Engagement rings

What about Men's engagement rings: What kind of band do Men Want?

2010-05-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

A wedding ring or wedding band is worn on the base of the left ring finger to symbolize marriage and to indicate a marital commitment to fidelity. European tradition encourages the engraving of the name of the spouse and date of marriage on the inside surface of them in order to strengthen the symbolism and sentimentality of the ring. Wearing of rings symbolizes the couple's eternal love for each other. It has also become a matter of tradition and etiquette for couples to wear them beyond the ceremony of marriage.

More than Gold Bands

Traditionally, men's gold rings were the only type of bands available for men who are getting married. The only option available for them was the choice of yellow gold or white gold. Still, it was gold. There are many options available now for men who will be taking the plunge to marital bliss. Men need not suffer anymore from wearing plain ring in comparison to the wife's flashy ring. Fashion jewelry has now caught up with the men folk of the world. Grooms can now choose from a wide variety of options such as diamond rings or bands braided in gold or finished in satin polish. Whatever style of personality a groom has, he can find a perfect ring for himself.

The primary focus of the present day is on the hard metals such as tungsten-carbide although there are still those who prefer softer metals such as gold or silver. For added comfort, wedding rings must have rounded edges or arced surfaces. The following are the most commonly used metals for men:

• Tungsten Carbide - It is the hardest metal to be used in jewelry. It is stronger than titanium and has a very masculine feel. Tungsten carbide rings are built to last a lifetime; the only rings that will last as long as your love. They are free of cobalt binders are truly first class.

• Titanium - Titanium is lightweight yet sturdy and considerably lighter than tungsten. Titanium rings are very durable and a very much comfortable to wear than tungsten carbide or stainless steel rings. They also wear much better than gold.

• Stainless steel - Most stainless steel rings are made of surgical steel and are comfortable to wear on the finger. They are suited for active mean and wear much better than soft metals like gold.

• Platinum - Platinum is a metal that is more precious than gold. It was once considered to be a metal fit for a king. It is one of the most popular choices for men's wedding rings.

• Palladium - It is a naturally occurring precious metal that is more rare than gold. It is hypo-allergenic, nickel-free and does not need rhodium plating. It is the metal of choice for people who are allergic to many kinds of metal.

• Silver - Silver is one of the most popular soft metal rings. It wears comfortable and is not as expensive as gold and the other popular materials.

• Gold - It used to be the only type of metal. Even with the proliferation of other precious metals, gold remains to be the top choice.

Precious metals seem not enough for men’s rings. People want a little sparkle resulting to diamonds being incorporated into it. Men no longer have to be contented with plain. There are lots of diamond options, which come in so many designs to complement the unique personality of the man wearing it.

The Unique Qualities Of Gold Engagement Rings

2010-05-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

With so many different styles of engagement rings to choose from it can be really hard to know what style, what kind, what metal you should even choose. Should it be silver, gold, titanium or platinum? Well there are some very unique qualities that can be attributed to gold engagement rings and that is why gold engagement rings really are the optimum choice, when it comes to choosing that all important ring.

Gold engagement rings have been popular for a long, long time and not without good reason. They offer a metal that is incredibly long lasting, but one that can also withstand everyday wear, so you don’t have to worry about the ring being damaged if it is worn every day. Other metals may not be so tough and can easily get scraped or scratched.

There is much tradition and history attached to gold engagement rings and it is for this reason that they are held in such affection. So if you are someone who likes the tradition and customs associated with marriage then you simply have to opt for gold.

You also get a tremendous choice with gold engagement rings. If you opt for another type of metal you will find that there are only a limited number of rings to choose from and you want to maximize the number of rings that you can select from, don’t you?
Gold engagement rings are also available in different colors of gold, so you don’t have to stick with the traditional yellow gold, you could ring the changes and opt for a white gold engagement ring if you like. So you do have a lot of flexibility with gold.

You will also find that gold engagement rings do not go out of fashion. They always remain a favorite with people, so whereas other metals may enjoy a brief period of being very much in vogue, gold engagement rings are always in style.

Gold engagement rings also provide you with some of the finest diamonds that are both stunning to look at and yet are still affordable. Other metals such as platinum may be fitted with exquisite diamonds, but the price they command is simply enormous. Gold is therefore better value.

So gold engagement rings are definitely the best when it comes to choosing a ring that is one of the most important rings that you will ever choose. Gold engagement rings are special, beautiful and simply afford you the best range of engagement rings available, which is why they are simply and uniquely the best!

Cushion Cut Engagement Rings- Inspiration from the past to the future

2010-05-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Engagement is a big milestone for the people’s lives. Buying an engagement ring is a very big decision. It is a symbol that man and woman are being united. Choosing the right one makes everybody happy. There are a lot of styles and diamond shapes for an engagement ring. Cushion cut engagement ring is one of them. It is a unique shape that connects people from the past to the future.
Cushion cut diamond is one of the oldest cut among the diamond cuts. It is being called as old diamond cut in the industry. Most of the antique and vintage rings have cushion cut diamond in the center. It has rounded edges and it is kind of a combination of round and radiant cut diamond. It comes in rectangular and square shapes. Cushion diamonds are not sparkle as round diamonds, but their unique cut and shape attracts a lot of people. Lately, the popularity of cushion diamonds is rising.
Most of the jewelers carry the cushion cut diamonds. It is not necessary to buy them in an antique or vintage store. Actually, the newly cut cushion diamonds will be more sparkle than the old ones because of the improvements in cutting the diamond. The second important thing for the diamond is the setting. Cushion cut diamonds fit perfectly with an pave setting or with two tapered baguette diamonds. Pave setting gives the diamond look of an antique ring while two baguettes give the look of a contemporary look.
If you are convinced that the cushion cut engagement ring is right for you, make sure that the stone is certified and from a reputable jeweler which can stand behind the stone. Don’t be afraid to examine the diamond with a loop. It is very important to know your diamond and see its characteristics.

5 Reasons to Choose Princess Cut Engagement Rings

2010-05-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

There are many, many reasons why you should choose princess cut engagement rings, but there are some reasons that sometimes people overlook when looking at engagement rings, so here are the 5 reasons why you should really only look at them.
First of all the sheer beauty of princess cut diamonds is a compelling argument to opt only for this style of engagement ring. They really are stunning to behold and once you have seen their majestic beauty it is hard to even contemplate what other ring could measure up to their standard.
The brilliance of the diamonds in princess cut rings is another good reason why they should be chosen. They are all cut in such a way that you can simply be dazzled by their brilliance.
When princess cuts are set with side stones offer you more diamond weight for your money than traditionally cut diamonds, so they are not as expensive as they look. But they sure look expensive. They also look bigger than the round ones.
They are also a really classic in terms of style. This look is quite simply one that will remain eternally popular and look great forever, which means they will never look dated.
Basically the whole design of princess cut engagement rings simply shrieks opulence and indulgence, so this is definitely a ring that means business and will certainly show commitment to a relationship.
The concept of commitment and demonstrating that commitment is actually important when you are thinking about a ring that will be worn forever, so you don't want a ring that is too dainty or looks slightly cheap. Princess cut engagement rings certainly fit the bill because when you put one on your finger it is immediately apparent that this is a really magnificent ring that will last a lifetime.
So although there are lots of different types of engagement rings to choose from, princess cut engagement rings simply leave the others way behind. Indeed more and more people are choosing them because they know that no other rings can offer as much as the bold and brilliant.

Why Is A White Gold Ring Just So Special?

2010-03-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

Although all gold rings are beautiful there is something very extremely opulent and indeed exquisite about a white gold ring and that is why a gold ring is just so special. Its beauty is simple and yet elegant beyond belief and somehow a white gold ring speaks very clearly of love.

The special qualities of white gold lend themselves to a ring with effortless grace. It is a ring that speaks of discerning taste, using one of the most expensive metals in the world.

A white gold ring usually has a very unisex appeal, so both men and women can wear their own version of the same ring, offering the chance to make a clear statement about love and commitment, even without marriage.

Sometimes people choose a white gold ring as a way of updating their wedding bands. White gold rings simply exude class, so anyone who started off with a fairly inexpensive wedding ring will be proud to wear a classic band of white gold.

A white gold ring also looks stunning if it is set with a diamond. Many people believe that the most natural setting for any diamond is in white gold as opposed to any other precious metal.
The joy of any white gold ring also lies in the fact that they demonstrate that someone who is wearing a ring made from white gold has achieved a certain position in life. Here is someone who has succeeded and now has the financial resources to wear white gold. It makes a bold and clear statement about someone’s position in life and how they have actually made it in life!

With its highly polished surface and classic design, a white gold ring simply stands out in a way that yellow gold does not. It hints at individuality as well as success, so not only have you made it in life, but you are someone who knows their own mind and doesn’t follow blind: you have your own taste and that is exceptionally good taste!

So the whole air of a white gold ring is an air of refined beauty that is expensive and also very discerning. People who like the finer things in life, adore the simple elegance that only a white gold ring can bring and it is for this reason that they are indeed just so incredibly special!

Why Princess Cut Engagement Rings Offer Such Good Value

2010-01-28T22:13:00.000-08:00

Make no mistake, princess cut engagement rings are certainly not cheap, but they can offer good value for money. They are extremely sought after in the world of engagement rings and can create quite an impact in terms of their brilliance and classic elegance. Indeed as engagement rings, they are almost the most popular type of classic ring.

Yet it may seem strange to think about why princess cut engagement rings offer such good value, after all diamond rings are expensive and engagement rings can be extremely expensive, so we don’t usually think of value for money with regard to princess cut engagement rings, do we?

Well the princess cut engagement rings can offer value simply because of the unique style of the princess cut. The cut allows the diamond to retain more of its natural state and be larger than a round cut diamond. Sometimes this can be referred to as retaining more of its natural flaws, but do not be fooled by this terms, the cut of any princess cut engagement ring will ensure that the brilliance of the diamond is magnified.

The princess cut also creates a square stone, which may sometimes look slightly rectangular. This means that it does not lose as much of its natural shape as it would if it were rounded. So princess cut engagement rings offer more carat weights than round diamond engagement rings.

The beauty of princess cut engagement rings is the way the diamond or diamonds are shaped to form a slightly angular look, thereby creating a more dazzling effect. So your diamond looks more brilliant than it would if it were cut in a more traditional, rounded way.

With all these unique facets, princess cut engagement rings offer a great deal of value for money, in ways that rounded diamonds simply cannot.

The brilliance of princess cut engagement rings is simply awesome and they are extremely durable, meaning that they will last beyond a lifetime and will become much loved family heirlooms.

So although they are certainly far from being cheap, princess cut engagement rings can actually present good value in terms of being a statement piece of jewelry that has been created to effectively dazzle and shine with a radiance that is unsurpassed. It is little wonder that princess cut engagement rings are held so dearly in our affections and offering such terrific value for money, they really are to be cherished.

Reusing Gold to make new Jewelry

2010-01-26T21:43:00.000-08:00

A lot of people ask me about reusing their old gold jewelry to make new jewelry. Unfortunately, it is not that easy.

First of all, gold jewelry is not pure. It can be melted, but melting the gold will results in metal that is not strong. Jewelry made of melting gold will not last too long and it will be weak and not durable. In order to use the gold, it has to be refined. Refining removes the unwanted material from the gold. There are not a lot of jewelers doing this process. Jeweler normally sends this type of gold to the refinery, but when it comes, it will not be the actual gold that you took in. It will be less gold.

You might still use the refined gold; It is up to you in what type of jewelry you want to use the gold.

Solitaire Rings for Her

2009-12-06T22:07:00.000-08:00

Solitaire Rings are the most classical and traditional engagement rings. They are also the most sold engagement rings. Solitaire engagement rings mean single diamond or a gemstone in the center and no other accent stones surrounding the main stone. Solitaire Rings come in different shapes such as round, square, oval, heart, marquise, and etc. The most common ones are round and square. Solitaire Rings are mostly popular with diamonds in the center. Men mostly don’t know what to choose for an engagement ring for their girlfriends. If a guy doesn’t know what his girlfriend likes and want to surprise her, I would suggest going with a solitaire ring than the other types. Solitaire Ring is the easy one and excellent for the proposal. My favorite one is the princess cut solitaire engagement ring.

Pave Engagement Rings for Her

2009-12-06T22:04:00.000-08:00

Pave Engagement Rings are becoming very popular in the last couple of years. Pave means a type of setting, which is made of small gemstones, mostly diamonds, set closely together. There is metal, what we call prongs, between the gemstones. The reason behind its popularity is that those small diamonds in the pave setting gives huge sparkle to the center diamond and the ring.

Pave Engagement Rings come in platinum, white gold and yellow gold. I prefer the white metal, because white metal will always give more sparkle to the ring. Yellow gold will make the stones yellow and women don’t like to have a ring, which looks yellow.

Pave settings should be checked periodically, because stones are smaller and they can be loose time to time. They also need to be cleaned periodically, because they can get dirty pretty quick.

Another Option for Diamond Engagement Rings; Sapphire Rings

2009-12-06T21:59:00.000-08:00

As we all know that, people mostly buy diamonds for engagement rings. That is the most tradition and diamonds give more sparkle than the any other gemstones. The second popular option in stead of diamonds will be sapphires. Sapphires have different characteristics than the diamond. Sapphires are the second strongest gemstone after the diamonds. Their hardness is 9 on the scale, while diamonds are 10.The main color for sapphire is blue, but sapphires also come in different colors such as yellow, pink, and orange. People always ask me “What is the difference between a sapphire and a diamond and why do people choose sapphire as an engagement ring?” Answer for the first question is pretty obvious; First of all, diamonds are stronger than sapphires. Diamonds also sparkle more than the sapphires. Sapphires don’t have too many facets like the diamonds and they don’t sparkle as much as diamonds. Answer for the second question; people choose sapphires for an engagement ring because of the preference. It is totally normal to choose a sapphire for an engagement ring and also combine with diamonds.

Christmas Gift Ideas for your loved one; Diamond Pendants and Diamond Earrings

2009-12-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

Holiday season is approaching and everybody started to get into the spirit. People are thinking what to buy for their loved ones, especially men. As we all know that, most men do their Christmas shopping in the last minute. I am one of them. Today, I want to give some ideas to men, who are stressed about the Christmas Gift Ideas. Christmas is a perfect time for couples to engage. It is the first step to the marriage, for that reason engagement rings are perfect gift for the loved one. There are other Christmas gift ideas for men who are already married or dating. One of the items that I really like for Christmas is the diamond pendants. Diamond pendants never go out of fashion and they will be always elegant. They are a must for women jewelry wardrobe. Diamond pendants come in different styles such as diamond solitaire pendants, three stone diamond pendants, fashion pendants, circle pendants, and etc. My preference will be diamond solitaire pendants. They are made of single diamond and will give elegant look. Women can wear it in their daily life or special occasion. The second item I really like is diamond earrings. Like pendants, diamond earrings come in different styles such as diamond stud earrings, diamond hoop earrings, diamond fashion earrings and etc. My preference will be diamond stud earrings. They are made of single diamonds. Diamond Stud Earrings give elegant sparkle to the ears. Like the diamond solitaire pendants, they can be worn in daily life or special occasion. The third item I really like is the diamond solitaire pendants and diamond stud earrings as a set. Every woman should have this set.

Anniversary Rings for Her

2009-12-06T21:45:00.000-08:00

Choosing an anniversary ring for her can be challenging. You really should do your research before buying an anniversary gift. Anniversary gifts are very important for her. Wedding anniversaries are very special occasion and they celebrate your marriage. The most common anniversary ring that men buy for their wives is diamond rings. You can’t go wrong with diamonds, but you have to know her jewelry wardrobe. You should buy the one that she doesn’t already have. Diamond Rings can be worn on every occasion; you can wear diamond jewelry during the day as well as special occasions. My favorite anniversary rings are three stone diamond rings and five stone diamond rings. They are very classic and never go out of fashion. Three stone diamond rings symbolize past, present, and future. The three stone diamond ring comes with three stones; they can be in the same shape and size or different. The most traditional one is the one with brilliant diamonds. Normally, the center comes a little bigger than the side stones. My second favorite one is the five stone diamond ring. They normally come in the same size and same shape. Most people wear the anniversary rings on their right hands.

The Difference between Platinum and White Gold

2009-11-24T21:53:00.000-08:00

If you ask a jeweler, What is the most common question he or she receives from customers, they will all agree on one thing. The most popular one will be the difference between white gold and platinum. Unless you have an allergic reaction to either metal, the choice is up to the customer’s preferences. Generally, some people have an allergic reaction to white gold, because white gold consists of some alloys such as nickel, which can be the cause of the allergic reaction. There is no such thing as white gold. It is made of yellow gold and some alloys. On the other hand, platinum doesn’t have as many alloys as white gold.

Let’s look at the differences between white gold and platinum; First of all, platinum is more expensive than gold, because there is a higher percentage of platinum used in making jewelry versus white gold, but lately gold prices have skyrocketed and the price gap between platinum and gold has started to close. Both metals have advantages and disadvantages. Platinum wears better than gold. When it scratches, it is easy to polish and no metal is removed. On the other hand, white gold will wear out and you may have to repair and add metal.

Platinum is softer than white gold which means it will
scratch easier and lose its polish and appear dull. White gold will not scratch as easily and will look shinier than the platinum. The main disadvantage of white gold is losing its white color and that it gets a yellow hue color eventually. In order to keep its whiteness, the metal needs to be rhodium plated. Platinum doesn’t lose its color, but it loses its shine. At the end, there is not a great difference between gold and platinum and it is up to the customer what metal they prefer. At Simayof, we offer free polishing and rhodium plating of our pieces.

Out Of The Ordinary Engagement Rings

2009-11-11T22:33:00.000-08:00

Not everyone wants weddings, engagement rings and wedding bands to be traditional. Often just a small twist on an old classic can take engagement rings in a completely new direction, making them unique and original without straying too far from the traditional. Brides that want a slightly different look for engagement rings that match their personal taste and style have lots of options to consider.

Since most diamond engagement rings have traditional been sold in sets, buying engagement rings separate from wedding bands is one option. Another option to create a unique ring is to select the band and then select the stone you want, making it a one of a kind piece.

Out of the ordinary engagement rings may not use traditional clear or colorless diamonds, rather they may include fancy diamonds. Colored diamonds can be green or blue or brown through to yellows. Most of these colors occur naturally however labs can enhance the color giving a much deeper, distinctive color.

Cut, one of the four c’s of diamond grading, can be used to enhance the color and natural reflectivity of the diamond. Engagement rings that feature diamonds with multi-faceted cuts will have more sparkle and inner fire than those with fewer facets.

Since the color of the diamond in engagement rings can be enhanced by the reflection of light by the cut, selecting the right cut is important. One of the newer favorites in diamond cuts is the emerald cut. This is a more rectangular shape with squared off corners and longer stepped type facets that reflect a lot of light into the center of the stone.

The emerald cut engagement rings on the market today are similar to some of the classic rings, however they are also uniquely modern. They can be used as accent diamonds or on their own and a simple band highlights the natural beauty of this ring style.

While the size of the diamond in engagement rings is going to have an impact on the appearance of the ring, so is the type of ring band. Interlocking types of styles draw attention to the ring itself, plus often provide very unique shapes of bands that compliment the diamond.

Thinking modern for engagement rings may also include looking back over engagement ring designs of the past. Many of the art deco or estate types of engagement rings make terrific examples of how an old classic can become a modern fashion trend in wedding jewelry.

Ideas For Engagement Rings And Settings

2009-09-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

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.

New Trends In Classical Designed Engagement Rings

2009-09-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Engagement Rings For Thrifty Shoppers

2009-09-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

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.

How To Purchase The Perfect Engagement Ring

2009-09-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

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.

Diamond Shapes For Engagement Rings

2009-08-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Engagement Rings Beyond The Traditional

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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.

Choosing Engagement Rings

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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.

Unique Looks In Engagement Rings

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Traditionally engagement rings tended to be similar in appearance rather than very unique and individual. While these types of rings are still beautiful, many brides-to-be want to have a one of a kind ring that is selected and crafted just for her hand. While this was not common even a few years ago, customizing engagement rings is now available, making for very unique designs.

Diamond engagement rings offer a wide range of customization options. Most high quality jewelry stores and diamond merchants now offer the possibility of matching particular diamonds with settings, rather than buying the diamond already set in the band.

There are different types of diamonds on the market today. Although people typically think of diamonds as dazzlingly brilliant clear stones, there are also colored diamonds as well. Pink, brown, yellow and even blue or green diamonds are possible. Many of the colored or fancy diamonds are enhanced through laboratory processes while the true deep colored diamonds are very rare and very expensive.

The color of the diamond can also be enhanced by the particular cut that is used. Cuts that have several different facets or sides are more likely to reflect light into the center of the diamond, creating the movement of light through the stones on engagement rings. This naturally draws the eye as well as adds depth to the gem.

One cut that really enhances the color of a diamond and is a timeless classic on engagement rings is emerald cut. Engagement rings with this type of cut are ideal for larger stones as both center diamonds and accent diamonds. The cut is rectangular in shape with blunted corners and many layers or planes along the stone. These steps provide a depth to the stone and lots of color and light reflection.

Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are both traditional as well as very modern. Since the stone has the unique stepped faceting it tends to reflect light deep within the center, really bringing attention to the ring itself. A simple band often enhances the beauty of this cut.

Engagement rings aren't all about the size of the diamond, the overall design is just as important. Bands that curve, interlock or fit into each other are perfect as engagement rings and later as matching wedding rings. Some rings allow for bands over and under the engagement rings, adding a whole new dimension to the wedding set.

Unique looking engagement rings may not be brand new and modern. There are some wonderful art deco and antique styles of rings that are making a comeback, largely because of their very one of a kind shapes and designs.