Archive for the ‘Engagement Rings’ Category

 
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Engagement Rings Sales are Positive this Past Holiday Season, Despite the Recession

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Sellers of diamond engagement rings and wedding bands look forward to the holiday season because it is the most popular time for hopeful grooms to pop the question.  Known as the Engagement Season, with the Christmas spirit in the air and the hopefulness of the New Year ahead, many smitten men find it to be the perfect time to propose.  Whether under the mistletoe, beside the Christmas tree, on a horse drawn carriage through the wintery park, or as the ball drops at midnight, the holidays offer many perfect settings for an engagement proposal.  It is estimated that one third of all proposals take place between Thanksgiving and Valentines Day.  In America, that is approximately one million couples!

 

The Nielsen Company had predicted that last year’s holiday sales would be rather flat, with a modest positive result.  They anticipated that sales would increase about 0.03 percent, with 44 percent of households spending the same amount of money as last year, 42 percent spending less, and only 4 percent increasing their holiday budget. With turbulent economic conditions, sales are affected in all areas of retail.  Jewelers, like other sellers, were unsure what to expect this holiday season, but it seems that even in times of financial depression, men and woman are still planning weddings.  Engagement ring and wedding ring sales this last November and December were much better than forecasted.  Maybe hard economic times are actually bringing people closer together, and reminding Americans that love and family are the most important aspects of life.  The demand for engagement rings and wedding rings has not just held steady, but it has actually begun to climb!  This is not only great news for wedding ring and engagement ring retailers, but the condition of the American family as well.

 

Many engagement ring and wedding ring websites and brick and mortar stores are advertising and promoting recession friendly ring options, and expected to see a surge in the less expensive silver and gold engagement and wedding rings, but this has also not been the case.  Platinum wedding and platinum engagement rings, typically the most expensive option, have shown strong sales.  This is especially true in the United Kingdom, and Ben Roberts of Clogau Gold, a Welsh jewelry company says, “It could just be that the Christmas spirit overwhelms couples – or that girlfriends and fiancées’ hints are not as subtle as they once were.” This may be true, but these high sales of Platinum wedding and engagement rings in the United Kingdom could also be due to the fact that the British Pound has held a much higher value than the American Dollar.  Either way, it appears that even in a recession, people still find love a priority and look forward to making their commitment official with an engagement proposal or wedding ceremony.

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Three of the most popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

For more than two hundred years the tradition of offering engagement rings to secure agreements to marry has held strong in the United States and has spread to many other countries.  These engagement rings are very special to the wearer and differ from wedding bands in that they are typically more expensive and offer a beautiful sparkling diamond solitaire or group of diamonds as a token of everlasting love.  Since the advent of engagement rings there have been many different diamond shapes that have emerged, but there are three shapes that are most often seen in engagement rings.  If you are about to search for engagement rings you should know about the Cushion cut, the Round Brilliant diamond, and the Princess cut.

 

The Cushion Cut Diamond

Engagement rings that showcase the Cushion cut diamond have been popular for many years, but until recent times they were most often in antique engagement rings.  This is because the Cushion cut diamond was in high fashion during the Victorian Era.  Also referred to as the Pillow cut or Candlelight diamond, Cushion cut diamond engagement rings do not sparkle as brilliantly as some of the other diamonds shapes so popular in engagement rings, but they have other benefits.  Engagement rings that feature the Cushion cut diamond are classically beautiful, have a romantic feel, and certainly stand out among other diamond engagement rings.

 

The Round Brilliant Diamond

For those seeking a traditional looking engagement ring or a classic diamond solitaire engagement ring, round brilliant diamonds are the most popular shape for engagement rings today.  The engagement ring retailers are well stocked with Round Brilliant diamonds so those seeking engagement rings with this diamond shape will have many options to choose from.  The way the Round Brilliant diamond is cut is the most important of all the four C’s, so choose engagement rings with Round Brilliant diamonds that feature ideal cuts.  This will ensure that your engagement ring will sparkle beautifully.  To increase the impact of the diamonds brilliance, Round diamond engagement rings can also include smaller side stones for added sparkle.

 

The Princess Cut Diamond

Square cut diamonds have always been wonderful options for engagement rings, but until the arrival of the Princess cut diamond, they did not offer the brilliance of a Round diamond.  Engagement rings that feature a Princess cut diamond are beautiful options for brides that seek the sparkle of a Round Brilliant diamond but want engagement rings that have a little different and more modern look.  Because of their unique style, Princess cut diamond engagement rings have become very popular options in recent years.

 

Engagementrings.org offers extensive selections of diamond engagement rings that include the Cushion cut diamond, the Round Brilliant diamond, and the Princess cut diamond.  See some of these engagement rings at engagementrings.org

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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