Engagement Rings – Local biz blog

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).

An engagement ring is traditionally offered by an individual to their prospective spouse to propose to them. It indicates that the person wearing them is engaged and will be married in the future. If tradition dictates that the man chooses the engagement ring alone before making his proposal, the choice is often made by both individuals as well.

While choosing this symbolic jewelry, one can sometimes encounter certain difficulties. What type of ring to choose? Which materials? What size? So many questions with answers that will mostly depend on the preferences of the future bride as well as the budget that you want to dedicate to this gem. Here are some tips to enlighten and inspire you to help you choose the right ring!

1) The Budget

First of all: you have to set a budget. There are different price ranges for engagement rings. It all depends on the size and amount of stone/diamonds in the ring. Generally, you have two options available. You can either choose a ready-made ring or have a custom-made one. Contrary to popular belief, custom-made rings do not necessarily cost more.

2) What Are the Different Types of Engagement Rings?

To find your way around the different types of engagement rings, here are a few pointers that you may find useful:

Which Metals?

Silver: for an engagement ring, silver is generally not recommended. If its shiny and stainless appearance may seem striking, silver is a metal that easily gets scratched and bend under pressure. Moreover, silver rings will eventually tarnish and have to be cleaned occasionally to maintain their shine. Hence, it’s not the best choice for a piece of jewelry that’s supposed to last a lifetime!

Platinum: used in fine jewelry, platinum is a precious metal which, like gold, has a long lifespan. On the other hand, platinum requires a lot of precise work and detailing, which makes it particularly expensive.

Gold: this is the main metal used. Jewelries made from pure gold (24 carats) are rare since the metal is not strong enough to last for a long period of time. The majority of them are designed in 18-carat gold, meaning that other types of metals have been added. It is this particular mixture of metals that provides jewelries the gold colour (yellow, pink, white or black). For example, rose gold is achieved due to a higher amount of copper in the alloy.

3) Which Stone to Choose?

Precious stones

There are 4 precious stones, namely,

Diamond

When we talk about engagement rings, diamond is the gemstone we most often think of. Symbolic of eternity and purity, the diamond remains the most popular stone.

Emerald

As one of the most auspicious stones for engagement rings, the shimmering green of the emerald is a symbol of hope and fertility.

Ruby

If you’re looking for passion and happiness, you can opt for ruby, one of the rarest and intensely red gemstones.

Sapphire

Brought back in fashion with Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, the deep blue sapphire evokes loyalty and symbolizes love.

Semi-precious stones

Semi-precious stones are more affordable than precious stones. However, it is generally not recommended to select a ring with a semi-precious stone. While these may seem tempting, they are of lower quality and may not last a lifetime.

4) Their Resistance

Although the stone’s beauty is a determining factor, it is also necessary to take into account its resistance. Indeed, scratches and oxidation (rusting) can deteriorate your ring over the years, so it is essential to know a little more about the complex world of precious stones and minerals.

5) The Style of the Ring

It makes sense to choose the ring that best suits the personality of your soulmate. If she has a very classic look, wears discreet jewelry, then avoid opting for a monstrously large stone! It is also useful to think of the ring in accordance with the type of lifestyle one maintains. For instance, you may consider whether your partner will be comfortable wearing the ring you chose daily. Lately, the trend has been vintage. People have been coming back a lot to traditional rings, with a slight vintage side and shape.

6) The Size of the Ring

One of the questions that will arise during the purchase of an engagement ring is the size of the ring finger. Generally, the dimensions are classified from the smallest to the largest. If you have no idea about it, don’t panic! Most can help determine which size will be ideal.

And yes, it is not an easy task to choose an engagement ring, but Hofland Diamonds Inc is always here to help you! They specialize in designing and creating custom luxury jewellery. Whether you’re drawn to vintage or more modern styles, you can be sure to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your budget at Hofland Diamonds Inc!

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Tag: Engagement Rings

Engagement Ring Dictionary: Everything You Need to Know to Cherry-Pick the Most Special Jewel