Posts Tagged diamonds

Wedding Rings With The Perfect Style

Jul 14th, 2009 Posted in jewelry | no comment »

Every couple is different with regards to what style of wedding rings best symbolizes their love and commitment to each other. Since the wedding rings are often the very first major decision that couples make after the wedding date is set, choosing the right rings is important. Finding styles that you both like does take time but it is well worth the effort.

Choosing a specific type of metal for your wedding rings, specifically the bands and settings, will be the first part of the process. Metal for wedding rings can range from different colors of gold through to platinum, titanium, palladium and even traditional silver. Different metals may also be used on the band to create detail work and designs.

Many couples opt for matching wedding rings. Wedding rings for men and wedding rings for women that match are often purchased as wedding sets; however there are other options for matching rings. Often men prefer a simple, wide band that compliments the bridal wedding rings rather than completely matches.

Silver, platinum, titanium and white gold are common metals used in traditional styles of wedding rings such as the Celtic rings. These rings often feature elaborate and very detailed designs based on never ending patterns and intricate designs. Gold or other metals may be used to accent the patterns. Gems used in these traditional types of wedding rings can include emeralds and diamonds; however other gems can also be used.

Antique style wedding rings bring back memories of the past. They can range from actual estate and antique bands and rings through to modern replicas of the classic designs. Many antique styles of men’s and women’s wedding rings will have pave style diamonds or very detailed settings, adding detail to the overall design.

Although diamonds are often considered an essential part of wedding rings, they are not always found on the wedding bands. Many couples opt for a simple, classic and elegant band with or without pattern or design. Engraving and inset diamonds is a great way to add detail but still keep the ring simple and classic in style.

Newer rings styles vary considerably from the more traditional antique stylings to very modern, simplistic styles. Wedding rings with more modern designs may feature engraving or even symbols inset into the band for unique wedding sets. Bands on newer styles of rings tend to be wider and heavier than more traditional bands.

Selecting the wedding rings that matches your couples’ style as well as your personal taste is important. Knowing what options for wedding rings are available does take some time, but it will allow you to select the ring that is perfect for your lifestyle as a symbol of your love for each other.

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Selecting The Best Diamonds For Engagement Rings

Jul 13th, 2009 Posted in jewelry | no comment »

Engagement rings and diamonds are typically always considered together, however most people have very little understanding of what makes a diamond a good selection of not. Diamonds in engagement rings or any other type of jewelry are graded on four different aspects or components. These four components include cut, clarity, carat and color.

A key consideration in selecting diamonds for engagement ring settings is how large the diamond is within the setting. Solitaire diamonds that are the only stone on the ring need to be as flawless as possible. Carat, a weight measurement equal to 0.2 grams, will also be important in these stand alone settings.

Many diamonds have a faint hint of color, often yellow, which makes them less desirable that completely colorless diamonds. Color in diamonds is only desirable in the true fancy or colored diamonds. G grade diamonds are good for engagement rings but anything with more color may not be acceptable. Very faint and almost unnoticeable yellow colorations in some diamonds may work with yellow gold settings and should not be discounted for this so subtle coloration.

Clarity of a diamond refers to how unblemished the surface of the stone is in combination with flaws, or lack of blemishes, in the interior. Inclusions, which are blemishes inside the stone, decrease the value of the diamond but may be impossible to detect unless you are an expert.

Engagement rings that feature large solitaire diamonds should have the highest clarity since they are the focus of the ring. Slight imperfections are common in almost all but the most expensive diamonds and in small diamonds they are often so slight as to be virtually invisible. It is also important to choose ring settings that compliment a solitaire diamond rather than compete with the diamond.

Engagement rings that feature diamonds with a good cut are going to be more reflective and brilliant than those with a poor cut. Cut is not the same as the shape, rather it refers to the facets and if they are in the right location within the diamond to reflect the light through the gem. Cut is very important in larger, solitaire diamonds and is perhaps the most important factor in choosing the right stone for the setting.

One option for learning about the 4 c’s of diamonds is to spend some time looking at new and antique engagement rings with someone experienced in grading diamonds. This will help you understand what to look for and what to avoid when buying a ring, regardless of the style you select.

Selecting engagement rings that feature diamonds with the best possible cut, color, clarity and carat takes some time and a lot of learning. Talking with professionals that work with diamonds can help you determine just what to look for in engagement rings and diamonds.

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Engagement Rings With Prong Settings

Jul 8th, 2009 Posted in jewelry | no comment »

Often in the excitement of searching for types of engagement rings that will symbolize your love, diamond ring buyers completely forget about the practical aspects of the rings. Diamond engagement rings will typically be a daily wear part of a woman’s jewelry collection, so ensuring that the ring is well constructed and the diamond secure on the ring is just as important as the overall beauty of the ring.

Settings on engagement rings can also be called mountings, and they are the visible or invisible ways that he diamond is held onto the ring. In some cases and ring designs the setting is actually part of the ring’s beauty while in other cases the settings are as small as possible and not really noticeable.

One of the most popular and classic types of engagement ring settings is the prong setting. Like the name suggests the prong setting uses metal prongs or filaments to hold the diamond into the base of the setting at the band. They have a hooked top that clasps the top surface of the diamond, holding it into the setting base. Prong settings are generally only used on medium to larger sized diamonds or when the diamond is a solitaire in a setting.

Engagement rings will have different number of prongs depending on several factors. Generally there will be a prong at each corner on shaped diamonds but there may also be others down the length of the diamond.

Round diamond shapes in engagement rings often have four or size prongs to secure the diamond. Unusual shapes such as heart shape, triangular shaped or marquis shaped diamonds will often have four to six prongs, perhaps more if the diamond is larger than average.

The prongs are not heavy on most engagement rings and are placed in positions to allow light to enter from the top and sides of the diamonds. Without this type of open structure there would be less brilliance and dazzle to the diamond. Often the prongs form a sort of a cradle or basket around the diamond, especially those that are raised high off the band.

Square corners and square diamonds in engagement rings are secured using v-shaped prongs at the corners. This allows a smaller prong to secure the diamond in place without having to double the number of prongs. Raised diamonds will attract more light, but are also more likely to be bumped and hit, requiring additional support.

Prongs can wear or become loose over time so routine, yearly inspection of engagement rings is highly recommended. A jeweler can easily repair the prongs that are damaged, preventing the risk of loosing the diamonds from damaged engagement rings.

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