That moment when you finally open that little box and see “the ring”, you know it’s when the ultimate wedding adventure begins. The engagement ring marks the beginning of all the preparations that will come after, and will probably be the jewel that you’ll wear with the most affection and love. However, that moment tends to catch many off guards because, if you’re not fond of jewelry, it’s a brand-new world with so many options that it can cause great indecision. But, such a thing doesn’t need to occur! We’ve put together the fundamental knowledge to get the perfect engagement ring right on the first pick.
There are certain things to know before getting one: the stone’s purity, its brilliance, and clarity (which will determine its value), its size, and the stone type. However, platinum or white gold is the most common metal, and other options such as yellow or rose gold are best for those looking for an original touch in their engagement ring. The same occurs with stone and diamond… the stone par excellence of engagement rings is increasingly giving way to another type with more color such as sapphires or emeralds. Discover with this guide, the engagement ring of your dreams…
White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum… Metals
The ideal material for engagement rings is platinum or white gold. It is the one that best combines with diamonds, the most traditional stone in engagement rings. However, you will also find them in rose gold and yellow gold, two options in which you will find an original and most striking point if that is what you are looking for.
Precious Stones
We could affirm without fear of being wrong that there is no engagement ring without a precious stone. It is one of the fundamental characteristics of this type of jewelry. And the diamond is the favorite. It is the hardest stone in nature, the most resistant and therefore durable, hence it is associated with eternity, the most characteristic attribute of marriage.
However, famous engagement rings, such as Kate Middleton’s, which once belonged to Diana of Wales, made up of a gigantic sapphire that has put different and varied options on the table. Those looking for a point of color or differentiating themselves from the classic engagement ring may choose other types of stones such as emerald or sapphire.
Characteristics of Diamond
When choosing a diamond, four factors determine its value: size, clarity, color, and weight. The carving is one of the most important because a good carving will ensure that all its attributes stand out, getting the stone’s maximum shine. The proportion and symmetry of its facets are decisive.
Clarity measures the stone’s purity – the more imperfections, the less valuable the diamond will be.
The most precious color in diamonds is colorless, and the weight of the stones is measured in carats. Although you may think otherwise, it is not the weight but the three previous qualities that determine a diamond’s price.
Cushion, Princess, Round, Emerald… the Shapes of a Diamond
Another factor that will determine your wedding request’s choice will be how the diamond has been cut. There are several shapes, and this will guide the design and style of the ring. The most common cut for solitaires, for example, is the round brilliant, whose setting creates the effect that the diamond is suspended in the air. There are variations such as the oval size or the pear, a shape reminiscent of a tear.
Are you looking for a much more attractive cut? You can opt for the emerald or baguette shape – the diamond is cut with parallel cuts and rectangular, thus achieving an exceptional shine and a more contemporary air. And for an extra touch of fantasy, there are other sizes such as heart-shaped, romanticism squared.
Solitaire, Alliance, Lane… the Type of Rings
Once you have chosen the metal, the type of stone, and the size, you have to decide on the ring’s design. The most classic commitment, the one we see in movies, is the lonely one. A band, usually of plain white gold or platinum, topped by a one-piece diamond, usually round cut.
The Alliance or Half Alliance Lined With Diamonds
Are you looking for a more versatile and discreet piece (without giving up the shine on your finger)? – The alliance or half alliance lined with diamonds is a great option! If the stones are set in a rail, the discretion is more remarkable! Why? Simply because the precious stones are surrounded by platinum and perfect white gold.
And Once I Have It, Where Do I Wear It?
Although this protocol has already been lost and one can put it where it seems best, tradition dictated that it should be placed on the left ring finger, the side where the heart is located (many people believe that there’s a vein or nerve that connects the ring finger with the heart).
