The Engagement Ring

The engagement ring symbolizes a commitment between two individuals who have professed undying love and devotion for each other. Many couples observe this tradition of the man giving an engagement ring to the woman before they marry. It is one type of tradition that is rooted as far back as the ancient Roman times when a betrothal ring, then called a Truth Ring, was worn by couples on their left hand. A truth ring, one shaped in a circle, has neither an ending nor a beginning. It also has the same shape as the sun or the moon, the source of life and light. No wonder ancient people have chosen to make this the symbol of unity and everlasting love. During the Middle Ages, the truth ring was later called a bond ring and for those who can truly afford, the diamond was the ultimate symbolic bond ring.

A diamond stone is believed to be the hardest of all minerals, the perfect symbol to a union that must remain unbroken until death. It is also a priceless piece of jewelry. And in these times, a diamond engagement ring may just be one of the most expensive items you will own in your lifetime, following your house and your car.

Choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring depends on your taste and also some familiarity to diamond jewelry. The difference of a great cut and a good cut may not be easily determined by an untrained eye but the perfect diamond makes a really big difference in terms of its beauty and most of all, its value.

But, an engagement ring can be made from whatever material is most appropriate to you as a couple. Engagement rings can contain both diamonds and other gemstones – this can look attractive and reduce the cost. The cost will vary and there should be no problem choosing a ring that is both suitable and affordable. The most important thing is that you see the ring as a strong and everlasting symbol of your commitments.

Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on buying jewellery and visit our associated site articles for free.

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The Origin of Engagement Rings Is Explained So You Know Exactly Who To Blame For Your Visa Debt

The orgin of engagement rings is somewhat unclear so I'll share a few of the most common stories with you

Ancient Egyptians loved their jewelry. They believed that a special love vein ran from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart....where the engagement ring continues to be placed today. Another reason for the significance of the 4th finger is that in midevil times, the presiding ceremonial priest or groom would place the engagement ring on the first three fingers when saying "the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost", finishing on the fourth finger where it would then stay.

The Romans wore "betrothal" rings made of iron. Over time, these rings started to be made of gold and embellished. Some early rings also had a carved key to symbolize how a woman could unlock her lover's heart. Another theory suggests that the engagement ring served as a "slave band" in the Roman Republic to indicate that the woman was the man's chattel and belonged exclusively to him.

If you're looking for some specific dudes to single out, look no further. In 860 Pope Nicolas I announced that a ring was a requirement to signify engagement and it was also stipulated that it should be a gold ring - this indicated the financial commitment being made by the groom. Some sources say the origin of engagement rings dates back to 1477 when the Archduke Maximillian of Austria bought his beloved Mary of Burgundy some serious bling.

Consider yourself lucky (or unlucky) depending on your perspective. In Brazil, Sweden, and Germany, both the man and the woman wear engagement rings.

And some men wish they could go back in time to the days of cavemen. The cavemen tied strands of grass around the ankle of their cavechick to claim their respective piece of meat. This was uncomfortable for the cavechick and was ultimately adjusted so that the grass strands were tied around her finger versus her ankle.

A recently married couple tells you how to find the perfect engagement ring. Check our their website at http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com

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Antique Diamond Engagement Rings

Presenting a ring to your beloved is a beautiful way of expressing love and devotion. It signifies the commitment between two people who pledge to spend their rest of the lives together. Although the market is filled with various categories of gemstones like sapphire, ruby, and emerald, diamond rings remains the favorite where engagement rings are concerned.

Slipping an antique diamond ring on your lady’s finger is a very romantic way of getting engaged. Dating from the middle of the nineteenth century, vintage jewelry is available to those who love tradition and heritage. Brides are thrilled to wear diamond rings previously worn by queens, ladies of royal families, or other equally enchanting women from yesteryear. Traditional rings are also much in demand because they are unique in style and represent status, heritage, and culture to the people who own it. In today’s hectic world people are looking for some reminder of past, which gives them peace, and a sense of belonging.

Generally, vintage diamond rings are available and affordable in a countries like the United States. Jewelers will willingly assemble your own design, if the ring you want is not available or too highly priced. You can decide the ring’s design, working with goldsmiths and designers. With some intelligent choices you can have an exact replica of the ring worn by Queen Elizabeth or some other person you admire.

Sentiments play a large part in selecting a diamond ring for the engagement. When you choose to give a beautiful antique ring to your fiancée, you are pledging to love her the same way as romantic couples did in the past.

Diamond Engagement Rings provides detailed information on Diamond Engagement Rings, Platinum Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Solitaire Engagement Rings, Antique Diamond Engagement Rings and more. Diamond Engagement Rings is affiliated with Diamond Wedding Rings.

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Examining a Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Some people believe that there is nothing much to philosophize about weddings or engagements because these are just a start of a new endeavor, a new life and a death of singleness. Contrary to these people’s opinion, there is much to philosophize and examine about weddings and engagements—especially the ring.

A cut fit for a Princess Aside from its gemstone, type of metal to be used in mounting it, and the size of the stone, one of the biggest considerations in looking for a ring is its cut.

Among the various cuts in the market today, princess cut diamond rings are most popular ones especially in weddings or engagements. By definition, a princess cut refers to a special diamond cutting process that has a contemporary and modern appeal. Unlike the traditional round diamond cut, a princess cut has a square sparkling cut that highlights sparkling brilliance of diamond.

Aside from exemplifying tremendous allure and sophistication, most jewelers agree that a princess cut diamond engagement ring is becoming a popular choice among future brides because of its 76 facets and uncut corners usually mounted in a four-pronged setting. Here are some information your might need to know in purchasing that precious princess cut diamond engagement ring:

1. Categorically, a princess cut belongs to the class of diamond shapes known as “fancy cuts.” If you’re looking for a princess cut diamond engagement ring, your basic guide are those rings that are cut in square or you may prefer a brilliant cut which is more expensive compared to others.

2. If you are to choose a setting, consider a bezel setting because it is the most ideal among princess cut diamond engagement ring settings. Most jewelers suggest this setting because it makes the stone look larger than its actual size on the ring.

3. Be careful in choosing colors especially that of setting or mount because it can greatly affect the color of the stone or diamond on the ring. The basic rule is match the color of your setting with the color of the stone or diamond on your ring.

If you have chosen a yellow gold in a bezel setting, choose yellowish diamond; if you choose white diamond, consider using white gold or a platinum setting to highlight the color and clarity of your stone. Princess cut diamond engagement rings come in platinum, white gold and yellow gold.

4. Shop around and look around. Although popular jewelry stores are the best and most reliable sources of princess cut diamond engagement rings, try looking around—it can be in less popular jewelry stores or online jewelers—because they can provide you with a product that suits your personal taste, preference and budget well.

5. Have your ring evaluated by a certified and trusted gemologist to validate its grade and quality.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Diamond Ring, please visit http://diamond-ring.articlekeep.com

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Antique Engagement Rings

If you want an engagement ring that is unique and classy at the same time, you might consider giving your lady love an antique engagement ring. Nowadays, brides-to-be are showing their unique style and individuality by selecting antique and estate engagement rings. Many couples look at the future brightly by purchasing something from the past.

You may choose that extraordinary engagement ring from many fine collections of beautiful yet unusual and non traditional antique engagement jewelry.

A lot of women choose Art Deco and Edwardian antique engagement rings studded with sapphires and diamonds. Both these pearl and diamond antique engagement rings are evocative of the romantic era of the past. Old-fashioned filigree diamond engagement rings boast of exceptional workmanship and superior quality that makes it look good on any woman’s hand.

Also popular are antique engagement rings with eclectic gemstones, antique rubies and antique sapphires. Does your future bride like nontraditional colors? Then go for an aquamarine antique engagement ring. It is the perfect combination of modern and antique styles.

You should also look at vintage sapphire engagement rings that carry colors that match the skyline with a slightly violet hue. A typical round faceted, mixed cut sapphire gemstone set on an antique band weighs about .70 carats with four diamonds, two baguettes and two single cuts flanking the sapphire, set horizontally.

There are also antique diamond cluster engagement rings that have diamonds in a cluster pattern. The center diamond is usually a round modern cut, while the encircling diamonds are round single cuts.

Before buying the antique engagement ring, you might want to consider your budget and personal preference. It is wise to first visit stores selling these unique pieces of jewelry prior to the actual purchase. You may also visit online stores to save some time looking for that perfect ring to buy.

Engagement Rings provides detailed information on Engagement Rings, Diamond Engagement Rings, Platinum Engagement Rings, Antique Engagement Rings and more. Engagement Rings is affiliated with Bachelorette Party Games.

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The Wedding Engagement: Be Kind To Your Credit Card!

The average cost of an engagement ring = $4,100. The average cost of a wedding reception = $7,400. The average cost of a photographer = $2,600. The average cost for wedding flowers and entertainment = $2,250. STOP!



Don’t feel like contending with $25,000 (the average cost of a wedding) in charges to your credit card upon returning from your honeymoon (by the way, this does not include the cost of the honeymoon)? Then try these money saving tips when selecting an engagement ring and planning your wedding!

• Opt for Non-Traditional Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands – Familiar with the tip "you should spend two months' salary on the engagement ring?" Keep in mind those touting this are the jewelers. For most people, two or three weeks' salary will buy a nice ring. In addition, consider buying gems over diamonds, or find a relative has a diamond or heirloom wedding or engagement ring that is never worn. That relative may be willing to give it to you as a gift.

• Shorten the Engagement Time – The average engagement time is 16 months which provides more time to toggle over decisions and revise previous decisions which can often drive up the cost of the wedding.

• Get Hitched Off-Season or on an Off-Day – Get hitched during the off-season months being January, February, March and November and on any other day of the week other than Saturday. Many wedding service providers offer discounts for off-days, such as a wedding on a Friday or Sunday.

• Reconsider the Necessity of a Wedding Planner – Is this really necessary? If need be, you could hire a wedding consultant to help with specific items such as creating a detailed wedding day itinerary, a checklist of necessary items for the ceremony and reception, and coordinating the vendors. Or, appoint a friend or family member to serve as your wedding coordinator.

• Reduce the Number in Your Wedding Party – If you are covering the cost of the bridesmaid dresses opt to have just a few bridesmaids (the average cost of a bridesmaid dresses is $150).

• Make Your Own Wedding Invitations – There are a number of paper-stationery stores and websites available where you can find ideas for creating your own wedding invitations versus incurring the expense to have them printed. Ordering wedding invitations online or via a mail order catalog tends to be less expensive than ordering them from a print shop. Keep in mind that plain wedding invitations can be jazzed up with a hole-puncher, some ribbon and/or parchment paper to give it a more elegant look. Save money by using reply postcards instead of the usual reply cards with envelopes since postage rates for postcards are much less than the rate for stamping envelopes (remember - you must pre-stamp the reply cards for your guests!) Plus, by using postcards you also save the expense of envelopes. Simply print the response information on one side of the card, and your address on the other side.

Hilary Basile is a writer for http://www.myguidesusa.com. The MyGuidesUSA.com network of sites is the ultimate guide to the USA. Find wedding tips and resources at http://www.myguidesusa.com/weddings.

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A Diamond Solitaire Ring for Engagement

Many couples believe the rings signify eternal love and the unbreakable bond of marriage that’s why more and more people are being meticulous about it. Of all the kinds of wedding and engagement rings available in the market today, one of the most popular and in demand is the timeless diamond solitaire engagement ring because of its timeless and classic appeal. Most women also agree that the simplicity and elegance of the diamond solitaire ring can complement any existing fashion sense out there.

Shopping for that diamond solitaire engagement ring can be quite an adventure/misadventure if you don’t gear up for it. Here are some important details you must bear in mind to lessen the stress during that diamond solitaire engagement ring hunting day.

1. List down what are the things you’re looking for your diamond solitaire engagement ring. Jotting down preferred cut, shape, metal, and cost can help you find that perfect diamond solitaire engagement ring for your fiancée.

2. Surf the net for the latest trends in diamond solitaire engagement ring designs. This kind of ring comes many different beautiful styles, textures, shapes, and colors. Searching for different web sites in the Internet that feature such product will help you determine which ones are valuable. You might even buy online because countless unique collections of every diamond solitaire engagement ring out in the market are also featured there.

3. Since the solitaire ring will exalt the magnificence of the diamond itself, you should examine the stone closely. If you’re on a limited budget, you can purchase the best stone your money can afford and just choose a mount—metal—that is less expensive.

4. Consider the size of the diamond. Make sure that stone size of the diamond should reciprocate the size of the bride. As a general rule, petite woman should wear smaller stones than those full-figured women.

5. Be creative and imaginative. A diamond solitaire engagement ring itself is a traditional style but you can be creative and imaginative about it by experimenting in the shape of the stone and the color of the setting.

6. Consider the cut you prefer. Aside from the size of the diamond stone, the cut or shape of your diamond solitaire engagement ring can set it apart from the rest. The safest and most common cuts are round but you can also opt for princess solitaire or square cut stone, modern heart shape, pear or tear drop shape, oval shape, marquise shape, emerald cut, radiant shape, and asscher shape based on your personal taste.

7. After choosing your stone and its shape, decide on the setting or the metal you want to use. Gold—either white or yellow—is the most common options but you can also choose platinum if you want to be different. The setting can be a four-prong setting that shows off the stone while the six-prong setting offers more of a security advantage.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Diamond Rings, please visit http://diamond-ring.articlekeep.com

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Select A Diamond And Sapphire Engagement Ring For Your Beloved

Chocolate and peanut butter are meant to go together and so are diamonds and sapphires. Gifting a diamond and sapphire engagement and wedding ring set to your beloved can certainly add more romance and excitement to your wedding.

When you think of sapphire, the color that first comes to mind is blue. However, sapphires can be branched out into a variety of shades. The shades of sapphires range from purples to reds to oranges and yellows. Also, you can chose to have a combination of a colored diamond, for instance, pink or yellow and a complimentary sapphire to create an elegant set on your finger.

If the big colored diamond surrounded with small sapphires costs too much, you can always opt for a colored sapphire combined with a glittering set of small diamonds. The advantage is that both the combinations will have almost a similar look and nobody gets to know the secret until and unless you reveal it!

However, if you are willing to have a colored diamond for your beloved, then, in order to lower the cost, the best option is a smaller yellow or pink diamond in the center surrounded with the same color of sapphires. This will, no doubt, create a stunning glow that will mark the beginning of your married life. Thus, you need not put yourself in debt just before your marriage. As sapphires are second in hardness to diamonds, it can be guaranteed that your ring will last for years to come and will never go out of style. It will retain its glitz and glitter throughout.

Therefore, if you want to make your heart sing for years to come and add romance to your marriage, get the diamond-sapphire duet for your beloved. The rocks are gorgeous and will look marvelous in any kind of setting.

Check Out More Articles:

Birthday Gift Ideas, Xmas Gift Ideas, Wedding Anniversary Gift Idea, Baby Gifts - Baby Cribs And Bedding

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All About Promise Rings

Available in a wide range of styles, promise rings are given before marriage to symbolize love and commitment. When couples do not feel it’s the right time to get married, but plan to some day, a promise ring can be given to declare one’s true feelings.

Whether you choose a 14k gold promise ring, a white or yellow gold promise ring or a diamond promise ring, it will be a piece of jewelry you treasure forever.

Traditional designs include a heart to symbolize your true love and affection for one another. Other styles that are quite popular among young people are the Celtic knot designs, which can stand for unwavering commitment and fidelity.

Sterling silver promise rings are also available for couples on a budget, and they still look amazing as a true symbol of your love.

Diamond promise rings are also popular, but more expensive. However, small diamonds placed in a setting of yellow or white gold are quite common as promise rings for those who can afford them.

Semi-precious gemstones can also be used as the focal point of a promise ring. For example, if your partner loves a particular gemstone such as opal or tanzanite, you can purchase a promise ring with that gemstone to truly show your commitment.

While promise rings may seem similar to engagement rings, there are quite obvious differences between the two.

For example, typical promise rings tend to have much smaller carat weights than engagement rings. Promise rings also tend to be much less expensive and over the top, featuring simplistic designs and lower quality metals.

The most obvious difference between promise rings and engagement rings is the intent of the giver – it does not symbolize marriage, but rather commitment and love so that one day, marriage might be an option.

However, promise rings can symbolize a variety of things, though commitment between young couples seems to be the most popular use of a promise ring.

Promise rings can also mean religious purity, where people wear a promise ring to remind themselves to remain true to a particular religious path or as a promise of sexual abstinence until marriage.

They can also be used between friends, and are typically called friendship rings rather than promise rings.

However, the intent remains the same no matter what you call them, and are usually exchanged between young people as a promise they’ll remain friends forever.

Though there are a wide variety of meanings behind promise rings, the most popular use is between young couples that are not ready for marriage but want a symbol of their devotion to one another.

Given from the heart, promise rings are the ultimate token of true love and affection.

Denise Sutton recommends Heavenly Treasures if you’re shopping for Promise Rings.

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How to Buy a Diamond Engagement Ring

The tradition of presenting a woman with a diamond engagement ring when proposing began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy. Today, the giving of a ring, has become such an established tradition, that in most cases, the woman you plan to propose to, will expect a ring to accompany the proposal.

There is much to consider when purchasing a diamond - especially diamond engagement rings:

1. Determine how much ring you can afford.

Many people use the "two months salary" rule. This means that the ring should cost the equivalent of two months of your current salary. Because you have other bills to pay, saving up this amount of money may take quite a bit of time, and you may wish to consider financing.

If you do choose financing, the simplest way to get started is: Go to the jeweler of your choice and tell them that you plan to buy an engagement ring, and that financing will be necessary. Go ahead and get the credit check out of the way, find out what your payments will be, and how much of a down payment is required.

2. Now, have your mother, sister, or your girlfriend's best friend take your girlfriend shopping, and make sure that they gaze at the engagement rings to get an idea of what she might like.

Make sure that the jewelry store you buy the ring from will allow you to return the ring, if that is required, or allow your girlfriend to exchange it for another if she is not happy with it!

First published at http://www.guide2diamonds.com/p1_articles_diamond_engagement_ring.php

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How To Select the Best Diamond Engagement Ring

Incredible isn't it? You are now looking for a diamond engagement ring. Did you think this day would come so quickly? Well, it is here and what an exciting time of your life. You are going to be picking out the most incredible gift you will ever give to the one you love. You want it to be unique and special, but you also want to be able to eat after you give it to her. Cost can be a real issue when you are talking about a pricey item such as this.

Well, let's give you some ways to help you save some money but yet, get the best diamond you can find. One that will sparkle in her eyes forever. Do you know what her taste is? What shape of diamond does she like? The most popular is the round or brilliant. The reason these are the most popular are because they tend to sparkle more than the others. And any woman will tell you to look how her ring sparkles!

When looking for the perfect diamond, you want to pay attention to the 4 Cs. The 4 Cs are the Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat weight.

Cut: The cut of the diamond is very important to pay attention to. This is what determines its brilliance, the many dimensions of light it reflects, the way it sparkles and its finish. If you buy the most perfect diamond as far as its color and its clarity, it won't matter if the cut is not right. You want to make sure it is not too deep or too shallow. The cuts are represented as Ideal, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. For the best price range in brilliance, you want to choose a diamond with a cut of good or very good.

Color: Color acts as a filter in a diamond. The less color, the more colorful the fire and the better the color grade. The colors D-J are the best, these are colorless or near to it, not able to see with your eye. Diamonds graded K-Z takes away from the diamond's beauty. Try to avoid these.

Clarity: Many diamonds have inclusions (scratches, or anything that will detract from the beauty). Look for a diamond that is "eye-clean", has no inclusions that you can see. These diamonds are much less expensive and the flaws will not ever be seen or noticed.

Carat weight: Larger diamonds are more expensive of course, because they are rarer than the small ones. The value goes up with the carat weight, and when you add the color, cut and clarity, you have a perfect diamond for your engagement ring.

When you are shopping at the jeweler's, don't be afraid to ask the sales person if you can borrow their "loop" for a moment to look more closely at a diamond. The loop is a magnifying glass that is used with one eye, and can magnify the diamond so that you can get a real close up look at it and see if there are imperfections in it.

Now that you know what to look at for your diamond engagement ring, you need to decide what setting you want. The cut will be determined by the setting you choose. And make sure the weight of your diamond will fit and look beautiful in your chosen setting.

You may think you need the biggest diamond, but you need to consider if she is someone who is used to wearing jewelry or not. Observe the kind of jewelry she usually wears, is it small and simple, or is it loud and fancy?

As far as price, the best guideline is to not spend more than 2 months salary, 3 months at the most. This may be the biggest purchase of your life. When you have gone through the steps of the 4 Cs, then you will know what you want. You will have a beautiful diamond engagement ring for that wonderful woman that you want to spend the rest of your life with. She is so worth it.

For more insights and additional information about Diamond Engagement Ring please visit our web site at http://www.diamond-jewelry-ring.com

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Choosing a Diamond Engagement Ring

The process of getting married used to be fairly straightforward. As with many things, they got more complicated over time. Many marriages were arranged in many cultures around the world and some still actively practice it today. An engagement ring was never a necessary part of getting married since the responsibility of betrothal rested with the parents of the future bride and groom.

While it seems like a very long time ago, the tradition of proposing marriage with a diamond engagement ring actually dates back to 1477 when Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor gave Mary of Burgundy an engagement ring as an engagement present It was during the 13th century that the practice of giving engagement rings grew to become an essential facet of Christian marriages. It was only when diamonds became a lot more affordable and within reach of their budget that the common people started buying and giving engagement rings as gifts.

Selecting the perfect engagement ring can be daunting because everyone wants to give an engagement ring that will "wow" their future lifetime partner and create the perfect atmosphere for a "yes". Diamonds are now commonly used in engagement rings because of a clever advertising campaign by the diamond company De Beers during the 1940s. There are a variety of ring designs and precious metals to consider in the choice of a ring.

The first step is to narrow the search by choosing the ring design or style. Traditional engagement ring designs range from the simple to complex. Here, it is important to note what kind of lifestyle your partner has. In many cases, this is in-line with your preferences as well. If your partner is casual, a simple yet attractive ring design will do. On the other hand, if your partner dresses more formal most of the time, a more sophisticated design may be appropriate. An active person will prefer a ring that offers daily comfort over a ring that encapsulates a huge cumbersome diamond.

Traditional engagement ring designs, however, do have their limitations. Some tend to be trendy and fall out of fashion in a couple of years. Opt for a more everlasting design that won't fade in its attractiveness over time. Another option is to go with Celtic engagement rings which make excellent rings because of their intrinsic meaning. Celtic rings tend to have an everlasting quality to them and have been around for centuries. Many Celtic designs were derived from ancient manuscripts with each symbol containing deep significance.

Next, consider the day to day accessories already worn by your partner. Does she wear platinum or white gold versus yellow gold? Yellow gold has always been the favorite overall. Just in the last few decades, however, platinum and white gold gained increasing popularity because of its ability to match many clothing ensembles. Platinum also has the feature of being hypoallergenic for most people because of its purity but it tends to be a lot more expensive compared to gold. If budget is an issue, white gold is a great alternative choice. The precious metal chosen is an integral part of choosing the perfect engagement ring and will help ensure that the diamond engagement ring will match beautifully with her existing clothing ensemble.

The third step is to choose the diamond that will be placed in the engagement ring. Since the diamond adds a considerable percentage of the cost to an engagement ring, knowing the rating of the diamond you buy can raise or lower the overall cost significantly. In diamond grading, the "Four Cs" system is used. The first C is carat which is the measure of the diamond's weight. The second C is clarity which indicates the presence of naturally occurring diamond flaws. The third C, color, is the slight tint of the diamond. The fourth C, cut, is the exact cut within the shape of the diamond.

Of course, if you have rough ideas of a design you want but don't see it anywhere and budget isn't an issue, customization will be a route to take. A professional jeweler can translate your ideas into a beautiful design that your partner will love for years to come.

By Tim O'Malley for Shanore.com Let the professional Celtic jewelry experts at Shanore customize the perfect engagement ring. Their Celtic engagement rings and Celtic wedding rings are shipped around the world direct from Dublin, Ireland. Contact them or get a quote on individual ring customization.

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Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring

Guys, this guide’s for you! So you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and propose to your sweetheart. Now comes the hard part: choosing her engagement ring.

An engagement ring is probably the second-most important purchase you’ll ever make (your house being the most important), so you need to choose wisely. This guide will help you make that choice and will hopefully result in you wooing her with the perfect engagement ring.

One word of caution before we begin: The perfect ring is probably the one she chooses herself. Who has a better idea of what she’s looking for, than her? I know what you’re thinking, it’s not very romantic to give her an “IOU for 1 engagement ring” when you propose, but buying a ring together can be just as romantic as surprising her with one. It’s all in the delivery.

One way to get around this problem is to present her with a stone when you propose. Then once she accepts she can choose the engagement ring setting herself. For more information on choosing the right stone, see our handy guide.

For those of you who’ve decided to do it the old-fashioned way, with a ring on bended knee, the following tips will put you on the right track.

Determine Your Budget: Before you go shopping, figure out how much you can afford to spend. The standard used in the diamond industry is two months salary. Depending on your situation, this may be a reasonable place to start.

Do Some Reconnaissance: Like all good soldiers you’ll need to do some reconnaissance before you go into battle. What color metal does she like? Yellow (gold) or white (silver)? What’s her style of jewelry? Is it modern or classic, flashy or understated? If you’re uncertain, note down the designs of her rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. You’ll be able to use these designs to determine her favorite style later.

A creative way to find out what she likes is to go window shopping together. Tell her you’re looking for some earrings for your mom or a new watch and steer her through the engagement ring aisle. But be discreet! You don’t want her to steal your thunder.

Choose the Metal: If she prefers yellow metals, yellow gold is the ideal choice for her. If she prefers silver metals, you have a choice between white gold, platinum or titanium.

If you’ve chosen gold, you’ll need to choose the purity or karat (kt). Gold comes in three purities: 10kt, 14kt and 18kt. 10kt gold contains 41.67% pure gold, 14kt gold contains 58.33% pure gold and 18kt gold contains 75% pure gold. The higher the purity, the more expensive the ring, so you need to factor this into your budget.

Platinum and titanium are 95% pure, so you don’t need to make any choices about the purity of these metals. For more information on the different metals, check out our Guide to Choosing a Metal.

Choose the Stone: A diamond seems to be a no-brainer, but some women these days prefer other gemstones in their engagement rings. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, tanzanite, tourmaline, and aquamarines can be just as stunning as diamonds and they have the added benefit of costing less. If you're set on diamonds, make sure you check out our Guide on Choosing a Diamond.

Once you’ve decided on the type of gem, you need to select the size, shape and cut. Gems come in all kinds of shapes, including round, oval, square, rectangle, pear, heart, the list goes on. What’s important here is to choose a size and shape that fits with your sweetheart’s hand.

Longer gem shapes work better on longer, slimmer fingers, but a setting that's very delicate will get lost on larger hands, making the ring look smaller. Round and square shapes work better on shorter fingers. An elongated shape such as an oval or marquise make shorter fingers look sleeker but be careful not to overdo the look.

The kinds of gems your significant other wears now will give you an indication of what looks good on her fingers.

Choose the Setting: After you've chosen your stone, next comes the setting. Since you’ve already decided on the type of metal, you’re almost done! Those notes that you took about her favorite jewelry style will come in handy now. If she likes a “busier” look, you might want to go with an engraved band. If she likes a simpler look, go with a simple band. The length of her fingers will give you an idea of how thick the band should be, the longer the finger the thicker the band, usually.

The setting of the gem is the final choice. There are three main settings: the solitaire, which features the single gem set on the band with a number of prongs (the less prongs, the less cluttered the look); a solitaire with sidestones built into the band; or the three-stone setting, which features the main gem surrounded by another gem on either side. The choice of setting is down to the type of style you think she's going to like and how much you're willing to pay.

Determine her Ring Size: There are a few ways to find out her ring size. Does she ever wear a ring on that finger? While she’s not wearing it you could take it to a jeweler to size it, or if you don’t have much time you can trace the inside of it on paper and take that to a jeweler for sizing.

Is she a heavy sleeper? Wrap a piece of paper or string around her finger and measure that. Once you've got the length you can check out our sizing chart to determine the ring size.

Get a Second Opinion: Once you’ve decided on the perfect ring, seek a second opinion from a trusted source. It could be your sweetheart’s mom, sister or friend - just make sure they can be trusted with your big secret. Getting advice from your future mom-in-law is a great way to bond and you’ll be getting premium insider information too!

Buy from a Quality Jeweler: Make sure you purchase from a reputable jeweler who offers a solid return policy. Make some calls, read their customer feedback, ask them a lot of questions. By going with "mom and pop" jewelers and avoiding the big chains you’ll get better service and quality, since many of the big retailers sacrifice quality for quantity.

Plan Ahead: Selecting the ring, ordering it and having it delivered will take time. Saving up to pay for it will take time too. And if you want to have it engraved, you’ll also need to factor that in. Get started early so that you’ll have plenty of time to do it right.

About The Author: Anita Marks from is a writer based in Washington state. She has written numerous articles about topics like online shopping, platinum wedding rings and platinum jewelry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anita_Marks

Diamond Engagement Rings: Should They Be Appraised And Insured?

An engagement ring is usually a very large investment for most of us. Therefore, it is recommended that the ring be appraised and insured. The appraisal can be done by a competent and qualified appraiser who works in the personal property field. This appraiser does not have to work independently of a jewelry store. They can be employed by a jewelry store and still perform appraisals for customers of the store and non customers. However, they must deliver an appraisal that represents the true market value of the jewelry and not necessarily the price paid in the store. Example: The store gives a customer a 10% discount on an item. The appraiser would then value the piece at the current market value (what a comparable item would sell for in the most common market) and not at the discounted price.

Some jewelers will sell a piece of jewelry for one price and then give you an appraisal for a much higher value. This practice, if not illegal, is certainly unethical and is frowned upon by all appraisal organizations. Anyone receiving an appraisal with a value that is extremely higher than what was paid for the piece should question the jeweler as to why this was done. If you buy insurance based on an inflated value then you will be over paying for your insurance. Most jewelry insurance is for Retail Replacement Value. This means that the insurance company is obligated to replace the item in like kind and quality. This does not mean that the insurance company will write you a check for the value stated on the appraisal. If you have a jewelry loss and choose to cash out, the insurance company will usually only pay you an amount equal to what they can replace the item for through their sources.

Most insurance companies do not require that an appraisal be from an independent appraiser although this is thought to be true by some in the industry. Assuming that you are insuring a diamond engagement ring the important factor for the insurance company is that it be accurately and completely described with the current market value. The appraisal should contain a reference to any Diamond Grading Report that might accompany the diamond, along with a complete description of the mounting into which the diamond is set. The insurance company will decide if they will insure the ring based on the description in the appraisal. Many insurance companies are now requiring that an appraisal be performed by a Graduate Gemologist with additional training in appraisal theory.

Most homeowner’s policies offer a jewelry coverage policy. You should check with your agent and ask what their requirements are. You should find out what they cover, and equally important, what they don’t cover. If you rent your home or apartment, it is possible to purchase a renter's policy which can also include jewelry coverage. It is not necessary to have a homeowner’s policy. If you rent a home you can still get insurance.

Also, Jewelers Mutual offers a jewelry policy. This policy is not connected to your home or your apartment. This company offers Replacement Value only (meaning that they will replace your property with like kind and quality). You can replace your items anywhere you choose, but it's usually done with the jeweler who you purchased the item from. You can speak to this company directly at 800-558-6411 and they will give you all the information that you need. Chubb Insurance Company also offers a jewelry policy. They offer insurance through independent insurance agents and some retail jewelers. Chubb allows for you to cash out with the amount shown on the policy. No deductible. You can get more information by calling 1 908-903-2000.

Jim Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser currently doing appraisals in Southeastern Pennsylvania http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Greene

Canadian Diamonds - Why You Should Buy Them Now

The last Northern gold rush occurred in the late-19th century in the Yukon when tens of thousands of prospectors made their way to Dawson City to find their fortunes. Since then, miners and oil workers have continued to seek wealth in the North. In the past decade, history has repeated itself with the discovery of diamonds in Canada's North.

Diamond exploration in Canada began in the 1960s, but major discoveries of diamond-bearing kimberlite ore did not occur until the 1990s. With the discovery of diamonds in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut in 1991, Canada has risen to become one of the top three diamond producers in the world in terms of value, behind Botswana and Russia. Currently, Canada produces 15% of the world's diamonds. According to Statistics Canada, 13.8 million carats of diamonds worth approximately $2.8 billion have been mined in Canada between 1998 and 2002. To put it in perspective, each day Canada produces one 1.5 kilogram bag of diamonds worth $1.5 million. It is hoped that the diamond mines will provide income for decades to come.

In 1991, the first diamonds were found at Point Lake near Lac de Gras in the Northwest Territories, some 300 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife. Soon after the initial find, two diamond mines were opened in this region, the Ekati and Diavik mines. Diavik is approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Ekati. A third diamond mine, Jericho-3, began production in 2005, in Nunavut. A fourth diamond mine, Snap Lake-4 in the Northwest Territories, should begin production in 2007.

The Jericho-3 mine is located near the north end of Contwoyto Lake in West Kitikmeot, Nunavut Territory (NT). It is operated by the Tahera Diamond Corporation, which has been exploring for diamonds in Nunavut for the past seven years. Operations will commence with an open pit mine, and despite the harsh climate, it is planned to operate year-round. It is currently projected that the mine and processing plant will have an 8-year life and employ a total of approximately 125 to 175 employees and contractors.

The majority of shares in the Ekati mine (80%) are owned by the Australian mining conglomerate BHP Billton. The remaining 20% are owned by prospectors Charles Fipke and Stewart Blusson. The Ekati Diamond Mine is the only diamond mine owned by BHP Billiton and produces nearly four per cent of current world diamond production by weight and six per cent by value. The mine is expected to be viable for 20 years.

The Diavik mine, located about 300 km (180 miles) north of Yellowknife, is owned by Britain's Rio Tinto PLC (60 per cent) and Toronto-based Aber Diamond Corp. (40 per cent). It employs 700 workers and produces 8,000,000 carats annually for total sales of $100,000,000 Cdn. The area was first surveyed in 1992, construction began in 2001, and diamond production started in 2003. It provides approximately 5% of world diamond production. The mine is also expected to remain in operation for 20 years.

The Snap Lake mine, owned by DeBeers and operated by DeBeers and AMEC consultants, is starting this year and is expected to remain in production for 20 more years. This mine is located under a lake and will be the first entirely underground diamond mine in Canada. DeBeers also owns the Victor mine, an open-pit diamond mine in a remote area in the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario, approximately 90 km west of the coastal community of Attawapiskat.

Canada's diamond industry has a world reputation for both quality and integrity. In recent years, there have been ethical problems with African diamonds, which can originate in unstable countries such as Sierra Leone and Angola where diamond sales fund terrorism, war and weapons sales. Canadian diamonds are traceable, as each one is etched on the girdle with a serial number as well as a microscopic Canadian logo such as a maple leaf or a polar bear as a trademark. The pictorial logos vary with the companies selling the diamonds.

Canadian diamonds, especially those from the Ekati mine, are high quality and extremely white. They're also fashionable, which was demonstrated when the Canadian teen singer Avril Lavigne attended the 2003 MTV Awards in New York wearing Canadian diamonds worth $50,000.

The mines provide high-income jobs with an average salary of $63,000, many of them permanent, not just the temporary make-work projects for which the Aboriginal communities of the Canadian north are well known. Almost 40% of the jobs are done by aboriginals. For instance, one diamond-cutting operation in the Northwest Territories is majority-owned by the Yellowknife Dene First Nation.

Some of the more specialized jobs, such as diamond cutting, are done by professionals from Armenia, Israel, China and Vietnam who earn salaries of more than $100,000. Many of the diamonds are cut and polished in facilities in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Matane, Quebec. Between 1998 and 2001, employment in the diamond mining industry in the North increased from 90 to 700 workers, with estimates of more than 2,000 jobs currently. Another 2,000 jobs are created in support industries for the mines and their workers. Diamond mining produces more than just diamond sales. It also funds many other activities such as construction, road-building, Arctic and sub-Arctic surveying and engineering projects.

Diamond fever in Canada's north shows no signs of abating, and an article in the Toronto Globe and Mail in February 2004 reported that prospecting companies have laid claim to more than 70 million acres in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The newspaper said the most dramatic increase in diamond prospecting is in Nunavut, where the number of prospecting permits grew to 1,518 in 2004 from just 190 in 2003.

Starting on Dec. 1, 2003, companies were given one month to apply for prospecting permits, resulting in long, round-the-clock lines at offices in Yellowknife and Iqaluit. There is a charge of 10 cents an acre to register a claim, $1.50 to $2 an acre to stake a claim. With 70 million acres involved, the cost of these claims is expected to generate up to $140,000,000 in government revenue even before the mines open. Prospectors desperate to finish filing their claims have even been known to drop claim stakes from helicopters in poorly-accessible areas.

An economic boom is occurring in the north as tradesmen move into the area to fill jobs in the mines. This has raised the cost of living in the north, which was high to begin with due to the cost of transporting food and other necessities to isolated northern communities. In such places as Yellowknife, a basement apartment can rent for as high as $1,500 a month.

In 1998, Yellowknife Mayor Dave Lowell said that the diamond rush might have saved his town from economic decline. "Quite simply, it is our future," Lowell said. "We'd be going into quite a recession if it wasn't for the diamond mine."

Author Bio
K Reimer enjoys writing www.diamonds-now.info
www.diamondzmall.com
www.qxt.com

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Buying A Colored Diamond Engagement Ring

The most famous diamonds in the world are colored diamonds so why shouldn't you have one in your engagement ring? You could get a yellow diamond like the Tiffany diamond or perhaps a blue like the Hope diamond. Another very popular color is pink. In fact, colored diamonds are becoming quite a trend among celebrities as well as everyday people.

Plus buying a colored diamond for your ring may be a better investment. Color diamonds have an amazing financial track record. In over 30 years, the value of colored diamonds has never decreased on wholesale level. In fact, the pink and blue diamonds have doubled every 5 years in a strong economy. If you have invested in a colored diamond you could make a killing, in fact a high quality blue diamond could go for $50,000 in the 1970s and that same In the 1970's stone would be worth between 2 and 3 million today!

While natural colored diamonds are quite expensive, gemologists have developed new ways to create versions that are affordable for the average person. They do this by treating the less desirable diamonds with irradiation followed by intense heat. This amazing process turns brown and yellowish diamonds into beautifully colored diamonds that you can afford. It can also produce stunning greens, blues, yellows, reds, purples and other colors. Although these colors are considered permanent, there is a possibility they could change during repairs if a high heat is used.

If you are shopping for an engagement ring with a colored diamond stone, you should probably assume that anything remotely affordable has been treated. If you are not sure ask about the stones origin and request to view a lab certificate to verify authenticity.

Another type of colored diamond that is affordable is a synthetic colored diamond. These are real diamonds that are grown in a lab. As they are grown, the natural coloring and process of diamond formation is simulated. Natural fancy color diamonds get their coloring from different trace elements like nitrogen and other minerals that are present in the stones. Lab created diamonds can be colored by exposure to radiation during its creation. An example of a diamond affected by radiation is a Green diamond.

Another way that a natural colored diamond gets color is by its inclusions. Interestingly enough, inclusions are regarded as flaws in a colorless diamond and are very undesirable, but in a colored diamond the inclusions give unique tones and brilliant flashes of color and are desirable.

When shopping for your engagement ring, remember that natural fancy colored diamonds are extremely expensive, and any colored diamond which is labeled to be sold as a natural colored diamond should be accompanied by a certificate from a respected grading lab verifying it as such.

Author Bio
Lee Dobbins is a jewelry designer and owner of Artisan Jewelry Online where you can find out more about handmade jewelry, diamonds and other gem stones.

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How To Care For Your Diamond Engagement Ring

Your engagement ring is a precious symbol of your eternal love. Something you wear every day no matter what you are doing. And because of this, your engagement ring can be subjected to harsh chemicals and activities. While it's true that diamonds are the hardest gem, they can become damaged if you are not careful. Learning how to properly care for your diamond ring can ensure that it really will last for eternity.

Through your everyday activities, your engagement ring can get smudged and soiled. Even
If you take them off when you do housecleaning and shower, they can collect dust. Soaps, lotions, and our natural skin oils, can cause film and grime which can dull the brilliance of your diamond engagement ring .

In order to keep your diamond looking sparkly and new you should clean it regularly. Regular cleaning will insure that the maximum amount of light can refract the stones fiery brilliance. To clean your diamond, you can use a small brush - an eyebrow brush is perfect. You don't really need any special chemicals, just make a bowl of sudsy water with soap or mild detergent and put your engagement ring in the water to soak. After a few minutes (or longer if it is really caked with dirt and grime) take the soft bristled brush and scrub the diamond in the suds.

Rinse the engagement ring thoroughly to remove all the soapy suds. Don't simply hold it in your fingers under the water or you might find yourself taking the drain apart to search for your ring! You can put the ring in a small strainer and run the water through that to make sure all the soap gets washed off. Finally, take a lint free jewelers cloth and pat the ring dry.

If your diamonds are really dirty, you may need something a bit stronger than soap and water. In this case, try a mixture of half water and half ammonia. Let the diamond ring soak for 30 minutes. Then gently brush them with a soft brush. Rinse and dry as recommended above.

You can also buy jewelry cleaning kits in almost any department store. These kits have everything you need - the solution and brush and are quite convenient as you can store them away and use them over and over again. Read the label to see if the kit is OK to use on your diamond engagement ring.

If you really want a super clean diamond you can try an ultrasonic cleaning machine. These machines use high-frequency to generate a cleaning motion. Every machine is not the same though, so read the instructions before using.

Caring for your engagement ring is not just about cleaning, there is a certain amount of maintenance you should provide. Be sure to take your diamond ring to a jeweler once a year. Have them check the mountings and prongs and make any needed repairs. This can prevent your diamond from coming out of its setting and getting lost.

When you are not wearing your engagement ring or if stones have become loose you should be stored it in a a fabric lined jewel case, or jewelers box where it can be kept separate from your other jewelry. Ideally, every piece should have its own compartment. This will keep the diamonds in your engagement ring from getting scratched as well as keep your diamond from scratching your other jewelry.

To take best care of your diamond engagement ring, remove it when doing physical work. Although diamonds are a very hard stone, they can be chipped and scratched easily. Also don't let your diamond to come into contact with bleach household cleansers which can damage the settings and mountings. These cleaners can even change the color of your setting or the diamond itself!

Your engagement ring is one of your proudest possessions and it is is essential to keep it brilliant and sparkling. The preferred cleaning method is up to you but between cleanings try not to touch the diamond with your fingers. This will help maintain its dazzling shine and brilliance for longer periods between cleanings.

Author Bio
Lee Dobbins is a jewelry designer and owner of Artisan Jewelry Online where you can find out more about handmade jewelry, diamonds and other gem stones.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com

The History of Rings

During the Medieval period is when rings became popular. All classes of people wore rings from the poorest to the richest. Rings were typically made of iron, copper, silver, and gold. The material of the ring worn usually indicated the class of the wearer. It wasn't until around the 14th century that faceted jewels appeared in rings.

Some cultures have rings typically associated with them. Cultures such as Native Americans use silver and turquoise in their jewelry. Early Christians used the Greek symbol, the Icthus, which resembles a fish. One of the best known is the Irish Claddagh that also has an intriguing story attached to it. Richard Joyce was among the crew of a fishing boat from the village of Claddagh, Ireland that was captured, he was to have been married that very same week. During slavery Richard Joyce was put to the trade of Goldsmith-ing. Through the years of capture neither married. Richard Joyce created a ring for his love with a heart for love, a crown for loyalty, and two hands.

After Joyce escaped capture, he returned to the village of Claddagh and was overjoyed to see his love again and to know she had never married. She always knew he would return to her. He gave her the ring that has become known as the Claddagh ring. If the Claddagh is worn on the right hand with the crown inward (toward the wrist) the heart is not yet committed. If it is worn on the right hand with the crown turned outward the wearer is committed to someone. Finally if it is worn on the left hand with the crown outward it means "Let our love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated."

Rings are worn for a variety of reasons including adornment. There are rings given as a reward for a job well done such as the Super Bowl victory. They are given to represent commitment as in engagements and marriages. Women religious to signify their commitment to God also wear rings.

Rings can be made of almost any material now. They can be made from plastic, silver, gold, or copper, even wood. They can be made of ceramic materials as well. They can be of simple design or something as intricate as filigree.

They can be plain and simple or they can be adorned with jewels or gemstones, as in the case of birthstone rings. There is a birthstone for each month of the year and each has its own meaning. See the listing below.

January - Garnet
The gem of faith and truth; protects from poisons, thought to stop bleeding, cure sickness of the blood and infections.

February - Amethyst
Aids soldiers in battle, control evil thoughts, helps hunters to catch animals, and helps the owner be good in business.

March - Aquamarine
Sailors used aquamarine to gemstones to keep them safe and to prevent seasickness. It gives the wearer courage, foresight and courage

April - Diamond
Symbol of strength, courage, and invincibility. It is the ultimate gift of love. In 1477 Archduke Maxmillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring, thus starting the tradition of diamonds being given as engagement rings.

May - Emerald
Sharpened the wearer's eyesight and mind. Travelers used them as protection against the hazards of long trips. The green color is said to give the owner power to predict the future.

June - Pearl
Freshwater pearls give the power of love, money, protection, and luck. It is said they give provide wisdom through experience and protect children from harm.

July - Ruby
Its red color is related to sex, passion, strength, health, physical energy, courage, and protection. It is associated with blood, birth, and death

August - Peridot
It is thought to bring the wearer good luck, peace, and success. Its powers include health, protection, and sleep. It attracts love, calms anger, eases anxiety and negative emotions

September - Saphire
Its powers include spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. It is said to aid in the healing of rheumatism, colic and mental illness

October - Opal
It has healing powers that aid inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight. It also aids in remembering past lives.

November - Yellow Topaz (Sanskrit for fire)
In the Middle Ages was thought to heal both physical and mental illnesses and prevent death. Citrine - also for November - Aids the kidneys, heart, digestive tract liver, and muscles. It promotes creativity, personal clarity and eliminates self-destructive tendencies.

December - Blue Topaz (Sanskrit for fire)
In the Middle Ages was thought to heal both physical and mental illnesses and prevent death. Turquoise - also for December - It attracts money, success, and love. It gives protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. It eases the mind and mental tension.


There are school rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, friendship rings and mothers rings (usually the birthstones of her children set on a band. The price range of rings can be anywhere from fifty cents (usually found in the toy machines you see in stores) to thousands of dollars and more or even higher.

Author Bio
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes Wedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

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Choosing the Right Engagement Ring For Valentines Day

Engagement rings are a symbol of a promise and a commitment for the future. They are highly romanticized and something that girls fantasize about, probably starting about the time they first notice boys. They will most likely change their mind more than several times, both about the boy they envision giving them the ring and about what the ring that symbolizes their engagement will look like.

Engagement fantasies are just that - fantasies; I can assure you that they are not thinking along the lines of what a discount ring, or even an affordable ring will look like. As they get older, their character and values will determine whether their fantasies are more towards marrying for love, or for status. It is a horrifying thought to know that the majority of marriages are somewhat of a business decision. I guess that would apply as well then, to the engagement.

Inexpensive engagement ring ideas may come to mind for the pure of heart who only fantasize about that the man of their dreams be wonderful and kind, and not necessarily worldly and successful. One of the main arguments that create conflict in a marriage is finances. If the man of your choice doesn't have unlimited financial resources at the time of his proposal, you may want to choose an affordable engagement ring.

Jewelers offer beautiful rings in all qualities, sizes and price range. It should not be difficult to find a ring to suit your taste and budget but if you are creative and can't find the ring of your dreams, another option would be to design your own ring and have it custom made.

One thing to ask the jeweler before choosing a ring is the grade of the diamond. Diamonds are graded and priced according to what is referred to as the four Cs for color, cut, clarity and carat weight.

Read everything you need to know about purchasing a diamond engagement ring and more.

Author Bio
Author is marketer for sites such as:
Valentines Day
www.healthresourcesonline.net/laser/

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College Class Rings

Since the times when rings were created, people have worn them for a great variety of reasons; they have been symbols of different events, things and feelings. The college class ring stands for one's unique accomplishment during university years and embodies a lifelong connection between a person, their classmates and university.

College rings have a long and rich tradition. They first appeared 150 years ago and were worn by the cadets of the U.S. Military Academy. These first college rings had a very strange design: a book with a sword driven through it, showing the class' contempt (this emblem was first used by Voltaire to express his hostility to the Bible). Later these rings were replaced by gold signet ones with the years of graduation and school insignia engraved. During the World War II college rings came into fashion all over the country and were worn by trendies from different American colleges. There also appeared a custom among students, who went out together, to exchange their rings (he put it on a finger, while she wore it around a neck). After the War most American universities picked up this tradition, what reinforced it and made it an American cultural mainstay.

Nowadays, being all the rage, college class rings are available in a great variety of designs and styles, s o you are sure to find a ring to your liking. You may choose an intricate and elaborate an elegant and handcrafted, or even an avant-garde ring either with a small, delicate stone or with a huge, shimmering gem . Besides, you may select from precious and non-precious metals. The most common of them are platinum, yellow or white gold, silver or lustrium. As regards metal finish some graduatesfavor Antique Finish (it shows the contrast between the fine detail of your ring and a dark background); others prefer Natural Finish (it accentuates the glint of your gold ring).

On the whole, college rings are divided into traditional, signet and fashion rings. Though regardless of the style, they all are usually studded with artificial or g enuine stones, and those can be ofa Facet or Smooth cut.

Depending on the gem and the cut you've chosen, there are various stone effects available. Encrusting rings are those with a symbol or a personal letter inscribed withgold, which is deeply embedded into your stone. It looks better on dark and only smooth gems. Encrusting can't be used with other effects such as Sundance or Astralight. Astralightrings give the illusion of a rainbow beneath the stone, while Sundance ringsgive the illusion of rays. The both latter effects can be found both on smooth and faceted gems.

You may also create a unique college class ring by engraving your personal information into the inside of it. The most common inscriptions are graduation year, degree, initials or full name. There are also Curriculum Panels available, which includes symbols of your curriculum or major.
There is a great variety of college class ring styles and designs on the market. You will definitely pick out a ring that will be an extension of who you are; a ring, that will express your individuality and reflect your personal features, and at the same time embodies the traditions and symbols of your university, making your experience last forever.

Author Bio
This article submitted by Mike Daniels, the jewelry industry specialist - www.jewelring.com

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