Thursday, September 24, 2009

Ideas For Engagement Rings And Settings

Mountings and settings for engagement rings are often the last thing that couples or individuals think about when choosing just the right style. However setting is important in holding and securing the diamond to the band, regardless of their style or appearance. Many people only think about the prong type settings; however there are several others that are beautiful as well as practical.

Ideally any type of engagement ring settings should allow light into and around the diamond. This allows the diamond facets to reflect the light and give the brilliance and fire to the stone. The setting also either holds the diamond flush to the surface of the band or raises it up above the band as seen in solitaire and three diamond engagement rings for example.

For a very unique type of setting that is not at all like the prong setting you may wish to consider engagement rings with a bezel setting. Often described as a collar, the bezel setting molds around the diamond in a solid or partial covering. Half bezels only provide a solid attachment on half of the sides of the diamond, allowing light into the center of the gem. Bezel setting is both traditional as well as modern and provide a sleek, streamlined look to the ring when viewed from the sides or the top.

Many women don’t want raised diamonds on engagement rings and prefer the diamonds to be set into the band. This style, known as channel setting, is actually a very secure way to keep moderate to small sized diamonds securely in the band. A groove or channel is formed down the center of the ring to hold the base of the diamonds. A smaller channel close to the ring’s surface holds the edges of the round or baguette diamonds into the channel. The diamonds then reflect light through each other as well as down the channel for a dazzling look.

Another option on the channel setting or engagement rings is the bar channel. In this style each diamond is separated from others with a thin bar of metal, usually white gold or platinum. The light from the diamonds reflects off the metal rather than through other diamonds.

Ornate types of settings are called bead settings on engagement rings. Smaller or larger drops or beads of metal are engraved and styled to both add to the appearance of the ring but also secure the diamonds and other gems in place.

Pave settings are usually reserved for smaller sized diamonds and diamond chips. These settings are almost invisible with the individual diamonds each inserted into small holes in the engagement ring’s band. Very tiny beads of metal are then used to secure the diamonds in place. The result is a solid paved with diamonds look on the band.

Any type of engagement rings and settings need to be cleaned and inspected for damage. Early detection of any problems with the settings can be easily corrected, keeping engagement rings looking beautiful forever.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

New Trends In Classical Designed Engagement Rings

Classic jewelry and fashion designs never go out of style, and sometimes looking back into the past provides new ideas for the future. Engagement rings that incorporate diamond cuts, band styles and overall ring designs from the past are increasing in popularity with young couples all over the world.

Traditional and timeless diamond cuts are still some of the most recognized and loved, regardless of the style of engagement rings. Emerald cuts, princess cuts and even the classic round solitaire continue to be in demand, however newer band designs can really change the rings overall appearance. Even the relatively uncommon cushion cut is much more readily available.

Unusually shaped diamonds in engagement rings, especially those featuring diamond flowers or hearts are in demand. These diamond shapes are not brand new but they are rare, even today. A triangle shape is also a rare shape diamond that can be an outstanding choice for a solitaire ring for the right person.

If you don’t want to be on the cutting edge of fashion, going back to the traditional classics can also be a way to be trendy without taking risks. Antique engagement rings are always in style and can be a great place to get ideas for custom ring designs or to select the perfect engagement ring.

Combining both modern and antique or sticking with one or the other is largely up to the individual, but either option is definitely worth considering.
Often the term antique tends to be confused with simple. In reality some of the antique jewelry, especially when it comes to art deco style engagement rings, is going to be anything but plain or simple. This elaborate design style often includes free form types or rings as well as lots of additional stones and colors.

Raising the diamond off the band of the ring is common in most types of the classic engagement rings. Unlike modern styles filigree, designs including flowers or scrolling types of designs were used to add to the design to the raised section. This detail work as often completed using white gold, platinum or yellow gold.

A new trend in rings is to combine engagement rings and wedding rings, rather than wearing two separate rings. Victorian style engagement rings are a great option for this style, but they can also be paired with a classic wedding band for a set.

Older, classic and tried and true styles of engagement rings are often the inspiration for new designs and styles. Determining if you want to modern or classic with your choices for engagement rings is really up to you, but looking at different styles is important before you make the final decision.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Engagement Rings For Thrifty Shoppers

Knowing what you can afford in engagement rings and wedding sets is an important part of making the best possible purchase. Determining what price range works for you with affordable engagement rings should be the first step, the looking at the best possible quality engagement rings in the price range is the next.

As can be imagined the most expensive part of engagement rings is going to be the dazzling diamond or diamonds. Often the settings in which the diamond will be placed can accentuate the size of the diamond, making even a smaller carat diamond look larger. Solitaire rings that focus all the attention on one diamond are elegant and beautiful and can be accentuated with a delicate band.

Smaller diamonds or diamond chips clustered or grouped either around a central diamond or gem or in a design will also make the overall diamond look bigger. Diamond chips and smaller diamonds used to create the pave style are not as expensive as a single large diamond so you may be able to afford a much larger ring staying with multiple smaller stones.

Combining semi-precious stones with diamonds adds both color and uniqueness to engagement rings. The very deep colored gems such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds are striking when combined with diamonds in any setting.

The shape or cut of the diamond can also add visual dimensions that make a ring look larger. Engagement rings featuring the elongated shapes such as oval, pear, marquis or emerald cut are going to draw the eye down the length of the diamond, adding size and dimension.

Although size is going to be important in the overall appearance of the ring it is not the most important part of getting the most out of engagement rings on a budget. The clarity of diamond, the cut, and the color, also have a big factor in how brilliant and reflective the diamond will be. This is particularly important with stand alone diamonds seen in the round or Asscher cut engagement rings. Even a small diamond that sparkles is going to look nicer than a larger diamond that is flawed or not clear.

Often selecting a smaller diamond that is of a better cut and clarity provides more options for getting the best possible engagement rings within a set price range. Jewelers should be willing to take the time to explain the different aspects of selecting a diamond to ensure you get just the one you want.

Mixing and matching settings with loose diamonds is a wonderful option when looking at engagement rings. With this type of purchase you select the diamond separate from the setting, allowing maximum flexibility in designing many kinds of engagement rings.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

How To Purchase The Perfect Engagement Ring

Everywhere you turn someone will have advice for you on how to choose the perfect engagement ring for your mate. In the end, it will be your choice as to what is absolutely perfect for both of you in an engagement ring, but it is helpful to gain some basic knowledge and background information on rings with diamonds or even solitaires.

Even if you have some previous knowledge on diamonds, it will benefit you to examine all of the choices from the resellers where you are looking at purchasing your perfect engagement ring.

For those couples that have talked about marriage before the big question has actually been asked, you may want to shop for the perfect engagement ring together. This will help you in determining the style and size perfect for her and within your budget. By shopping together, she can choose a number of options that she prefers and you can make your final decision based on those choices.

If you have not talked about marriage previously and this will be a complete surprise, you may want to examine the jewelry that she currently wears to get an idea of the style and kind of rings that she will like to wear every day.

Many economically aware consumers are taking the time to research where the diamonds used for engagement rings are coming from. If you are concerned about how eco-friendly the diamonds are that have been used for engagement rings you are currently viewing, do not be afraid to ask about their stock and suppliers.

Consumers have a right to know about the product, both the mining and processing, before the final product. If a company cannot give you the detailed background information that you are looking for, it may be wise to choose a different reseller for your engagement ring purchase.

Getting a certificate of appraisal is important once you have chosen the perfect engagement ring. This is a small important piece of information that many consumers overlook and should try not to forget. Having this document will give you the exact value of the ring in order to insure it at a later time.

Receiving a guarantee or warranty can help you decide where you wish to purchase your solitaire engagement ring. Many resellers will provide you with a limited or lifetime warranty, depending on the ring you choose and where it was purchased. Money-back guarantees or exchange warranties can be important if you are looking at upgrading your diamond later or want to ensure that your purchase is covered from any damage that may occur. Do not begin your engagement ring shopping in despair. Try not to rush this important purchase, and do not feel obligated to stick with one reseller. Be sure to look at many different stores, as each one may specialize in different types or styles of engagement rings and wedding bands. There may be a multitude of information to gather on your purchase, but once you familiarize yourself with the options available, you are sure to find the perfect engagement ring for your mate.