Ring Buyers Guide » Engagement Rings

Purchasing Ring Settings For Truly Personal Results

admin — Sun, 09 May 2010 21:24:33 +0000

Choosing your own ring setting to set your loose diamond or gemstone it is a wonderful, thoughtful way of presenting an engagement ring or a ring for a special occasion for a special person in your life. Creating your own ring using this method is a very personal way to obtain a ring, rather than simply purchasing a ready made piece from a high street jewelry store. By purchasing your own ring settings, you are also able to search for the ideal gemstone and can be more assured of the quality and certification of your central stone. The method also gives you more control over the design of the ring and the quality of the materials. Ring settings are widely available as pre-made items, then you may choose to purchase your own gemstone from a dealer, or order one to be supplied from the same source as your setting retailer to your exact specifications. Although pre-made settings are available, many jewelers also offer you the possibility to design your own setting and therefore create a piece that is truly unique to your taste. This is perhaps the most desirable aspect of creating your own ring and allows you the opportunity to have the ring of your dreams created for you. The most important issue to consider when commissioning a ring setting is the reliability of your source, only ever use a retailer with an excellent reputation or one that you have used previously, and to purchase the best quality materials you can afford to ensure the longevity of your final piece. Quality is especially important when choosing diamond ring settings as you need the setting to be durable enough to hold the diamond and ensure that the diamond cannot become loose and be lost as a result.

Engagement Ring Settings

If you have searched the high street and have been unsuccessful or unimpressed with the range of engagement ring settings available, you may wish to commission the design and production of your own unique engagement ring setting from a specialist jeweler who can offer this type of service. You may commission a piece on your future fiancées behalf, or you can design the ring together. Either way, designing your own engagement ring can make the engagement all the more special and personal to the couple and is a truly romantic way to mark the occasion. One step further than this would be to design your own complimentary wedding band to create an engagement ring set with a couture, perfectly matched wedding band and engagement ring set.

In summary, whether you choose from the range of ready made ring settings or if you choose to custom design your own ideal setting, the creation of a ring in this way is a wonderful way to express your personal style and to create a piece which is exact to your specifications. The custom design of an engagement ring or engagement and wedding ring set is a particularly thoughtful and romantic way to propose and to show your intended how much you care. Choose high quality ring settings and materials and you will have designed a piece to adore for many years to come.

Why Choose a Blue Topaz Ring?

Why Choose Cushion Cut Engagement Rings?

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 23:18:09 +0000

Cushion cut engagement rings are a wonderfully different choice for an unusual but highly romantic diamond engagement ring. Cushion cut diamonds do not have the fire of the more commonly found round brilliant or square princess cut diamonds as the cut was designed to sparkle by candle light. Therefore if your future fiancée likes her jewelry to be a different from the masses and appreciates a more subtle sparkle, a cushion cut diamond engagement ring may be an ideal choice for her. Cushion cut diamonds are however a little harder to find than the more modern cuts as the quality of the diamond becomes more important in this type of cut as inclusions are not as easily hidden by reflections of light and a greater number of smaller facets. As they are harder to track down, this only adds to the exclusivity and therefore the desirability of the cushion cut diamond.

How to Choose Your Ideal Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

As with any diamond, the quality of the central diamond solitaire is the most important consideration. With cushion cut diamonds, the color and clarity of the gemstone is vital as the cut would show up any inclusions which may be present very clearly. This is because the cushion cut includes many wide and open facets, inclusions can be more easily hidden in the faceting of princess and brilliant cuts for example. As the cushion cut does not posses quite as much sparkle as some of the alternative cuts, any yellow tones or inclusions will further reduce the sparkle of the diamond which is highly undesirable. If you find that the high quality cushion cuts in your desired carat bracket are out of your price range, it may be wiser to opt for a lower carat whilst maintaining quality to ensure that the diamond looks as good as possible. If you would not like to sacrifice carats for quality, it may be best to opt for a different cut where inclusions can be more easily hidden.

The guidelines for the shape of the cushion cut are quite broad and the shapes can range from rectangular to more square. The ideal shapes tend to be in between the two, but the final choice is dependent on your own personal taste and the availability of the cushion cut diamond engagement rings on the market. The next consideration should be the style of the ring. If your future fiancée prefers her jewelry to be more classical, she may really appreciate antique cushion cut engagement rings. A cushion cut diamond is well suited to antique styles and if done well can be the epitome of classic elegance and romance. However if a more contemporary style may be preferred, combining the cushion cut with a simple white gold or platinum setting can really show off the beauty of the diamond.

Whatever style of cushion cut engagement ring you choose, the piece is sure to deliver a stunningly elegant and romantic effect. Cushion cut engagement rings are a wonderful choice for those looking for a high quality, highly unusual diamond piece for an extra special offering.

Princess Diamond Guide

admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:43:29 +0000

What is a Princess Diamond?

A princess diamond is the term for a specific cut of a square diamond which is proving to be particularly popular in the jewelry market at present. A princess cut diamond bridges the gap between the high level of fire created by the brilliant cut diamond and the normally lower levels of sparkle the alternative square cuts produce. For example, princess cut diamonds produce a higher lever of fire that the alternative emerald or asscher cuts, which are the alternative square cuts for diamonds. Therefore if you are looking for the sparkle of a brilliant cut diamond but prefer the more contemporary square shapes, princess cut diamond rings may be the choice for you.

How to Choose a Princess Cut Diamond Ring

There are many styles and settings for princess cut diamonds, the most popular of which being the solitaire, but there is guaranteed to be a style to suit your individual taste and budget. As princess diamonds are being used in more contemporary settings, they work particularly well when set into white metals such as platinum or white gold as these metals seem to emphasize the white sparkle of the diamond. The diamonds also of course work well when set into yellow gold, and the choice of metal setting is entirely a matter of your own personal taste.
As with any diamond, the quality of the stone will affect the overall appearance of the gemstone therefore it is important to choose the best quality princess diamond that you can afford. The princess cut is very forgiving of inclusions within the diamond as the sparkle created by the cut helps to disguise any flaws. Inclusions may be far more visible in an emerald cut for example. If the diamond is of low quality and contains many flaws, this will noticeably affect the sparkle of the diamond in any cut, therefore it may be wiser to choose a smaller sized stone of better quality for the same value. Quality is very important with diamonds as their sparkle is the reason they are irresistible to most women, and any sign of poor quality will affect the sparkle. A diamond of good cut, clarity and color is worth every penny and a reputable jeweler should charge a fair price for a quality gemstone.

Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

Princess cut diamond engagement rings are the ideal choice for those who would like to opt for a more contemporary diamond shape than the more traditional brilliant cut solitaire but retain the intense sparkle. This is the reason why so many are opting for a princess cut diamond engagement ring and why they are such a popular choice on the market at present. Therefore if your future fiancée would prefer her jewelry to be a little different from the traditional brilliant cut diamond solitaire, but maintain the classical elegance, the stunning princess cut may be the choice for you.

Why Choose a Pearl Ring?

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:53:19 +0000

Pearl rings are available in a wide range of style and colors so you are guaranteed to find a ring ideal for your taste and budget on the market. A pearl ring is a highly sophisticated, elegant choice for jewelry as pearls are often associated with a more understated opulence than high impact sparkle. Pearls return to the forefront of jewelry fashions every so often and they are proving to be particularly popular on the market at present. Pearl rings are usually quite classically styled with simple designs, however there are now more contemporary, striking designs on the market which are considered to be more current and fashionable. If you are choosing a pearl ring for use as a fashion ring, the quality of the pearl is not as important as if you were to choose a fine jewelry piece. If the ring is a fashionable choice only, it is important to choose a pearl ring in your budget in a color and style you like. A mother of pearl ring may be a good option if you are looking for a highly fashionable ring on a tighter budget. However if you are looking for a more classic, fine jewelry pearl ring and are looking to spend a little more to purchase the ideal ring, the quality of the pearl becomes more important. High quality pearls are the pearls with the most symmetrical, spherical shape with an even luster. A simple test to determine if the pearl is genuine or otherwise, is to rub the pearl gently on your tooth as a genuine pearl will have a grainy, sandy feeling surface and many man-made pearl beads feel smooth as they are often made from plastics.

A Pearl Ring for A Special Occasion

Pearls are often combined with diamond accents in fine jewelry rings to create beautiful pieces which are ideal for special occasions. Pearls are also very highly associated with bridal jewelry due to their classically elegant look, therefore pearl engagement rings can be a particularly romantic choice. The pearl is also the birthstone for June, therefore a good quality pearl ring could be an ideal choice for a birthday gift in this month.

Common Colors of Pearl Ring

Pearls can be found in a rainbow of colors, from the most widely available white pearls through to the most striking blacks. A black pearl ring is particularly stunning as the luster of the pearl is highly emphasized by the black tones of the pearl. Black pearl rings are arguably the most fashionable choice at present as they are highly desirable in the jewelry market. The luster can be harder to see on the paler colors of pearl.

In summary, there are many styles of both classic and contemporary pearl ring designs to appeal to all tastes and budgets. A pearl ring is a wonderfully elegant option and an essential addition to any complete jewelry collection.

Emerald Cut Engagement Rings

admin — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 17:51:37 +0000

An emerald cut is the term used for a rectangular cut of diamond. Emerald cuts engagement rings are less widely available on the market as they often do not posses the high level of fire and sparkle produced from other cuts such as brilliant or princess. They are therefore an excellent choice if you would like to purchase a diamond solitaire which is a little different from the majority of solitaires on the market. However, if your future fiancée is mostly drawn to the sparkle of a diamond, the emerald engagement ring may not be ideal for her. If the reduced level of sparkle discourages the purchase of the emerald cut diamond as a solitaire piece, smaller emerald cut diamonds are often used as highly contemporary accent stones when set on each side of a central brilliant cut stone. These emerald engagement rings are a very modern and stylish way to incorporate emerald cut diamonds into an engagement piece without loosing out on the highly desirable sparkle of the brilliant cut diamond.

Before You Buy an Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

When looking at the range of emerald cut diamond engagement rings on the market, there are a few things to consider before purchase. The brilliance of any diamond is closely related to the quality of the gemstone. Whatever cut of diamond you choose, the color, clarity and cut of the stone are more important than the carat weight as a well cut, white diamond of good clarity will provide more fire and be worth investing in rather than a larger diamond weight of poor quality. However these factors are most important when looking to purchase emerald diamond engagement rings due to the nature of the facets cut into the diamond. The emerald cut includes an unusually large central ‘table’ which allows light to pass straight through this diamond without being reflected back by a facet. Therefore if the diamond is of poor quality and includes any flaws visible to the naked eye, they will be even more noticeable in and emerald cut. For example, a brilliant cut can often disguise minor flaws in the cutting process and by the greater reflection of light caused by the faceting. Therefore if an emerald diamond engagement ring is your design of choice, it is wise too be prepared to pay more for a high quality central diamond gemstone as the beauty of the cut may be spoiled by any inclusions present in the gemstone. If you find that the rings larger carat emerald cut gemstones in your price-range are of poor quality, it is worth sacrificing size for quality with this cut, so it may be best to consider dropping the carat size in favor of a smaller stone with better clarity.

In summary, the nature of the cut means that the quality of the diamond is essential, and the cut is therefore ideal for those who wish to showcase a diamond of excellent clarity and beauty. Emerald cut engagement rings are a very unusual choice making them a wonderful choice for individuals who like their jewelry to be a different from the majority.

3 Carat Diamond Rings

admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:28:22 +0000

A 3 carat diamond ring can be a truly dazzling piece of jewelry, but the larger the diamond you intend to purchase, the more important it is to buy a high quality diamond. It is worth noting that the larger the diamond, the more visible inclusions will become as they can be more easily hidden in the cutting process of smaller diamonds. As with any diamond, the quality of the cut, clarity and coloration of the diamond are the most important factors to consider before purchase. If you find that the 3 carat diamond rings in your budget are of poor quality, it may be worth considering purchasing a lower carat diamond of high quality. The better the cut and clarity of the diamond, the more the diamond will sparkle and the more impressive the ring will be. It is most often the case that the cost of a 3 carat diamond ring will be prohibitively expensive, and this serves to make the rings more rare to find on the fingers of most women. This rarity of course makes the rings all the more desirable, especially as engagement pieces.

3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

If you are looking for an engagement ring with a real wow factor, a 3 carat diamond engagement ring may be for you.

It is worth considering the size of your future fiancées finger before choosing the size of the diamond for the engagement ring as the smaller the finger, the larger the diamond will appear when worn. A 3 carat ring would impress any woman, but it is worth checking her preferred diamond size before purchase as a 3 carat diamond may be considered too large for a woman who likes her jewelry to be more subtle. However, if your intended enjoys bold, large, and dazzling jewelry searching the wide range of 3 carat diamond engagement rings available for the perfect piece is sure to be well received.

Popular Settings and Styles for 3 Carat Diamond Rings

The larger the diamond, the larger the setting is required to be to hold the jewel securely. This is fantastic for those who like to make a real statement with their jewelry as a 3 carat diamond solitaire ring can be quite large in size in both the diamond and the setting. A large diamond is also usually set with smaller diamond accents to merge the ring and the large solitaire stone more seamlessly. These accents serve to enhance the design of the pieces, but the additional sparkle also proves to be an added benefit.

In summary, a 3 carat diamond ring can be an absolutely stunning addition to any jewelry collection. The quality of the diamond is very important when purchasing a particularly large diamond solitaire, as inclusions are harder to disguise in the cutting of larger jewels, and this of course means that the cost of a 3 carat diamond ring can be prohibitive to some. This results in the pieces being very striking and ensures that a 3 carat diamond ring will always be highly desirable.

Why Choose a Ruby Ring?

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:58:16 +0000

Rubies are a classic statement of elegance and opulence. The vivid coloration of the gemstones make and ruby ring a piece worth coveting. Ruby rings are a very traditional form of jewelry and while many styles of antique ruby ring are examples of timeless design, rubies are now being used more frequently in contemporary settings helping to bring rubies to the forefront of modern fashions. There are now many styles of contemporary ruby rings to make your selection from and there is guaranteed to be a style to suit all tastes and budgets. However if you do prefer your jewelry to have a history, an antique ruby ring would also be a good choice as the stone is relatively hardwearing and should not indicate too much wear from the previous owner.

Before You Buy a Ruby Ring

Rubies are available in a wide range of red tones and it is generally true that the highest quality rubies are the most vivid red with few inclusions, the lowest quality being the darkest, almost blackened rubies.
If you are looking to purchase an investment or a high quality piece of ruby jewelry, it is important to keep in mind that rubies are often treated to enhance the natural qualities of the gemstone. These treatments are common and nothing to be concerned about, however you should check with the jeweler to ensure that all treatments can be disclosed before purchase. Rubies can also be man-made in laboratory conditions and these gemstones can be purchased at a lower rate than the naturally occurring stones. A man-made ruby is an option for those looking to purchase a ruby ring on a tighter budget, but a natural ruby would offer the investor a more stable value and may be a better option for an important purchase, such as for an engagement ring.

Ruby Rings for Special Occasions

The deep red coloration of the gemstone is often associated with love and romance making a ruby ring an ideal offering as an engagement piece. When combined with diamond accents, a ruby engagement ring can be particularly dazzling. If your future fiancée is an admirer of ruby jewelry or if they may prefer an engagement ring to be more colorful than a traditional white diamond solitaire, ruby engagement rings may be a unique option to pursue.
A ruby diamond ring may also be a good option for a birthday gift for a person born in July as rubies are the birthstone of that month. For whatever special occasion for which you may consider purchasing a ruby ring, a ruby and diamond ring is a dazzling example of fine jewelry that no good collection should be without.

In summary, ruby rings are to be considered to be pieces of timeless elegance and endless appeal. They are available in many styles, both contemporary and antique, ensuring that there is a style and quality to suit any budget. A high quality ruby ring will ensure the endless appreciation of the recipient.

Why Are Pink Diamond Rings So Desirable?

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:02:29 +0000

Pink diamond rings are amongst the most expensive, rare, and therefore desirable, rings on the market today. Pink diamonds are increasingly becoming the gemstone of choice for many celebrities, Celine Dion perhaps being the most active celebrity collector of pink diamonds, and this trend only serves to increase the exclusivity of the pieces. Pink diamonds are measured in value and weight differently to white diamonds and therefore fancy pink diamonds are far more per carat than the traditional white diamond. Of course there is the option to choose an alternative pink hued jewel, however no gemstone will ever posses the fire of a diamond, and this fire combined with the pink tones, makes the gemstones irresistible to most women. For an individual who is searching for a truly stunning piece of diamond jewelry, or is a connoisseur of the fancy colored diamond range, a pink diamond ring would make a stunning addition to their collection.

As pink diamonds are rare, an investment into a pink diamond piece would also be a wise choice. The rarity of pink diamonds ensures that the diamond will not diminish in value with the fluctuations of the diamond market. This is because there is never likely to be a time where the supply of pink diamonds meets the demand for them, and as the demand remains consistently high, the value will remain high.

Pink Diamond Rings as Perfect Engagement Pieces

The color pink is often strongly associated with romance, and when combined with a proposal, pink diamond engagement rings embody the sentiment of love like no other ring could. A pink diamond piece is an ideal choice if your future fiancée is a true romantic at heart.

As every woman is aware of the beauty and rarity of pink diamonds, the presentation of a pink diamond engagement ring at that all important moment will make a very big impact. The recipient of a pink diamond ring will feel truly treasured as the rings show a greater level of thought, effort and individuality from the re widely available, traditional white diamond solitaires.

Settings and Styles for Pink Diamond Rings

Pink diamonds can be found in a range of tones from deep red/pink to pale pink and due to the nature of the diamonds, it is difficult to find multiple stones with the exact same hues. Therefore it is rare to find pink diamonds rings set with multiple pink diamonds, such as an eternity ring. The most popular style of pink diamond ring is the solitaire, and whatever size of pink diamond is set into the ring, it is guaranteed to be stunning.

Pink diamond rings are as stunning as they are rare. The rarity of the pink colored diamonds ensures that the gemstone is a wise investment, as its value will remain stable as long as the demand for the stones exceeds the supply. An ideal piece for either a fancy colored diamond connoisseur’s collection, or for a breath-taking engagement ring, pink diamond rings are guaranteed to deliver a striking impact.

What Makes a Black Diamond Ring So Special?

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:00:17 +0000

Black diamonds are such a different and unique choice that the wearer of a black diamond ring really stands out from the crowd. As black diamonds are an opaque black color in consistency, they do not have the desirable sparkle of a traditional white diamond and are therefore a more inexpensive option. Black diamonds are less commonly found on the market and are generally cheaper per carat to purchase. Therefore if you choose a black diamond instead of the traditional white diamond, you are guaranteed more carats of diamond for your cash, although it is worth noting that fancy diamonds are rated on a different scale to white diamonds. Black diamond rings are the ideal choice for a person looking for a different kind of diamond piece that will be the envy of your peers. The gemstone is considered to be part of the fancy colored diamond family and as such, they are an essential element to any fancy diamond admirer’s collection.

Do Black Diamonds Make Good Engagement Rings?

Black diamonds make excellent engagement rings for individuals looking for something a bit different from the traditional white diamond solitaire. A black diamond engagement ring has a real wow factor and they are becoming increasingly popular on the high street. Black diamond engagement rings can be found in a wide range of styles to suit all tastes and budgets, however the styles of the rings tend to be more contemporary in design than they are traditional. Therefore a black diamond engagement ring would be more suited to a partner who likes to stand their jewelry to be fashionable, striking and unique.

Common Settings and Accent Stones For Black Diamond Rings

As black diamonds are a very contemporary gemstone, only appearing in diamond trends recently, they are usually found set into white gold which is an equally contemporary metal. As the popularity for monochrome jewelry remains consistent in the jewelry market, the trend for black and white diamond rings is also remaining an extremely popular choice. Black diamonds can either be included in the pieces to accent a central white diamond stone, or white diamonds can be used to accent a central black diamond stone. When used as accent stones, black diamonds create a very striking ‘frame’ for a white diamond, enhancing the dazzling quality of the white diamond perfectly. Alternatively, black and white diamond rings make an excellent choice for an eternity ring as the colors of the two diamonds can be alternated around the band to create a truly stunning effect.

Black diamond rings are the ideal choice for those seeking a diamond piece with highly contemporary designs creating beautifully different pieces. The rings are more suited to the fashion-forward consumer or an admirer of the fancy colored diamond range. Being generally more inexpensive than the more traditional white diamond, a black diamond ring makes the diamond accessible to a wider range of budgets without compromising either beauty or style.

Asscher Cut Engagement Rings Buyers Guide

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:50:37 +0000

Asscher cut diamonds are a variation on the more widely available emerald cut diamond design. Emerald cut diamonds are very popular as they are more unusual than a traditional brilliant cut stone, however the emerald cut usually lacks the more abundant sparkle of a brilliant cut stone. The Asscher cut bridges this gap. They do not posses the immense fire of a brilliant cut diamond, however they posses more than an emerald cut diamond. They are also a very pleasing symmetrical cut which works beautifully when set into a stunning engagement ring.

Why Choose Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

An asscher cut engagement ring is particularly striking as the stones are not as commonly found on the market as brilliant or princess cuts. This ensures the rings have a more individual, designer appearance that is not to be found on every finger. An asscher cut diamond engagement ring is the perfect offering for the woman who likes her jewelry to be different from the masses and prefers the more understated elegance of this unusual cut.
As the asscher cut utilises fewer facets than the more dazzling cuts, the quality of the diamond becomes so much more imperative. If the stone has any inclusions or blemishes, or if the color is not absolutely white, the asscher cut will make the flaws more visible to the naked eye as they will not be concealed by as many reflections of light. Therefore if you are considering purchasing an asscher cut engagement ring, keep in mind that the ring will be more expensive as the only the very best quality diamonds should be considered in this cut. It is also imperative to choose a good, symmetrical cut to ensure optimal visual impact

Styles and Settings for Asscher Cut Diamonds

The Asscher cut was designed in the art deco period, therefore vintage asscher cut engagement rings would be a good example of the classical asscher cut diamond setting. The cut is perfectly suited and enhanced in an art deco style setting as the stone has a bold geometric look and is usually accented with angularly cut stones. Asscher cut stones used to be most easily found amongst antique and vintage jewelry dealers although their growing popularity is raising the demand for the stones to be more widely available in contemporary settings on the high street. Contemporary settings tend to include straight edges and angular designs, the settings create a very bold look making the rings more suitable for individuals who like their jewelry to highly stylish and striking.

In summary, asscher cut diamonds make a unique and stunning addition to any jewelry collection. The cut is highly specialised and only the most perfect diamonds should be chosen as the fewer facets used in the cut would allow any flaws to be easily seen by the naked eye. The rings are ideal as engagement pieces as they are as rare as they are beautiful. Asscher cut engagement rings are a wonderful choice for those looking for a stunning piece of design with timeless appeal.