Archive for June, 2009

 
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How to Avoid Purchasing a Conflict Diamond

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Diamonds are a beautiful representation of love, commitment and faithfulness, and are especially popular for use in a sparkling engagement ring. However, before you can purchase the perfect diamond for the ring, you need to make sure you are not buying a conflict diamond.

 

Conflict diamonds, rather than being a positive symbol of your love, instead fuel hatred, bloodshed and terrorist acts. When you are shopping for diamonds, it is important to avoid buying these hate-fueled stones, thereby ensuring no one is profiting from them on your part.

 

Conflict Diamonds – The Basics

 

Also referred to as blood diamonds, conflict diamonds are stones sold by rebel groups to fund their horrible activities. Human rights issues, such as child or slave labor, state violence, the exploitation of workers and other abuses are common practices that are funded by the sale of these stones.

 

Conflict diamonds are characterized by their typical unpolished finish, and are frequently traded for weapons and other things. If you buy a conflict diamond, knowingly or otherwise, you are helping to fund these rebel groups and their illegal activities. What’s more, each blood diamond that is purchased lowers the country’s economic stability, which in itself creates a host of additional problems.

 

Where are Conflict Diamonds Found?

 

Typically, conflict diamonds are smuggled throughout the Central and Western portions of Africa – in fact, these places are the top diamond smuggling areas in the entire world.

 

The trouble with identifying conflict diamonds and non-conflict diamonds lies in their appearance. Once a conflict diamond has been cut and polished, they do not look any different than their legitimate counterparts.

 

Finding a Non-Conflict Diamond for your Engagement Ring

 

Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce the chances that you are buying a conflict diamond. Visit a reputable jeweler, and don’t be afraid to ask where the diamond came from (i.e., where it was mined and imported from.) A reputable jeweler will have no problem answering your questions, and you should avoid any diamonds that come from the chief smuggling areas of the world, as well as neighboring countries that may help fuel oppression and bloodshed with the sale of illegitimate stones.

 

Keep an eye out for any warning signs, as well. For example, if you find a particularly high quality stone for an insanely low price, this could be an indication that the stone was obtained very cheaply. In this instance, you may be unknowingly purchasing a conflict diamond while thinking you are getting a great bargain.

 

While your diamond engagement ring will be a symbol of love and commitment, a ring with a conflict diamond only symbolizes hate, oppression and bloodshed. Shop for your diamonds very carefully so your engagement ring will be a symbol of unity, not a symbol of hate.

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Amethyst Engagement Rings

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

For the bride-to-be who desires something a little different, an amethyst engagement ring is the perfect option. While colorless diamonds are the traditional stone found in most engagement rings, there’s no rule that says you can’t use alternative stones for a gorgeous, unique look.

 

Amethyst’s distinct purple hue makes it a wonderful choice for use in an engagement ring, and there are actually a surprising amount of options when searching for the perfect amethyst ring.

 

Amethyst Engagement Ring Designs

 

While amethyst rings may not typically be marketed as engagement rings, there are still many beautiful options to choose from.

 

Figural rings are a unique choice, and often use amethyst stones as accents in a flower or insect shape, such as a butterfly or daisy. Of course, an amethyst ring with other accent stones, such as tiny diamonds, is a lovely choice as well, especially paired with a white gold or platinum band.

 

Three stone rings are an extra symbolic touch, as the three stones represent the past, present and future of the relationship. While these rings traditionally use diamonds, amethysts can easily be incorporated into your very own three-stone design for a unique look.

 

For a distinctive appearance, eternity bands encrusted with small amethyst stones are beautiful. Eternity bands literally look like the entire band is created from nothing but gemstones, and while this may be a more expensive option it is certainly gorgeous and will undoubtedly turn heads.

 

Of course, while you’re looking for the perfect amethyst engagement ring you should be aware that amethyst is usually paired with other gemstones to complete the design. It’s pretty rare to find a ring with only amethysts, but if you are willing to spend the time and money for a customized ring you can design it nearly however you want.

 

Also keep in mind that yellow gold can change the visual appearance of a stone, so amethyst is not usually paired with a yellow gold band.

 

Even though amethyst is much more available now than it was in older times, most jewelers do not stock a significant amount of amethyst rings. In other words, you are likely going to have to customize and design your own amethyst engagement ring.

 

Find a jeweler you trust and who is reputable to customize the ring for you, and make sure you understand exactly how much you can afford to spend. Amethyst engagement rings can cost a few hundred dollars to upwards of one thousand dollars or more depending on the design and materials used to create the ring.

 

Searching for an amethyst engagement ring may take some time, but the time and money invested may prove to be well worth it when you realize how beautiful and unique your engagement ring will be. While they are unusual, amethyst engagement rings offer a stunning way to memorialize your relationship and with the proper care, will continue to shine for many years to come.

 

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How to Choose a Diamond Shape for your Engagement Ring

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Choosing a diamond shape is actually a very important decision that should be based on a number of factors, not just what shape you like best. Engagement rings are an important purchase, and choosing the right diamond shape for your particular ring is a critical process that should not be taken lightly.

 

What Kind of Diamond Shapes Are There?

 

Before you can choose a diamond shape for your engagement ring, you should familiarize yourself with the kinds of shapes that are available. These included:

  • Oval
  • Round
  • Heart
  • Emerald
  • Pear
  • Marquise
  • Princess
  • Radiant
  • Trilliant
  • Asscher

While your personal preferences will obviously come into play as far as what diamond shape you choose, there are other factors to consider.

 

Things to Consider

 

Before choosing a diamond shape, you should carefully consider which shape would be not only something you like, but practical as well.

 

For example, you want to make sure the stone’s dimensions are good. A poorly cut diamond (no matter what shape it is) will reveal imperfections and flaws and not look as brilliant as you want it to.

 

You also need to take into account the size of your band. A wider band can handle elongated diamonds, while a thin or narrow band is complemented by round or square shaped stones. Try on a bunch of different rings with diamond shapes you’re interested in, as well, because you want to make sure the shape of the stone complements your hand.

 

If you are thinking of incorporating accent stones into the design of your engagement ring, consider how those accents will affect the shape of your central stone.

 

Judging the Quality of a Diamond

 

After you’ve decided on a diamond shape for your engagement ring, it’s important to understand how to judge the quality of the stone you’re interested in.

 

Learning about the 4 C’s (cut, color, clarity and carat weight) will help you in determining the quality of the diamond, and enable you to make good choices. The type of stone shape you choose will have its own pros and cons, so learning about the 4 C’s will help you to find the perfect stone for your engagement ring.

 

If you are having a hard time finding a particular diamond shape, you may need to solicit the help of a designer to craft the perfect diamond for you. Most jewelers stock a limited selection of some of the more basic diamond shapes, but a specialty shape may require you to look elsewhere.

 

While personal preference is important when choosing a particular diamond shape, you still need to consider how to design your engagement ring to best flatter that shape. By learning all you can about judging diamond quality and the different shapes available to you, you can find the perfect diamond that fits your budget, your ring and your personal taste!

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Finding an Antique Engagement Ring

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

While contemporary engagement rings are beautiful, many women prefer the classic allure of an antique engagement ring. If your family or the bride-to-be’s family does not have an heirloom ring to use, there are several other sources to find the perfect antique engagement ring for your love.

 

Where to Find Antique Engagement Rings

 

When searching for an antique engagement ring, you have a number of options available to you.

 

Estate sales, which occur when a large amount of possessions need to be cleared from a home (usually after a death,) are a great place to start your search. Many estate sales have large collections of jewelry available, and you may find an engagement ring that is to your liking.

 

However, it’s important to know that while you can find good bargains here, not everything you will will be authentic or truly antique or vintage. You may not be able to verify the ring’s origins or authenticity, and family members may not know anything about the ring or the stones in it.

 

Antique or Vintage stores are also a great place to look for an antique engagement ring that fits your personal style and budget. You can run around and visit all the local antique stores in your area, but for an easier time, call a few and ask if they have any diamond or engagement rings in stock. If they don’t, most store owners are happy to keep an eye out for special requests their customers might make, so describe the type of ring you’re looking for and the owner may be able to find one for you!

 

Believe it or not, pawn shops may also be an alternative way to find an antique engagement ring. While pawn shops have a negative stigma attached to them, there’s no denying they offer a great way to find affordable jewelry. Make sure to research the 4 C’s of diamonds and other information so you are prepared to judge the quality of a ring you may find.

 

Shopping online for an antique engagement ring can also be a great way to procure the perfect ring at a great price. There are actually tons of great places online that cater to those searching for an antique or vintage engagement ring, but you should always research the company carefully before making a purchase. You would not want to shell out hard earned cash for a ring that is less than advertised.

 

For the woman who desires a unique piece, an antique engagement ring definitely fits the bill. While it may take awhile to track down the perfect ring, the effort will be well worth it when it is slipped on your finger for the very first time!

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Why Engagement Rings Can be Very Expensive

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

There are a number of things that can influence the price of an engagement ring. Obviously, designer engagement rings will be a lot more expensive than other types, but what else can affect the cost of an engagement ring?

 

Designer Engagement Rings

 

Whether they are big name designers or relatively small outfits, you can expect a designer engagement ring to set you back a pretty penny. Of course, the large brand name designers will obviously have a much larger price tag.

 

The big design houses like Harry Winston, Tacori, Cartier or Tiffany are some of the large designers that create beautiful and expensive engagement rings for both modern and classic women.

 

Gemstones

 

Of course, the type of diamonds or other gemstones you choose can also significantly affect the price of an engagement ring. Obviously, the bigger the stone the more expensive it will be as long as the quality is there.

 

Fancy colored diamonds will be more expensive than traditional colorless diamonds, as well. If you plan on adding accent stones to a ring, that can also raise the price depending on which type of stones you use, their size and the quality of the stones.

 

Metals

 

When it comes to metal choices, you have your pick from a variety of metals that can help offset the cost of the ring or add to it.

 

Platinum is more rare than other metals; as such, it’s quite expensive and can significantly impact the price of an engagement ring. However, platinum offers the durability that other metals simply cannot emulate, so it may be worth it to choose platinum for something as special as an engagement ring.

 

Yellow, white, and rose gold are other options. For a more distinctive look, you can choose a two-tone metal which will be very unique.

 

Other Things to Consider

 

Believe it or not, even minor changes can significantly raise the cost of an engagement ring much higher than you might have expected.

 

For example, choosing platinum over white gold or silver can raise the cost of a ring several hundred dollars, but they all look quite similar. If you can’t afford platinum, consider using a cheaper alternative.

 

Additionally, colored diamonds are much more rare than the traditional colorless diamonds. If both a colored diamond and colorless diamond are the same carat weight and quality, the colored diamond can cost upwards of hundreds to thousands of dollars more than the colorless stone.

 

Finally, you don’t want to forget to purchase insurance for your engagement ring, especially if the ring is worth quite a bit. With such an expensive purchase, it’s wise to protect your investment as soon as possible.

 

There are many factors that contribute to the overall price of an engagement ring, and engagement rings can be very expensive depending on the stones, metals, and other design elements you choose to incorporate into the ring.

 

However, understanding what affects the price of an engagement ring will help you find the perfect ring that fits within your budget, lifestyle and personal preferences.

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Learn About Princess Cut Engagement Rings

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

Traditional diamond solitaires make beautiful engagement rings, but for the woman who desires a little something different a princess cut engagement ring may fit the bill.

 

What Are Princess Cuts?

 

The princess cut is actually relatively new to the jewelry world, and new to engagement rings in particular. Princess cuts are identified by their square shape, and are actually a combination of a brilliant cut and a step cut.

 

How Much Do They Cost?

 

For a woman who desires an affordable, unique alternative to traditional diamond cuts, a princess cut engagement ring is actually one of the cheapest cuts to make. Because of the nature of the cut, it requires less time to polish and shape the stone, which will therefore lower the price of the finished gem.

 

What’s more, you don’t necessarily need a top quality stone. Because a princess cut combines two separate cuts into one, they are able to conceal more imperfections or flaws that other cuts simply couldn’t do. This means that a lower quality stone can be used, unlike with other cuts such as round diamonds.

 

Of course, the overall price for a princess cut engagement ring will vary on a number of other factors in addition to these, such as the metal used; any accent stones and the intricacy of the design.

 

What Settings Work For Princess Cut Stones?

 

There are actually specific settings that work well for princess cut engagement rings. The sharp edges of the stone are quite fragile, and can break or chip if not adequately protected. For this reason, prong settings are typically used, and the prongs are set at the corners of the stone for extra protection.

 

Channel settings are also popular for princess cut stones. With a channel setting, the stones are actually set into the band itself rather than using prongs to suspend the stone above the band. This type of setting works well for women who lead active lifestyles because there is minimal risk of accidental damage like there would be with a prong setting.

 

Other Design Considerations

 

Princess cut engagement rings are actually quite versatile, and couples can choose to customize the ring with a variety of accent stones, design choices or metal types. A simple princess cut solitaire ring looks beautiful and classic, but still offers a modern twist on a traditional solitaire ring.

 

Three-stone designs are also quite popular, as are pear shaped or round diamonds used as accent stones. The sky is nearly the limit when choosing a princess cut engagement ring that fits both your taste and your budget.

 

Choosing a princess cut engagement ring is a wonderful choice for the bride-to-be who desires a distinctive look that retains the appearance of classic elegance, but adds a modern twist on a traditional engagement ring.

 

Whether you choose a solitaire ring or accent stones, a simple setting or a more elaborate one or any other number of customizations, your princess cut engagement ring will be as precious as the love the two of you share.

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The Symbolism of an Engagement Ring

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

It’s a common sense fact that engagement rings are meant to symbolize the love and commitment between two people who are in love, but even something as innocuous-seeming as the shape or overall design of the ring can be symbolic.

 

Choosing an engagement ring is a very personal and special moment, so the overall symbolism of the design can definitely be a factor when choosing the perfect engagement ring to seal the deal.

 

The Overall Symbolism of an Engagement Ring

 

Engagement rings can be traced back to the ancient Romans and Egyptians. In fact, the Romans were the first culture thought to use the practice of placing an engagement or wedding band on the fourth finger of the left hand, where it would be closest to the heart. This tradition still carries on to this day, just as the double wedding ring ceremony.

 

For example, brides were usually the only party to be given wedding rings on their big day, but World War II changed all that and began the tradition of presenting a ring to both the bride and groom. Today, nearly all marriages are commemorated with a double ring ceremony.

 

Believe it or not, the circle is actually heavy with symbolism as well. The circle (which is essentially your engagement ring; a circle of metal) actually symbolizes eternity and wholeness because they have no beginning or end. This symbolism is a beautiful way to think of an impending marriage; a beautiful union that will see no end, and will be held together through eternity and beyond.

 

What About Personal Symbolism?

 

An engagement ring is rife with symbolism overall, but how does personal symbolism fit into the equation?

 

If you use an heirloom engagement ring, you are choosing a ring that has likely been passed down through the generations until it gets to you. This is very symbolic, and is a beautiful tradition to continue. Celtic engagement rings or other rings designed for a specific culture or group are also heavily symbolic, especially if they are the group or culture you and your partner identify with.

 

Adding a special word, phrase or date to the band of an engagement ring via engraving is also a great way to personalize the ring and make it special and unique to you. Incorporating birthstones into the design is also a beautiful sentiment, and is a unique alternative to traditional diamonds.

 

Choosing a three stone engagement ring, which represents the past, present and future of a relationship, is an obvious symbolic choice as well.

 

Engagement rings have been symbolic of love and fidelity since ancient times, but they can easily take on a more personal meaning as well. Whether you incorporate your birthstones, use an heirloom or antique ring or engrave a special sentiment on the band, engagement rings can be as meaningful as you choose.

 

No matter what type of symbolism you incorporate into the design of your engagement ring, it will undoubtedly be a cherished possession and all the more special because it is personal to you and the person you will spend the rest of your life with.

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Can you Propose without an Engagement Ring?

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

When you think of a marriage proposal, your mind automatically conjures up images of the perfect engagement ring to go along with the proposal. However, there are no strict rules that say you absolutely must buy an engagement ring before you can propose.

 

In fact, many couples are starting to choose to propose without an engagement ring. Their choices for doing so vary; for example, not wanting to choose the wrong ring.

 

The fact remains that a marriage proposal doesn’t have to include an engagement ring, and couples shouldn’t feel pressured to buy one if that is not in their best interests.

 

Proposing without a Ring

 

Whether you are unable to afford an engagement ring or have another reason for proposing without one, your are not alone. In fact, there are many reasons for not proposing with a ring.

  • With the rising cost of living and other day to day expenses, budgeting for an engagement ring may be an insurmountable financial problem at this point.
  • If you are unsure how the bride-to-be will react to the engagement ring you pick out, you may want to hold off until after you propose to allow her to choose her own ring.
  • Maybe you want to customize a ring, and have your bride-to-be’s input throughout the process.
  • Finally, you may not think an engagement ring is that big of a deal, an instead choose to focus on the relationship and proposal itself rather than a piece of jewelry to “seal the deal.”

As you can see, the reasons for proposing without an engagement ring are varied, and there’s no rule that says you must use one. In fact, proposing without a ring allows the couple to focus on the actual commitment they are making, rather than the ring itself.

 

The Benefits of Proposing without a Ring

 

If you plan to purchase an engagement ring but would like the bride-to-be’s input beforehand, proposing without an engagement ring is the perfect way to ensure she loves her ring. After all, she’ll be the one wearing it!

 

Additionally, involving both partners in the decision will allow each of you the chance to get to know the others styles and taste preferences when it comes to jewelry, and make sure the ring that is purchased will be the perfect one for the bride-to-be.

 

While proposing without an engagement ring may be unorthodox, it’s certainly not a “bad” thing to do, especially if you are unable to budget for a ring at the moment or want to make absolutely sure she will love the ring she will be wearing every day.

 

Choosing to propose without an engagement ring is not a bad decision to make, and actually allows the couple to focus more on the implications of the question on that relationship than a material “symbol,” instead.

 

While it may feel weird initially to propose without the ring, it is a very personal decision and allows the couples to choose the ring together afterwards, leading to the perfect foundation for a lifelong relationship that was based on true love, not a sparkly ring!

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Vintage Engagement Rings

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

If you love the look of antique or older jewelry, a vintage engagement ring may be the perfect choice for you. The term “vintage” doesn’t necessarily mean the ring is an antique however, but either way you should take the time to have the ring properly appraised and examined for quality.

 

Vintage Engagement Rings

 

Typically, vintage engagement rings can be dated back to the 1800′s or early 1900′s. Vintage rings are often quite delicate and can incorporate tiny diamonds or other embellishments into the design. However, emeralds and sapphires were also very popular gemstones used in older rings, as well.

 

While the stones in vintage engagement rings were not cut into fancy shapes like the technology available today can offer, a true vintage ring offers a unique and beautiful alternative to a modern design and offer a dash of personality to your style since they are so different from the engagement rings on the market today.

 

Most vintage stones will likely have flaws, chips or cracks and while that will detract from the overall value of the ring, the fact that is in an older piece can compensate for most flaws.

 

The other thing to keep in mind when searching for an authentic vintage engagement ring is that most rings were crafted from yellow gold, as platinum was not widely used until the beginning of the 190o’s. If you are not a yellow gold person, a vintage engagement ring will not be for you!

 

Things to Consider

 

Before you visit an antique store or estate sale in search of your perfect vintage engagement ring, you should be aware of a few things. For example, you should definitely have the ring professionally cleaned because it will undoubtedly be dull, dirty and grimy after years of wear by several people.

 

A good cleaning will restore the ring to its former glory, but you shouldn’t attempt to clean a vintage ring yourself. Chemicals in most store-bought jewelry cleaners can damage older rings.

 

It’s also important to have the ring looked at to see if any repairs are necessary. Because a lot of vintage engagement rings are quite delicate and often incorporate intricate designs, certain parts of the ring may need to be repaired.

 

Finally, you should have your ring appraised and insured to make sure your vintage engagement ring is protected should anything tragic happen, such as loss or theft.

 

A vintage engagement ring is a unique alternative to modern designs. In fact, vintage rings are a great way to wear interesting stone shapes, settings or designs that are not created today. Plus, they can be passed down as heirloom rings to your children or grandchildren, should that be your desire one day.

 

With the proper care, your vintage engagement ring will last for many more years to come, no matter how old it was when you bought it!

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