Archive for the ‘Engagement Rings’ Category

 
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Choosing a Unique Setting for your Engagement Ring

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

For the bride-to-be who desires something a little different from a traditional engagement ring setting, there are many unique settings that can add an extra bit of individuality and style to your engagement ring. While traditional settings are definitely the most common, a unique setting can help personalize an otherwise traditional engagement ring to make it truly your own.

 

Pave Settings

 

Pave setting engagement rings are simply stunning, and when done properly can actually enhance a stone and make it appear larger than it actually is. Pave settings use smaller stones adjacent to a larger central stone, or simply use small diamonds or other gemstones across the surface of the band.

 

Channel Settings

 

With channel settings, a small opening (or “trench”) is cut into the band, whereby small gemstones are placed inside the trench to form a beautiful row of gemstones within the band. Channel settings can either have an open back or a closed back, both of which have their own unique characteristics. A closed back keeps the stones more secure, while an open back allows more light through to the gemstones.

 

Flush Settings

 

Flush settings are a beautiful, unique engagement ring setting that looks absolutely amazing when done properly. This setting is ideal for women who lead a very active lifestyle, because the gemstones are placed into the band of the ring so only the tops of the stones are visible. Flush settings are similar to channel settings, but instead of forming one line of gemstones, stones can be scattered throughout the width of a wider band.

 

Cluster Setting

 

Cluster settings are delicate, breathtaking and a highly unique setting for any engagement ring. A collection of stones are used, typically to form some type of pattern (similar to a figural engagement ring,) or create the illusion of one big gemstone. Oftentimes, a cluster setting uses several levels of gemstones to elevate the design rather than a single, uniform level of stones.

 

Invisible Settings

 

Invisible settings should only be created by the most experienced jewelers, as a poorly done setting can cause the stones to become loose and fall out with regular wear. These settings are exceptionally unique, and are used to create the illusion of a larger stone. To create this type of setting, a frame for the gemstones is cut into the band (below the surface), whereby the stones can fit snugly against one another. Smaller stones are used to complete the illusion that the ring is actually made up of one large stone.

 

Even though unique engagement ring settings offer a beautiful alternative to a traditional setting as well as a personalized touch, make sure whichever setting you choose suits your bride-to-be’s finger. You also want to ensure that the setting you choose shows off the gemstones in the best way possible, as this is an investment that will ideally last a lifetime.

 

No matter what type of setting you choose for an engagement ring, it is sure to be a piece of jewelry that will be loved and cherished throughout your relationship.

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The Cost of an Engagement Ring

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

Engagement rings can be as affordable or as expensive as you choose, depending on your personal preferences, style requirements and budget. However, the final cost of an engagement ring depends on a variety of factors. In order to understand how each factor contributes to the final price of the ring, you should familiarize yourself with each one to find the perfect ring for your budget.

 

The Cost of Diamonds

 

Diamonds are the most traditional stone used in an engagement ring, and their price can vary widely depending a number of things. The quality of a diamond will drastically affect its price. For example, a diamond with few flaws, a high carat weight and a unique cut will be much more expensive than a lower quality stone.

 

However, because these factors significantly impact the final price, it is hard to compare two diamonds together. A finished diamond engagement ring can cost as little as a few hundred dollar or as much as a few thousand dollars or more depending on the quality of the stone. Even rings with similar settings and styles can vary drastically in price depending on the quality of the diamond.

 

In order to judge the quality of a diamond, take the time to familiarize yourself with the 4 C’s (cut, color, clarity and carat weight.) Each of these contributes to the value of a diamond, and it is in your best interest to learn how they affect the price of the stone.

 

If you plan on buying a loose diamond, the 4 C’s still apply, but you want to also consider how much it will cost to place the loose diamond into the finished ring. Loose diamonds can often be a bargain, but you need to determine how much the finished design will be before you go that route.

 

Other Factors

 

Other than the price of a diamond, there are other factors that affect the cost of an engagement ring.

 

The setting can affect the overall price of your ring, with a classic prong setting or channel setting being the cheapest option. More intricate, such as a bezel setting, will cost more.

 

Similarly, the design you choose will have an impact on the final cost of the engagement ring, as well. Three-stone rings and other intricate designs will obviously cost more than a simple diamond solitaire or other designs that don’t use multiple stones.

 

Finally, the type of metal you choose for your ring can be inexpensive, such as white or yellow gold, or quite costly if you choose platinum, titanium or two-tone rings.

Before you decide on the perfect ring, you have to take the cost of an engagement ring into consideration. While there are many rules for couples to help them decide how much to spend, it isn’t about rules than it is about how much you can afford to spend!

 

Carefully budget for the ring and decide which metals, settings and designs you can afford, and learn about the 4 C’s so you can choose the best quality diamond you can afford. An engagement ring will be a lifetime symbol of your relationship, and the final cost of that ring is an important thing to consider.

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Celebrity Inspired Engagement Rings

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

When a celebrity couple announces their engagement, hungry fans eagerly await the first photos of the bride-to-be’s engagement ring. While it would be wonderful to be able to have such gems, most non-celebrity couples simply cannot afford the big, expensive rings celebrities seem to covet. Luckily, the advent of celebrity inspired replica rings has enabled regular couples to have a shot at the beautiful baubles celebrities are known for – without the hefty price tag!

 

Celebrity Replica Engagement Rings

 

A celebrity replica ring is a copy of the original ring, but has a few differences that make the design accessible to the average couple. However, very rarely are celebrity replica rings an exact copy of the original. Thankfully, you have a couple of choices if you’re intent on owning a copy of a celebrity engagement ring for yourself.

 

Celebrity Inspired Rings are similar to the actual celebrity ring, but are not an exact copy. Instead, there are several similarities between stones, settings and other details that make it an identifiable “copy” of the original ring.

 

Celebrity Knock-off’s, on the other hand, can be similar to a celebrity engagement ring, but are often created based on rumors, gossip and a few photographs rather than true facts.

 

The type of celebrity replica ring you’ll choose will be based on how authentic you wish the ring to be, as well as your budget and personal preferences.

 

Types of Replica Rings

 

The average bride-to-be leads an active lifestyle between work, home life and other day to day necessities. With that being said, an exact copy of a celebrity engagement ring would be completely impractical because of their large size and expensive price tag. Because of this, celebrity engagement ring replicas design the ring to be practical for the every day woman while still maintaining the essence of the original ring.

 

Size

 

Most celebrity rings are huge, so celebrity replicas take this into consideration and size down the ring. What this means is that they keep the overall design but scale down the carat size to create a more practical engagement ring. Even with particularly elaborate designs, while some of the original stones or other designs may be lost in a smaller size, the ring will still be reminiscent of the original celebrity style.

 

Price

 

As you already know, celebrity engagement rings are ridiculously expensive, but you can still find an authentic replica without the hefty price tag.

You can keep the overall appearance of a celebrity replica, but use lower quality stones or synthetic diamonds and gemstones as accent stones or a center stone to help decrease the price. Choosing a cheaper metal, such as white gold, can also help lower the price while still remaining visually authentic to the celebrity design.

A celebrity inspired engagement ring replica may be the perfect choice for the bride-to-be who wants to bring a bit of flash to her finger. Even if you don’t have the budget of a celebrity, you can still look like you do with a replica ring!

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Customized Engagement Rings

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

Rather than choose a ring that has been mass produced hundreds of times, more couples are choosing customized engagement rings to serve as a symbol of their love for one another. There are many ways to customize an engagement ring, from the simple and classic to the more elaborate. The special touches you choose to add to the ring will be symbolic and memorable to you and make your engagement ring that much more meaningful.

 

How can I Customize an Engagement Ring?

 

Whether you are adding something to an existing ring or building an engagement ring from start to finish, there are countless ways to personalize the ring and make it truly your own.

  • Engraving

Engravings are a popular, low-cost way to customize your engagement ring. There are many things you can choose to engrave, including initials, a short phrase, important dates or special nicknames you have for each other. Engravings are typically done inside the band and add a unique touch.

  • Gemstones

Rather than a traditional diamond ring, many couples choose to customize the ring with gemstones, either for the center stone or accent stones. Unique gems, such as fancy colored diamonds, are common as are birthstones of the bride and groom for a personal touch that is quite popular.

  • Metals

White and yellow gold are traditional metal choices, but other metals can be used in place of the classic styles for a customized ring based on the bride-to-be’s preferences. Platinum looks great with nearly any gemstone, but two-tone metals are a lovely way to personalize even a simple engagement ring design.

If you love the look of gold but want something a little more unique, consider a special type of gold, such as rose gold, for a unique look that matches your distinct personality and looks absolutely beautiful.

  • Customized Bridal Sets

Bridal sets are a popular choice because you can have a complementary wedding band and engagement ring to wear together. You can choose to create a bridal set from scratch and have each ring customized to your liking for a truly unique set that’s all your own.

 

Creating a Customized Engagement Ring

 

Before you can slip that customized engagement ring on your bride-to-be’s finger, you need to find a reputable jeweler who can create the exact design you are looking for.

Customized rings can take a long time, especially if you are buying an intricate or elaborate piece. Make sure you allow enough time for your ring to be created, and consider the cost when deciding on a customized ring. They can be much more expensive than a traditional off-the-rack design.

Customized engagement rings are the perfect way to show your love for one another with a unique symbol that’s truly your own. It can be difficult, time consuming and moderately expensive depending on the intricacy of the design, but a customized ring may be well worth the effort and time spent. Your ring will serve as a symbol of your relationship, and whichever customizations you choose will add a personal touch you simply can’t find with a mass produced ring.

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Anniversary Rings

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

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

 

Types of Anniversary Rings

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

  • Styles

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

  • Metals

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

  • Stones

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

 

Cost and Other Factors

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

 

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

 

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

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A Guide to Engagement Ring Mountings

Friday, May 29th, 2009

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

 

Mounting Characteristics

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

 

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

 

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

 

Choosing the Right Mounting

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

 

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

 

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

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Engagement Ring Hazards to Avoid

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

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

 

Scratches

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

 

Misshaped Bands

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

 

Loose Prongs

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

 

Things to Consider

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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Bridal Set Engagement Rings

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

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

 

What are Bridal Set Engagement Rings?

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

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

  • Parallel Rings

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

  • Integrated Rings

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

 

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

 

Cost of Bridal Sets

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

 

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


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