Archive for May, 2009

 
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How to Determine your Ring Size

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

Before you can purchase an engagement ring, you need to know your correct ring size. Determining your ring size isn’t difficult, but there are a number of ways you can get an accurate number.

 

The Importance of Determining Ring Size

When you present an engagement ring to your bride-to-be, you need to make sure it has been properly sized to ensure the correct fit. If you intend on keeping the proposal a secret, slipping a perfectly sized ring on her finger shows initiative, and she will undoubtedly be surprised that you were able to determine her size without bringing her along. Practical reasons exist for accurate sizing as well, because more elaborate settings and designs cannot normally be resized once they have been purchased.

 

How to Determine Ring Size

There are several ways to determine ring size. Even for secret proposals, you can still ensure you have an accurately sized ring using one of these methods.

  • Charts

Many websites offer printable ring size charts to help determine an accurate size. Simply print the chart and use it to measure an existing ring your bride-to-be wears.

  • Jewelers

A jeweler can measure an existing ring to determine its size or use a special tool to measure your bride-to-be’s ring finger to get an accurate number. This is definitely the most accurate method, but won’t work for proposals that are being kept a secret.

 

How Certain Conditions Affect Ring Size

Believe it or not, there are optimal times to measure your finger for an engagement ring. Having your finger sized only once is probably not enough, because an engagement ring may be sized differently than a wedding band depending on how elaborate the style is. More elaborate designs are usually harder to take on and off than simple bands, and may require a larger size.

The best time to have your measurement taken is during the afternoon, as your fingers tend to be narrower in the morning and more swollen during the evening. An afternoon measurement will give the most accurate representation of your correct ring size.

 

Avoid having your ring size taken if your fingers are swollen from exercise or another health condition, and ensure your hands are not too hot or too cold as this can affect a measurement as well.

 

Even if you try your hardest to get an accurate size for an engagement ring, it still may not fit. Provided the ring isn’t too elaborate, you can easily have it resized without much hassle. Luckily, most jewelers have a repair plan as part of the purchase of a ring and will typically offer resizing for free or at minimal cost. Check with the jeweler before your purchase to see what guarantees and maintenance plans they offer.

 

While it may be challenging to determine an accurate ring size (especially if you aren’t involving the bride-to-be,) there are several ways that can help you find the perfect ring size. When you slip that beautiful engagement ring on your bride-to-be’s finger and see her light up with joy, any effort you spent will be well worth it!

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Anniversary Rings

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

While similar to engagement rings in looks, anniversary rings are actually given to a woman after some time in a marriage has passed. These rings are meant to symbolize an important milestone in a marriage or simply to reaffirm love, devotion and commitment to one another.

 

Types of Anniversary Rings

Anniversary rings can be as simple or elaborate as you want, but many couples prefer to stick with timeless designs, such as a single row of diamonds or gemstones. However, there are numerous designs, settings and metals you can choose from.

  • Styles

Eternity rings, (where diamonds circle the entire band) are a popular choice for anniversary rings, but three-stone rings are also a wonderful alternative because the three stones are meant to symbolize the past, present and future of a marriage.

  • Metals

Anniversary rings can be bought in a variety of metals, including white and yellow gold, platinum and titanium. Many couples prefer choosing an anniversary band with a metal that matches the engagement ring or wedding band, especially if they will be worn together.

  • Stones

Diamonds are the most popular choice for anniversary rings, and go well with a wedding band or engagement ring that uses diamonds as the center or accent stones. However, you can customize an anniversary ring to include any other type of gemstones that interest you. For a unique and extra special twist, consider using your birthstones in a simple, classic design. Round or princess cut stones are the most popular choice, but emeralds or other shapes can be used as well. Ideally, the stones are normally the same size as one another, and with the exception of eternity bands, most anniversary rings use about 5 stones or less.

 

Cost and Other Factors

While there is not a set date for couples to present anniversary rings to one another, many anniversary rings are presented on a specific milestone anniversary, such as after 20 years of marriage. This is because anniversary rings can be quite expensive, and couples may not have the funds necessary to present an anniversary ring earlier in the marriage.

 

Anniversary rings can also be used to upgrade an existing wedding band to signify how far a couple has come in their relationship. How you choose to wear the ring is up to you, but many women prefer wearing an anniversary ring on their right hand to complement a wedding band.

 

Whether you want to celebrate a special milestone in a marriage or are upgrading an existing wedding ring, anniversary bands are a great way to commemorate your life together. There are many types of anniversary rings to choose from, and the ring will always be a sparkling reminder of how far you have come and how many years you have left to spend with the one you love.

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A Guide to Engagement Ring Mountings

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Engagement ring mountings are arguably the most important part of the ring. Not only does the mounting hold the stone in place, but also serves as the central focus of the overall design. Many people think a ring’s mounting and setting are the same thing, but they actually have quite different meanings. A mounting typically refers to the part of the ring that holds the center stone, whereas the setting refers to the entire design of the ring (including accent stones, engravings, embellishments, etc.).

 

Mounting Characteristics

When considering the type of engagement ring you want, you should carefully consider the various characteristics of mountings and what will work best for the type of ring you want to buy. Typically, diamonds or other stones are attached using prongs to secure the stone, but other types of settings may affect how a stone is mounted. Bezel settings, for example, use metal to wrap around the entire stone, thereby keeping it in place. When checking mountings, make sure whichever you choose enables the stone to be held securely in place and that it is sized appropriately to complement, not overshadow, the stone.

 

The type of metal used in a mounting will vary, but platinum mountings are most popular because of their durability. The stones in your ring will also affect the metal you choose. For example, a low quality colorless diamond may look dull or washed out when mounted in a yellow gold setting, but will retain its brilliance when mounted in platinum or white gold.

 

Finally, when considering characteristics of an engagement ring mounting you need to determine how much light will reach the gemstone, as the amount of light will directly affect the stone’s appearance. Closed mountings work well for lower quality diamonds or stones because the loss of light will detract from any flaws or imperfections. However, stones that are more high quality will appear dull and lackluster in a closed mounting, so choose one that allows the most light possible when dealing with high quality gems.

 

Choosing the Right Mounting

Choosing the right mounting for your engagement ring requires special consideration, and is just as important as picking the right stone, setting and other details that make an engagement ring beautiful. Mountings are considerably important because they serve as the focal point of an engagement ring. A mounting that is improperly sized or unbalanced will be very apparent and will detract from the overall design of the ring.

 

Choose correctly and the mounting will highlight the stones and details of the ring beautifully. With certain design tricks, a proper mounting can even lessen the impact of flaws or imperfections on a lower quality stone and help your gems sparkle brilliantly.

 

Choosing an engagement ring is an important investment, and picking the appropriate mounting is an important step in the process. With careful research and consideration, you will have a beautiful piece of jewelry your bride-to-be will love showing off.

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Engagement Ring Hazards to Avoid

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

An engagement ring is easily one of the most important investments a couple will make in their lifetime. As such, it’s important that you take good care of your engagement ring and avoid potential damage so it will continue to shine as brilliantly as the day you first put it on.

 

Scratches

Even the most durable metals can be scratched or damaged through normal wear and tear, especially if you aren’t careful. Platinum rings are very durable, and as a result are more resistant to damage than white or yellow gold engagement rings. For minor nicks, a jeweler can normally polish fine scratches away. If the damage is more severe, more extensive repairs may be necessary.

 

Misshaped Bands

While platinum engagement rings won’t be damaged in this way, yellow and white gold rings are softer and are prone to bending or stretching. This usually happens when a prong or some piece of the ring becomes snagged on fabric. If this happens, gently pull your hand away from the fabric – don’t yank it out. If you do, this can cause the ring to become bent or misshapen over time.

 

Loose Prongs

If your engagement ring is set with a prong setting, you run the risk of a prong becoming loose or damaged, which can potentially lead to the stone falling out. While prongs will loosen with daily wear and tear, catching a prong on a sweater or knocking it against a hard surface can also cause the prongs to loosen. Periodically check your ring to look for broken or missing prongs and to make sure your stone is secure. If you are missing a prong, take your engagement ring to a jeweler right away to have it repaired.

 

Things to Consider

While normal wear and tear can be expected to cause minor damage over time, there are certain things you should definitely not do to ensure the longevity and brilliance of your engagement ring.

 

To avoid losing or misplacing your ring, do not place your engagement ring in areas where it can easily fall, such as countertops, tables, etc. If you aren’t wearing your ring, keep it in a safe place away from other jewelry as it is very easy for diamonds or other gemstones to become scratched or damaged when they come in contact with other stones.

 

Avoid wearing your ring when washing dishes or other chores or doing yardwork. The chemicals found in household cleaners are too harsh for your ring and can dull the stone. Avoid putting makeup or lotion on while wearing your ring as well, as the oils can form a build up of product on the stone, thereby reducing its brilliance.

 

Have your ring professionally cleaned and checked for damage at least twice a year, or more frequently if you have a particularly delicate stone or setting.

 

With the proper care and precautions, you can ensure you avoid the most common engagement ring hazards and your ring will continue to bring brilliance and joy into your life for years to come.

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How to Find the Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

Proposing to the woman you love with a beautiful diamond engagement ring will be one of the most special moments in your life. With that being said, you want to make sure you are buying the best diamond ring you can. Even if you know nothing about jewelry, it pays to familiarize yourself with the basic characteristics of a diamond and how each affect the value of the stone. Armed with a basic understanding of diamonds, you can ensure the diamond engagement ring you present to your bride-to-be will be perfect.

 

Determine What She Likes

Choosing a diamond is only one step in the process of finding the perfect diamond engagement ring for your bride-to-be. Before you can purchase a ring, you need to determine what kind of jewelry she likes. If you intend on keeping the proposal a secret until the big day, enlist the help of her friends or mother (if they can keep a secret, that is!) or take a peek at the jewelry she already owns. Does she own more white gold pieces, or does she prefer yellow gold? Do her tastes tend to be classic and understated or bold and elaborate? Learn as much as you can about the style of jewelry she prefers so you are able to buy an engagment ring she’ll love.

 

Figure Out How Much You Can Afford

A diamond engagement ring can be very expensive or quite affordable depending on how much you can afford to spend. While you want to buy the best quality diamond you can for your bride-to-be, that doesn’t mean you have to spend thousands of dollars if you are unable to. The setting, metal choice and the stone will all affect the final cost of the ring, so figure out what you are looking for and how much you can expect to pay for the diamond and setting you are interested in.

 

Learn What To Look For In A Diamond

A diamond engagement ring is one of the most important and major purchases you will make, so you should take the time to understand what you are buying before you commit. A diamond’s worth is judged by the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, color and carat weight.) Take the time to familiarize yourself with these and use them to judge which qualities are most important in a diamond for you and your bride-to-be. Learning about the various diamond shapes and sizes will also help you narrow down your choice to find the perfect diamond engagement ring that your budget will allow. You should also settle on a setting and band for your ring. Different metals will affect the final cost of the engagement ring as some metals (such as platinum) are more expensive than others.

 

Finding the perfect diamond engagement ring for your bride-to-be can seem like a daunting task. If you take the time to learn about diamonds and ring styles, however, you can ensure the ring you end up buying will be cherished and loved for the rest of your lives together.

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Bridal Set Engagement Rings

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

If your bride-to-be would love to wear her wedding band and engagement ring together, an intricate bridal set engagement ring may be the perfect option. Instead of buying two separate rings, bridal sets incorporate both the engagement ring and wedding band into one uniform design to form a beautiful ring she will cherish.

 

What are Bridal Set Engagement Rings?

Bridal set engagement rings are actually two rings designed to be worn together – the wedding band and the engagement ring. Some jewelers may include the groom’s ring with the bridal set as well. Each ring in a bridal set is carefully crafted to go together, so they are designed with similar characteristics such as metal choice, stones, etc.

For couples interested in purchasing a bridal set, you should be aware of your options.

  • Parallel Rings

Parallel rings are designed to be worn together, but each ring can be worn separately. The difference between this type of bridal set and traditional rings is that the wedding band often has a plain design that coordinates well with the engagement band but will not pose any issues when worn simultaneously.

  • Integrated Rings

With an integrated bridal ring set, the two rings are designed to be worn together and cannot usually be worn separately. The reason for this is that the wedding band is often designed to complement the engagement ring design, often in the form of a ring wrap. When worn individually, the rings would look incomplete. Oftentimes, the engagement ring stone in an integrated bridal set also becomes the focal point of the complete set, so the bride must wear both rings together.

 

While couples can customize a bridal set matching their preferences, diamonds are the most popular gemstone choice for bridal set engagement rings. For a more classic, understated look, diamond solitaire wedding sets are popular, with yellow gold being the classic metal choice. Of course, platinum and white gold can be used as well. Marquise or round diamonds are a popular choice for bridal set engagement rings, but other shapes can be used. Jewelers can also customize a bridal set for you with different stones.

 

Cost of Bridal Sets

Even though bridal sets will seem expensive at first, they may actually be the perfect choice for couples who are on a strict budget. With a bridal set, you are getting the engagement ring and one or both wedding bands, which will prevent you from having to buy another ring later on. Additionally, bridal sets are carefully designed to match, so brides who want to wear both their engagement ring and wedding band can do so without having to wear two rings that don’t work together when bought individually.

 

For a couple that has a strict budget or a bride-to-be that desires to wear her wedding band and engagement ring together, a matching bridal set may be the perfect choice. Whether you choose an integrated set or can wear each ring individually, bridal set engagement rings offer a unique alternative to a traditional diamond ring and will be a beautiful reminder of a couple’s everlasting love.


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Three Stone Engagement Rings

Monday, May 25th, 2009

Three stone engagement rings are a symbolic way to represent the love between two people in all the stages of a relationship. Although engagement rings in general are very symbolic because of the intent in which they are given, three stone rings are arguably the best way to commemorate a lifelong partnership.

 

Three Stone Engagement Rings

Instead of centering on a solitary gemstone, three stone rings incorporate a line of three identical stones. Commonly referred to as trinity rings, three stone rings are meant to represent a couple’s past, present and future, making them an extremely popular choice for engagement rings or anniversary rings.

 

What Types of Three Stone Designs Are There?

There are other engagement rings that use more than one stone, so what exactly makes three stone rings different? Well, three stone engagement rings actually have very specific features that differ from traditional rings. For example, the size of the gems used in three stone rings are almost uniform, with the center stone often being slightly larger than the two side stones. If the stones are too small, it will detract from the purpose of the design and not look like a classic three stone engagement ring at all. For that reason, three stone rings are often a much heavier carat weight than a traditional solitaire ring.

 

Another feature that is noticeably different from other rings that use several gemstones are the shape of each stone. With a three stone engagement ring, each stone will be the same shape. Round or square gems are the most popular choice for three stone rings, because they look well when aligned together. Though harder to find, marquise, oval and emerald shaped stones can also be used.

 

What Stones Can Be Used in a Three Stone Ring?

As mentioned previously, the vast majority of traditional three stone engagement rings use the same type of stone. Diamonds are by far the most common choice, although other gemstones can be used in a customized design. However, there’s no mistaking the brilliance of a diamond three stone engagement ring.

 

Other Considerations

Three stone engagement rings often use a prong setting, which complements the arrangement well, especially with three stone diamond rings. Oftentimes, the center stone is elevated slightly above the two adjacent stones.

 

Many couples choose to engrave a three stone ring with a special sentiment to enhance the symbolism of the design as well, or add other customizations to further personalize the ring.

 

Popular metals include white gold or platinum, but two-toned metal can be used as well for a unique twist.

 

While three stone engagement rings can be inherently more expensive than other engagement rings (especially if you use diamonds,) the final cost will depend on the quality of the stones you use. Carefully examine the stones to determine their quality before committing to any purchase.

 

A beautiful representation of a couple’s life together, a three stone engagement ring uses symbolism to convey a couple’s journey together through the past, present and future. For the bride-to-be who desires something a little more meaningful than a traditional engagement ring, a three stone ring may be the perfect choice.

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Pink Diamonds

Monday, May 25th, 2009

Colorless diamonds are still the most popular choice for engagement rings, but more couples are looking towards fancy pink diamonds as a unique alternative. Before you purchase a pink diamond, there are a number of things you should know.

 

What are Pink Diamonds?

While colorless diamonds are comprised of pure carbon, a certain type of chemical reaction affects how some diamonds reflect light, which results in colored diamonds. Gemologists aren’t sure what creates pink diamonds; as such, pink diamonds are very rare and quite expensive.

 

How to Determine Quality

Pink diamonds are still diamonds, so you should familiarize yourself with the 4 C’s (cut, color, clarity and carat weight.) While these are all very important when determining the value of a pink diamond, the intensity of color is the most telling characteristic of a pink diamond.

 

Pink diamonds are available in a range of hues, from a very light pale pink to deep magenta. The more intense the color, the higher the cost. The majority of commercial pink diamonds come in lighter hues, but even so they are still more expensive than traditional colorless diamonds because of their rarity. While pink diamonds should, ideally, be relatively flawless, many jewelers will work around a flaw because of the stone’s rarity, even though most flaws can decrease the value of a gem in typical circumstances. However, because pink diamonds are so rare, jewelers are able to work around some flaws and create unique designs and patterns that they wouldn’t bother doing with similar quality flawed gemstones.

 

Using Pink Diamonds in Engagement Rings

Pink diamonds are a unique choice for engagement rings and are just as symbolic as traditional white diamonds. If you choose a pink diamond for your engagement ring, there are a variety of styles, settings and shapes to choose from. If you are lucky enough and able to afford a loose stone, you can find a reputable jeweler to create a custom engagement ring for you.

 

Avoid yellow gold bands when using pink diamonds, as the gold can cast a yellowish hue onto the stone. Instead, stick with white gold or platinum for your band. Because pink diamonds are so unique, couples would do well to create a simple setting, perhaps with accent stones, to complement the diamond.

 

Even though pink diamonds are an increasingly popular choice for use in engagement rings, their inherent rarity and cost can be a stretch for some couples. If that is the case, consider using pink diamonds as accent stones rather than the center stone. Alternatively, other pink stones such as pink sapphires, tourmaline or lighter hued rubies are an excellent choice and more affordable.

 

For the bride-to-be who desires a distinctive, unique engagement ring, pink diamonds are an excellent gemstone. Though rare and quite expensive, their cost hasn’t stopped many couples from turning to this beautiful diamond for use in their engagement ring.

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