Archive for June, 2009

What to Do When Your Engagement Ring Needs Repairs

Monday, June 15th, 2009

Accidents happen, and normal wear and tear can also put stress on your engagement ring. When the ring is damaged severely enough to need repairs, you need to make sure you take it to a reputable jeweler who knows what they are doing and can restore your engagement ring to its former glory. Because engagement rings are such precious and delicate creations, the band, setting and stone may all need repairs at one point.

The Band

Even the strongest metal is not impervious to scratches or nicks. Daily wear can scratch the metal of the band, but these minor nicks are not usually enough to ruin the beauty of the ring. If they bother you, they can always be polished away. More serious damage, such as if the band warps, requires the attention of a jeweler so they can reshape the band.

The Stone

While diamonds are the strongest natural material known to man, even they can become damaged under certain circumstances. Other gemstones are even more likely to become damaged, but luckily most stone damage is relatively minor (such as small nicks or tiny chips.)

However, if your stone is internally flawed, the stone may become cracked or split apart. Oftentimes, certain flaws can be filled or coated to repair them, but that isn’t always possible. If the stone falls apart, you will need to replace the entire stone.

The Setting

The setting is the most likely part of the engagement ring to become damaged, especially prong settings. The prongs can break off, loosen or become twisted or warped with regular wear and tear or repeated snags on fabric.

In minor cases, the setting can be repositioned to repair it, but for more severe cases the entire setting may need to be replaced to hold the gemstones more securely. If you have a particularly elaborate setting, it is more likely to be damaged than a simple setting.

What to Do if your Ring Needs Repairs

If your engagement ring should become damaged, it’s important to get it to a jeweler as soon as possible before the damage becomes so severe that nothing can be done about it. Ideally, you want to take the ring to the same jeweler you originally bought it from. That way, they already know what they are working with.

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to take it to the same jeweler, so in that event it is important to only visit a reputable jeweler who is reliable and has a good reputation. Whatever you do, do not attempt to repair the ring yourself. You risk further damaging your engagement ring if you attempt to do this.

When an engagement ring becomes damaged, it’s natural to worry about causing further harm. That’s why it’s so important to take the ring to a jeweler as soon as you notice the damage. Provided you visit a reputable jeweler, your engagement ring can be restored to the same sparkling brilliance it had when it was first slipped on your finger!

Tags: engagement ring repairs, Engagement Rings, jewelry repair
Posted in Engagement Rings | Comments Off

Wedding Ring Sets

Monday, June 15th, 2009

No matter what your personal tastes or budget, elegant wedding ring sets are perfect for the bride and groom-to-be who desire coordinated wedding bands that still reflect their own unique personality. When choosing wedding ring sets, you have several options to consider.

Types of Wedding Ring Sets

Whether you want a coordinated wedding ring and engagement band, or want a wedding set that encompasses the groom’s wedding band as well, there are options to meet any price range and preference.

Band sets are perfect for the bride and groom-to-be who want matching wedding bands without a lot of fuss. Band sets do not include an engagement ring, but because of the classic look of a wedding band set any style of engagement ring looks complementary when worn together with the wedding band.

Bridal sets are a popular choice because they encompass both an engagement ring and a wedding band in coordinating styles. Bridal sets can be simple or more elaborate, incorporating accent stones and other elements into the design. Bridal wedding ring sets do not include the groom’s wedding band, but you can always customize his wedding ring to complement your own if desired.

Finally, triple wedding ring sets include the engagement ring and both the bride and groom’s wedding bands in complementary styles. If you are concerned about the rings matching, triple wedding ring sets are your best option to ensure coordinating rings without any hassle.

Even with a matching wedding ring set, you have numerous options to choose from to make the rings your own and reflect both the bride and the groom’s unique tastes. You can incorporate a favorite gemstone, your birthstones or even engraving to add a special touch and strengthen the symbolism of the rings.Additionally, metal accents (such as Celtic knots or other intricate designs) or multi-tone metals offer a distinctive look that sets a wedding ring set apart from the rest.

The Cost of Wedding Ring Sets

If you are worried about the cost of a wedding ring set, there are things to consider before you write it off as too expensive. While ring sets are more expensive than buying a single ring, the total cost may be well worth it because you are getting the engagement ring, the bride’s wedding band and in some cases the groom’s wedding band as well.

When taken together, the set may actually be less expensive than if you were to purchase all three rings separately somewhere else.

Wedding ring sets are a convenient choice for the bride and groom-to-be who desire complementary wedding bands but do not want to try to find individual rings that coordinate with one another. While the total cost upfront is more expensive than buying each ring separately, wedding ring sets are a great way to symbolize your relationship with coordinating bands that will last a lifetime.

Tags: band sets, bridal sets, Engagement Rings, triple wedding ring sets, wedding ring sets, Wedding Rings
Posted in Engagement Ring Sets, Wedding Rings | Comments Off

Finding Silver Engagement Rings

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

Despite the majority of engagement rings being made from gold or platinum, silver engagement rings are exceptionally beautiful and affordable, making them a popular choice for couples who are on a budget. If you are interested in finding a silver engagement ring to pop the question with, there are a few things you should know about this affordable metal.

The Benefits of Choosing a Silver Engagement Ring

While gold engagement rings are the traditional choice, more couples are looking to silver as an alternative metal choice for their rings. Not only is silver typically less expensive than other metals, but even for the bride-to-be who loves the look of platinum but can’t afford the price tag can benefit from a silver engagement ring for a similar look.

Silver is already typically used in many engagement rings, but generally only in detail work such as intricate knots or elegant looking accents. Many two-tone engagement rings also use silver to give the ring a distinctive appearance.

While silver engagement rings are generally cheaper than gold or platinum rings, the overall cost will depend on the intricacy of the design. If you are looking for a silver engagement ring to cut down on the cost, then you should stick with a classic, understated ring because an elaborate silver ring can be just as expensive, if not more so, than traditional gold rings.

What Makes Silver Different From Other Metals?

When creating a silver engagement ring, pure silver has sterling silver alloys added to the mix to increase the metal’s strength, as pure silver is too soft to use in jewelry on its own. Typically compared to other white metals, such as platinum or white gold, silver engagement rings can be just as beautiful and offer a more affordable alternative to couples who can’t afford to spend much money on a ring.

While silver is affordable, it can often become quite tarnished and will require frequent cleaning and polishing to restore the ring to its former glory. When you are not wearing your ring, it should be stored in a separate area way from other jewelry to avoid potentially scratching or damaging the ring.

Even though all engagement rings are prone to damage when worn during heavy housework or using household cleaning products, certain chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can discolor silver. If you are using these products, do not wear your silver engagement ring or you will risk damaging the metal.

Silver engagement rings are a lovely alternative to traditional gold or platinum rings, and offer the additional bonus of being much more affordable. In order to protect such a precious investment, make sure you regularly clean and polish your silver engagement ring so that it remains as beautiful as when you first put it on. With the proper attention, your ring will continue to bring joy every time you look at it for many years to come.

Tags: alternative engagement ring metals, Engagement Rings, silver engagement rings, silver rings
Posted in Alternatative Metals | Comments Off

Design a Custom Engagement Ring

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

In order to design your very own custom engagement ring, there are several things you should become familiar with to ensure you create the ring of your dreams.

Preparation

Before you can begin customizing your own engagement ring, you should visit several jewelers and try on different rings in styles that appeal to you. Even if you already have an idea in mind of the type of engagement ring you prefer, trying on existing rings may allow you to find a gemstone, setting or stone shape you hadn’t thought about before.

Education

While you may already have a specific idea in mind about the engagement ring you’d like to design, it is important to educate yourself how to judge a stone’s quality.

If you are interested in incorporating diamonds into your engagement ring design, learn about the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, color and carat weight) and how each “C” affects the value of the diamond. Even if you do not plan to use diamonds but will instead use alternative gemstones, the 4 C’s will help you avoid buying an inferior stone.

Additionally, you should compare different metals (such as white and yellow gold, platinum, titanium, etc.) and how each will affect the price of a custom engagement ring as well as how each will differ regarding care, maintenance and durability. Learning about various engagement ring settings will also be beneficial.

Designing

The majority of engagement rings are designed around a center gemstone, so it’s important to know what gemstone you plan to use as a focal point before you can design the rest of the ring. When you have decided on the central gemstone, you can begin customizing the perfect engagement ring to suit your style preferences and your budget. When designing a custom engagement ring, you’ll need to decide on everything from the setting to the metal, to accent stones and everything in between.

Do you prefer the look of yellow or white gold? Perhaps you prefer the subtle sheen and durability of platinum? Choosing the metal for your custom engagement ring is only one of many steps you’ll need to take to create the perfect ring.

You’ll also need to think about settings. If you prefer basic styles, you may go for a common setting that is classic and traditional. For a more elaborate ring, perhaps a more unusual setting would look appealing.

If you are planning to use accent stones, which stones would complement the central gemstone? Usually, the accent stones are shaped in a way to complement the central stone and are smaller and less intense so as not to detract from the main gemstone.

When you’ve decided on a design that works for you, visit a reputable jeweler who can help you with your design choices and steer you away from design flaws. However, they should not try to influence your decision in any way or make you pay for customizations that are not in your budget.

Designing a custom engagement ring is a great way to get exactly the ring you want, and while it is definitely more complicated than choosing a ring off the rack, the effort is well worth it for a sparkling memento of your relationship.

Tags: custom engagement rings, design an engagement ring, Engagement Rings, shopping for a customized engagement ring
Posted in Shopping for Engagement Rings | Comments Off

Types of Gemstone Engagement Rings

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

Choosing a gemstone engagement ring other than a diamond is a personal decision, and alternative gemstones can be just as beautiful as sparkling diamonds. There are many types of gemstone rings to choose from, whether off-the-rack or a customized version using specific gemstones that are important to you. Whichever type of gemstone engagement ring you choose, you should learn as much as you can about your options to find the perfect ring to commemorate your relationship.

Gemstone Engagement Rings

There are many types of gemstone rings that can be used as engagement rings. Even if they are not marketed as such, they can still be beautiful alternatives to a traditional diamond engagement ring.

Solitaires are beautiful choices but can be quite difficult to find in a non-diamond form. This is because most people want to accent a central gemstone with other stones to complement the design, so finding a particular gemstone solitaire that isn’t a diamond may not be feasible in off-the-rack styles.

Of course, you can always buy a loose stone and have it placed in a setting, or customize a solitaire gemstone ring to your liking.

Figural rings are another unique gemstone engagement ring choice that can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, and can be created using multiple gemstones to form the shape of flowers, animals or other objects.

You can also choose a particular gemstone and have it accented with diamonds or other stones and customize it to fit perfectly, no matter what your budget or style preferences.

Popular Gemstone Choices

When looking for alternative gemstones other than diamonds for an engagement ring, there are many options to choose from. However, certain gemstones are quite popular, and jewelers are liable to have a modest selection of certain gemstones on hand more so than others.

Rubies, for example, are very popular because their deep red color helps symbolize love and commitment, making them a perfect choice for engagement rings. Emeralds, sapphires and even traditional pearls are all also readily available at most jewelers, and can be used to customize nearly any type of engagement ring that strikes your fancy.

If you are worried about the cost of a gemstone engagement ring, oftentimes they can be much cheaper than a traditional diamond ring. Additionally, smaller and lower-quality diamonds can always be used as accent stones if you desire.

Important Considerations

When choosing a gemstone other than a diamond for your engagement ring, you should carefully check out the company and ask about its warranty and guarantees on the rings they sell. You do not want to buy a gemstone thinking it’s real and have it to turn out to be a synthetic stone.

Even though alternative gemstones are a break from the traditional diamond engagement rings, they still are just as beautiful and will be a cherished possession throughout the marriage. Learning about your options and how to choose the perfect gemstone for your engagement ring will help ensure the ring is as sparkling as your relationship!

Tags: gemstone alternatives, gemstone rings, gemstones alternatives to diamond rings
Posted in Alternative Gemstones | Comments Off

Tips to Keep your Engagement Ring Clean

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

An engagement ring is a precious investment, meant to last for years to come. With that being said, it’s important to keep your ring as clean and sparkling as the day it is slipped onto your finger. These tips are designed to help you keep your engagement ring clean and are helpful in protecting your beautiful piece of jewelry.

Things to Avoid

By avoiding certain things that can dull your ring, you will have to clean it less often and will be able to maintain the ring’s sparkle and brilliance more effectively.

Avoid doing household chores while wearing your engagement ring, and take the ring off before applying lotion, makeup, hair products or other beauty aids or household cleaning products to prevent a build up of grime, oils and dirt.

Of course, your ring will accumulate dirt and debris through regular wear and tear, but avoiding household cleaners, beauty products and other products can help protect your ring and allow you to maintain a brilliant appearance with less cleaning required.

Cleaning the Engagement Ring

Even if you are very diligent in protecting your ring from harsh chemicals and greasy beauty products or household cleaners, normal wear and tear will cause the ring to become dirty. A monthly cleaning should suffice, but if you lead a more active lifestyle you may want to clean the ring more frequently.

Before you attempt to clean the ring yourself, you need to understand every component of your ring and how best to treat it. Even if you are familiar with how to clean diamonds, if there are other gemstones in your ring it is important to know what is safe to use and what could potentially damage the stones.

If your ring contains treated diamonds, you may need to clean the ring in a special way to avoid discoloring the stones or damaging the overall ring. Certain types of metals are cleaned differently as well, so it’s important to speak with a professional jeweler who will be able to advise you on the proper cleaning regimen for your engagement ring.

Once you know how to clean your ring, you should carefully examine it beforehand to check for cracks, loose stones or other damage. If there is any damage to your ring at all, it is important to have it repaired or you run the risk of further damage to the ring if you clean it before it’s fixed.

Even if you clean your engagement ring at home, it is still a good idea to take the ring into a professional jeweler and have it cleaned there at least two times a year. If you are uncomfortable cleaning the ring yourself, this is also a great way to ensure your ring remains as beautiful as the first day you put it on and you won’t worry about damaging it somehow.

Taking care of your engagement ring is very important. Your engagement ring is an investment, and with the proper care and cleaning techniques your ring will be as sparkling and brilliant as ever.

Tags: cleaning tips for engagement rings, how to clean an engagement ring, how to clean diamonds, how to clean gemstones
Posted in Engagement Rings, Ring Musings | Comments Off

Types of Diamond Flaws and Inclusions

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

Pure, natural diamonds free from flaws or inclusions are exceedingly rare, and, if they are available, they are quite expensive. Take a look at a few diamonds in any jewelry store and the odds are they will all have some flaws or imperfections.

Diamond clarity is judged based on the number and size of each flaw, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with common diamond imperfections and how they affect the value and integrity of the stone.

Types of Flaws and Inclusions

There are several types of flaws that can be found in diamonds, from the mild to severe. Knowing how to identify particular flaws and how they can affect the clarity and integrity of the stone is key in finding the perfect diamond for your budget.

The following flaws are found within the diamond (called inclusions.)

Laser Lines

While many inclusions happen naturally while the diamond is forming, some inclusions are man-made, such as laser lines. Laser lines can result after a laser has been used to treat and remove more serious flaws from within the stone.

Bearding

Characterized by thin, hair-like lines, bearding occurs when a diamond is being cut and often appear around the area where prongs grasp the stone.

Growth Lines

Growth lines happen during a diamond’s formation and do not typically alter the value of the stone if they are colorless. If the growth lines are white or take on another prominent hue, then these lines are more visible and thus can affect the value of the stone.

Pinpoints

Pinpoints are crystals that have formed within the diamond. If these pinpoints are of significant size or group together in clusters, it can result in a cloudy looking stone.

Cleavage

Arguably the most damaging flaw found within a diamond, cleavage is a very serious flaw and look like cracks throughout the diamond. Daily wear and tear, high pressure, or knocking the diamond against a hard surface can actually cause the stone to crack if the cleavage is large enough.

External blemishes such as scratches or nicks, can affect a diamond’s clarity if they are large enough. Most external flaws can be easily corrected or left alone, but for serious problems you should have a jeweler take a look at the diamond and see if it needs to be repaired.

When viewing diamonds for purchase, a reputable jeweler will and should be able to tell you about any flaws or inclusions found in a particular diamond. That’s why it is important to only deal with a reputable jeweler who knows about these types of things and can help you find the best diamond for your budget.

Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the various diamond flaws and inclusions you are likely to encounter can help you choose the best quality diamond for your budget.

While most flaws are relatively minor, there are serious flaws to look out for to avoid causing irreparable damage to the stone further down the line. Diamonds are an investment, so make sure you are getting the most for your money by avoiding serious inclusions or blemishes and buying the best possible stone you can afford.

Tags: diamond flaws, diamond inclusions, flawed diamonds
Posted in Center Diamonds | Comments Off

Learning About Man Made Diamonds

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

An engagement ring is an investment, but most couples cannot afford to shell out a lot of cash for a piece of jewelry when other expenses, such as buying a house and starting a family, often take center stage. Man made diamonds can be an affordable alternative for the couple who wants a beautiful engagement ring but can’t afford to spend a lot of money.

Man Made Diamonds

Sadly, man made diamonds have developed a stigma that puts them in a negative light. Many people believe man made diamonds (also referred to as lab-created, simulated, fake, or artificial diamonds) are a low-quality representation of the real thing. Artificial diamonds, however, can actually be brilliant recreations that allow couples to purchase a sparkling engagement ring without the high price tag.

Judging the Quality of a Man Made Diamond

As with natural diamonds, man made diamonds are judged based on the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, color and carat weight.) Because artificial diamonds are created in a lab environment, they are not subject to the same conditions natural diamonds are. This means that a man made diamond can be created to be free of flaws or inclusions and often can score better quality ratings than a natural diamond can.

When choosing a man made diamond, you should make sure you are purchasing an actual man made diamond and not a completely different stone. For example, cubic zirconia may be passed off as a man made diamond, but it does not have the same properties as true man-made stones so it is actually a separate stone altogether.

Why Buy Man-Made Diamonds?

For couples who are interested in purchasing an engagement ring but simply can’t afford to shell out a lot of money for one, man made diamonds offer an affordable alternative while maintaining the beauty and symbolism of an engagement ring. Not only are man made diamonds significantly cheaper than natural stones, man made diamonds are able to be used in even the most elaborate designs because of their flawlessness and exceptional quality. Even colored diamonds are lab-created, which allow couples to use a rare colored diamond in the engagement ring without paying the price for its natural equivalent.

Purchasing Man Made Diamonds

There are a variety of jewelers that offer man made diamonds for sale, but you should always check the reputation of the seller completely before making any purchase. Before doing business with a company, ask them how their man made diamonds are created. Reputable businesses will disclose creation information with their customers because they want to preserve their reputation as a legitimate business.

Despite the somewhat negative stigma associated with man made diamonds, they offer an affordable and beautiful alternative to natural stones. In truth, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on a ring or whether you man made diamonds or natural stones. The symbolism behind an engagement ring will still be there, and using man made diamonds can help make that symbol of love an affordable reality for couples.

Tags: Engagement Rings, man made diamond engagement ring, Man-Made Diamonds
Posted in Man-Made Diamonds | Comments Off

Find Cheap Diamond Engagement Rings

Monday, June 8th, 2009

Finding a cheap diamond engagement ring doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality to find the ring of your dreams. For most couples, spending thousands of dollars on a ring just isn’t practical or realistic, so finding a quality ring without spending tons of money is important. Thankfully, there are several ways to find a cheap diamond engagement ring without settling for an inferior product.

What Are My Options?

When looking for an inexpensive diamond engagement ring, you have several options available to you.

Online Auctions

With online auctions, you are not limited to your physical location and can search hundreds of listings worldwide for a low-cost diamond engagement ring. While online jewelry auctions are a convenient way to shop for a ring, it’s important to only deal with reputable sellers. While you can often snag a beautiful engagement ring for much less than you could find elsewhere, completely research the seller and their feedback to make sure they are legitimate.

Secondhand Rings

Buying a used or secondhand engagement ring does have an undeniably negative stigma attached to it, but used engagement rings can be just as beautiful as the real deal for significantly less than you’d pay elsewhere. What’s more, many antique stores or vintage shops offer used engagement rings in unique patterns or styles you can’t find elsewhere.

Colored Diamonds

Choosing a colored diamond for your engagement ring rather than the traditional colorless stone can help you save money, as well. You can buy a colored diamond in nearly any hue, from blues to yellows and greens to black diamonds and everything in between.

Champagne diamonds are probably the cheapest option of all the colored diamonds, but no matter which color you choose they offer and affordable and unique alternative to traditional engagement rings.

Use a Cheaper Metal

To help find cheaper diamond engagement rings while still maintaining the quality of the piece, consider using a cheaper metal for the ring. Metals such as platinum are very expensive, but white gold is a suitable alternative and costs much less.

Other Things to Consider

Finding a cheap diamond engagement ring doesn’t have to be an exercise in futility, especially when you keep a few things in mind. For example, concentrate on buying the highest quality diamond you can afford. Even if you have to skimp on the setting, you can always have the diamond reset when you are more financially secure.

You should also ensure you only buy a certified diamond and that it comes with a certificate guaranteeing the stone as such. This will be necessary to insure your diamond and help protect your investment should anything ever happen to it.

Finding a cheap diamond engagement ring takes a little extra effort, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy a sub-par piece of jewelry just because you don’t have a large budget to spend.

No matter where you buy an engagement ring, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on the ring, but rather what the ring symbolizes – the love between two people who plan to spend the rest of their lives together.

Tags: cheap diamond engagement rings, cheap diamonds, Diamond Engagement Rings, Engagement Rings, inexpensive engagement rings, low cost engagement rings
Posted in Buying Diamonds, Engagement Rings | Comments Off

Celtic Engagement Rings

Monday, June 8th, 2009

While all engagement rings are a symbol of the deep love between two people, Celtic engagement rings are arguably the most symbolic. While outwardly, a Celtic engagement ring may look like just a beautiful piece of jewelry, inwardly it can be a very personal expression of a couple’s true love based on the customizations they choose to make to the engagement ring.

The Symbolism Behind Celtic Engagement Rings

Celtic engagement rings favor knot designs, and this stems from the fact that the Celts believed that all of life is interconnected. While specific information on particular knot designs are lost, the knot itself still holds much significance to couples who choose to symbolize their relationship with this ancient symbol.

Choosing a Celtic Engagement Ring

There are several types of Celtic engagement rings, from a simple band to more elaborate designs. Familiarize yourself with the following types of Celtic rings to find the perfect style to use for an engagement ring.

Claddagh Rings, one of the most popular Celtic ring styles, are perfect as engagement rings because of their beautiful and heartfelt design. A claddagh ring incorporates two hands holding a heart with a crown on top.

The hands are meant to symbolize friendship, as all relationships start out being. The heart signifies love while the crown represents loyalty and faithfulness. With so much symbolism, it’s no wonder Claddagh rings are a popular choice for engagement rings!

While Claddagh rings can be quite elaborate, simple Celtic band works just as well for use as an engagement ring. Couples can choose from a classic band design where a Celtic knot is formed using thin strands of gold, but more elaborate styles are available that can include various gemstones or engravings.

Of course, you can always create a customized Celtic engagement ring if the off-the-rack choices aren’t appealing to you. Customized Celtic engagement rings can incorporate whatever special symbols are meaningful to you, or a particular knot design you favor. Be prepared to pay significantly more for a customized ring, especially if it is an elaborate design.

Types of Gemstones used in a Celtic Engagement Ring

While you shouldn’t feel limited to a certain type of gemstone, diamonds are very popular for use in Celtic engagement rings. Emeralds are another favorite, especially because of the rich color traditionally associated with Ireland. However, you can always customize a Celtic ring with any gemstones you choose.

Titanium is a popular metal to forge Celtic rings from because of its unsurpassed durability. Two-tone metals are also a popular choice, giving the ring a distinctive appearance and complementing the intricacy of the design. Yellow and white gold, platinum, and silver can also be used as well.

Whether you choose a simple knot design or a beautiful Claddagh ring or elaborate style, a Celtic engagement ring offers a beautiful way to symbolize your relationship and upcoming marriage. Research your options to find the best Celtic engagement ring style for your relationship!

Tags: celtic engagement rings, Celtic knot, claddagh ring, custom celtic engagement rings, engagement bands, Engagement Rings
Posted in Engagement Rings | Comments Off