If you want to find affordable engagement rings that don’t look like you compromised on quality they can be found in a variety of places. You just need to know where to look and what to look for. You can put together an engagement ring that will dazzle her and appraise for much more than you paid for it.Ways to Save Money on an Engagement Ring There are many ways to save money on an engagement ring and yet still have it be every bit as special – maybe even more so. One of the simplest and most affordable ways is to pass along a family heirloom. An engagement ring that once belonged to your great grandmother for instance will help to carry on the tradition of long and happy marriages. If your great grandmother’s ring is too small, you can have it resized to fit the new bride.Taking a family heirloom and making it your own is also a way to create affordable engagement rings with your own unique touches. The diamond may have been small if it was pre-war era, so you can replace it with a larger carat ring. Antique jewelry is often a custom in both Jewish and Christian traditions. To use a vintage style ring today is more than modern; it is a real trend setter.Another way to save money on an engagement ring and still have the high quality ring is to choose silver over gold for the setting. Ounce for ounce, sterling silver is much less expensive than gold. Many women also prefer silver jewelry to gold, so choosing ring of silver will match her other jewelry. One more thing you can do to save money on an engagement ring is to buy the gemstone and setting separately. Often in travelling people will find inexpensive gemstones, even diamonds that are very high quality. Buying the stone, even before you have met the person you intend to give it to is thinking ahead. Then, to make the ring truly intended for your intended, pick the setting out together or surprise her with something you know she will like. Showing Off Your Affordable Engagement RingWho says an engagement ring has to have diamonds in it? There are many other beautiful precious gem stones that can represent your commitment. In fact many celebrity couples don’t choose a traditional white diamond. Think of Princess Diana with her sapphire and it will get you thinking out of the box.Sometime a large single diamond is much more expensive than smaller ones. You can compromise on size to get higher quality for the same money and vice versa. Also, the three stone diamond engagement ring has become very popular and can be a much more affordable engagement ring. Even alternating diamonds with other stones can cut costs, but not beauty.Having found the perfect ring, it is time for a celebration! You can have an engagement party for all of your friends to celebrate having given the ring and set the date for the wedding. Make it a night full of music and song and it will be a wedding party to remember.
About the Author:Christopher Bowne is a publisher for the news and products area of http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com. Within his writing Chris is also featuring areas like afforable engagement rings http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com/affordable-engagement-rings.html and how to plan and organize an engagement.
9/22/2007
Find Great Affordable Engagement Rings
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Engagement Rings: Finding The Perfect Ring
Need help finding a perfect engagement ring? These style-savvy tips will help you find the perfect engagement ring and perhaps give you the inspiration you seek in finding a diamond engagement ring that fully expresses your feelings.No other jewellery item says ‘love’ more powerfully than a diamond engagement ring. Rare, precious, and indestructible, these qualities earned the diamond its status as a symbol of enduring love, romance, and commitment. It was said that Cupid's arrows were tipped with diamonds.The Greeks believed that the fire in a diamond reflected the constant flame of love. The Romans suggested that diamonds were tears of the gods. For the Indians, they were good luck charms warding off illness, thieves, and forces of evil. To others, they were stones that would heal and bestow knowledge - talismans of power and purity.Once reserved for royalty or the very rich, diamond rings are now an accessible luxury. Happy, pretty and loved are how diamond engagement rings make any women feel. And diamond engagement rings are proudly worn as potent symbols of commitment, devotion, celebration, wealth, and love. Nothing beats the look of a diamond engagement ring on your hand.It is vitally important when choosing an engagement ring that it reflects the wearer’s taste, personality and also meets any practical requirements. Think about the wear and tear the ring will have and chose accordingly.So, what are today’s styles for engagement rings? Truth is, sometimes women want to sport a brilliant, beautiful diamond engagement ring on their hand that doesn't look like a wedding band, or anniversary ring. Sometimes, women want to wear this ring on their right hand - or even the middle finger of their left to avoid tan lines or to perform some professional duties. These demands are what inspire jewellers to create so many unique engagement ring designs.The only hard and fast design rule is that there are no hard and fast rules! Engagement rings come in all shapes, sizes and styles. There is plenty of opportunity to have a ring that is as unique as you are.Some of the latest design trends for engagement rings are bold, yet feminine - many with an art deco influence. Hallmarks of the hottest engagement ring looks include:• Geometric, art deco shapes such as diamond circles or squares;• Wide "band" style engagement rings that are chunky, yet feminine;• Asymmetrical designs that feature an unusually cut diamond, such as princess cut;• Coloured diamonds (fancy yellow, cognac, or chocolate brown)• Mixing round brilliant diamonds with fancy shapes;• The use of open-air space within the ring design (showing diamonds against skin) to give a substantial ring a light, airy, modern look.Diamond engagement rings are a great choice as they are timeless and compliment any outfit or other jewellery. Remember that an engagement ring will be a ring you’ll wear for a lifetime so it is worth choosing carefully. Make sure you try on all the styles that appeal to you so that you make an informed choice. Also you’ll need to think about how it will sit with your wedding ring and most likely an eternity ring down the line.
About the Author:Kathryn writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Engagement Rings please visit http://www.engagement-rings-and-things.com and for additional engagement ring articles please visit the following page http://www.engagement-rings-and-things.com/engagement-articles/
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Finding Antique Engagement Rings And Gifts
Engagement presents are gifts given to the couple at any time throughout their engagement. It celebrates the next significant and important step in their relationship. Antique engagement rings also help the couple out tremendously with useful items for their new shared home or to help them on their way to a fun and memorable honeymoon and life together. Customized Engagement Rings One sure way to make a lasting impression is to give a customized engagement present that is designed solely for the special couple. There are several creative ideas that will be cherished forever. For example, you can have a painting made of their engagement portrait. You can create a shadow box of the flowers from all the bouquets he has given her while they were dating. Jewelers can design a special piece of jewelry for the husband to be to give his fiancé to commemorate the official announcement to family and friends. She can then wear this on her wedding day. Engagement Parties Engagement parties are the perfect opportunity to give engagement gifts and let family and friends join in the celebration. Gifts given at engagement parties can include linens for their new home, useful small appliances, luggage or towels for a beach honeymoon destination.Many couples will register at specific stores to make gift giving easier on friends and family and help them get the presents they really want and need. A gift registry will give a full list of everything the couple indicated they would like. There are presents in every price range, so the gift giver can select something appropriate within their budget.Once someone has purchased an item from the gift registry, it is no longer on the list. This helps avoid duplicate gifts.More and more couples are having longer engagements. Some are several years long, while others still prefer to tie the knot as soon as possible after getting engaged. It doesn’t matter how soon after the engagement the couple plans to marry, it is still appropriate to give both engagement and wedding presents. The longer the engagement however, the longer the time frame for giving engagement presents.
About the Author:Guy Morris reveals frequently for the guide and news area of http://www.antique-engagement-rings-guide.com . Within his publication he is featuring jewelry and articles on wedding and engagement presents.
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About Engagement Rings Styles
The engagement ring is a ring you can use for the rest of your life, in many cases people place the engagement ring next to their wedding ring, which means that its style should reflect the same idea as of the wedding ring, this combination should be on your mind when looking for your engagement ring.It is traditional for Americans and Europeans to place an engagement ring on the left-hand ring finger of a woman who has accepted a man’s proposal for marriage. The engagement ring is a symbol of the devotion and intent to be the one and only woman in her beau’s life. It lets everyone know that this is a lady that is spoken for. In the classical history of engagement ring styles and traditions, the ring was fashioned from a plain gold band. Today, engagement ring styles have evolved into a monster of choices that rivals the purchase of the wedding ring.Traditional engagement ring styles often deal with a precious band that showcases a diamond or another gem. Over the years, the modern engagement ring style seems to incorporate a wide range of band varieties, including silver, gold and the increasingly popular platinum option. Since the 1940s, a single diamond is practically considered standard in today’s society. The well-known diamond company, De Beers, who pushed a highly successful advertising vision for the gem, made all of this possible.It is not uncommon to see emeralds, rubies or sapphires taking the place of a diamond, but it is the latter that symbolizes strength and the concept of something that will last a lifetime. Engagement ring styles are often based on their durability, which is seen through the gems, as well as the bands. Gold and platinum last longer and represent higher quality than silver.A growing trend among band materials includes titanium and stainless steel, which costs less, but also have a higher level of durability. It is these materials that allow a tension setting that projects the illusion of a stone that is floating.There are many different engagement ring styles to choose from including classic and modern looks. With classic engagement ring styles, the settings are usually platinum in the bands with a round or emerald-cut for the stone. Modern engagement ring styles use a bezel-set design, making daily wear a compatible addition to any wardrobe.As with all jewelry there are trends in engagement ring styles that are hitting the scene and includes antique rings that present a vintage flair that allows you to feel like you are wearing something rather historic. Some of the characteristics of these rings include floral accents, as well as filigree settings.Platinum rings tend to be more expensive, but they will not only last longer, but will also keep its brilliant shine. It will not tarnish or yellow like other metals. These bands also make a variety of hand-carved, customized options possible.Whichever ring you decide you go with you should always try and lower the price and ask for some kind of discount, if you know exactly what you want you can also search for the same design concepts in other shops, in either case it is always good to research and compare prices and quality.
About the Author:Engagement rings are pricy and require some basic knowledge of how to buy jewelry. Roy Dietelzieg worked in the jewelry industry and has is writing Engagement Ring Buying Tips at http://engagementring.zupatips.com
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A Guide to Antique Engagement Rings
The earliest diamonds were not nearly as brilliant as todayโ€s rings. The first mine cut diamonds were not very clear. This improved in the early 20th century with the European cut diamonds. These are often found in rings from the Art Deco period. Diamond cutting continued to improve and evolve into the brilliant cut that is still used today. Larger stones are found in Victorian rings. While these diamonds donโ€t have the clarity of newer rings, the stone is generally larger. Rings became smaller throughout the early 1900s and into the Great Depression. Overall, the quality of the diamond affects the price. Clarity isnโ€t as important in antique rings as it is in new ones. The value depends more on the demand for specific rings. The most popular vintage rings are from the Victorian Era through the 1940s. Distinct styles, settings and stones can be seen in rings from each period. Victorian rings are generally yellow or rose colored gold. The stone can be a diamond, but pearls were just as common in this time period. Edwardian rings have a filigree design in the rings. Some may have Jewish or Christian designs in the filigree. Art Deco rings of the 1920s are generally platinum, white gold or silver. Bezel settings are common in these rings. The setting makes the smaller diamond appear larger. Rings became smaller and less ornate in the 1930s and 1940s. Platinum became less common during the war years and yellow or white gold was commonly used in rings. Carvings on the shank and settings helped make the center stone appear larger. Where to Find Antique Engagement Rings There are several good places to find antique rings. Antique stores often carry jewelry. Some dealers are more knowledgeable than others about the details and value of rings from each period. In some cases, you ca get a really good deal. Some stores under sell jewelry because they donโ€t know its true value. The ring may not come with a certificate. If not, have it independently appraised for insurance. Jewelers sometimes carry vintage pieces. A good jeweler will be knowledgeable about the value of the ring. You may not get as good a deal, but will have the peace of mind of knowing that you have a quality ring. You will be given a certificate for the diamond when you buy from a jeweler. Estate sales are a good place to find antique wedding jewelry. You can usually arrange to view the items the day before the estate sale. Read about the value and characteristics of antique rings to help determine the value of the ring. Inspect the ring carefully before the sale to decide how high you will bid. You can find information in books at the library or on the internet. Caring for Antique Engagement Rings Antique diamond jewelry will retain its beauty for years, if you care for it properly. Before you purchase the ring, have the jeweler inspect the prongs carefully to be sure the stone wonโ€t come loose. You donโ€t want to lose your diamond. Take the ring to the jeweler for professional cleaning and inspection once or twice a year. About The Author:Ken Morris reveals many articles for the internet site engagement-rings-tips.com" title="http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com" target="_blank">http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com. The publisher is also specializing in tips on antique engagement rings ( engagement-rings-tips.com/antique-engagement-rings.html" title="http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com/antique-engagement-rings.html" target="_blank">http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com/antique-engagement-rings.html ) .
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9/17/2007
Diamond Alternative Engagement Rings -Brilliance At An Affordable Price
For diamond alternative engagement rings, moissanite is an excellent choice. You get a dazzling brilliance, which draws attention to your ring at a much more affordable price that a real diamond. When you choose platinum as the metal of the ring, you have exquisite diamond alternative engagement rings that any woman would be thrilled to wear.
Platinum moissanite engagement rings are very popular. Although platinum is more expensive than gold or silver in rings, it has a durability that the other metals do not have. This choice in diamond alternative engagement rings provides you with choices in rings that you can wear on all occasions. If you work in an environment that does not lend itself to wearing gold or silver because it might get scratched or tarnished, then platinum is the perfect alternative.
Rather than use cubic Zirconia in engagement rings, many couples are looking at moissanite as the stone of choice in diamond alternative engagement rings. This is because moissanite is a lab-created imitation diamond. It naturally occurs in nature and its scientific name is silicon carbide, but it occurs in very small quantities. It is only slightly less than the diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness, being 9.4 as compared to the diamond at 10.
For the ultimate diamond alternative engagement rings, look at what the platinum moissanite engagement rings have to offer. The hardness and durability of the moissanite stone, combined with the durability of platinum offers an impressive combination. The silver color of the platinum gives the appearance of white gold and goes well with any attire. With these rings, you also save money that you will need later on to plan your wedding or to buy a new home.
Having a moissanite engagement ring also means that you can have a much larger stone in your ring than if you opted for the traditional diamond. In diamond alternative engagement rings, moissanite also looks divine when you have several stones in a chanel setting. Moissanite actually outperforms diamonds when it comes to brilliance, although it does not have the same clarity.
Jewellers have to struggle to tell the difference between diamonds and moissanite. They need to have a high-powered microscope in order to tell the difference. This makes it a perfect choice for diamond alternative engagement rings. If you choose this stone for the engagement ring, you do need to tell your fiancé that it is a diamond alternative engagement ring, just in case she decides to take it to a jeweller to have it appraised.
For a website totally devoted to Moissanite rings visit Peter's Website The Magic of Moissanite, and find out about Moissanite Bracelets as well as Loose Moissanite Stones and more, including Mens Moissanite Rings, Moissanite Earrings, Moissanite Bridal Rings and Moissanite Engagement Rings
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Crump
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Men's Promise Rings
Even though promise rings are not commonly worn by men, men’s promise rings have their own significance. Promise rings are exchanged between a girlfriend and boyfriend with a commitment to stay faithful to each other.
Men’s promise rings can be worn as pre-engagement rings, friendship rings, or just as purity promise rings. Purity rings are a special category of promise rings, often presented by parents to their children. These rings signify the strong bond of trust between them and indicate a promise on the part of the child to stay away from sexual relationships and practice abstinence, until marriage.
To intensify pre-engagement relations, the design of men’s promise rings is made similar to that of their spouse. Generally referred as promise pair rings, these rings express the couple’s love and care for each other.
The finger on which the promise ring is worn depends on the type of the ring. If men’s promise rings are exchanged as a symbol of friendship, then it is common to wear them on any finger including the thumb on the right hand. The pre-engagement rings and purity rings are mostly worn on the left hand ring finger.
As men’s promise rings are meant for daily usage, they should be made of durable metal. Men’s titanium promise rings are certainly the best choice. Beautifully inlayed gold, silver and platinum men’s promise rings are also of great demand. Some men’s promise rings are marvelously hand-painted while others have an antique touch. Further, some men’s promise rings are inscribed with names, initials, or a brief verbal description about the promise.
Men’s promise rings are cool jewelry pieces which come in a variety of designs. Both handmade and machine cut promise rings are available. The most commonly used designs are Celtic knot rings, Sterling silver rings, Turkish puzzle rings, and Greek key style rings. Men’s promise rings with multi-gemstones and other precious stones are also available.
Mens Rings provides detailed information on Men's Rings, Men's Engagement Rings, Men's Gold Rings, Men's Promise Rings and more. Mens Rings is affiliated with Anniversary Flowers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Bellamy
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Selecting the Perfect Engagement Ring for Her Style and Your Budget
It’s all about the big diamond, or is it?
The Solitaire diamond engagement ring is the classic engagement ring, but today’s trends and styles are making room for non-traditional engagement ring styles such as the eternity ring or three stone rings. Combining diamonds with colored stones of sapphire and ruby, and fancy engagement rings in antique and pave settings are also gaining popularity.
The key to selecting an engagement ring is to know something about her style preferences. Is she traditional, does she wear jewelry, is she active in sports? These are questions only you and she can answer. To help you decide here are some guidelines that should help you make the right choice.
First, do your homework!!
Talk to her friends or mother. Women share their hopes and dreams and most likely one of her best girlfriends or her mom has insight about what her perfect ring might look like.
Visit some jewelry stores together. You’ll have to be kind of sneaky here if you’re planning a big surprise engagement, but if you’ve discussed marriage then browsing together will be a good idea.
Talk to some experts. There are many jewelry experts available to discuss options with you so you can make educated choices. HOT TIP: Avoid high pressure sales pitches. Unfortunately, there will be many who just want to sell you their inventory, thus their advice will be biased.
Get educated!!! Diamond and jewelry education is essential. But the caution here is there is no substitute for a expert advice. It’s the difference between research on WebMD and becoming a doctor. Diamond education can be daunting and confusing, learn the terms and what’s important and then work with a professional you trust. Start with an online Diamond Education Center to give you the information you need.
Set a budget. She may be thinking 2.0 carat Tiffany, and your wallet is leaning towards Zales. You need to be realistic about how much you intend to spend so that you can shop her style and your budget. If you’ve completed your education homework then you have some ideas about pricing.
Select a jeweler you trust to work with. While bargain shopping seems like a great way to save some cash, getting the value for your dollar is what’s really important. A professional can help you get the best price, best value within your set budget. HOT TIP: Most jewelers have access to the same databases of “virtual” diamond inventory online jewelry retailers are selling. Not only can they match the price, a jeweler has added value of designing and servicing your ring.
Now that you have done your homework, have a style in mind and have set a budget, you are armed and ready to start shopping. Good luck!
Jacqueline Hull is the President and CEO of Diamond Design Co. (DDC), a high end jewelry company located in San Francisco. DDC designs and manufacturers custom engagement, wedding and anniversary rings. Ms. Hull has been working with jewelers and clients since early 2000 and has written numerous diamond education pieces for Beyond the 4Cs and Diamond Design Co.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacqueline_Hull
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Celebrities and Their Diamond Engagement Rings
What better way to show the world that you are in love than by the act of giving and receiving a diamond engagement ring? With many actresses and other famous women sporting bigger and sparklier diamond rings, celebrity engagements have become a delight for the jewelry lover. The size of the diamond is not necessarily the key as to what makes some of these rings so famous and recognizable, rather it seems to be a combination of the engagement ring itself and the famous lady it is associated with.
The history of diamond engagement rings
Maximillan I of Austria gave the first diamond engagement ring on record to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. He had the ring commissioned to unite their two houses and make their marriage a unifying symbol to the country.
The smallest diamond engagement ring ever made was given to Princess Mary who was married by proxy to the Dauphin of France in the year 1518. Princess Mary was two years old at the time.
Throughout history diamond engagement rings have become larger, more elaborate, and have included a wide variety of other jewels and metals. Diamond engagement rings settings can be made of silver, platinum, white or yellow gold or a mixture of these elements.
Famous ladies and their engagement rings
Celebrities and other famous people influence the look and style of many aspects in fashion and also set trends. Diamond engagement rings are no exception to this rule. The following is a partial list of the famous ladies and their equally famous engagement rings:
Royalty:
Queen Elizabeth II received an engagement ring from Prince Phillip that was made from diamonds from his mother's tiara.
Grace Kelly was given a 12 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring from Prince Rainier.
Lady Diana was engaged with a ring made of an 18 carat blue oval sapphire that was circled by fourteen diamonds.
Actresses:
Elizabeth Taylor was engaged to her third husband, Michael Todd, with an emerald cut diamond that weighed almost 30 carats. However, she is more known for her other pieces of jewelry, one more striking than the other: the 39 carat Krupp diamond, the 69.42 carat pear-shaped Taylor-Burton diamond and the 17th century heart-shaped Taj Mahal diamond.
Priscilla was engaged to Elvis with a 3.5 carat diamond engagement ring that was circled by another 21 smaller diamonds and diamond chips.
Sharon Stone was given a three diamond, 3 1/2 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring by Phil Bronstien.
Catherine Zeta-Jones' promise to Michael Douglas was finalized with a 10 carat antique marquise diamond estimated at amost $2 million.
Joan Collins got a heart-shaped diamond ring in a nineteenth-century setting from husband Percy Gibson.
Pop stars:
Madonna received from Guy Ritchie an antique Edwardian three-stone diamond ring with a decorative platinum band. The Neil Lane ring was supposed to represent their family: mother, father and son Rocco.
In the case of Toni Braxton, drummer Keri Lewis designed a stunning 4.5 three-stone diamond ring with an oval-shaped center stone and 2 heart-shaped diamonds on the sides.
Paris Hilton, even though not a pop star but a diva anyway, received 2 diamond engagement rings from billionaire Paris Latsis, a $5 million 24 carat canary diamond ring and a $2.1 million 15 carat white diamond ring.
Britney Spears has two engagement rings also: one that she bought for herself before the wedding, a $40,000 4 carat cushion-cut diamond ring with a platinum pave setting, and one that she received 9 month after the marriage from husband Kevin Federline.
Christina Aguilera became engaged to Jordan Bratman after he presented a $54,000 20-carat diamond engagement ring designed by jeweler Stephen Webster.
Whitney Houston sports a stunning 4 carat oval-shaped center stone with trillions on the sides which she received from Bobby Brown.
Replica diamond engagement rings
Of course there is the very famous pink diamond ring that Ben Affleck gave to Jennifer Lopez. This 6 carat radiant shaped pink diamond quickly caught the attention of the public and has become a highly sought after replica. It is completed with a platinum band as well as three baguette white diamonds on each side. The pink diamond engagement ring is reported to have been purchased for $1.2 million in 2002. The ring, while easily identified is also very feminine and modern looking.
Replicas of the famous pink diamond ring are now available for a moderate price. The cost of the replicas depends on the quality of the stones and the materials used in reproducing the pink diamond engagement ring.
Some replicas are styled as more antique diamond engagement rings. These rings have an everlasting quality and symbolize tradition and heritage. The recent engagement of Camilla Parker Bowles in February of 2005 featured such an antique engagement ring. The platinum ring has an emerald-cut center diamond with three diamond baguettes on each side. This ring originally belonged to the Queen Mother and is believed to be valued at over $1 million.
Since few people can afford the original item, there will always be a market for replicas of these one of a kind diamond engagement rings. The quality of the replicas varies, as does the price. It is important to note that the styles of diamond engagement rings that are popular with celebrities will soon become the styles that are sought after by the not quite so rich and famous.
Tim Richardson is your guide in the world of diamond engagement rings at http://www.loveanddiamonds.com where you can find tips on choosing the diamond and the setting for the perfect ring. You'll learn about diamond shape, cut, clarity, weight, color, how to read a diamond certificate and how to avoid scams.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Richardson
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Diamond Engagement Rings-Cuts and Shapes and Settings, Oh My!
Some people make the mistake of referring to the cut of a diamond when what they're really talking about is the shape of the diamond. It's a mistake so commonly made by so many people that now it's considered acceptable to call it a round cut or a marquise cut even though technically they're actually referring to the shape.
Here's the difference - cut refers more to the number of facets, the angles of the stone and how deep or shallow the stone has been cut from the raw crystal. Cut influences how light enters and leaves the diamond. If a stone has been cut too deeply, light that enters from the top is dispersed out the sides and the diamond won't have the same ability to 'sparkle' as a stone of the proper depth. It may even look dark or shadowed.
If, on the other hand, the cut is too shallow, light will pass straight through from top to bottom, never reflecting at all. A diamond that's cut too shallow will appear lifeless and have no luster. The optimal cut allows light to enter from the top, reflect off the bottom of the stone and leave again through the top. This is the cut that gives the most fire and brilliance to a diamond. A proper cut is essential for a diamond to have maximum sparkle.
Compare that to shape, which refers to the literal shape of the diamond as you look down at the top of the stone. Many names of diamond shapes are self-explanatory. Round, pear (also called teardrop) heart and oval all describe easily identifiable shapes. But there are others whose shapes are not so easily figured out by just hearing the name. Even emerald shape could probably be guessed correctly. Others, like baguette, marquise, princess, and radiant are more difficult to describe if you're not already familiar with those terms.
To further confuse matters, there are a number of cut names that have become more well known than the shape of the diamond the cuts are on. For instance, an Asscher cut diamond, which is known for its ability to give off a high sparkle, is made from a rectangular stone.
The trillion cut diamond is made from triangular stone with equal sides. Then there's the pillow cut, or cushion cut diamond, made from more of a square shape. There's also step cut, fancy cut and brilliant cut. As if engaged couples don't have enough decisions to make, just the ones involved in choosing a diamond engagement ring can be mind-boggling!
And that just covers the very basics of diamond shapes and cuts. I haven't even touched on the 4 Cs of diamonds, which is vital information to know before you even start looking at diamond engagement rings. You have to know what to look for in a diamond in order to know if the price offered is a good deal or a good hosing.
Other things that must be considered before you begin shopping include the metal of the band, (do you want white gold, yellow gold, platinum, titanium or tungsten?) and the type of setting that's most desirable, (prong set? How many prongs are best?), bezel set, invisible set, channel set...dear heavens, it's little wonder that women start thinking about a wedding when they're still little girls! We need that much time just to sort out all our options!
Fortunately, the website listed below can offer some guidance in shopping for diamond engagement rings. Many of these topics are discussed in more detail and written in an easy to read style that's simple to understand. Understanding the terminology will help reduce some of the confusion and allow you to make an informed decision when it's time to choose the perfect diamond engagement ring.
Honey Wesley is a freelance writer who combines her love of helping people with her writing skills. To unravel the mystery of diamonds, visit Engagement Rings-Things You Should Know. It's one of the most important purchases you'll ever make. You deserve to be well informed before you make it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Honey_Wesley
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What to Consider When Selecting an Engagement Ring for Your Fiance
Choosing an engagement ring for your soon-to-be wife is almost as important as how you pop the question to her. This is a ring that she will be wearing every day symbolizing the love between you two. Therefore, you have to put a great deal of thought into what size of ring you purchase, the style, and the shape. If you select right, she will love you even more for purchasing the ring of her dreams.
The first aspect to selecting the perfect engagement ring is paying attention. Men tend to have a problem of not paying attention or observing the signs around them. If you want to give your fiancé a ring that she’ll love, look at the kinds of jewelry she wears right now. This will help you get a sense of what styles and shapes she prefers in her jewelry.
Not only do you want to look at the styles she wears, but the metal color is just as important when picking out the engagement ring. When a girl prefers a color, there is no sense in looking at anything different. To lay it out in simplest terms, if she wears silver of platinum than you should stay away from gold.
The next thing to pay attention to is if she has hinted any likes or dislikes in jewelry. This is an obvious way to pick out the perfect ring and can be extremely beneficial if she does drop hints. Try to think if she has ever pointed out engagement rings she likes when you’re shopping together or ever mentioned her favorite jewelry style. If she hasn’t, than you’ll have to move on to the next tip.
Although this may be too observational for guys, try to visualize what kind of ring will look best on her fingers. If you know that she has small hands, you can ask the employee where you’re purchasing the ring for recommendations. An elongated diamond can make short fingers look sleeker, while wide bands tend to make fingers appear shorter than they are.
The last thing you will want to consider when purchasing an engagement ring is her lifestyle. If she works in a business profession, picking out a shiny diamond ring would seem appropriate. But if she is a physical education teacher, that diamond might not do so hot when getting smacked by basketballs and footballs in gym class.
Selecting the perfect engagement ring may not seem like that big of a deal for you, but for your soon-to-be wife it is the ring she has dreamt about since she was a little girl. By being observational and putting a lot of thought into it, you will be able to pick out your fiancés ideal engagement ring.
When looking for that perfect diamond, take advantage of http://www.freediamondcoupons.com. You’ll be glad you did. Free gift just for stopping by. Steve Shannon is the author of this article and is the webmaster at http://www.FreeDiamondCoupons.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Shannon
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9/15/2007
Tips On Buying The Perfect Engagement Rings
Buying an engagement ring can often be a daunting task, as making the right choice from the range of engagement rings available is crucial. As with wedding rings, there are many different choices available. You can select from different precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and even titanium. You can also select from a range of precious gems, such as sapphire, emerald, the classic diamond, and many others. You will find a choice of rings to suit a range of budgets, although the carat of the ring will be determined by the amount that you can afford to spend. This item of jewelry is one that will hopefully be cherished by the recipient for the rest of her life, so whether you go for a traditional ring, a beautiful antique ring, a Celtic ring, or any other type of ring, you should make sure that you put plenty of thought into it before you make any firm commitment on your purchase. Factors to consider when buying engagement rings Unless your loved one has already pointed out which ring she wants you may have your work cut out in order to determine which ring you should get. Firstly, you need to take into consideration your budget, as this will determine the type of ring you can get. Most jewellers offer rings to suit all sorts of budgets, so you don’t have to be a millionaire in order to get a beautiful ring that she is certain to love. One thing you should try and determine is what type of precious metal and gem she most likes, as you can then select the perfect ring. There are a number of ways in which you can do this, from observing the type of jewelry she normally tends to wear to asking close friends for their advice. By finding out these details you can ensure that the ring you buy is one that she is certain to love. You will also need to know the size of her finger, and you could do this by sneakily taking one of her rings and hoping she doesn’t notice or by asking a close friend who, with any luck, may know the size or even have the same size finger. Buying your ring – getting a good deal Although there are many high street shops that sell some beautiful wedding bands and engagement rings, it has become more and more popular to purchase these items online. This is because you can enjoy a far wider choice and you can browse under on virtual roof from the comfort of your own home. You will often find that you can also get better deals online because there are no overheads for sellers to worry about, which means that you can either save a little money on the cost of your ring or you can stick to the budget and get a better ring for your money. The excellent choice available online makes it easier for purchasers to find the ideal ring at a more affordable price.
About The Author
Erica Bosworth reveals for the internet site http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com. The writer is specializing in tips on engagement rings ( http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com/ ).
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About Engagement Rings Styles
The engagement ring is a ring you can use for the rest of your life, in many cases people place the engagement ring next to their wedding ring, which means that its style should reflect the same idea as of the wedding ring, this combination should be on your mind when looking for your engagement ring. It is traditional for Americans and Europeans to place an engagement ring on the left-hand ring finger of a woman who has accepted a man’s proposal for marriage. The engagement ring is a symbol of the devotion and intent to be the one and only woman in her beau’s life. It lets everyone know that this is a lady that is spoken for. In the classical history of engagement ring styles and traditions, the ring was fashioned from a plain gold band. Today, engagement ring styles have evolved into a monster of choices that rivals the purchase of the wedding ring. Traditional engagement ring styles often deal with a precious band that showcases a diamond or another gem. Over the years, the modern engagement ring style seems to incorporate a wide range of band varieties, including silver, gold and the increasingly popular platinum option. Since the 1940s, a single diamond is practically considered standard in today’s society. The well-known diamond company, De Beers, who pushed a highly successful advertising vision for the gem, made all of this possible. It is not uncommon to see emeralds, rubies or sapphires taking the place of a diamond, but it is the latter that symbolizes strength and the concept of something that will last a lifetime. Engagement ring styles are often based on their durability, which is seen through the gems, as well as the bands. Gold and platinum last longer and represent higher quality than silver. A growing trend among band materials includes titanium and stainless steel, which costs less, but also have a higher level of durability. It is these materials that allow a tension setting that projects the illusion of a stone that is floating. There are many different engagement ring styles to choose from including classic and modern looks. With classic engagement ring styles, the settings are usually platinum in the bands with a round or emerald-cut for the stone. Modern engagement ring styles use a bezel-set design, making daily wear a compatible addition to any wardrobe. As with all jewelry there are trends in engagement ring styles that are hitting the scene and includes antique rings that present a vintage flair that allows you to feel like you are wearing something rather historic. Some of the characteristics of these rings include floral accents, as well as filigree settings. Platinum rings tend to be more expensive, but they will not only last longer, but will also keep its brilliant shine. It will not tarnish or yellow like other metals. These bands also make a variety of hand-carved, customized options possible. Whichever ring you decide you go with you should always try and lower the price and ask for some kind of discount, if you know exactly what you want you can also search for the same design concepts in other shops, in either case it is always good to research and compare prices and quality.
About The Author
Engagement rings are pricy and require some basic knowledge of how to buy jewelry. Roy Dietelzieg worked in the jewelry industry and has is writing Engagement Rings Buying Tips at http://engagementring.zupatips.com/.
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