Engagement Rings
Engagement Rings
Engagement rings are very personal and represent all that is romantic and good in a relationship. Designs are as varied and unique as each individual. Typically engagement rings include a gold, platinum or silver band with either a single diamond or several diamonds. Gold and platinum rings are recommended not only because they are higher in value than silver, but also because they are more durable and will better protect the diamond.
Traditionally engagement rings contain diamonds, however some prefer to include other semiprecious stones or gems such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. In some countries a plain band is used as an engagement ring -- usually a plain gold band without any gems.
Titanium and stainless steel rings are becoming more popular -- possibly because they are more affordable and higher in strength.
So what do you look for in an engagement ring?
Well, if you pay attention, you may find that your bride-to-be will give you hints about what she likes. You will also notice if she likes things to be simple or wears jewelry with lots of bangles and beads. Is she traditional or modern? Does she prefer gold or silver? Is she conservative and simple or does she like to wear big rings? Look at what she wears currently and you should get a good idea of her tastes.
You also need to find out the size of her ring finger. Get creative. You can do it without making it too obvious.
There are "Four C's" when it comes to selecting a diamond.
Cut -- The cut makes all the difference in the brilliance and sparkle of diamonds. Diamonds that are cut well reflect light and create a dramatic effect.
Color -- The more white a diamond is, the more valuable it will be. Quality is rated on a scale from D-Z (D being pure white and then the full spectrum down to Z which is yellow).
Clarity -- Clarity refers to any blemishes in the diamond visible under a microscope. The more clarity a diamond has (purity / quality) the more valuable.
Carat -- Most diamond engagment rings are .5 carat or less. Carat refers to its weight (size of the diamond).
So, how much should you spend on an engagement ring? That's a good question. Guidelines have varied over the years. Many jewelers claim you need to spend the amount of 2 months worth of your salary. That number comes from the jewelry industry -- perhaps because they are the ones making money on your purchase. In order to decide, it's more important to find the perfect ring rather than simply spending the "right amount" of money.
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