Posts Tagged ‘Engagement Rings’

 
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Yellow Diamonds

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

Fancy colored yellow diamonds are becoming a popular alternative for use in engagement rings because of their vibrant hues.

 

What are Fancy Diamonds?

Most white diamonds are colorless, but some have slight tints of brown or yellow that actually decrease the value of the stone. However, fancy colored diamonds have bright, vivid shades are are thus more valuable and sought after than their colorless counterparts.

 

Natural yellow diamonds are created when a trace amount of nitrogen appears during the stone’s formation, and hues can range from a very light yellow to a rich, dark hue. While the intensity of the shade does have a lot to do with the value of the diamond, the distribution of even color means much more.

 

Because natural colored diamonds are hard to find, many colored stones are given heat treatments to enhance the color and make yellow diamonds suitable for engagement rings. However, a jeweler should disclose whenever a diamond has undergone any type of treatment so you are aware of what you are buying.

 

Designs

Yellow diamonds are very versatile and can complement many types of engagement ring designs. When choosing a stone shape for a yellow diamond, you want a shape that allows for the diamond to reflect the most light possible. A poor cut will reduce the amount of brilliance in a yellow diamond and make it seem like a lower quality diamond than it actually is.

 

As far as metals are concerned, yellow diamonds look exquisite when set in a white gold band. However, make sure the metal you choose complements the stone and does not make a lighter yellow diamond appear of a lower quality than it actually is.

 

When selecting a setting for a yellow diamond engagement ring, you want to choose one that complements the stone and allows its beauty to shine through in the best way possible. For this reason, prong or other elevated settings are your best choice, although a more unique setting can also highlight the beauty of a yellow diamond.

 

Alternative Selections

Because of the rarity of yellow diamonds, many couples cannot afford the cost. If you are one of these couples but still enjoy the yellow tone, there are other gemstones you can choose from as alternatives to yellow diamonds. Topaz, citrine, or yellow sapphires are all just as beautiful in their own way and make lovely engagement rings as well for a cheaper price.

 

Yellow diamonds are a rare and unique choice for an engagement ring, and their rich yellow hues are a gorgeous complement to a variety of engagement ring designs.

 

For a beautiful and distinctive engagement ring, yellow diamonds make the perfect choice for the bride-to-be who desires the sparkle and brilliance of a diamond but wants a more unique color to show off her personal style.

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The Difference Between Promise Rings and Engagement Rings

Monday, December 14th, 2009

While the purpose of engagement rings are pretty clear, many people are uncertain about the meaning of promise rings and, in truth, whether they mean anything differently than engagement rings.

 

In fact, they do. While engagement rings symbolize the intent to spend the rest of your lives together, promise rings mean something a little different. The traditional purpose of a promise ring is to declare your intent to marry sometime in the future, but does not mean you are engaged. Instead, they symbolize love and a willingness to let the relationship evolve.

 

The True Symbolism of Promise Rings

While a promise ring is a special symbol of love, the ring means nothing if the intent behind the ring isn’t true. An empty promise doesn’t strengthen a relationship, so promise rings should only be given when a couple truly plans to help that relationship reach a higher level sometime in the future.

 

If there are any concerns or trepidation on anyone’s part, those concerns should be talked about before a promise ring is given. Both partners must be willing to work on the future of the relationship and have the same goals in mind for a promise ring to mean anything.

 

Types of Promise Rings

Just as the meaning behind promise rings and engagement rings are different, so to are the styles of each type of ring. Promise rings are traditionally more understated, but can still be just as beautiful.

 

Diamond promise rings are the most popular type of promise ring to give. They differ from diamond engagement rings in that the stones in promise rings are much smaller to avoid any confusion on the intent behind the ring.

 

Furthermore, diamond promise rings are always surrounded by other gemstones or details to further differentiate them from engagement rings. That is why you will not see a diamond solitaire promise ring, because these are almost exclusively considered engagement rings and not promise rings.

 

Gemstones other than diamonds can also be used, and many like to use birthstones to give the promise ring even more meaning. When choosing any type of promise ring, you should be just as familiar with judging gemstone quality and other factors to choose a beautiful ring, just like you would with an engagement or wedding band.

 

Designs to Avoid

While beautiful promise rings abound, there are certain styles you should pass on to avoid the ring being confused with an engagement ring.

 

Promise rings only use small gemstones. Larger stones are reserved for engagement rings, so you do not want the intent behind the ring to be misread. Similarly, elaborate designs should be avoided or the ring can be misinterpreted as something it is not.

 

Regardless of the type of ring you choose, a promise ring is a beautiful symbol between two people. Whether you choose a small diamond ring, a different kind of gemstone, or another design entirely, promise rings are beautiful because of the sentiment behind them and are a great way to symbolize your commitment to the future of the relationship.

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The Beauty of a Peridot Engagement Ring

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Peridot is known for its beautiful light green color, and can look fabulous when incorporated into an engagement ring design. In fact, engagement rings with center gemstones other than diamonds are becoming a very popular alternative to the traditional engagement rings with center diamonds.

 

Peridot Engagement Ring Styles

A genuine peridot stone will have a gorgeous, subtle green hue and looks well incorporated into a variety of engagement ring designs. Vintage and antique style engagement rings often use peridot, because the lovely color works well with these types of ring styles.

 

Solitaire rings do not often use peridot, but the stone looks very nice paired with small diamonds or pearls as accent stones. Emeralds, citrine and other yellow-ish or green stones are also popular as accent stones, because of the similarity in color.

 

Surprisingly, purple stones (such as amethyst) look especially striking when paired with the light green hue of peridot. This makes for a distinctive and highly unique engagement ring, and will undoubtedly turn heads wherever you go.

 

If you’re wondering about the types of metal that work well with peridot, you should be happy to know that nearly all metals complement the gemstone.

 

Most peridot engagement rings are set in a white gold or silver band, but peridot also complements yellow gold as well. Platinum is another option, but because of the expense most couples choose a less expensive precious metal.

 

Finding the Perfect Peridot Stone

If you choose to use peridot as the center stone for your engagement ring, it is very important that you know how to identify a quality stone from a poor quality stone.

 

Carefully examine the color of the peridot gemstones you are interested in. They should be a light green, with more hints of yellow than brown. You also want to make sure the stone you buy is naturally colored, and not treated to enhance the hue.

 

Check for flaws and imperfections as well, since the light color of peridot will make flaws much more visible.

 

Finally, peridot engagement rings require much more care than other gemstones, since peridot is quite soft and more likely to scratch or become damaged. Because of this, you should always store the ring when not in use in a safe location, away from other jewelry that may damage the stone.

 

Additionally, you shouldn’t wear a peridot engagement ring with a wedding band or any other jewelry, as the stone can become easily damaged and scratched.

 

If you are having a hard time locating a peridot ring at your local jewelers, try searching for peridot during its assigned birthstone month. During the rest of the year, a jeweler may have a limited selection of peridot rings, but they are often difficult to come by. Instead, try browsing online retailers for suitable peridot rings that suit your budget and your stylistic preferences.

 

Peridot engagement rings are a striking and unique alternative to traditional diamond rings, and look stunning when combined with a variety of precious metals or other gemstones. While it may be difficult to find a peridot that is suitable for an engagement ring, the effort will be well worth it when you find the perfect gem to incorporate into an engagement ring design!

 

To read more about Peridot, please visit our friends at Du Lyon Fine Jewelers and read their facts about Peridot gemstones here.

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A Real Life Engagement Story – Choosing the Ring

Friday, July 10th, 2009

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is one of the most important decisions a couple will make in their new lives together, but there are several ways to go about it. Either you can keep the proposal a secret and hope you find the perfect ring, or you can enlist the help of your bride-to-be and allow her to choose.

 

In the case of my sister and her boyfriend, it was a little bit of both.

 

About a month prior to the actual proposal, they visited a jewelry store in the local mall. This was not unusual, as my sister often looked at engagement rings to get an idea of what she would like if and when she was ever proposed to. She immediately spotted a gorgeous bridal set made from platinum with several round diamonds surrounding the engagement ring (almost like a partial eternity band.) The wedding ring was a simple platinum band. The total carat weight amounted to 1 and 1/2 carats, so as you can imagine it was not a cheap ring by any means.

 

Little did she know that her boyfriend was paying very close attention to her jewelry preferences, and filed the information away for later use. He was actually very smart, as a matter of fact.

 

For anyone who is planning to propose but would like to keep it a secret, pay attention to her likes and dislikes when it comes to jewelry. While you may not be able to follow her into a jewelry store and know the exact ring your bride-to-be covets, you can get a clue of her stylistic preferences from the type of jewelry she already wears. Anyway, about a month later, the ring my sister had longed for ended up on her finger. Not only did her boyfriend pay attention to her subtle clues, he remembered them and went back to the jewelry store to purchase the perfect engagement ring. How sweet is that?

 

Needless to say, my sister was floored and readily accepted the gorgeous ring. Even though she had picked out that exact design one month prior, the proposal was still kept a complete secret and she had no idea he had actually bought the ring.

 

In the next few posts, I hope to have pictures of the engagement ring/bridal set, as well as the complete list of specs so other couples can compare a real-life engagement ring with their ideas.

 

Hopefully, this post has taught you that you can get input from your bride-to-be about her idea of the perfect engagement ring without letting her know you’re planning to pop the question!

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How to Upgrade your Engagement Ring

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

Sometimes, the engagement ring you’ve always hoped for doesn’t end up being the perfect piece of jewelry you thought it would be. Other times, you may just decide your tastes have changed. Whatever your reasons, upgrading your engagement ring is a simple way to make sure your engagement ring will be treasured forever.

 

Reasons for Upgrading your Engagement Ring

 

There are many different reasons for upgrading an engagement ring. Perhaps your original ring was an heirloom piece that, while sentimental and a nice gesture, just isn’t your style.

 

Many couples use synthetic diamonds or other gemstones in the initial engagement ring because they can’t afford to buy the real deal at first. Once they become more financially stable, they often choose to upgrade the original engagement ring to include all of the elements the bride-to-be always wanted in a ring.

Other times, a woman decides her style has changed, and the first engagement ring no longer matches her preferences. Whatever the reasons, it’s perfectly acceptable to upgrade an engagement ring when it no longer suits you.

 

Refresh your Memory

 

When shopping for your new engagement ring, it is just as important to research your options and decide what you want and can afford as it was when you bought the original ring.

If your engagement ring will include diamonds, read up on the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, color and carat weight) which can help you in determining the quality of the stones. You may even want to consider new or unique settings, gemstones or metals if you are looking for a more contemporary design.

 

Upgrading to a Completely New Ring

 

While some women keep the existing ring but change a few features to make it more up-to-date with their preferences, others decide they want an entirely different engagement ring than the one they were originally presented with.

 

In this case, you can play around with all sorts of options because you are not limited to designing around the original ring.

 

Consider adding a bit of sentimentality to your new, upgraded engagement ring by engraving the inside of the band with a special word, phrase or date that means something to the two of you. Incorporating your birthstones into the design of your newly upgraded ring can also add a touch of symbolism and is a special way to make your new ring unique.

 

Many women also like the look of three stone rings, and these are especially beautiful to symbolize a relationship, as each stone represents the different stages of that relationship (the past, the present and the future.) If you choose to upgrade your engagement ring to a three-stone design, you are making a lovely choice that is extra sentimental.

 

The reasons for upgrading your engagement ring are varied, and there is nothing wrong with changing the ring if it does not meet your expectations. This is a piece of jewelry that you will ideally own for the rest of your life, so you want to be happy with your choice!

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How to Avoid Purchasing a Conflict Diamond

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

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

 

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

 

Conflict Diamonds – The Basics

 

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

 

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

 

Where are Conflict Diamonds Found?

 

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

 

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

 

Finding a Non-Conflict Diamond for your Engagement Ring

 

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

 

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

 

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

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Finding Contemporary Engagement Rings

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

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., synthetic diamonds) such as cubic zirconia or moissanite. These alternative also help make an engagement ring more affordable, especially for couples who are on a strict budget.

 

Contemporary engagement rings also make use of 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, platinum and even silver 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. Titanium 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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Amethyst Engagement Rings

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

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

 

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

 

Amethyst Engagement Ring Designs

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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Finding an Antique Engagement Ring

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

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

 

Where to Find Antique Engagement Rings

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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