Posts Tagged ‘wedding bands’

 

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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The Beauty of White Gold Engagement Rings

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

White gold engagement rings have become increasingly popular for couples looking for affordable rings without sacrificing quality. While platinum rings are more durable, white gold offers the look of platinum without the cost.

 

What is White Gold?

Engagment rings are rarely made of pur gold (24K), so the majority of gold engagement rings are a mixture of several different elements. White gold is typically made from adding silver, nickel, and palladium to create a beautiful piece of gold suitable for engagement rings and wedding bands.

 

White gold comes in several different karats, just like yellow gold. Arguably the most popular karat weight for white gold is 18k, but you can also purchase an engagement ring in 14k or less. 18k white gold offers about 75% pure gold with the remaining percentage typically nickel or even palladium.

 

Economical, Beautiful and Durable

White gold engagement rings are significantly less expensive than platinum rings or other metals. When buying white gold, you can use the extra money you save to purchase a higher quality gemstone or diamond or invest in a more elaborate setting.

 

Many women also prefer white gold to yellow gold because the ring can be worn with other jewelry without clashing. Plus, it offers a simple elegance that yellow gold simply cannot replicate.

 

What’s more, white gold is substantially more durable than yellow gold. It resists scratches and other damage better, and while not as durable as platinum, it holds up well under moderate activity much better than yellow gold.

 

Caring for White Gold

It’s important to care for your white gold engagement ring just like you would care for any of your fine jewelry. Clean your ring at least once a week to keep it shining as brilliantly as the moment it was slipped on your finger. Consider professionally cleaning your ring at least two times a year; this can also help check for cracks or other damage that needs to be repaired.

 

Don’t wear your ring when washing dishes or using other harsh chemical cleaners, as this can damage the ring and diamond or center stone. If you choose to clean your ring at home, use a jewelry cleaner specifically designed for gold and use a soft brush to remove dirt and oils.

 

If your ring is particularly elaborate or made with delicate stones, avoid home cleaning that may damage your ring beyond repair. Instead, allow a professional jeweler to clean your ring when needed.

 

Things to Consider

While white gold engagement rings are a beautiful testament to true love, they may not be for everyone. For example, those with an allergy to nickel may discover the discomfort outweighs the beauty. You may experience itching and swelling. If this happens, you can spend a little more for a while gold ring made with palladium instead of nickel to combat the problem.

 

For an affordable, beautiful alternative to yellow gold or platinum, a white gold engagement ring may be the perfect choice to show your love for your bride to be.

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How to Save Money on an Engagement Ring

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

You can save money on an engagement ring without compromising quality or beauty. In fact, a little planning can help you choose the perfect engagement ring for your bride-to-be without breaking the bank.

 

Reasons to Consider a Cheaper Engagement Ring


A beautiful ring symbolizes your love for one another, but why should love max out your credit card? An engagement ring can serve the same purpose whether you spent thousands of dollars or just a few hundred.

 

Weddings are becoming increasingly expensive. Add to that saving up a “nest egg,” buying a house and starting a family and you’ll soon see everything adding up!

 

You don’t have to postpone the wedding, but you should carefully consider your alternatives when it comes to a ring.

 

Alternative Metals

Before buying an engagement ring, consider purchasing one made with a lower quality metal. White and yellow gold is much cheaper than platinum, for instance; silver, on the other hand, is cheaper than gold.

 

Cheaper metals can help you save quite a bit on the ring. If you don’t plan to wear your engagement ring and wedding band together, you can even save up for a higher quality wedding ring and leave the inexpensive band for your engagement.

 

If you do plan to wear your wedding band and engagement ring together however, you should buy each band in the same metal. Wearing a lower quality metal against a higher grade metal can cause the higher grade metal to sustain damage.

 

Gemstones

While diamonds have always been the most popular choice for engagement rings, more couples are turning to other gemstones for their center stone. Colored gemstones are a beautiful alternative to traditional diamonds and can be found for much less.

 

Fortunately, there are many gemstones other than diamonds that would be suitable as the center stone in an engagement ring. Sapphires, rubies and emeralds are all beautiful choices, but others can work just as well.

 

Provided your choice is symbolic of your love and commitment to one another and has meaning to you, an alternative gemstone engagement ring can help save you money and look just as striking as a diamond.

 

Buy a Loose Diamond

If you are intent on giving your bride to be a beautiful diamond ring, consider purchasing a loose diamond from a dealer and having it set at a professional jeweler. Provided you aren’t having anything too fancy created for you, this can oftentimes save you quite a bit of money over buying the entire ring at one place.

 

Save on Settings

A simple, classic setting can save you a lot of money on an engagement ring. Chances are, your significant other will only be showing off the center stone – no one will be paying much attention to what it’s mounted in!

 

After a few years of marriage, you can always upgrade the ring to something a little more elaborate.

 

Buying an engagement ring symbolizes a lifetime of happiness, commitment and love for another person – but it shouldn’t cost a fortune! These money saving tips can help you find a beautiful engagement ring she’ll be proud to wear without skimping on quality.

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Choosing an Engagement Ring She Will Love

Monday, May 11th, 2009

There are several decisions you’ll need to make when you choose an engagement ring. If you plan on keeping the proposal a secret, then you’ll need to find the ring without her involvement. If that’s the case, you need to learn everything you can in order to buy the perfect engagement ring she’ll love.

 

Choosing a Ring Without Her Knowledge

While buying a ring without her involvement can be intimidating, there are things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Take a look at the jewelry she wears on a frequent basis. Does she like yellow gold or white gold? What style does she seem to prefer? Does she favor bold pieces or understated jewelry?

 

Enlist the help of her friends or relatives to glean information about what ring style she would prefer. If you aren’t sure of her size, look at rings she already owns and have it sized so you can be sure the engagement ring you purchase will fit perfectly.

 

Choosing a Metal

Are you unsure which ring metal to choose? If that’s the case, consider the pros and cons of both platinum and 18k gold.

 

Platinum

  • The strongest metal, guaranteed to last a lifetime
  • More expensive than gold
  • Difficult to repair, but will not tarnish and resists damage well

 

18k Gold

  • More affordable than platinum
  • Easy to repair
  • Won’t tarnish, but can and usually will wear away
  • More easily damaged

 

Whichever ring metal you choose, make sure you base your decision on her personal tastes.

 

Selecting a Setting and Stone Shape


When it’s time to select the perfect stone and setting, it will make selecting the ring metal a walk in the park! There are tons of choices here, but looking at your bride-to-be’s current jewelry can help give you ideas as to what shape and setting she’ll prefer.

 

While round diamonds are a popular choice, you can also choose an emerald cut diamond or a square stone, just to name a few. If she loves fancier shapes, consider purchasing a heart shaped stone.

 

If she favors timeless, understated pieces, she’ll probably love a simple solitaire setting. If, on the other hand, she loves bold jewelry, a three-stone setting or a cluster of small diamonds around the center stone would be the perfect choice. For a truly beautiful option, consider buying a matching wedding band to stack with the engagement ring.

 

Loose Diamonds

If you are determined to keep the proposal a secret but still want her involvement later on, consider purchasing a loose diamond to pop the question with. Afterwards, the two of you can shop for the perfect setting together!

 

Choosing an engagement ring you know she’ll love doesn’t have to be an impossible task. Simply pay attention to the jewelry she wears frequently for clues to her personal tastes.

 

Her overall personality, likes, and dislikes can certainly help when choosing the perfect engagement ring, and you’ll be able to find a ring she’ll be proud to show off!

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