You're choosing an engagement ring and that is a big step
on the road to a very important and big decision in your life. We know that the
journey to such a commitment is tough and full of questions, so let us make
your experience of choosing an engagement ring easier with this helpful guide.
The typical construction of a ring, especially an
engagement ring is classically made of two parts, the diamond and the setting,
and you should consider both quite carefully. A setting that doesn't fit her
appearance and style could potentially dwarf the most exquisite of diamonds,
while a poorly chosen stone could diminish the beauty of the most gorgeous and
ornate of settings.
Most of us have heard about the long established standard
of spending the two months' salary on an engagement ring. Though that could be
a starting point in your search don't get tied to a number before you learn
more about all of the options available to you.
This ring will carry a lot of emotions and will be with
her for many years to come, so take time to make your choice. Consider her
style and taste, what metal does she prefer to wear, is she more conservative
or is she a trend-setter. If you'd like to keep the ring a secret ask her
mother or sister her preferences in jewelry.
If her style is much more traditional then classical diamond rings is where your search should concentrate, but read on,
there is much more to learn about the engagement rings.
When she's always surprising and her style is very
unconventional something extraordinary and daring just might be the way to go.
A modern new setting, or for something more interesting take a look at the
rings with colored gemstones or even our
collection of designer pieces.
It is important to see what metal she usually wears, but
even if her style doesn't give you clear clues there are a number of
characteristics that could help you in this choice:
18K Yellow Gold
The most common and classic choice for the engagement rings Yellow and White Gold is less Platinum and has a warmer appearance. When considering her lifestyle it is important to know that it is a lot softer and more easily damaged than Platinum. For those reasons it will wear away over time, but is easier to repair and polish than other metals. Gold is available in 14, 18 and 24 Karat (K), the larger the K the larger the percentage of gold in the alloy, the more golden in color the ring will be.
18K White Gold
Though White Gold is less expensive than Platinum it
still has a similar sparkle and cool brilliance. Just like Yellow Gold it is a
lot softer and more easily damaged than Platinum, but unlike Yellow Gold it
will loose its silverfish appearance and will need to brought to the jeweler
for a rhodium treatment about ones a year. Though it will wear away over time
it is relatively easy to repair and polish.
Platinum
Platinum is the most expansive of the jewelry metals but,
lasting and enduring like your love, it is also the strongest of them. It is
very durable and highly resistant to damage and unlike Gold it will not wear
away or loose its color. But it isn't indestructible, and because of its
strength and durability it is hard to repair or polish.
Learn more about Jewelry Metals.
One of the most popular and classic settings for the engagement rings is the prong of bezel setting that form what is know as the Solitaire ring. The prongs can extend the stone to different heights above the finger
For a more modern variation take a look at the imaginative ways designers have set stones in bezel and bar settings.
And if looking for more fire and presence a pav? or a
cluster setting could be your best bet.
For different ideas on how various stones look in
different settings, take a look at our engagement
rings in multitudes of settings.
Learn more about Settings.
As you'll find out from observing her taste and jewelry,
or asking her mother, you'll know what would better suite her style, a more
conservative round diamond solitaire, a gorgeous lavish sapphire or something
in between. Here is more information to help you decide.
Diamonds
A beautiful diamond ring is always a wonderful choice.
Whether you choose a classic cut round brilliant, or a more modern princess cut
it will be a wonderful way to pop the question. Shimmering and shinning, it
will sparkle around her finger, always reminding her of your love and devotion.
In this guide we primarily discuss the shape of the stone that would fit her
best. Without a questions we provide only the best quality diamonds, but you
should also learn more about all other
characteristics of diamonds to make an informed choice that balances the
diamonds quality, size, suites her style and your budget.
For the most traditional, classic engagement a Solitaire
ring is the perfect choice, so if you bride's to be style runs into the
time-honored traditions that is probably just what you're looking.
If your girl would like to put a little bit of twist on
classics, then you should take a look at the fashionable, modern princess cut
diamonds in variations from airy V-shaped settings to a more solid-looking
bezel settings.
Sometimes on larger hands with long fingers even a very
hefty solitaire could seem small, so for more fire and sparkle take a look at
rings where the center diamond is surrounded with other smaller stones or
appears in a pave setting.
There is many more styles to choose from. So now that you
know more about what she might like, take a look at our gorgeous diamond
engagement rings.
Learn more about Diamonds.
Colored Gemstones
For the daring trend-setters diamonds might not be the
way to go, so rings inset with colored gemstones could be just what you're
looking for. Of course it is easy to get lost in the world of many beautiful,
vivid colors. So if your special someone style is vibrant and colorful start by
learning more about the gemstones or just pick a
stone in her absolutely favorite color.
Though women's styles are as varied as the shades of
different colored gemstones themselves each gem has its meaning and symbolism.
For instance, for centuries Sapphires have been the symbol of loyalty &
faithfulness, Rubies represented passion, and Emeralds symbolized constant
love.
So choose wisely and take a look at our collection of
gorgeous, lively engagement rings in
vivid colors.
Learn more about Gemstones.