engagement

September 26, 2010

Is Platinum Better Than White Gold For An Engagement Ring?

We’ll start with 14k and 18k gold. Both of these metals are perfect for engagement rings. Both of these gold alloys are much less expensive than platinum. 14k gold, whether it be yellow or white, has a 58.33% gold content and the rest of the alloy is other harder metals such as nickel, copper, palladium or zinc. On the other hand, 18k gold, whether it be white or yellow has a gold content of 75% with the rest of the metal or alloy mixture being other hard metals. So, 14k gold, whether it be white or yellow, is harder than 18k gold, therefore, being a more secure choice for diamond engagement rings. Platinum on the other hand is very rare and it’s the hardest (60% more dense than gold) jewelry metal and is ideal for platinum halo engagement ring.

Platinum is much stronger, heavier and more expensive than gold. Platinum won’t tarnish, however it will scratch overtime just like gold so it may need to be re-polished. Platinum is not only expensive due to its rarity, hardness and shine, it’s also expensive because it takes an extremely skilled craftsman to work it. Platinum is the best choice of metal if the platinum halo engagement rings setting is holding a big center diamond, however you can have a 14k gold ring setting made with a platinum head to hold the center diamond. All three of these metals have been used for decades as ring settings. As a jeweler I’ve had the pleasure of overseeing a jewelry repair department so over the years I’ve seen a few rings returned for repair. If it was a ring they were returing, it was usually an 18k gold ring with a little accent diamond or diamonds that had fallen out.

My educated guess is the 18k gold alloy was not hard enough. And let me tell you, women don’t like to part with their platinum diamond engagement rings for a repair. Both 14k and 18k white gold diamond rings will need to be rhodium plated over time and this depends on how much the ring is worn by the lucky lady. Rhodium plating keeps the metal looking white, this is not expensive at all. Don’t fret, sometimes for a gold ring to tarnish, it will take years of wear. I’m talking about high quality gold alloys. All in all, it’s up to you, the shopper, these three metals have been used for decades and in some cases centuries for engagement ring settings. For those savvy shoppers, here’s a tip – a 14k white gold engagement ring setting with a platinum head could be the best choice.

Rhodium has properties somewhat similar to platinum, however this plating will wear off. You will need to get the white gold replated about every 12-24 months. There are some people who don’t mind the natural look of white gold so they never need to get it replated, however most people prefer the whiter look. This is very inexpensive, but the ring will be out of your hands for at least a few days. Platinum gets it fame from being the most durable metal out there. Platinum is very resistant to damage – it will literally last a lifetime. It is also a dense metal which means it is heavier than white gold. Unlike white gold, Platinum does not need to be plated with anything. You will never have to take it in for replating. It does requite polishing from time to time though, otherwise it can get a “matte” or somewhat dull look to it. Some people also feel platinum starts to get a greyish look until is is polished. Platinum is gonna cost you about three times as much as white gold. It is a rarer metal which is why you can expect to fork out more cash for it. I don’t like to recommend one over the other, as it can depend on the person. In terms of looks, I think they are equally beautiful. You have to look at what is important to you.

Filed under Womens World by

Permalink Print

September 23, 2010

Diamond Ring Trends

Typically, halo diamond engagement rings can be a perfect symbol to those who engaged to each other. Also implies many representations like love forever, sincerity, and fidelity. The perfect part of the couples wedding is that, when they exchange diamond rings to each other. And it is sign that they are bind forever and that no one can ever divide them. Why diamond is the perfect ring for your wedding? Because it is the most elegant ring that mostly every one of us especially woman would set as a treasure and that would cherish them forever. What is good to it is that you can choose the styles and designs you want.

Let’s take a look at the hot engagement ring trends for 2010. Diamond Eternity Rings Grow In Popularity: An eternity ring is characterized by it’s lack of a single dominant diamond that is featured, but rather has multiple gems set within the band. A much more subtle choice for an engagement rings, the rising popularity has much to do with sky rocketing costs for precious metals. Gold, white gold, and platinum have undergone a spike in prices, gold breaking $1100 an ounce recently. With the rising costs of gold raising the costs of your typical diamond ring, people are opting to purchase symbol over diamond quality. Custom Ring Designs: Another emerging wedding ring trend for 2010 is custom designed rings. Distinctive wedding rings are becoming increasingly popular. People are returning to the symbolic roots in their wedding ring purchases, and the popularity of buying unique diamond engagement rings is showing a strong growth. Purchasing a halo setting engagement ring declares your love, your relationship and your future as unique and valuable. The only surprise in this trend is that it has taken so long to build steam outside of the expensive ring community. Now, many local jewelers are offering custom ring cuts and designs that can meet the growing demand.

Commonly luxurious halo style engagement rings are made up of gold and platinum. But due to the constant price cost of these elegant materials, there are now solutions to this. An alternative material that the weight is just light like titanium is more economical. It looks the same with those who are expensive. And it is slowly becoming the trend of today. Whatever kind of ring you are looking for, you just need to ask for the experts in this field, so that you will not become a victim of smugglers or swindlers.

In recent times the market for men’s jewellery has grown considerably and there has been a growing request for men’s rings. This new trend shows how times are changing in the jewellery world. The trend for men’s engagement rings is certainly a development of the new generation, years ago men would not always choose to opt for a wedding ring let alone an engagement ring. This new trend signifies how times are changing. The latest generation of men are much more accustomed to wearing jewellery and therefore it would seem unusual to not exchange rings at the wedding. The idea of the rings is to symbolise mutual love and commitment between the couple. The want to symbolise this through rings earlier into the relationship is becoming more and more popular.

Filed under Womens World by

Permalink Print

Pre-Set Proposal Rings Are Inexpensive

After a lot of research both online and in jewelry shops, you finally manage to get your hands on a cheap preset engagement ring that actually does not look cheap. Great! But before you actually make the purchase, make sure you are not getting into a rotten deal. The first thing that you should check when you buy a cheap ring is the place you are buying from. If you are buying the ring from a local jewelry shop, make sure the shop has a good name. If you are buying the ring from a pawn shop or estate sale, make sure you know a friend or a relative who has bought something from there. If you are making an online purchase, you need to ensure that the jewelry website is credible. For this, you can go through online reviews of jewelry websites. Secondly, make sure you ask the jeweler to show you a certificate declaring the originality of the metals and gemstones used in the ring. Even if you are buying a cheap ring, it does not mean you can throw away your money. It does not look good if your fiance finds out later in life that the ring you gave her was imitation. To avoid the embarrassment, make sure you know what you are dealing with. If you come across a cheap engagement ring that is really low in cost but the jeweler is telling you that the metal and gemstones used in its making are real, you need to raise an eyebrow.

A ring that is perfect in every way will not be dirt cheap. So if you come across a ring that is, make sure the jeweler is not lying to you about its originality, or worse, the ring may have been stolen from someone. There is no need to buy an expensive engagement ring if you can get a good one at a more affordable cost. There are actually quite a few places where you can buy preset engagement rings for cheap. Go Online Shopping: There are several websites that sell affordable engagement rings. You can find these sites using any search engine. A visit to one of these sites will show you how varied the available styles are. Take due note of the prices. Now go to other sites. Look for similarly styled rings and compare the costs. Check Local Jewelry Stores: Take a look at what they have to offer. Compare the rings with what you have seen online. If you see a ring you like but it is too costly, ask if you can make changes to it. If you do not like the side accent stones, ask if it can be removed. This may lower the cost. You can also go to pawn shops and other jewelry retailers. In terms of payment options, you should pay in cash.

Another best way to get cheap pre-set engagement rings is to select cheaper metals for your ring. Always remember if you want to save money on your ring then you must avoid platinum or yellow gold. You must select silver rings. Silver are not very popular option for engagement but a sterling silver embedded with pearl will definitely stun your lady. Always remember that silver is not durable but it is a perfect option for those couples who want to save money on their rings. You can also save money on your ring by selecting less expensive stones such as topaz, sapphire, emerald and ruby in stead of diamond. Always remember that diamond is one of the most precious gemstones but it is very expensive and you must never go for diamond ring if you are looking for engagement rings for cheap prices. You can also buy designer engagement rings for your lady. These engagement rings are really very affordable and are the perfect gift for engagement. By presenting designer engagement rings you will surely make you lady feel unique and special.

Best and Most Creative Marriage Proposals: Take your special someone on a hot air balloon ride. As you watch the scenery below, propose to her. To make it more romantic, do it at sunset, and bring a bottle of wine too. For something more adventurous, take her out skydiving. When you get down, ask her to give you a hand in getting out of the parachute. When she does, present her the ring. You can also propose while on a chopper ride over the Grand Canyon. Spend the day rafting. Afterward, say you can only weather the stormy waters of life with her. Show her the ring and pop the question. As you can see, there are numerous ways you can propose to your special someone. By being equally creative when it comes to buying an engagement ring, you can savor this moment without worrying about how much you spent.

Filed under Womens World by

Permalink Print

September 19, 2010

The Best Way To Pop The Question To The Girl Of Your Dreams

So, you already found the girl of your dreams and now you wanted to bring the relationship to the next level. But you have no idea how to propose in a very special way. Remember the key to a successful proposal is timing and halo engagement rings. You have to know the perfect time and place to say it. Be mindful that every woman is unique and this is one event in their lives that needs to be perfect. So here are some ideas on how you can actually pop the question.

Examples of innovative ways to propose to your girlfriend. Sometimes, a romantic proposal with a split shank halo engagement ring will determine the answer of your girlfriend to your proposal. This is the reason why it is vital that you do it right. Finding the right way to propose is very easy to do. This is assuming that you know your girlfriend and her interests. For example, if your girlfriend is the type of person who likes to go to sporting events, having the words “will you marry me” on the big screen will have a big effect.

Taking your girlfriend out for a romantic trip and proposing with a round halo engagement ring during the trip is another way to do it while she is having a good time. For example, you and your girlfriend go to an Alaskan cruise, and while on the main deck looking at the stars during a clear night you go down on one knee and ask her to be your wife. Combining an unforgettable vacation along with a memorable moment will guarantee that she will never forget that day for the rest of her life. Women want this moment to be truly memorable. If you think that there are no new ways to ask your girlfriend to spend the rest of their life with you, you are wrong. It only requires a little effort and a lot of preparation on your part.

Marriage proposals made over a romantic dinner at an elegant restaurant can be very romantic but they are not necessarily creative. Many women dream about the day that the man of their dreams proposes to them and hope that the day will be absolutely perfect in every way imaginable. In a recent study the majority of married women reported that they believe that their spouse spent a significant amount of money on their wedding proposal but that the lack of originality in the proposal had left the women feeling disappointed. One creative way to propose for a couple involved in a long distance relationship is to plan a surprise visit and set up a scavenger hunt. You could have a friend pick you up from the airport so that your girlfriend doesn’t know that you are coming to visit and have the friend give your girlfriend instructions for the scavenger hunt. You could hide a number of small surprises such as candy, flowers and a CD as the first few stops on the scavenger hunt and then hide at the final location poised to propose when your girlfriend completes the game.

Filed under Womens World by

Permalink Print

August 12, 2010

The Latest News About Diamond Rings

So you could have found the woman of the dreams? She is far more wonderful than Helen of Troy whose beauty launched thousands of ships. Wow! Awesome is her beauty like the goddesses in mount Olympus. Surely you may be thinking that the male gods are jealous with you mainly because you may have the girl any man and any gods would like to have. To ensure that is your poetic description about the woman that you are going to marry. Okay! You are surely in love.

The next point you might do would be to propose for a marriage with your bride to be. In short, you’ll have your engagement. Of course, engagement will not be complete without an engagement ring. The most typical and the most appropriate engagement most people from the medieval until towards present time would pick is a diamond engagement ring. So you got it right? I know most guys would do everything to find the top engagement ring for her lady. This is just natural for men.

For those who have a friend who can be a jeweler he or she will be the correct person to ask help from. But you will discover certain things that should help you in acquiring the very best jeweler. Actually, to tell you frankly the word “best” differs from other people. Which is why you will need to know the real meaning from the word “best” for you and your lady.

Here are steps that should assist you to in discovering the best diamond ring for the lady:

Step one:

The heart shaped diamond engagement rings are the very best and most elegant option for marking the impending union of a couple. The romantic shape of the ring is both unusual and instantly recognizable. But the couples need to extremely careful whilst selecting a heart shaped ring since it can be important to note the characteristics that make the ring valuable. Also the users really should know how to protect the delicate shape.

Budget here plays a huge role in obtaining the very best diamond ring for you personally and your lady. When you have a lot of money, you can certainly have bought essentially the most expensive. But usually keep in mind not all costly diamond rings are the very best rings. Again, it depends on the meaning from the word “best” to you.

Step two:

You need to not just examine towards price, you must also look at to the services that the jewelry shop offers you. It is critical that you ask some of the married good friends about some from the beneficial stores that may assist you.

You may want to find out additional information at this site to do with Antique Cushion Cut Diamond and Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings.

Filed under Jewelry, Watches & Diamonds by

Permalink Print

How To Choose A Diamond Ring

Most men are just as nervous about selecting paladium engagement rings as they are about popping the big question. If the ring is not everything she imagined there is worry she will have doubts about the marriage or the man asking her hand in marriage. If it isn’t the right style for her tastes and personality then she may not fall in love with it the way he wants her to. There is a lot at stake here! If you are about to pop the question and need some guidance selecting a ring she will absolutely adore, consider some fast tips: 1. Quality counts more than size. So many men shop for rings with one thing on their mind: size. There is a cultural assumption that the size of the ring is a measure of the size of the love between a couple. This is entirely untrue and of course, quite silly. Yes, many women do look for size when comparing rings with others, but quality is also noticed.

But this does not mean that you must spend lot of your money in the ring. But you must make sure that your ring must convey that you can do anything for her and you will keep her happy forever. Hence before buying your ring you must make sure that the ring is worthy for your lady. Personality of your lady: If you are looking for your engagement ring then it is very important to keep in mind the personality of your lady. Make sure that the ring which you have selected for her must suit her personality. Remember you can find variety of palladium engagement rings in the market and all the rings can differ in their personality. If she is ladylike woman then you must go for a petite one.

You may also notice that she likes smaller sized pieces or that there is nothing too big for her interest. You can also ask her close friends and relatives as they may know what type of jewelry she usually likes. Use this information to steer your palladium engagement ring selection. 3. You should never purchase an engagement ring prior to thoroughly researching the jeweler. Unless you are shopping for engagement rings from a jeweler that was referred from someone you absolutely trust, make sure to research the jeweler prior to making your purchase. You want to ensure that they have not had any complaints against them with the Better Business Bureau and that there aren’t a lot of negative reviews and commentary posted online. You also want to look for signs that the company has a long history of selling engagement rings of very high quality and at reasonable prices. Knowing the market in terms of quality standards and price ranges will further ensure that you get the best deal possible on an engagement ring that is perfectly suited to the love you share with your fiance!

The most commonly chosen metal is gold, 18 k or better is preferred however; there are those who enjoy the look of silver and so prefer white gold or platinum engagement rings. Again, this is where personal choice comes into play, though the cost of a platinum setting is considerably higher than gold or white gold. Specialty Rings: Everyone wants his or her wedding, marriage and life to be special and what better way to begin that journey than with a specialty ring? Celtic rings are becoming quite popular among people from all walks of life. The lovers knot is created by weaving together two infinity knots, which symbolizes the forever union of man and woman in marriage.

Filed under Womens World by

Permalink Print

July 30, 2010

Save A Ton Of Money With A Cheap Engagement Ring!

When a gentleman proposes to his sweetheart he is supposed to present her with a beautiful engagement ring. Tradition suggests that this ring should cost roughly 3 months of the man’s income, but of course, this will all come down to personal preference and a much money you much you actually have. Whatever the weather, purchasing pre-set engagement rings can be quite an expensive business and can really set any man back a fair few years on their savings. However, this does not always need to be the case, and if you go about it in a sensible manner there is no reason why you cannot find some cheaper options. Of course, many men will want to purchase a diamond engagement ring in order to make the occasion the more special. Diamond engagement rings are the cream of the crop when it comes to elegance and beauty and as such every single man wants to make his partner the happiest girl in the world on this occasion.

If you want to get one of these rings for better value than you first need to learn about the four C’s involved. These refer to the cut, clarity, carat, and colour of the pre-set engagement ring and the more you understand about each of these, the more likely you will be able to find a good bargain. You also need to take some time in establishing your own budget that you are happy with. You certainly don’t want to be overstretching yourself and if you are looking for cheaper options then you need to focus on exactly how much you are willing to spend. If you are intent on getting a diamond ring then you should certainly conduct some research into average prices that you are expected to spend. It is also important that you do some research into the various types of designs and styles that are offer. Some of these designs will be a lot more expensive than others and so this will have to be factored in.

You will also need to think about exactly what sort of pre-set diamond ring will suit your partner and bride to be and, of course, whether she will actually like the ring or not. In fact, it is actually a good idea to get some advice from her friends and family to this end. The chances are that you are not really privy to this sort of engagement ring that you will partner with really love and so it is always a good idea to get one of her best friends or family members to help you out when you are looking for different designs to buy. Of course, it is always a good idea to visit some local to restore is as well so that you can get a feel for the different types of options that you have available. You can also compare the prices that you find in the different shops you visit with the sorts of prices that you find online. If you find a ring that you think is suitable in a shop, then it is a good idea to search for the same ring online as you will often get it cheaper. At the end of the day, the more effort and thought you put into the whole thing, the more likely you will find a ring that is perfect for her and that also fits within your budget.

The easiest way to find the right rings is online because you will be able to find many good sales and discounts at all times on the internet. Even the branded jewelry stores have websites today so you can find out more about their discounts and clearance sales to take an advantage of it. There are also a few excellent specialty stores which offer great diamond jewelry at wholesale and discounted prices which are quite good. These rings are offered at lower prices since the stores themselves do not have big overhead costs. Also, you would be able to compare the prices and check the collections of various stores at once within moments.

Filed under Womens World by

Permalink Print

July 29, 2010

Are Inexpensive Proposal Rings A Bad Idea?

Does an engagement ring really need to be expensive? For practical people, it is not the ring that counts but the love you have for each other. An engagement ring is just a symbol that the woman or lady you love will become your fianc

Filed under Womens World by

Permalink Print

July 28, 2010

What Is A Halo Engagement Ring?

Halo engagement rings give you more bang (or bling) for your buck. The term halo is used to describe the tiny diamonds that border the entire center stone. If you are looking for an engagement ring that looks a lot larger than it really is, halo pave engagement rings create that illusion. Think of the halo as a much glitzier version of a bezel setting. The bordering diamonds reflect and retract even more light off of the center diamond so your diamond will not only look bigger but it will shine brighter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) include the following. Does the Center Stone Have to be Round? Many people assume that the center stone for a halo setting has to be round but the diamond can be any shape. The halo or surrounding diamonds just have to border the entire stone for it to be considered a halo setting. Is this a popular setting? No, it is not one of the most common settings but then again not all jewelry stores carry the pear halo engagement ring. They are special and unique and they are a great alternative to a simple everyday solitaire setting. This setting can also look vintage or modern depending on the center stone and other factors.

Despite the recent high-profile break-ups of Hollywood’s leading ladies, celebrities with seemingly happy marriages do influence what brides request when shopping for their dream pave halo engagement rings. Heidi Klum’s ring with a dazzling (and huge) yellow/canary diamond is on many “lust lists.” Beyonce’s massive emerald-cut set in a split shank is requested in a smaller and more affordable price range at jewelry and engagement ring stores across the country, and Fergie’s round diamond in a modern style shows that even creative, innovative entertainers still love to stick with tradition once in a while.

Please realize that a clarity enhanced stone is filled with a substance that fills in any fractures in the diamond, this may help to disguise any fractures or feathers in the stone, but it will also diminish the fire and brilliance of the stone and you still will have an imperfect diamond. However if price and size at a “price”are primary by all means purchase a clarity enhanced stone. But please remember an “edsel” is an “edsel” forever. You will be better off long term, that way you can upgrade. The certificate acts like a pink slip to your car it is very important. Would you buy a car without a pink slip? You can also do a diamond halo around the center diamond to make it look bigger!!! 1 carat can look three carats. It is very fashionable.

Filed under Womens World by

Permalink Print

July 27, 2010

Guidelines For Acquiring A Diamond Engagement Ring

Deciding to purchase an engagement ring can be a task that seems complicated. What does she like? What can be considered a good diamond? Who is a reputable dealer? What metal does she like? What size ring is she? These and many other questions can start to spin around in a mans head when considering how to buy diamond halo engagement rings. Here we aim to help with some buying an engagement ring tips. 1) Firstly, what does she like? Women are masters of dropping hints. You can rest assured that if your lady has her eye on a specific ring she will find out about it one way or another. Maybe she will leave open a magazine on a certain page for you to “accidentally discover”. She may allow you to stumble in while she is browsing the internet drooling over a certain ring or designer. Women are also not above leading you into a jewelry store and spending time trying on jewelry “just for fun”. If you keep your eyes open and your wits about you, you will pick up on hints.

2) What can be considered a good diamond? Taking price out of the equation for a moment, you need to research the 4 C’s of diamonds before you start to shop for diamonds. You need to educate yourself a little before making this important purchase. The four C’s are, Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat. It is a topic that is pretty easy to get to grips with but too long to include in this article, so please feel free to follow the link at the bottom of this article to find out more on this topic. 3) Who is a reputable dealer? Your family and friends will usually be able to advise you on finding a reliable diamond dealer. The old days of shady diamond dealers waiting to con unsuspecting people out of their money with over priced diamonds are pretty much over but that does not mean you should let your guard down. By asking people you trust and reading reviews online about engagement rings halo setting you should be able to find a diamond dealer you can trust.

4) What precious metal does she like? Most women tend to have a preference for a precious metal. She may prefer white gold, yellow gold, rose gold or platinum. Rarely will it be any other metal, such as palladium for example. A good way to find her preference is to take a look at her other jewelry she already owns. If she has mainly white gold jewelry, you can pretty much count it as a safe bet that she will prefer engagement rings with halo. Also, discreetly ask her friends and family if possible. 5) What ring size is she? This can be the toughest one. The easiest method for this is as follows. Recruit one of her friends or family members who you can trust not to spoil the surprise to take her around the mall to shop and try on clothes etc. While they are at the mall the can lead your bride to be into a jewelry store or two to try on jewelry for fun. Make sure they try on bracelets pendants etc, as well as engagement rings, this reduces the risk of alerting the lady to whats going on. Obviously while trying on the rings, the friend can get the sales person to find out your ladies size. Problem solved.

Always remember you must buy your ring from the store which is in the business from many years and it must have the name in the jewellery industry. It is very important to buy an engagement ring from the reputed store because always bear in mind that it is not just a piece of jewellery but it is a symbol of love, devotion, commitment and loyalty. Hence you must always buy a ring of high quality. And by buying your ring from the reputed store you will be assured of the quality.

Filed under Womens World by

Permalink Print