Diamond Association with Engagement Rings:
The history as to how use of diamonds started in engagement rings can be traced
back vaguely to as early as 800 BC when they were first discovered in India. All
throughout history, diamonds were considered as a symbol of strength and thus found
homage as an inseparable element of engagement rings because of their extreme hardness
symbolizing eternity and the circular band symbolizing unity in hopes of an unbreakable
marriage.
Selecting Your Engagement Ring:
1 - Deciding the Budget:
Deciding the amount to be spent on engagement ring is always a tricky decision.
Your estimate should be an outcome of three inter-related stimuli- employment status,
credit standing and financial status. This process should be independent of any
preconceived notion of engagement rings shown by fashion magazines and designers.
2 - Knowing Her Likes and Dislikes:
The permanence of the engagement ring in a woman's attire makes it absolutely essential
that the woman should like it. You can either let your lady select her own engagement
ring or try to examine yourself her likes and dislikes and select one for her, incase
you plan to surprise her.
Here are a few tips that will help you understand your woman’s tastes:
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Be attentive to the choices of your woman.
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Check out what she admires while the two of you shop around together next time.
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Discuss it with her close friends or family members to understand her expectations
better.
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Observe the kind of jewelry that she wears- delicate or bold design, the kind of
metal and so on.
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You should also understand the work requisites of your lady. Do not pick a huge
bold ring to clash with her formal attire if she is in a corporate environment.
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3 - Trend Watch:
Now your Engagement Ring Hunt can begin with the initial step of looking around
for what is it that's in, surfing the internet, browsing through magazines and checking
for desirable designs around. Train your eye to the vogue- the metals that are used,
the gemstones seen more often, latest designs, etc.
4 - Final Selection:
a) Selecting the Ring Style-
There are many different kinds of diamond engagement rings. However, the final choice
really depends on individual taste and budget. The options that you generally have
are-
Solitaire
Rings (Diamond Engagement Rings with a Solitaire)-
If a classic diamond engagement ring is something that you have in mind, there is
nothing better than a Solitaire ring. It has always been one of the most popular
choices for an engagement ring. The solitaire diamond engagement ring is essentially
a ring with just one diamond held in four to eight claws of prong setting. Prongs
may be made of platinum, a very strong and beautiful metal that hold the diamond
safely in place. Being platinum the claws look extremely thin, thus allowing light
to penetrate from all sides and leaving more of the diamond visible.
Diamond
Accent Rings (Diamond Engagement Rings with Side Stones)-
Side stones are typically set into a diamond engagement ring using different settings,
which protect the diamonds while leaving a smooth edge. It’s a great option for
women with active lifestyles. The side stones also accentuate the center diamond.
Diamond accent engagement rings carry a stylish elegance celebrated since ages by
tasteful women.
Three Stone Diamond Rings (Diamonds
Engagement Rings with Three Diamonds)-
These engagement rings incorporating three diamonds are also known as past, present
and future rings, symbolizing the time-transcending power of love. These types of
engagement rings typically integrate a center-piece diamond with two smaller diamonds,
or other stones, on either side. A three diamond engagement ring could carry different
diamond shapes on different designs.
Matching
Bridal Sets (Diamond Engagement Ring Sets)-
A set of wedding and engagement ring makes a perfect representation of your love.
The combinations of rings are unlimited. It could be contemporary designs or antique
styles. Excellent bridal sets may include a combination of solitaire rings, diamond
accent rings, three stone rings, diamond eternity bands or anything that blends
well with the other ring.
b) Selecting the Diamond--
Shape
The ones chosen by most brides are round diamonds. However, there may be exceptions
and your bride might be one of them. A good choice may also be an elongated marquise,
oval or pear-shaped stone, or even a square or emerald cut diamond. Fancier shapes,
such as hearts, are another option.
Quality-
The brilliance and value of your diamond depends completely on the importance you
lay on the 4 C’s of a diamond that represent the four basic qualities of a diamond
and determine its value.
c) Selecting the Metal-
The metal color should always compliment the diamond that has been selected, as
the metal has a major impact on the color and brilliance of diamonds. While the
choice of metal color is more or less determined by the on-going trend and personal
taste, its cost is also a major determinant. But if your woman has a strong liking
for white gold or platinum, you can just go in for it without even looking at yellow
gold settings.
d) Selecting the Setting-
Prong
Setting
The prong setting, also called as claw setting, is widely used in diamond rings
and is most commonly found in solitaire rings.
Bezel
Setting
Bezel set ring tends to make the diamond look larger owing to the way it is mounted.
Also it is the best setting to be used if you plan to mask or enhance the color
of your diamond by the effect of the metal color.
Pave
setting-
Pave setting is an apt choice if bold design and huge ring are your priorities.
The close layout of diamonds creates an illusion of one big diamond and also gives
the impression of size.
Illusion
setting-
Illusion setting, also called the invisible setting due to its nature of mounting,
is the best option to opt for if a large diamond is your expectation and budget
a concern.
5 - Measuring Finger Size:
Once the ring has been decided and finalized, its time to check the finger size
of the hand that the ring would crown. As the ring is to be worn life long, it has
to be comfortable and of proper size. Measuring the size of the finger is a very
simple task- Visit our
Find
Your Ring Size page and follow the easy-to-do steps mentioned there.