Anatomy of an Engagement Ring

The ritual of the wedding proposal and the presentation of the diamond engagement ring create the highlight event of any courtship. A tradition that dates back to the ancient Romans, the engagement ring itself has many layers of symbolism. Each piece of the ring is a strong symbol communicating key information about herself, her partner and their relationship.

The Band
The first symbol is no mystery – most people know the wedding band represents the eternal circle, and the same principle applies to the engagement ring. The symbol of the unending circle with no beginning and no end, illustrates eternal love.

But the band of the engagement ring has changed in the last century – at least, the metal used for the band has. The warmth of gold has been a standard for eons, but today, couples have several readily available options. In the last few years, platinum has been gaining in popularity and prominence, trumping the gold standard for engagement rings.

The rarity and expense of platinum makes it an attractive alternative to gold, even white gold. But the durability of platinum is possibly its most endearing quality – a metal that will stand up to dents and scratches over the lifetime of the engagement ring and the marriage, with the ability to maintain its original beauty.

The Shape of the Diamond
The shape of the diamond is the only element of the ring that is a direct reflection of the bride-to-be’s personality. There are six to eight common shapes to choose from, and each sends a very different message.

The round diamond is very classic and traditional, and sends this very clear message about the bride. The princess cut, in contrast, communicates the message of a woman with a strong sense of style. The second-most popular ring shape, the princess cut, can have a more “bling” quality to it – the way the diamond is cut reflects light in a way that contributes to a more brilliant quality.

A pear-shaped diamond resembles a brilliant teardrop, and is an indication of a woman who has a unique quality. The heart-shape – yes there is one – indicates a woman with more of a sentimental flair.

The Stone
The diamond in an engagement ring is another symbol of purity, endurance and longevity. A rare and precious stone, diamonds come from the earth and literally take billions of years to form. A gem stone that can only be scratched by one of its own, the popularity of diamonds in engagement rings can be linked to the association between the strength and durability of a diamond and the same in a marriage.

While the “4 C’s” have been the clear guidelines for choosing a quality diamond, today’s brides, thirsty for originality, are choosing alternative gems for their engagement rings. Whether motivated by their birthstones, or personal preference for something other than a diamond, brides are choosing everything from rubies to opals for their engagement ring stone.

Solitare vs. Three-Stone
The diamond solitaire engagement ring is another tradition that has stood the test of time in the design of diamond engagement rings. And while the single diamond in the pronged Tiffany-style setting remains popular, the three-stone ring is giving the solitaire some competition.

While the solitaire ring represents the idea of a solitary true love, the three-stone ring’s symbolism – a couple’s past, present and future – works as an engagement ring or an anniversary ring. Either way, the standard for a three-stone ring is a central diamond more prominently displayed by two slightly smaller diamonds. However, some brides prefer to have a different gem on either side of the diamond.

The beauty and importance of the engagement ring began centuries ago, but the engagement ring and ritual we know today is believed to have started in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian presented an engagement ring to Mary of Burgandy.

Through world wars, the rise and fall of empires, the evolution of cultures and emergence of technologies, the individual symbols and collective representation of the engagement ring have not much deviated from tradition. The engagement ring is a strong symbol because the separate pieces of the whole are, themselves, incredibly powerful elements.

By Jill Renee

Selecting the right Engagement Ring

The engagement ring is one of the most important rings anyone can own, second to the wedding ring, there are many choices, variations and types and choosing the right one is essential.

Consider the type of wedding ring you'd like to wear, so the two will go together. Usually wedding rings are gold, white gold, red gold or platinum. The engagement ring generally looks better made from the same metal. There are bridal sets in which the wedding ring and engagement ring are made to match perfectly.

Have the ring size measured properly (in any jewellers). The ring shouldn't fit too tightly - in hot weather hands swell up and you won't be able to get it on or off. Equally, it shouldn't be so loose that it slides around on your finger or over your knuckle too easily.

Diamonds are traditionally the most popular stone for engagement rings. This is because the diamond's rarity and durability symbolises the constancy of the love declared by the couple! Sapphires come a close second, followed by rubies and emeralds. Many engagement rings are designed with a main (larger) stone, set with diamonds around it.

There are thousands of styles of engagement ring to choose from. Bear in mind that it will be worn for a lifetime so it's worth taking your time and choosing the right one. Don't be pressurized into a purchase instead shop around and make sure you buy from a reputable company. Why not consider buying in the comfort and relaxed setting of your own home, with superior custom made rings made to your personal specification by Strictly Bespoke.

A great idea being buying a cheap engagement ring and then let the lady choose her own, as mentioned this is the most important ring you can buy and no one wants to be disappointed.

Etiquette denotes that if the bride-to-be calls off the engagement, the engagement ring should be returned. However, if the man calls it off, she gets to keep it and, if she's got any sense, flog it to the highest bidder!

It's best to steer clear of second-hand rings, unless they are quality antiques or family heirlooms, and even then be careful. NEVER give a girl a ring you already gave to someone else and got back when it all went pear-shaped

By David Ton

Tips On Choosing a Wedding Ring

Young couples who plan to marry should spend some quality time when it comes to choosing their wedding rings; remember these are the rings you will wear for the rest of your life, you will want them to be perfect for you and your partner. The rings are an indication of shared love and should show this, so it's important put some time and research into choosing a wedding ring.

You can search for a wedding ring by various methods, a visit to a jeweler will help you to see the metals and styles generally available but if possible avoid one of the jewelry chains situated in shopping malls everywhere as it is unlikely anything unique will be found there. Another choice is online shopping and you will find a much wider selection and probably save some money too.

Be sure you do not buy a wedding ring that is more elaborate than the engagement ring; it may seem like more work but it should be possible to find rings that compliment one another. To achieve this, the easiest method is to place both the wedding band and engagement ring side by side if it is not possible to try the ring on because the size needs adjusting. You can be pretty sure too that if you choose a plain simple band that it will complement most any type of engagement ring.

If however you would prefer a more unique wedding ring a specialty jeweler is recommended. You may perhaps even want to design your own rings. This would be the most costly option and something to consider when deciding on the budget for your wedding rings. Another option for finding a unique ring is to consider buying a vintage or antique ring. Antique rings are wonderful reminders of the beauty of bygone days and if you and your fiancé already have a passion for collecting and using antiques then this may be the perfect solution for you.

Although some metals are fashionable for a while, including: (1) Silver, (2) White Gold, (3) Yellow Gold and (4) Titanium; durability is an issue and that is why platinum is becoming so popular. Platinum is the most expensive of the metals of course, and the budget is almost always a contributing factor in the purchase of your wedding ring but of the two partners, it is the man who will appreciate a platinum ring's durability more. The number of men doing manual tasks is still greater than women; and they are the ones most likely to cause damage to their ring.

A simple but necessary part of the process is to check finger size so the wedding ring fits correctly; after all the expense involved, you need the rings to fit correctly! If the ring doesn't seem to fit right take it to a professional jeweler for sizing, this will prevent it from being too tight or too loose and slipping off.

If you want to make sure your rings are ready in plenty of time for the wedding, give your jeweler enough time to complete any adjustments; he may have a number of customers rings to be sized and you do not want a problem on the wedding day.

There is a huge variety of wedding bands available these days; choosing the right one can take quite some time and a number of visits to the jeweler or online shopping sites. However, the most important aspect to remember when choosing a wedding ring is that its purpose is to show the love that two people have for one another; there isn't a stronger symbol of the love two people share.

By Claire Tourney

Choosing Your Special Wedding Rings To Commemorate Your Love

If you are getting married soon, do not rush the choice of wedding rings; the rings will be on for a long time so great care needs to be taken in their choice. Do not rush this as they are more than a symbol of love; find rings that symbolize your commitment to each other in the years to come. For something this important a couple should find a specialist jeweler for their wedding rings; quality rings may take some finding but they will be worth the effort although the shopping mall may not be the ideal place.

The type of ring available in these stores is usually quite limited; they may also have a restricted price range, another reason to seek out a jeweler who only sells this type of ring. When choosing, you will want a ring for the bride that will complement the engagement ring she is already wearing.

Some wedding rings are far to elaborate to be worn with an engagement ring; try to find a jeweler that stocks both types of ring, especially those that are designed to go together. To achieve this, the easiest method is to place both the wedding band and engagement ring side by side and if it is not possible to try the ring on.

Fashions in rings come and go but the traditional metals including: (1) Yellow Gold, (2) Silver, (3) Titanium and (4) White Gold; although, increasing numbers of couples are choosing the longer lasting platinum. Choosing a ring that is made of durable material is especially important for the groom's ring and platinum is an ideal choice. Traditionally, men are more likely to cause damage to a ring; they are the ones who will have the most marks and damage if examined.

Having finger size checked is essential if the wedding rings are to fit; it would be embarrassing if one or both rings did not fit properly. It is just as important to ensure the rings are not so loose that there is a chance they will be lost.

The jeweler should be given plenty of time to complete this task because there may be others he is adjusting rings for; make certain that you give plenty of time before your wedding day for both choosing and for adjustments to be made. Choosing wedding bands you will both like and that match the engagement ring may take some time; allow for this as it is not uncommon for couples to choose in haste and then regret their decision later.

However, the most important aspect to remember when choosing a wedding ring is that its purpose is to show the love that two people have for one another; perhaps now, the reason for the time spent choosing a ring has been made clearer.

By Diane Scott

Wedding Ring - How To Choose The Right Wedding Ring Tips

Although a great deal of planning is involved when a couple marry, it is the choice of wedding rings that is the most significant; this is one area where the couple will not want advice from anyone else, no matter how close. Take as much the time as needed to consider which will be chosen; everyone has a ring that is made purely for them and as soon as you see it you will realize this. When you are choosing your wedding rings you need to make sure you choose a jeweler that has quality rings; although you may find some at a shopping mall, you probably won't see something unique.

Your local mall jeweler may not stock a variety of metals, styles and finishes; you would be better off spending time at jewelers that will be able to provide what you are looking for. The type of ring will be based on the engagement ring but must also be something that suits the man as well if it is to match.

Remember the wedding ring should not be excessively elaborate, or overshadow the engagement ring; try, if possible to buy rings that were designed to complement each other. The best way to do this is by trial and error, having the wedding band placed alongside the engagement ring.

The most commonly sought after metals for rings are: (1) Silver, (2) White Gold, (3) Yellow Gold and (4) Titanium; although, increasing numbers of couples are choosing the longer lasting platinum. Of the two partners, it is the man who will appreciate a platinum ring's durability more. Traditionally, men are more likely to cause damage to a ring; they are the ones who will have the most marks and damage if examined.

Sizing is very important and essential if you do not want a problem putting the wedding rings on at the ceremony; make sure that you get professionally sized instead of making a guess. It can be embarrassing if the rings are too loose or too tight; no-one wants to lose their ring.

It is not uncommon for couples to leave having the rings adjusted until close to the wedding day; this can cause the jeweler problems because he may have others to adjust for the same day, so allow plenty of time for this. With so many wedding band designs available today, picking the right one is not a fast process; this will certainly take longer than you expect and another reason not to delay.

Wedding rings represent the love two people have for one another; wherever you go around the world, the ring will instantly tell a person of your status.

By Pius Ephenus

Wedding Ring Selection Tips

One of the most important parts of the wedding ceremony is the exchanging of wedding rings. It is emblematic of the magnificence of your love for each other. The rings symbolize the true and unending love the couple is vowing to each other. Moreover, the wedding rings are the one very special token from your wedding that you will preserve for a long period; even longer than the gifts you receive during your wedding, which will be there for several years!

The initial step for getting a perfect fit is to decide wearer's ring size. The best thing is to take along with your to the shop, the person for who will wear the ring, and select from the available collection of rings. Though in many such cases, the surprise factor of giving the gift will be absent, it will help you see that the ring fits well on the finger of the wearer. Wedding rings come in silver, platinum, white gold and yellow gold. These types differ in their costs. First determine the type of metal you prefer in accordance with your budget and naturally, as per your sweetheart's choice. When the metal is chosen, you need to decide the stone to be engrafted in the ring. Decide the size, shape, color and type of the stone that befits your budget. Diamonds are the best choice but you can also prefer colored stones like rubies, emeralds and sapphires, which are having some astrological grandeur.
Silver wedding engagement rings are very in many parts of the world. Very much like gold and white gold, silver is a very popular precious metal used to make wedding rings of different shapes and styles. Where did the wedding ring come from? And why this treasured metal holds the key to so many souls? By custom, the bride's ring used to be silver while, whereas the bridegroom's would be gold. Today nearly any kind of metal can be used for making the wedding ring of both the bride and the groom. Silver wedding rings are usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand. This tradition goes back many years as far as medieval era.

For matching the wedding and engagement rings, it is essential to use the same cherished metals. For instance, you may not want one ring to be silver and the other one gold, as they would appear really odd jointly. Another important thing to note is that the gems on both rings require to be the same. Many people like to have diamonds on the engagement ring and birthstones on the wedding ring. But when placed together the wedding and engagement ring set looks tacky, so only select one gemstone for both.

In case you or your sweetie engage in some physical labor, it is advisable to look for a heavier, broader ring. This can minimize damage to the wedding ring and it will be able to last long. It is also better in this case to have a smooth stone that fits well in to the ring. In case there is some risk of the stone getting caught somewhere, there is a possibility of losing the ring and so a smooth surface is always better here. Many of us love an etched wedding ring. If you and your partner were among such people, a more classic type ring would be desirable. This gives much room for inscribing.

Seeking other alternatives in place of wedding rings is not at all a way of discouraging wedding jewelry completely. Actually, there are some people who disapprove wedding rings owing to their religious, cultural or financial conditions. Wedding jewelry is meant for those who like to wear them and find solemn symbolization behind the custom. Purchasing wedding rings need not have to be a forced custom. Rather, you should take decisions in accordance with what works best for you.

By Anna Bloggy

Engagement Ring/Wedding Ring

An engagement ring is worn by a woman on her ring finger. That indicates she is going to be married very soon. It is said that a vein (known as 'love vein') in fourth finger of left hand directly goes to heart. The engagement ring is presented by a man to his would be bride after she accepts the marriage proposal. Engagement ring is often significantly expensive and acts as visible demonstration of a man's commitment to his betrothed.

In Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Brazil, and the Netherlands, both the man and the woman wear engagement rings. The man's engagement ring eventually serves as the wedding ring in these countries.

In certain countries (UK, other Commonwealth Nations, USA, Mexico Brazil) engagement rings are worn on left ring finger. In most other parts of world (like Norway, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Germany, Poland or Russia), it is worn on right ring finger.

Wedding rings are worn to symbolize marriage as lifelong commitment, love and a romantic rite of passage till eternity. It is presented by bride and groom to each other at the time of marriage ceremony. In some European countries (like Greece), before marriage the ring is worn on the left hand, and then transferred to the right during the marriage ceremony. That means the same engagement ring becomes wedding ring after marriage.

Engagement rings are made of Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Titanium and Platinum (for better protection of Gems). The band of rings is made using Gold, Sliver, or Titanium mounted by at least one Diamond. Although more than one diamond is also used for making engagement rings, but most popular form is one diamond engagement ring. Other precious or semi precious gems like sapphires, star sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are also used, but Diamond Rings are most popular. The reason behind that is the fact that Diamond is rare, most enduring, beautiful and expensive gem.

By Sanjeev

How to Design Your Own Engagement Ring

You have found the woman (or man) of your dreams and are ready for the next step. You even know exactly what the engagement ring will look like. The problem is, you can't find exactly what you have in mind. It may be time to design your own engagement ring.

Designing a custom ring is not as difficult as you may think. Start by picturing the two parts of an engagement ring -- the stones and setting -- and begin sketching or writing down specifics. Decide the materials you want in your ring and you are well on your way to the ring you envisioned.

The Stones

A first step is deciding what types of stones will be in the ring, how many there will be, and their relative sizes. Diamonds are most common, but your engagement ring can have other gemstones as well. Rubies, pearls, emeralds, and sapphires can all add special meaning.

Some questions to consider when choosing stones: Do you want a large, single solitaire or a center stone surrounded by smaller stones? If cost is an issue, which matters more: how large the stones are or their quality? Do you want diamonds only, a combination of diamonds and other gems, or no diamonds at all? How will they be arranged? Plan the appearance by sketching how the stones will be configured and labeling them by type.

The Setting

You can choose from several types of metal and quality. Each has unique features and appearance. White or yellow gold (14 or 18 carat) are common choices, as is platinum. Titanium is also a viable choice. If you are not already familiar with the differences in appearance and quality, take a trip to the mall or nearest jewelry store. Notice the finish of each and how it catches the light.

Other features to consider are the size and shape of the setting. It should reflect the bride's personal style. Also consider hand size and balance. A large ring can overwhelm a small hand. Conversely, a large hand may diminish a small ring.

Assuring Quality

It pays to know something about quality before ordering a custom ring (or any piece of fine jewelry, for that matter). Become familiar with the 4 C's of diamond quality: carat, color, clarity, and cut. Price should depend on the quality of each attribute. Unless you know the jeweler, do not take his word on these. Independent laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA, gia.edu), grade individual diamonds. Yours should be certified in writing and come with a certificate detailing it's unique features and quality ratings. Most online retailers that provide custom service list diamond inventory online along with scanned copies of the certificates, so you know exactly what you will be getting.

Where to Shop

Now that you know exactly what you want, where do you shop? Chances are a local jeweler can make the custom ring. But, local is not your only choice. Several online jewelry stores offer custom rings and ship them worldwide. Some simply assemble and ship the ring from a variety of inventoried settings and stones. Others take a more personalized approach by making a sketch or mold based on pictures or a detailed description of what you have in mind. They then create the ring based on the approved design. Search "custom engagement rings" or "design your own engagement ring" to find online vendors.

There you have it. How to design the engagement ring of your dreams!

By Bobette Kyle-Wagner

Engagement Rings, Diamonds, And Information You Should Know

Now that you've decided to make the commitment it's time to buy the ring. An engagement ring is one of the most important purchases you will ever make and you need to get it right. To set your mind at ease familiarize yourself with some diamond-buying basics. Plan a budget and set some guidelines on what your are able and willing to spend. the rule of thumb is 2 months salary, but your personal circumstances may allow you to spend more or less.

The Basics: Diamonds are measured by weight. The bigger the number, the bigger the diamond. Size, however, is not a reliable indicator of quality. Diamonds come in a variety of cuts and shapes and weight alone does not determine value. The cut refers to the width, depth, and number of facets cut into the diamond. The objective of a good cut is brilliance. The facets reflect white light and give the diamond its sparkle. A cut that is too broad and shallow will lack brilliance as will a cut that is too deep and narrow. The shape of the diamond may be round, square, rectangular, pear, tear drop, oval, marquise, or even heart-shaped. Round brilliant is by far the most common and popular shape and cut.

Diamonds also vary in color. Generally, the less color the better when it comes to the quality of the diamond. Some diamonds may appear unflatteringly yellowish or cloudy; however, a few colors of diamonds are extremely rare and can have a higher value. Clarity goes hand in had with color. Imperfections and flaws in the stones, although they may be imperceptible to the average person's eye, lower the value of diamonds.

Now that you have picked a diamond it's time to look at settings. The variety of styles is staggering. The solitaire set in yellow gold is possibly the most common setting. White gold, titanium, and platinum are also excellent choices. Be sure your setting has a sturdy set of prongs to hold the diamond in place. The beauty of the center stone is often accentuated with smaller stones. This is an easy way to make the diamond look bigger. A Bezel setting completely surrounds the center stone. When choosing the setting take your fianc's personality into account. If she prefers simple elegant clothing she will likely admire the same quality in a ring.

By Lulu Dallas

Wedding Rings-the Symbol of Love

Now that you have decided to tie the knot, the most important question is the kind of wedding ring that will symbolize the marital status of the couple. Wedding rings have always been a symbol of everlasting love between the couple. It’s strange to know that though women have been wearing wedding rings for eons, men started wearing it only recently, since the Second World War to be precise.

It’s important to decide upon the type of wedding band the man wants to wear, as this might be the only piece of jewelry that he may wear in his lifetime. So a myriad of decisions have to be made before selecting the perfect wedding band for the man.

Firstly, the ring should match the personality of the individual wearing it. While choosing a men’s wedding band, its important to consider his personality- is he flamboyant or conservative? Does he revel in the public eye or he prefers to blend in with the crowd? If the man is outgoing, he may prefer a ring that is incorporated with precious stones or metals that attracts attention and clearly states the fact that he can afford it. However if the man is conservative, he may prefer a simple wedding band, not too overt, but a band that simply states the fact that he is married.

Then there’s the question of the kind of metal chosen for the ring. Traditionally, there are the gold, silver or diamond metals to choose from. However, the modern man has a myriad of other metals to choose from. Platinum is very appealing for its durability and the sheen it develops over a period of time. Titanium wedding rings are also very popular as it is light weight and has considerable strength.

For men who are looking for something really unique, there is the option of the traditional Celtic wedding band which is simple yet stylish. The unending knot style aptly symbolizes the endless and infinite love of the man for his wife. For the more adventurous, there are the rings having the Zodiac signs and gambling symbols like the roulette wheel with numbers! Nowadays, it is also possible to have the men’s wedding bands custom made whereby one can choose the width, the style, the metal or combination of metals, the gemstone to be incorporated etc and have the kind of ring as one desires.

So, there being no dearth of the styles to choose from, choose the wedding ring you want to wear that expresses your individuality and your love for your wife.

Conclusion:
Wedding rings have a very important role in our wedding. Celtic wedding band gives every type of wedding rings in many metals online.

By Mishel Smith

Why We Use Engagement Rings These Days

Engagement rings are worn on the ring finger of either hand, depending on which country the bride-to-be is to be wed. For instance, in Poland, the woman will wear her engagement ring on her right hand's ring finger while in the West women will wear their engagement rings on their left hand's ring finger. Engagement rings are said to show the formal acceptance of the bride-to-be of her fiance's offer to get married.

A new tradition regarding engagement rings is for the woman to buy the engagement ring for her male fiancé when they get engaged. This new tradition is on the rise in Canada and the USA. An alternative tradition which is followed in Spain is for the woman to give an engagement wristwatch to her male fiancé upon her acceptance of the engagement ring from him.

It is believed that the diamond production company named de Beers is responsible for the growing acceptance of and use of diamond engagement rings in Western culture because de Beers has been advocating use of diamond engagement rings since the 1940s. Use of diamonds in rings (not necessarily engagement rings) has been a practice observed for centuries. The concept itself of using engagement rings per se can be traced to a decree by Pope Innocent III wherein couples that intended to marry should wait longer after being betrothed to one another. To symbolize this waiting period, engagement rings came into being.

However, in many countries it is not necessary to give out diamond engagement rings because engagement rings may use other colored gems rather than simply the commonly-used diamond. The diamond became accepted because it is the hardest of all the precious stones thus symbolizing enduring love. But if the couple accepts the use of other gems, the engagement rings given out may have rubies, emeralds, star sapphires, and sapphires instead of diamonds. And in certain countries, the engagement rings used may be just bands made of gold, silver or even titanium without any precious stones mounted on them. Semi-precious stones are also acceptable nowadays to be used in place of precious stones on engagement rings.

If you opt for engagement rings that are simply metal bands, do use gold or platinum since these are more durable and have higher value compared to other types of engagement rings that use other types of metals. Silver is usually not recommended for engagement rings because this metal is less durable than gold or platinum. If you do opt for a gold or silver engagement ring, the jeweler may advocate use of a platinum setting so that your engagement ring stays more durable over time.

The more contemporary types of engagement rings may use titanium or even just stainless steel because they are less expensive than gold, silver or platinum yet are stronger than the latter. One problem you may encounter with use of titanium engagement rings is that in a medical emergency the titanium engagement ring might be impossible to remove because of its sheer strength and because cutting tools in hospital emergency rooms are not usually equipped to cut through some grades of titanium. A gold ring is so soft, on the other hand, that your standard electrician pliers can cut through a gold ring within a second.

In the past, the groom-to-be was expected to select the engagement ring (or possibly engagement rings – one for his bride, one for him) by himself. Nowadays though, since many couples try to live together before marriage, it is becoming more of the norm for these live-in partners to select engagement rings together.

A woman who accepts an engagement ring is considered betrothed to the man who gave the ring. If she breaks the wedding engagement, it is generally expected of her to return the engagement ring to the man who gave it. If the man breaks the wedding engagement, the woman is not expected to return the ring. In extreme cases when wedding engagements are cancelled, the court has to intervene as to who owns engagement rings and why.

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Article Tags: Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings, Wedding Bands, Diamond Rings, Rings, Online Jewelry Store, Online Jewelry Shop, New York Diamond District, Ny Diamond District

By Ron Poul

Diamond Ring - Perfect Gift On Engagement

There is nothing which can be more cherished than the smile of your beloved, of someone who is as precious to you as a diamond. The shine of the diamond reflects your soul in the eyes of your beloved.

Since time immemorial, diamonds have been significantly used as a testimony of true and chaste love. Diamond has always been co-related with engagement rings, and thus diamond engagement rings became the most sought after for the ones planning to enter a new phase of their life.

Diamond rings are perfect for any occasion; let it be a birthday, anniversary or Valentines Day. But engagement has its own meaning, and gifting diamond engagement ring is not only considered stylish, but in many rituals considered auspicious.

Engagement holds a lot of significance for two people in deep love. It is worn on the fourth finger of the right hand, as it is said that vein on this finger goes directly to the heart.

When we see a woman wearing a diamond ring, it automatically becomes obvious that she is engaged. Thus diamond ring not only helps woman boast the world the love of her fiancé for her but also his soundness in terms of wealth and power.

Diamond rings are generally preferred in circular form, as a circle has no end, no breaks, no beginning, thus projects to be eternal. The market is flooded with various types of diamond rings; they come in various shapes and style. Try choosing a ring which suits the persona of your beloved and make her look more stunning.

A very convenient way of choosing a diamond ring is by selecting the diamond and its setting differently. If you are not able to find what you want, then choose a nice diamond and engrave it into the type of setting you want to.

A precious diamond ring is gifted only ones in a life, so try to make that moment a memorable one. Let your beloved feel special on her engagement. Diamond can make her eyes shine like a star.

Buying a diamond engagement ring is not a tough job. If you do not have time to visit your nearby store, then you can buy the ring from online stores. These stores are competent in providing full knowledge about the diamond rings of various styles and designs.

So planning to get married? What can be a better solution than gifting her with a diamond ring? Book your favorite diamond engagement ring online and soon you will receive it on your doorsteps.

By Roger Glass

Antique Diamond Engagement Rings

Diamonds remain to be one of the most sought-after possessions for they represent perfection, beauty, power, and wealth. Among all gemstones, a diamond is considered the most suitable particularly in engagements.

An engagement ring is a piece of jewelry worn with much value. Engagement rings oftentimes lead to a wonderful union between two lives. History affirms that engagement rings came about in 1215 when Pope Innocent III declared an interlude for marriages. In those times, as promise from the man that he would not abandon his woman during the waiting period, a simple metal band was given to the woman.

These bands were later enhanced and accentuated with gemstones and eventually came to be known as engagement rings.
Today, modern technology provides for wide varieties of diamond engagement rings, perfectly cut and ornamented. Yet despite the boom of contemporary designs made of famous brands, many couples still prefer heirloom or antique engagement ring.

An antique diamond engagement ring has its unique charm that cannot be found in mass marketed jewelries. Passed from generation to generation, antique diamond engagement rings bear witness to unconditional, endless loves. It brings ardent hope of lasting bond for the would-be couple.

Any ring over 50 years of existence is an antique. Antique rings are often lavishly designed. They have distinctly varied designs, including Victorian, Edwardian, and Art-Deco, to name a few. It could even be said that no two antique rings are ever the same, as none of them could ever have identical cuts.

Antique rings unlike the new fashioned rings, made out of state of the art technology, are not perfectly cut but this very imperfection adds even more to the ingenuity and uniqueness of each piece.

Though rare, you can still get hold of antique diamond engagement rings if you are clever and patient enough to search for it. Here are some suggestions:

You can first rummage your mother's jewelry box, who knows what prized possession you might find in there. You can go to a certified and trusted jeweler who may guide you in your quest. You can go to a pawnshop or visit an antique/vintage store. You can attend estate sales where you can find estate rings; these are newer rings, not yet antique, but are on their way to becoming so.

And of course, use the internet to get quick access about these timeless masterpieces

By Alice Sy

Buying An Engagement Ring

Buying an engagement ring can be the biggest decision of your life. Marriage is a very special part of you and your partners life which you will never forget. It is therefore important to get the perfect engagement ring for your fiance.

Firstly, you need to decide how much you are able to spend on the ring. This can be a good time to browse around and get an idea of what is out there and how much it can cost. When you have an idea of what rings are in your price range, establish your budget based on your income and how much you are comfortably able to spend. You will also need to start thinking about what grade of diamond you will be purchasing.

While getting married is one of the most important steps in your life and you should not be cheap, it is not a good time to go bankrupt.

The next step is to decide on the "Four Cs", color, cut, clarity and carat of your diamond. Understand as much as you can about these as you can. Quality is the most important part of buying a diamond engagement ring. When purchasing the ring, make sure it comes with a certificate to verify its quality.

The ring setting can be almost as important as the diamond. Settings come in a variety of metals and styles. Platinum is the modern choice for many diamond buyers as it is the perfect strength. However if gold is your choice, 14 to 18K makes a solid and reliable band.

Designing your own ring can be the ideal solution for some. Usually you can choose from a selection of settings and diamonds to create that perfect ring. If you know exactly what your partner wants then this is great, but check out what is out there no matter which way you decide.

By Seth Madison

Selecting An Engagement Ring

So you have decided to seal your commitment to your beloved with a ring. Congratulations! Now what? Let's go over the basics. First you will need to know the metal that you will be using for the setting. Traditionally, platinum, white gold, yellow gold and silver have been used. It is a good idea to know the ring finger size if the fiancée will not be part of the selection process. And, you must consider how much you would like to pay for this ring. For many people a white diamond is what is given. So you should be familiar with the 4 C's of the diamond: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. These together will help determine the stone's cost. Cut refers to the shape of the stone: round, pear, emerald, trillion, asscher etc. Color refers to it's whiteness- with D being the whitest thru a G, H is on the border heading towards I which has a slight yellowish tinge and so on. Diamonds can come in many colors- a true yellow diamond is both very rare and very expensive. Clarity refers to the flaws in the stone and can you easily see them with the naked eye, or does it take some magnification to see them. All natural stones have flaws. A VVS takes the most effort to find the flaws while and I1, 2, or 3 will have easily visible charcoal, or other flaws. The 1 carat diamond is very popular today- it weighs 100 points.

Ok. Now we have lots of information and what are you going to do? Well, if money is no problem- just go to the store of your choice and buy the biggest VVS, D color diamond in your choice of cut that your budget allows.

Now, for the rest of you, my suggestion is to look at a nice Si1 (eye clean) G color in slightly less than a 1 carat stone- say a 95 or 96 pointer in the shape that appeals to your intended. What have I just said to you? I have just suggested that you save money by buying a stone that looks just like it's more expensive sister- the 1 carat but the difference is not visible to the naked eye! Also, the clarity is good enough that most people will not be able to rate an Si1 from a VVS without the aid of a magnifier (few people carry these around to check out a new engagement ring on someone's finger...)- so your wallet will know, but most people won't. And G is still a good color white stone- you would need to actually place it next to a higher color stone in a strong light to see the difference. You also want to buy your ring with diamond certification- either an EGL or GIA is the top industry standard. We check out our competition all the time and I was once told by a sales clerk that "xxxx buys so very many diamonds, that we couldn't possibly certify ALL of our diamonds!" And that was for a ring that carried a $10,000 price tag. My advice in that situation is to leave, quickly. You now have the basic information to go to a jewelry store, pick out a stone and have it set in one of their standard "custom" settings that are available pretty much everywhere- sometimes given fancy names and much higher prices- but still that is what is available at most jewelry stores. For most of you, this is going to be all that you need to do.

For some of you, however, you might want a little more personal touch in your choice of jewelry. For you, a custom jewelry designer may be the right answer. Not only will you usually save money by dealing directly with the jewelry designer who will actually create your ring, but you will usually get a lot more value for the money that you spend. Most jewelry designers deal directly with the diamond and stone dealers, so a lot of the retail mark up is not added on to the final cost. How do you know when you have found a real custom jewelry designer? Easy. That person will be able to take out a sheet of white paper and sketch a drawing that will look exactly like the finished product- no squiggles, lines, dots, "wait til you see it later- it will look better" - Too many places advertise that they are able to do custom jewelry- put them to the test- you want to see it drawn in front of you. Our design studio has designed and created a ring that is two angel's wings holding up the diamond, an engagement ring with a heart shaped center stone that matches the fiancée's eyes, a ring that has two woodland fairies whose wings hold blue diamonds and whose crown holds the main diamond- currently we are working on a ring that holds the birthstones of the couple's children. To find a jewelry designer, just goggle "custom jewelry design" plus your town, towns, or nearby city. We are located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and are happy to answer any of your questions about jewelry.

By Joyce Aldawood