Archive for June, 2010

 
Newer Entries »

Choosing a Tension Setting for your Engagement Ring

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Tension settings are a very contemporary design that allow engagement rings to be transformed into an elegant and unique symbol of your relationship. This type of setting is perfect for highlighting the beauty of a sparkling diamond, but they are not for everyone.

 

Before choosing a tension setting for your engagement ring, you should understand both the benefits and drawbacks.

 

What Are Tension Settings?

Tension settings are a very modern design that are created to allow the illusion that the gemstone is floating in midair. In reality, however, the entire band holds the stone in place rather than a more traditional prong setting.

 

While at first look it might seem that a tension setting isn’t very secure, they are actually more secure than a typical 4 or 6 prong setting because the metal used for a tension setting is often much stronger. Additionally, the entire band comes into contact with the stone, which allows for a much tighter fit than with a prong setting.

 

Tension Setting Designs

While most tension set engagement rings are typically a simple round diamond held within the band, there are many more unique variations that couples may want to consider.

 

For example, you can add other gemstones as accents, and have them channel or flush set into the overall band. Accent stones are a nice complement to a central gemstone, and offer a unique approach to the typical tension set engagement ring.

 

You could also vary the shape of the stone for a distinctive look. Alternatively, you can have filigree patterns or symbols incorporated into the band for a classic and alternative look.

 

While tension settings were initially very popular with men’s rings, more brides-to-be are turning to tension settings as a unique alternative to other types of engagement ring settings.

 

As far as metal choices are concerned, titanium is the best and most popular metal to use for tension set engagement rings. However, some jewelers may offer various designs crafted from white or yellow gold, platinum or even stainless steel as well.

 

For gemstones, only the hardest stones can be used in a tension setting. Diamonds are the most popular and obvious choice, but rubies or sapphires can also be used because they are strong enough to withstand the pressure of a tension setting.

 

Things to Consider

While tension settings are an attractive and unique alternative to traditional engagement ring settings, there are certain things to consider before you choose this type of setting for your ring.

 

For one, engraving or resizing is usually impossible. Engraving can weaken the strength of the band, and resizing cannot usually be done because the ring was designed around a specific gemstone with the exact strength it needed to hold the stone. Additionally, most tension set engagement rings cannot usually be worn or paired with an elaborate wedding ring because of how it was designed.

 

For the bride-to-be who wants a contemporary engagement ring design but still enjoy the beauty and elegance of a sparkling gemstone, a tension setting may be the perfect choice.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Engagement Rings | Comments Off

How to Spend $500 or Less for an Engagement Ring

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

While many couples feel that the more expensive an engagement ring is, the better it is, that is simply not the case. A ring is a symbolic representation of the relationship, but the relationship itself and the emotions behind it are the most important thing.

 

If you cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on an engagement ring ring, there are ways you can purchase a beautiful engagement ring ring to symbolize your relationship for $500 or less.

 

The Average Cost of an Engagement Ring

These days, the average engagement ring can cost upwards of $3,000. Unfortunately, this price range is usually beyond the reach of many couples, especially when you factor in the cost of a wedding and starting a new life together.

 

Even if you cannot afford this price range, engagement rings are more about what they symbolize than how much you spend on them. If you are more concerned about the price of the ring, you may not be ready to get married for the right reasons.

 

What does a $500 Engagement Ring Look Like?

True, you may not be able to buy a super high quality engagement ring for $500 or less, but it can still be a beautiful symbol of your love for one another. $500 engagement rings share a few qualities that will be helpful to learn when shopping for the perfect ring that fits your budget.

 

For one, the metal may be silver, titanium, tungsten or another less expensive metal or combination of metals. You won’t find a platinum band for this price, though, so keep that in mind when ring shopping.

 

Additionally, gemstones other than diamonds can often be found in this price range. Tiny diamonds may be used as accents. Furthermore, the quality of the stones you use will be lower than with more expensive rings. Flaws or imperfections are likely to be more visible with a $500 engagement ring than with a ring that’s more expensive.

 

The overall carat weight of an engagement ring in the $500 price range is likely to be about 1/4 carat or less, as well. Even if diamonds are used as accent stones, the bulk of the weight will be concentrated within the central gemstone.

 

Finally, you are likely to have a standard setting, such as a prong setting, because they are cheaper to make and widely available.

 

Of course, even if there are flaws in your ring, you are less likely to notice them with smaller stones. What’s more, most people are unable to distinguish when certain imperfections may be present.

 

Engagement ring prices vary widely, but it is possible to have a gorgeous token of your relationship for $500 or less. As long as you keep in mind the sentiment and symbolism behind the ring rather than how much you spent on it, you can have a gorgeous symbol of your relationship that will continue to be meaningful for the rest of your lives together.

Tags: ,
Posted in Engagement Rings | Comments Off

Cathedral Setting Engagement Rings

Monday, June 14th, 2010

When purchasing an engagement ring, choosing a setting is a critical step in finding the perfect ring for your bride-to-be, and cathedral settings are a simple yet elegant choice.

 

Cathedral settings are varied, and understanding the basics behind this gorgeous choice as well as the various design elements of this type of setting can help make finding the perfect engagement ring a much easier task.

 

Cathedral Settings

Cathedral settings are named for their ability to mimic the graceful and elegant arches that are an inherent part of real cathedrals. With these types of engagement rings, arches are created to act as a frame for the central gemstone.

 

Types of Cathedral Settings

As with real cathedrals, cathedral settings can be quite varied. Understanding these differences will help you decide whether this type of setting is the perfect choice for your engagement ring.

 

Dramatic arches can surround a higher setting, but arches in a cathedral setting can also be very small. The degree of the arch can vary from a little to a lot depending on the overall style of the ring.

 

Alternatively, the ends of the arches can be tapered to give a distinctive look to the ring, but they can also be squared or rounded for a unique look. The curves of each arch can also vary, depending on whether they are convex (rounded outward) or concave (rounded inward.)

 

Regardless of how the different features are designed, cathedral settings are distinctive because of the arches. Adding different design elements to a cathedral setting engagement ring can make the ring as distinctive and personal as you’d like.

 

Styles

If you’re interested in a cathedral setting, there are many customizations you can make that complement the distinctive arch design.

 

Adding additional gemstones into the side of each arch is a lovely way to not only complement the central stone, but highlight the unique arch structure. Alternatively, you can have small symbols such as hearts engraved into the side of the arch for a symbolic and meaningful addition to the engagement ring.

 

Incorporating small diamonds to accentuate the arches (such as with a pave setting) is also a popular choice.

 

As far as gemstone shapes, round diamonds or other gems are the most popular option available to you. Of course, you have many options at your disposal. Many brides-to-be enjoy the look of princess cut stones, and marquise stones are another elegant choice. If you choose a more unusual stone shape, the arches of the cathedral setting will need to be altered to create a more uniform look.

 

Cathedral settings are a lovely, elegant choice for any engagement ring. There’s no denying that there is something very simple yet regal about this type of setting, and it allows the central gemstone to be highlighted beautifully.

 

With so many design variations to choose from, any couple can customize a gorgeous cathedral setting to create the engagement ring of her dreams!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Engagement Rings | Comments Off

Finding Contemporary Engagement Rings

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

While some brides-to-be love the look of vintage rings, contemporary engagement rings are modern and just as beautiful. In fact, you can still have a more modern engagement ring without sacrificing the classic beauty of more traditional styles.

 

Contemporary Rings

 

Contemporary engagement rings, also called modern rings, are rings that use today’s modern technology to create a unique spin on more classic or traditional designs. Contemporary rings offer more design choices that simply would not have been possible in older times, such as unusual diamond shapes or metals.

 

Designs

 

Today, couples have a variety of modern design options when choosing a more contemporary engagement ring. Everything from the gemstones used to the metal and settings can be customized for a unique ring that’s truly your own.

 

For example, gemstone choices for contemporary rings tend to back away from the traditional colorless diamonds. In fact, many modern rings use diamond alternatives (i.e. other precious and se,i-precious gemstones). These alternatives also help make an engagement ring more affordable, especially for couples who are on a strict budget.

 

Contemporary engagement rings can now be found with various colored gemstones and couples can usually find particularly rare gemstones incorporated into more modern designs.

 

Additionally, most modern engagement rings tend to have several stones, whereas a more traditional ring uses only one large central stone with small accent stones to give it visual interest. For example, three-stone rings are highly popular, and are a modern twist on a classic.

 

Of course, the type of metals used in most contemporary rings also differ from traditional styles. While white and yellow gold and platinum are all popular choices, they are not your only options.

 

In fact, many contemporary rings use multiple metals to create a distinctive multi-tone effect, or use different types of metal as accents in an intricate scrollwork design. Palladium engagement rings are also a distinctly modern choice.

 

Different settings are often incorporated into contemporary rings. While prongs may be popular for classic styles, more unusual settings are the norm for modern engagement rings. Bezel settings are beautiful, as are pave settings that use a smattering of diamonds or other gemstones to make the ring look as if it is created entirely from those stones.

 

Intricate designs are also highly common among modern style engagement rings, and women who prefer more elaborate styles will love the options they have available to them.

 

While classic or traditional rings are undeniably beautiful, many women prefer the intricate designs and unusual settings, metal choices and stones that contemporary rings offer. Even though styles are constantly changing and your modern engagement ring may not be “in style” forever, that will simply make the piece more unique and special as the years go by.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Engagement Rings | Comments Off

Tiffany Settings

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

Tiffany settings are a classic choice for engagement rings. They use simple prongs that are arguably one of the most popular settings in rings today. Whether you prefer a classic style or something a little more modern, Tiffany settings are used in a wide variety of styles and highlights the gem in a gorgeous way.

 

Tiffany Settings

Tiffany settings are named as such because they became the signature style choice for Tiffany & Co. in the late 1800′s.

 

It is a simple engagement ring setting, using four or six prongs to hold the stone securely in place above the metal band. Regardless of the number of prongs used, each are placed symmetrically around the stone to give balance and a nice focal point to concentrate on.

 

Despite the simplicity of this type of setting, Tiffany settings actually have quite a few benefits. For example, the open design of the setting allows the maximum amount of light to reflect off a quality diamond, allowing for the ultimate in fire and brilliance.

 

What’s more, multiple prongs provide a secure base for a diamond and do not detract from the overall beauty of the stone.

 

However, if you choose a Tiffany setting there are certain things you should look out for. Because simple settings show flaws more easily, it’s important to carefully check a Tiffany style ring for quality.

 

Check out the prongs and make sure they are evenly placed in proportion to the stone. Uneven prongs can result in a less secure setting and ruin the symmetry of the design. Round and smooth prongs are also an important feature of a Tiffany setting because this will lessen the chance the prongs can snag on anything and become broken or damaged.

 

You should also make sure the stone you choose is of the best quality you can afford. Because a simple prong setting doesn’t use any fancy or elaborate designs, there will not be anything to detract from flaws or imperfections in the diamond.

 

Price

Because Tiffany settings are very simple and easier to make than more elaborate designs, the setting itself is very inexpensive. When compared to more unusual settings or intricate designs, simple prong settings are one of the most inexpensive you can buy.

 

However, because Tiffany settings often require a stone of exceptionally high quality, the overall cost of a Tiffany style engagement ring can be upwards of $2,000 or more depending on the gemstone. Of course, the overall price of the ring will depend on a variety of factors, but the quality of the diamond or other gemstone you use will play a large role.

 

Arguably the most popular type of setting, Tiffany settings are a classic and simple design that many couples choose to reflect their stone in the best possible light. These traditional settings offers a beautiful way to highlight the brilliance of a diamond and are one of the most inexpensive settings to use for an engagement ring!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Engagement Rings | Comments Off

Traditional Yellow Gold Engagement Rings

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

A timeless, traditional piece, yellow gold engagement rings are beautiful and classic. Historically, plain gold bands were the standard of the time, but today’s technology allows jewelers to create exquisite designs to suit both your budget and your personal taste.

 

About Yellow Gold

Yellow gold has been used for ages in engagement rings, wedding bands and other jewelry, and looks especially striking on women who have warm undertones to their skin. Of course, fair skinned women can wear a yellow gold engagement ring as well, it just depends on their personal preferences.

 

When paired with diamonds or other gemstones, yellow gold is a lovely choice. Today, you can purchase yellow gold rings in a variety of designs, from the simple to the more elaborate.

 

Yellow Gold Engagement Ring Designs

For the bride-to-be who prefers simple, timeless styles, a plain yellow gold band may be the perfect choice for an engagement ring. It’s simple, yes, but the true beauty of the metal can shine when there is only one gemstones and few intricate details present in the design.

 

Of course, you can always personalize even a plain band by adding engraving to the interior of the ring or having special symbols, such as hearts, carved into the band.

 

Many antique engagement rings you find will also be crafted from yellow gold, especially during the 1930′s and 1940′s. Visit various estate sales, antique shops and even online retailers for true antique rings or vintage-inspired pieces to find the perfet yellow gold engagement ring for you.

 

Diamonds are always popular gemstone choices to pair with yellow gold, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get a different gemstone for your central stone. Rubies, sapphires and emeralds are easily the most popular choices, but don’t let these limit you. If you have a particularly favorite gemstone, use that as your central stone. You can always add small diamond accents if you prefer for a distinctive and striking look.

 

Finding Yellow Gold Engagement Rings

Yellow gold is arguably one of the most popular precious metals used for engagement rings, so finding a ring that suits you will not be difficult. If you are unsure of the style of ring you want, browsing various online retailers is a good place to start. Afterward, you can visit local jewelers to check out their selection of yellow gold engagement rings and see if anything strikes your fancy.

 

Classic, timeless and very traditional, a yellow gold engagement ring symbolizes love, hope and joy for the future and will be a lovely way to commemorate the start of your lives together.

 

Whether you prefer simple jewelry or more elaborate designs, yellow gold can be crafted to create the engagement ring of your dreams that fits both your budget and your personal tastes.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Engagement Rings | Comments Off

Carrie Underwood’s Engagement Ring Details

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

More news about American Idol champion Carrie Underwood’s engagement!  When we reported about her engagement news a few weeks ago to Canadian hockey player and alternate captain for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League, Mike Fisher, we had little information about her engagement ring and wedding details, but now the news is in!

From the early photos of Underwood’s diamond engagement ring, it was obvious that Fisher had selected an amazing rock, and now we know how amazing; it is reported that Fisher spent a whopping $1.3 million dollars on her engagement ring!  Apparently Fisher knows his bride to be well; he sought advice from Underwood’s favorite jewelry designer, Jonathan Arndt.  Carrie has been a huge fan of Arndt’s work for some time.  At the 2007 Country Music Awards Underwood wore Arndt’s twin imperial jadeite and diamond butterfly pins that were worth an incredible $6 million, and this past February at the Grammy’s she wore his diamond drop earrings along with an Arndt diamond band on her right hand.  The famed jewelry designer told the press that he designed this stunning diamond engagement ring because it, “is a symbol of love from Mike Fisher to Carrie Underwood,” also offering the couple many warm wishes.

What makes Underwood’s stunning engagement ring so valuable? Her diamond is a flawless yellow, twelve carat, round brilliant cut, with an incredible clarity; the VVS1 range.  Its classic design and simple elegance even further enhance the engagement ring’s beauty.

In regards to the date of the ceremony, Underwood told Ottawa, Ontario show Grecosize, on the station Team 1200, that there is no set date yet. “No date, actually, our schedules don’t provide us that much time to get married. … We’re trying to work it out and move stuff around.”

Whenever they do plan to tie the knot, it sounds like Fisher will be right by her side planning the wedding details.  Underwood further told Grecosize that, “Mike is great, he jumps in, and he always says he doesn’t. He’s like, ‘Oh, I don’t care. Just whatever you want!’  But then I go and ask him, ‘What do you think about this?’ And he’ll go, ‘Oh, no,’ and he’ll weigh in. I think he’s going to be more involved than he initially though he wanted to be, which is good. I need help.  There’s a lot to plan for. I think in the New Year I’ll just try to keep centered throughout it all.”

With his new $21 million dollar contract with the Ottawa Senators and her American Idol tour for 2010, the two will be very busy this year, but I don’t think they will have to worry much about the wedding budget and recovering from the cost of her diamond engagement ring!

carrie-underwood

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Celebrity Jewelry | Comments Off

The Promise Ring

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

The tradition of the promise ring dates back well into the 16th century, but has become very fashionable again over the last decade or so.  Many cultures have implored the use of a promise ring in pre-engagement situations, where a marriage proposal may be coming in the future, but perhaps now is not the right time.  Mexican engagement periods are traditionally long, and this culture has used promise rings as a way to reveal a couple’s intent to marry, sometimes years before the engagement period actually begins.

 

Historically, young men who could not yet afford to marry or who were not yet ready to marry, but wanted to hold their place, so to speak, would give their girlfriends promise rings.  This meant that promise rings are traditionally modest and often simple bands, that could include a heart and be made from either gold or silver.  The young man would give this ring to the girl that he loved, as a promise that he would someday propose.

 

As the act of giving a promise ring became more popular, the reason behind the gift also evolved.  Many men would give a promise ring to their partner to not only profess that they would someday like to propose, but to also assert their intent to remain faithful and abstain from other relationships.  As the purpose of the ring changed from the procrastination of an expensive wedding to more of a symbolic gesture, the expense of promise rings has increased and now many will contain several diamonds or gemstones.

 

The reason behind the giving of a promise ring can dictate which finger the ring should be worn on.  If a ring is given as a pre-engagement ring, then it is perfectly fine to wear the promise ring on the ring finger of the left hand, where the engagement ring would be, but this can also be confusing, and look like an actual engagement ring, especially if the promise ring is set with diamonds.  For this reason many women that are gifted a pre-engagement promise ring will either wear the ring on the middle finger of their left hand, or the ring finger of their right hand.

 

If the ring is given as a symbol of friendship, a promise to abstain from sex (such as a purity ring), or a promise of monogamy, it can really be worn on any finger, except the thumb.  Most often promise rings are given to women, but it is not unheard of to gift a man a promise ring as well. Either way, when giving someone a promise ring, whether to symbolize pre-engagement, faithfulness, or friendship, you should make your meaning clear.  If you are not ready to plan a wedding, but don’t want to let the one you love go, a promise ring can be a great way to show them how you feel, but make it known from the very beginning what your feelings are.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Engagement Rings | Comments Off

Newer Entries »