Once you have made the decision to buy a normal diamond ring for your engagement you’ll next want to know what features to pick. Cost, style, quality and practicality are the core issues. Because of these elements all of them have an impact on a relationship in its new most tender phase it is important to discuss those issues together as a couple.

What About The Style? You may think this a pretty silly question, but after you and your spouse begin thinking about the many different options you my find yourself overwhelmed with the different possibilities available to you.

Some are seductively simple: a heirloom ring from a relative Will the person wearing it feel weird because it’s so dated?. A typical raised, single prong, Tiffany diamond setting. (are you able to spend money for a big enough stone to balance out the actual style of the ring?).  A basic pre-designed choice from a standard jewelry store chain? It should look like a ring you never saw before. 

Investing some time to go over the style issues prior to going on a shopping trip is  a really great idea. Sit down together and do online searches: whether you go with amazon.By going to Google.com and searching for engagement rings you can find plenty of places to see rings. For sentimental types, consider asking relatives for family heirloom rings that could be used as your engagement ring or as part of the setting.

The process can be daunting and time-consuming but the first step should be after you have picked the style you prefer is to begin with a competent jeweler on stone selections, fittings and etc. At this point you must make choices regarding quality — not only of stones, but of manufacture.

Make sure that you take your time looking at sample pieces and select a few pieces at random from the store’s display cases. Make sure to check for poor finishing details, rough metal work, sloppy weld-work at fastening points, and loose or poorly set prongs. Unfortunately, it is a fact that the quality of jewelry produced in mass is not always what it should be. Second-rate workmanship is something you should not settle for.

Consider a badly mounted stone with shoddy prongs: they catch in everything you wear, scrape on furniture, rattle and distract you during conversations or meetings, and, then, at the end, flex just that little bit needed to lose your stone entirely. Workmanship will vary greatly so be sure took all types over carefully.

Practicality is a matter of how the wearer lives and behaves. A baker, constantly working with dough, or a potter, digging daily into slip and clay, may prefer jewelry safer than rings, such as a pendant. A tennis player might want a low-profile ring that couldn’t get hung up on rackets, snag in tennis balls, or twist into an uncomfortable position during a serve. An electrician needs to ascertain whether or not that metal will zap him when he touches it. These practical issues can make or break the joy felt in the ring.

Finally, cost. It is important that you not over-buy. Only plan on spending what you can comfortably afford – and the ring does not have to be flashy. There is always the option of a larger choice at a future big anniversary date. Being practical now will benefit your future. If you’re looking for something impressive but don’t want to spend a fortune, the right jeweler will be able to give value and sparkle at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Accept substitute stones! Some are even more beautiful than diamond! Don’t doom yourselves with overwhelming debt. A sound marriage can overcome many difficulties, but a wise marriage avoids them when possible.

For more please see antique diamond solitaire engagement rings and unique princess cut diamond engagement rings.

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The simplest, most honest answer to the question of how to tell a real diamond from a fake is “get a professional to test the diamond.” With new better fake diamonds available, it is more and more difficult to identify a real diamond even for a professional with a jewelers’ loupes.

That said there are some rules of thumb. If you purchase an already set diamond, look at the bands metal stamp (10k, 14k, 18l, Pl, ect), as using a precious metal band increases the chances that the ring’s creator used a real stone as well.

You can closely watch and observe the corners, edges and girdle-band of the cut stone, with the help of a handy magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe Soft, rolled edges indicate a fake. So does a clear, waxy-smooth girdle at the place of meeting and changing direction of facets around the stone’s belly.

Likewise use the loupe to look into the stone for flaws: minor flecks, inclusions, tiny fractures. It’s hard to replicate these features, which are naturally occurring and very elaborate at the microscopic level. Natural diamonds are most valuable when they have the fewest flaws; unfortunately minor flaws, which are often allowed through, cannot be easily spotted by an amateur.

Generally, weight may be utilized as a normal indicator for those types of things. Simulated diamonds have a significantly different weight than an authentic diamond; cubic zirconium is much heavier. You need a precision scale and few genuine diamonds to be able to compare them.

Never try to scratch glass using your diamond. Any metals present could be affected by any testing that utilizes acids. Don’t give in to your curiosity and try to smash a diamond because it will crush because it is a crystalline material.    If it is a diamond, and you breath on it, the moisture will disappear too fast for you to see it; whereas, with a fake, it won’t. Thats a small hint, no more, and its far from fail proof. Be careful about composition diamonds, which have a base of one material and a table top made of diamonds, this will pass a diamond tester, but be relatively worthless.

Again, the very best way to tell a fake from a real diamond is to allow a professional to provide a serious appraisal. You must not only choose your jewelers but also ask for documentation of each gem. Each stone is unique and the documentation can go a long way to establish your stone.. A professional jeweler, working with trustworthy sources, would be dependable, helpful, and capable of ensuring you an absolute grade of appraisal.

Although chain jewelry stores are reputable firms, you may wish to consult a gemological laboratory when you desire an independent appraisal. These example businesses show the positive aspects of mass production and distribution as well as the negative aspects. These stores are usually well run and honest, but what they lack is training and expertise.

After you’ve found an appraisal service by searching online or in the yellow pages, make sure you thoroughly vet the assessor by looking at his or her experience, licensing and background. The good indications of skill are a Licensed jeweler, a good journeyman in a traditional program  and a dealer who has been dealing with stones previously.

Request that you be allowed to observe the testing of any stone you bring in. (to avoid swapping by dishonest jewelers). In the event you are turned down, you should go right out of the store. If buying a stone, ask for full documentation. And whatever you do, know that the challenge of identifying real diamond has become difficult enough to make even pros think twice and look three times.

For more please see 3 stone cushion cut engagement rings and diamond princess cut ring antiques.

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Your question is welcome and many people do not understand how many options are there for selecting engagement rings. People are so accustomed to a single assumption that they seldom look beyond the basics.

Just because a couple is thrifty and desires to save money to be invested elsewhere in their marriage, it doesn’t mean that the choice of an engagement ring need be humdrum.  Thinking outside the traditional can often mean finding a ring that will introduce symbolism into their special relationship, romance and even something novel that will be the envy of their friends. 

The choices break down into three categories, if you are going to have a ring at all. You are able to choose a ring without a stone: a simple band that is able to harmonize with a wedding band, perhaps even engraved with meaningful words to you, or embossed with a pattern that goes along with and coordinates with your choices of wedding bands.

As these are simply bands, they can be examined along with wedding sets, you can mix and match, you can duplicate, turning a single band into a double band when you are done.  Most original designers would love the opportunity to design a dual band set, and this will likely save you money which could go toward the stone.

If you choose a stone, the remaining two choices are to go with some form of stone or synthetic that looks like diamond, or simply lighting out for the unknown country and finding a stone that suits you perfectly, both as individuals and as a couple.

Stones that are commonly used as diamond substitutes include the very popular cubic zirconium, which is heavier than diamond though it wears less well and can discolor over time. It remains the single most popular diamond substitute available, it wears well overall, and is beautiful.

The cubic zirconium costs less than the moissanite, an exquisite synthetically made stone relative to a gem found in the heart of a meteorite. The stone is twice as brilliant and slightly harder than diamond. (although this factor may increase the diamond’s beauty, it could also lead to identification for people whose preference is a diamond’s muted fire)leading some people to feel that it has a faint greenish tinge. It is mostly a persons own style which dictates the pros and cons of Moissanite.

Used as a diamond substitute for over a hundred years are white sapphires. The white sapphire is a beautiful stone in itself and the beauty of it is it can be cut just like a diamond but one must be aware that it is softer and less durable.

If you want to consider stones outside the diamond look-alike field, then there are no limits besides those you set for yourself. Stones such as rubies, sapphires, jade are used a substances because of there strength and hardness. These elements are good to consider because the ring will be worn for a long period of time.

A color that goes well with the range of colors often worn is wise. The entire world of fine stones can open for you beyond that. How about looking at a star sapphire or ruby, another choice of carborundum, as possible choices. Naturally. It is a very elegant alternative to a standard faceted stone. Jade which has been carved and set in gold is a great option don’t you think? Jade offers a wide variety of colors and it will last forever.

Engagement rings come in as many different styles as you can imagine. This is your ring — yours and your love’s. If you think of spending much money on diamonds, just start discussing the several types of diamonds that are available.

For more please see pear shaped diamond solitaire engagement rings and three stone princess engagement rings.

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Even though there are many different cuts available for engagement rings, most couples choose to stick to just a few popular ones.

An engagement ring, which must look appropriate under many circumstances, be safely set and stable even when worn under working conditions, is often a simple stone, or at most a trio of stones with minor chips as embellishment. The restrictions of a single stone in a safe setting, or a triad of stones similarly safely mounted, all intended to be suitable to nearly any event, means that choices tend to favor simple, elegant cuts that can be securely mounted, and which provide strong visual elements even when along in a minimal setting.

The round cut stone has always been one of the most popular through the times. As it sounds, a round cut diamond is said to be the brightest cut, have the most fire and takes advantage of all of the facets on the diamond. Round cuts in what are often called “Tiffany settings” or raised prong settings, are the classic idea of an engagement ring: a single stone floating just above the band of the ring, with maximum exposure of the stone to light. A good round stone can look great in a Tiffany setting. There are few places to hide a small, muddy, stone.

The long rectangle often called an emerald cut, as it is very popular for those lush green stones, is another well-loved cut. Less flashy than the round cut, but with great dignity and plenty of room to show off a large stone, an emerald cut provides an unusual and exceptionally stately option. A square cut stone, the Princess cut, is also able to securely give a stable, cube, look with fair fire. Linear cuts aren’t dangerous as long as they’re mounted correctly with the corners guarded by and the sides secured by prongs.

One diamond that is very flexible from a design standpoint is the cushion cut diamond, it merges well with different stones, can balance both the shine and glitter of round cut diamonds with most of the dignity and grace of linear cut diamonds. A cushion cut stone is square or slightly rectangular, with rounded off corners.

Pear cut, or tear drop diamonds are too beautiful, but the uneven balance of the form is more difficult to utilize in a stable and ordinary setting. A solitary stone unless placed in a very carefully designed setting can look lopsided and out of balance — and many of the design choices that can make a pear cut diamond a delight do not mesh well with the hoped for eventual wedding ring. These beautiful gems might be more appropriate for necklaces, earrings, or rings that are designed to work alone rather that together with a wedding ring. 

The Marquise style, looks like an elongated eye-shaped cut slightly oval but with points at either end, is generally used in settings that have multiple stones. A particularly beautiful setting is a central marquise cut diamond or stone surrounded by triangular trillion cut stones.

Although there are certainly other gems, these are the most traditional and popular choices and come in a variety of gorgeous settings.  If you master these few cuts, you have the basic knowledge of most classical engagement ring design.

For more please see cheap princess cut diamond engagement rings and emerald cut solitaire engagement rings.

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Do you agonize over selecting the right ring?

There’s nothing to be ashamed in this. Much insight is needed to pick out the perfect engagement ring. If you don’t plan things out well, you can find yourself facing fiscal problems, personal problems, or just seemingly endless hassles.

So — how do you choose an engagement ring?

Make plans ahead of time as to the amount you can afford to spend. Some people say that the cost of a ring needs to be in the ,000 to ,000 range or equivalent to two months wages, but you should not let yourself be subjected to other people’s expectations.

These are false standards, the first an imaginary figure first set by the De Beers diamond company in the early decades of the 20th century when they learned they had more diamonds than they had people who wanted them. This company put together a landmark program that not only let them sell millions of diamonds. they also say that that is the only acceptable stone for engagement, but to this day they still charge more then what the stone is really worth.

The costs can be tremendous especially when you are involving wedding planners and designers, add on the jewelers and other professionals, such as journalists and it can really begin to add up. You don’t need to worry about what other people are spending, just take your own situation into account.

Decide for yourselves, together, where the primary spending on your marriage should go. People spend way too much money on wedding rings, money that could be used instead to help provide a new couple with a secure future.

On the other hand, if you just can not resist and have the financial coverage, a top of the line unique diamond is a prime way to spend your money. Have a clear picture of what you want before you begin the process and don’t allow the jewelers to sway you in your decisions if it appears that the benefits are more for them than you.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t have trust in your jeweler. If you choose a respectable, recognized professional jeweler then you have found a strong ally. To get the best deal, superb stones and options beyond your imagination, speak openly and frankly with him or her. Before walking into the store, you have to think through what you want in terms of price, style, quality and appearance. The case is different from that raised in the same place with a poor barber to just say “cut.” Your choice of a marriage partner today will be with you long into the future.

There are programs on the internet that can teach you the elements of style and stone. You can get a solid background to speak from with a few nights spent performing searches on stones, styles of rings, and designer jewelers. No need to fake: do not ever pretend you have more knowledge than you really do. But don’t make the mistake of knowing nothing. You can’t expect him to make the ring you want when you aren’t even sure what design you like yet.

Don’t make the mistake of rushing the process of the diamond buying, with the help of your partner and jeweler you should be able to pick a beautiful style all your own that is comfortable to wear and you are proud to show off.

For more please see emerald cut diamond engagement rings and cushion cut solitaire engagement rings.

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The first step in successfully buying an engagement ring is picking out the one that you like the most. What do you want? The best sparkle? biggest? Best clarity? Or the highest quality? Factors such as those mentioned can impact your choices in engagement rings that you select to buy.

The first choice may actually be the setting. There are two main ways for this. A wide array of settings designed by professional jewelers is available for you to choose from. A lot of these traditional versions only change a bit from maker to maker.

Almost everyone will feel these timeless pieces are excellent choices for their rings. It doesn’t matter whether you select a plain raised prong setting (often called a Tiffany setting) You can shop for the perfect ring from our selection of designs online, including 3-stone settings with a large stone and two side stones for a more dramatic piece.

If you want a more original piece you need to consider jewelry designers, rather than just jewelers. Friends can give you recommendations, you may also look in the phone book, do an online search, or by visiting high end jewelery stores or craft shows.

Unlike a salesperson or someone who simply repairs jewels, a truly professional jeweler knows all about jewelry designing. At the center of jewelry design should be things such as the materials, strength, safety for the stone. Sadly these aspects are rarely considered.

Once you have decided on a setting, it is time to start considering a stone. Both purchases do not have to be the same. It is emotionally important to many people to continue family tradition by using a relative’s ring in a new marriage so a jeweler can help you keep the stone in a new, improved setting combining the old and the new. 

Work with a good jeweler if you would like a new diamond or if you need a new diamond. Compared to all the parts of buying an engagement ring, this is what is most likely to trouble the inexperienced buyer. Matters of preference regarding cut, clarity and carat often arise: is an unmarred, but less sparkling, stone more important than a bigger one with a few imperfections or would you prefer a more diminutive, yet flawless, stone? Would you be wiser to select a stone that has some color to it? What’s the best style?

A trained , serious jeweler is sought who regularly deals in diamonds. You should call jewelry store and schedule an appointment to view stones.  You should also indicate that you wish to receive a basic education in selecting a piece of jewelry that is right for you or your partner. Ask to see a wide array of choices and warn the jeweler that you may have questions.

A skilled jeweler should not resent this approach. Yes, a reputable jeweler will concur with you knowing and adhering to your own established limits. Before purchasing a diamond you should have a jeweler assess the value of it just as you would with a building.

Just because you can’t afford the price of a high quality diamond, remember that you can celebrate this love with a stone of a lesser quality or even a diamond substitute.  Perhaps for a later anniversary, when you have the money and the years in the relationship, you’ll be able to upgrade it to something even more special, to celebrate the years of your great love.

For more please see antique cushion cut engagement rings and unique emerald cut diamond engagement ring.

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In their most natural form, Diamonds are – well – quite ugly. They have no luster or shine, and in fact, look like nothing more than broken glass. A diamond must be cut, and then polished before it actually becomes a thing of beauty.

Gems are cut with saws, into round shapes. From the rounded shape, other shapes may be cut, such as heart shapes – but the shape is less important than the quality of the cutting that is being done. If the diamond is poorly cut, it will lose light, and it will not sparkle and shine very well. Each facet of the diamond must be carefully cut into the geometrical shapes that allow the diamond to sparkle and shine, then the entire diamond is cut into a specific shape, such as an emerald cut or a princess cut diamond.

Once the cut is done, the diamond is put into a dop, which resembles a cup with another diamond – only a diamond is strong enough to smooth the edges of another diamond. Once the diamond has been cut and shaped, and had the edges smoothed in the dop, it is polished on a scaif or a diamond polishing wheel.

Choosing The Cut of A Diamond

There are many different cuts of Diamond Gems to choose from. The cut essentially refers to the shape that the diamond is cut into – unless you are in the diamond or jewelry business, but this shape has a great impact on the much the diamond sparkles. 

The most popular cuts are heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess, round, trillion, and emerald cuts. The shape has an impact on how much the diamond sparkles, but the actual cutting itself – when the diamond cutter actually cuts the diamond into a particular shape – also matters a great deal. If the diamond is poorly cut, it will lose its sparkle. 

However, in the diamond industry, the cut of a diamond doesn’t refer to its shape at all. Instead, this is a reference to the stone’s depth, width, brilliance, durability, clarity, and other aspects of the diamond. Common cutting problems include a missing or off center culet, misalignment, a diamond that is too thick or too thin, cracks, or broken culets. 

When shopping for a diamond, you should of course choose the shape that you like the best, but then look at several different Diamonds of that shape to find the one with the best cut – the one that sparkles the most, in all types of lighting.

For more please see unique cushion cut engagement rings and asscher cut solitaire engagement rings.

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The most traditional answer to the question of how much to spend on an engagement ring is: how much can you afford, and how much is it worth to you and your fiancé?

An engagement ring is, for many, a vitally important symbol of their coming marriage. This is an investment in a new family’s property and in themselves. Some people consider it an investment in the brides future; it is one expensive possession that will belong to her no matter what the outcome is. Some may find diamonds useless and dangerous, something that only old time beliefs require. Couples can differ on what constitutes an affordable engagement ring.

The oft quoted rule that a diamond should cost two months of income started as an ad campaign for De Beers, and De Beers has worked the hardest to make a diamond the standard stone for wedding rings. Engagement rings were not required before De Beers increased the value of mined diamonds. 

When you are aware of that, you can make better decisions as a couple about the important aspects of a ring. If the first point for both is a combination of investment for the family and security for women, may be a more appropriate value in a ring that De Beers’ two months’ salary.

You can spend substantially more on an investment piece. If the ring is primarily a symbol of loving intentions and faith, then as little as 100 dollars on a relatively precious stone or a nicely simulated diamond can be fully satisfying for everyone that is involved.

Compare the current prices of stones and gold to the price you are willing to pay for the ones you want to purchase. A quick Internet search will turn up at least one of these.

Your ring is likely to be marked up well beyond those base prices, but knowing the cost of materials gives you a better idea of what is being charged for design, labor, and merchandising. 

The selection of the right diamond solitaire has different criteria for every couple, and there are many choices available.  What you spend is secondary to what you want to achieve with your purchase. The right amount to pay for the ring is simply the actual value of it.

A person must decide how much they are willing to spend on a ring, any ring that is too expensive for the benefit you wish to receive is wrong for you.

For more please see cheap emerald cut engagement rings and affordable princess cut rings.

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There is much to consider when purchasing a Diamond Gem – especially Diamond Gem engagement rings! The tradition of presenting a woman with a Diamond engagement ring when proposing began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian presented a Diamond Gem ring to Mary of Burgundy – and in most cases, the woman you plan to propose to will expect a ring to accompany that proposal!

First, determine how much ring you can afford. Most 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. You should consider financing. Simply 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.

Now, have your mother, sister, or your girlfriends 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 isn’t happy with it!

Caring for a Diamond takes more than occasional cleanings. Diamond Gems~Diamond Gem Gems~Gems} are forever, but they can be damaged if you are not careful. By learning how to properly care for your Diamond Gem, you will ensure that your Gem is indeed forever.

First, you should take your Diamond jewelry to a jeweler once a year. Have him check the mountings and prongs that hold your Gem in place. Have him make any needed repairs. This will prevent your Gem from falling out of its setting and becoming lost.

Gem jewelry that is not being worn, or Diamond Gems~Diamond Gem Gems~Gems} that are loose should be stored in a fabric lined jewel case, or in a jewelry box where it can be kept separate from other jewelry. Each piece should have its own compartment. This will keep Gems~Diamond Gems~Gems} from becoming scratched, and it will also keep your Diamond from scratching other jewelry as well.

Remove your Gem jewelry when doing physical work. Gems~Gem Gems~Gems} can be chipped and scratched easily. Also avoid allowing your Gem to come into contact with bleach or other household cleansers – this can damage or change the color of the settings and mountings, and it may even irreversibly change the color of the Diamond Gem!

For more please see cushion cut diamond rings and vintage engagement rings in emerald cut.

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