones surrounding the ring can also enhance the sparkle of the center stone without adding a heavy or bulky appearance.
Other options for making smaller stones look bigger include considering one of the more distinctive cuts. Pear shaped diamonds, marquis cut and emerald cuts are ideal for many types of engagement rings and look larger than the same carat of diamond in a round stone.
Choosing engagement rings goes beyond just selecting a style, it also includes selecting the type of ring design as well as the metal that the ring is made out of. While silver and gold simple band styles are classic and popular there are also interlocking styles that are unique and very striking in appearance. The bands can be made out of many different types of metals including platinum, palladium and titanium.
Of course selecting the right band and stone together is essential to get the exact shape and style of ring you want. One way to learn about what the bride-to-be likes in engagement rings is to comment on and look at different rings together. Find out what cut, band and style of ring she is drawn towards as this will be a great way to determine just what you should consider.
Bands and engagement rings don't have to be a matched or sold as a set to work together. Many of the engagement rings that are sold separately are designed to match to any type of wedding band. Finding what you want is really a matter of taking the time to look at what is available.
Solitaire rings are very popular since they are striking and elegant but also match well with most wedding band styles. Typically these styles of engagement rings have larger sized diamonds, however with the right cut and type of diamond it is not the size but rather the brilliance and cut of the diamond that adds to the beauty of these elegant rings.
Princess cut engagement rings are a good match with solitaire rings if you want to try something different than the more traditional round cut. This cut is square in shape and has many different facets or angles within the cut that make light reflect, giving a dazzling appearance to the stone.
For narrower band engagement rings a small stone often makes a perfect match and tends to make the ring more understated in appearance. For women with small hands and fingers these more delicate rings are much more balanced in appearance. Smaller diamond of gemstones surrounding the ring can also enhance the sparkle of the center stone without adding a heavy or bulky appearance.
Other options for making smaller stones look bigger include considering one of the more distinctive cuts. Pear shaped diamonds, marquis cut and emerald cuts are ideal for many types of engagement rings and look larger than the same carat of diamond in a round stone.
Choosing engagement rings goes beyond just selecting a style, it also includes selecting the type of ring design as well as the metal that the ring is made out of. While silver and gold simple band styles are classic and popular there are also interlocking styles that are unique and very striking in appearance. The bands can be made out of many different types of metals including platinum, palladium and titanium.
Of course selecting the right band and stone together is essential to get the exact shape and style of ring you want. One way to learn about what the bride-to-be likes in engagement rings is to comment on and look at different rings together. Find out what cut, band and style of ring she is drawn towards as this will be a great way to determine just what you should consider.
Bands and engagement rings don't have to be a matched or sold as a set to work together. Many of the engagement rings that are sold separately are designed to match to any type of wedding band. Finding what you want is really a matter of taking the time to look at what is available.
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