Ring Buyers Guide

Why Should You Consider An Onyx Ring?

admin — Sun, 23 May 2010 00:53:59 +0000

Onyx is a very unusual, bold semi-precious gemstone and an onyx ring is a great choice if you are looking for a particularly striking piece of jewelry. Genuine onyx is most commonly found as a banded stone of many red toned layers. However the form of onyx found in high street ring collections is mainly black onyx. Black onyx is facetted to give the stones texture and add shimmer to black onyx rings, however onyx does not sparkle as such. Although black onyx lacks sparkle, the stones do produce a desirable shine when polished and it is this quality that makes onyx a stone worthy of many jewelry collections. The central gemstones set into onyx rings can be found in varying sizes, the most popular of which being a very large size of stone. While these may not suit more dainty fingers, if you are looking for a modern, oversized gemstone ring which are highly fashionable at present, onyx may prove to be one of the least expensive options of large semi-precious gemstone rings on the market.

Popular Styles and Settings for Onyx Rings

Onyx is most commonly paired with silver as the combination of the black stone and white metal creates a wonderfully monochromic look which most admirers of the gemstone find to be the most attractive effect. There is a very wide range of silver onyx rings available which can be easily found on the high street at reasonable rates, therefore you are sure to find the ideal piece to suit your taste and budget specifications. The silver settings for onyx rings tend to be quite contemporary and bold. Also, as onyx is relatively inexpensive and plentiful, designers can afford to set larger pieces of the gemstone in their ring designs meaning that there is a wide range of onyx rings with very large central stones. This makes the rings a wonderful choice if you are looking for a piece to create a stunning impact when worn and as such, they can make fantastic cocktail rings to pair with a little black dress. Onyx rings can also be found set into gold to create a finer form of black onyx ring although these pieces can be a little harder to find and the onyx set into the rings tends to be smaller in size. If you are looking for a black onyx ring to coordinate with your gold jewelry, there are some stunning black onyx and gold rings to consider on the market.

In summary, if you are looking for a large, highly contemporary semi-precious gemstone ring, a black onyx ring may be an ideal choice for you. Black onyx is most commonly set into modern and striking silver jewelry designs and the relatively inexpensive nature of the rings ensures that you will be able to afford a lot of ring for your money. So if you are looking for a black stoned ring to add you your collection, a black onyx ring is well worth your consideration.

Why Choose a White Gold Wedding Ring?

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:31:14 +0000

White gold wedding rings are a fresh take on the traditional yellow gold wedding bands. White gold tends to be a more modern, contemporary choice for couples who prefer silver colored jewelry to the more classic yellow gold. The styles of white gold wedding ring seem to be more minimalistic and are more subtle as the metal is not as immediately striking as yellow gold. White gold works particularly well when set with diamonds, as the white tones of the metal are matched perfectly to the natural whiteness of diamonds. This makes a white gold diamond wedding ring a stunning piece with the glittering diamonds being perfectly showcased by the polished white gold.
It has been traditional for many years for couples to choose bands that are coordinated in color and style and if you wish to carry forward this sentiment of unity through co-ordination, white gold wedding ring sets may be an ideal choice for you. However many couples are turning away from this tradition and instead are opting for pieces which are more suited to their individual tastes. If you would prefer to choose rings which are more suited to your personal styles, there are an infinite range of possible styles available for each of you.

Mens White Gold Wedding Rings

Mens white gold wedding rings can be found in a range of styles from plain bands in varying widths, to rings including engraved patterning, and can even be found to include diamond details if you prefer. The piece you choose is completely down to your budget and your own personal taste, however it is always wise to have your choice approved by your future spouse. Remember that your wedding ring should be of as high quality as you can afford to ensure that you can wear your ring for many years to come. Your wedding ring is in some respects, the most important piece of jewelry you will ever choose and should be comfortable, practical and durable enough to be worn every day. Some men whom are not used to wearing rings can find their wedding ring a little uncomfortable at first, but this sensation usually fades with wear as you get used to the feel and weight of the ring. Most men find that court shaped white gold bands are the most comfortable to wear as the interior of the ring is curved slightly on both the inside and outside of the ring. The interior curve helps to ensure a close fit without being too constrictive. Court shaped wedding bands do tend to be a little more expensive because they generally include more white gold than a ring of the same width in a different band shape, such as d-shaped bands.

Womens White Gold Wedding Rings

It is becoming increasingly popular to women to choose a wedding band set with small diamonds as they can be extremely complimentary to a dazzling diamond engagement ring. If you have smaller fingers, try to opt for a wedding band that is as slim as you like, 3mm for example, to create a wedding band/engagement ring combination that would most suit dainty fingers. Larger fingers can suit a wider range of wedding band widths leaving more styles open for your consideration. Which-ever style or band width you choose, ensure that you would be happy to wear the band for a lifetime as a wedding ring should be a piece you can wear for always, making choosing the right ring an extremely important decision worthy of a research and shopping around for the perfect piece.

What is So Special About a Tanzanite Ring?

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 21:29:50 +0000

Tanzanite rings fly off the shelves where-ever they are stocked meaning that a tanzanite ring has a special kind of desirability that is different from the rest. Tanzanite rings have come to the forefront of jewelry fashions in recent years and since then has been an extremely popular addition to many jewelry collections. You can only imagine that it is the tones of the gemstone that makes tanzanite so desirable, ranging from a deep blue-purple to pale lilac and there are no competing purple colored gemstones on the market. Even amethyst is no-where near tanzanite in the popularity stakes as tanzanite tends to be a less cloudy and has a richer, deeper coloration with a greater level of sparkle. As tanzanite is relatively new to the forefront of jewelry fashion, the rings tend to be more on the contemporary side, pairing white gold with the gemstones and accenting them with dazzling diamond detail make the rings into real statement pieces which are ideal for extra special occasions.

Tanzanite Rings for Special Occasions

Combine any gemstone with diamonds and you have a dazzling piece of fine jewelry, however a tanzanite and diamond ring can be a little bit more special. The wonderful lavender tones of the tanzanite match well with diamond accents and white gold to create a stunningly contemporary, highly desirable ring. The rings are so desirable that the are becoming a popular alternative for use as engagement pieces for those who are looking for a ring that is different to the more common diamond solitaires. If your future fiancée loves tanzanite and would like an engagement ring to be more vibrant than just white diamonds, tanzanite engagement rings may be ideal for her. It is also more reasonable to purchase a larger, high quality tanzanite solitaire gemstone ring than to purchase the equivalent size of a good quality diamond. Therefore if you are looking for a larger sized solitaire ring, a tanzanite is an option worth considering. However if your intended adores tanzanite but has her heart set on a diamond ring, you may wish to look for a diamond solitaire accented with smaller tanzanite gemstones, or even order one to be custom designed for you. This type of tanzanite diamond ring could be the most wonderful gesture as you will be showing how much you know your loved one.

In summary, a tanzanite ring can be a highly stylish, elegant and contemporary addition to any jewelry collection and can make a stunning alternative to a diamond solitaire for an engagement piece. The unique tones of the gemstones have made the rings irresistible to a wide range of individuals with what would appear to be a universal appeal. Whatever your reason for purchase, you are sure to find a style of tanzanite ring to suit your own personal taste and be dazzled by the beauty of the gemstone for many years to come.

About Silver Rings

admin — Fri, 14 May 2010 21:27:33 +0000

Pure silver is a very soft metal which would be prone to damage therefore would be inappropriate for use in jewelry, such as in the manufacture of silver rings. It is because of this property that silver jewelry is often made of a silver alloy, meaning that another metal is combined with the silver to make the alloy stronger and more durable. Sterling silver is considered to be the best grade of silver for use in the manufacture of rings as the silver alloy contains mostly silver with only a very minor percent of a different metal. So if you are looking to purchase a really high quality silver ring, it may be best to start with the rings marked as sterling silver as these will be the most beautiful examples of fine silver jewelry. If the ring is made of sterling silver, the ring should be marked as such on the inside of the piece so they are easy to identify.

Mens Silver Ring Designs

Men have often chosen sterling silver as a fashionable way to wear silver colored jewelry without the expense of a white gold or platinum piece. A chunky, plain band of silver is perhaps the most youthful and contemporary way for men to wear a ring, however there is an incredibly wide range of mens silver rings on the market. Choosing the right one for you should be based on a few considerations. Firstly, start by searching for a sterling silver ring to ensure that your purchase will be of good quality and last for many years. Then choose a band width that suits your finger, a very wide and chunky ring may not compliment smaller or slimmer hands as much as larger hands. So choose a design that you like, but also check that the ring looks good when worn. Then decide if you would like a piece with detailing, such as embellishment or engraved patterning, which should help to narrow down your search. Choose a ring to suit your own personal style and you shouldn’t go wrong.

Womens Silver Ring Designs

A womens silver ring is also a very young, contemporary way for women to wear rings. The ring designs range from small and delicate to suit smaller hands, to wide and chunky to make a bolder impact, therefore you are guaranteed to find a piece perfect for your personal style and budget. As sterling silver rings tend to be relatively inexpensive, when compared to white gold or platinum, you can afford to take a few more risks with your purchase. Therefore you can treat yourself to a highly fashionable design without worrying about spending too much.

In summary, a sterling silver ring is a great way to wear a very contemporary piece without spending too much. Sterling silver rings are the highest quality silver pieces and these should be purchased where-ever possible to ensure that you are buying a high quality and ling lasting piece of jewelry. There is an exceptionally wide range of silver ring designs available, to suit both men and women, so you are sure to find a design perfect for you.

Silver Claddagh Ring Guide

admin — Tue, 11 May 2010 21:24:47 +0000

The Meaning of a Claddagh Ring

Before considering the purchase of a claddagh ring it is important to first fully understand the claddagh ring meaning. Claddagh rings are traditional design from Irish culture where the pieces are given as a symbol of love and commitment. The design features two hands holding a heart with a crown over the central heart. The hands are thought to represent friendship and unity, the heart is thought to represent love, and the crown is thought to represent loyalty. It is because of these romantic and meaningful sentiments that claddagh rings remain popular for use as engagement or wedding rings and can be found in an array of slightly different design features. The rings can also include a heart-shaped gemstone as the heart feature of the design which make them more desirable as fine jewelry pieces.

Claddagh Ring Designs

Claddagh rings can be found in a very wide range of designs and can cover all budgets. The simple silver claddagh ring, for example, being one of the least expensive items, to gold claddagh rings embellished with semi-precious or precious gemstones. Yellow gold claddagh rings tend to be the more traditional styles and can make a wonderful addition to collection or as a sentimental gift. However if you are looking to combine fine jewelry and claddagh design, a white gold claddagh ring is a highly contemporary way to wear the pieces and can make stunning engagement or wedding rings.

Claddagh Engagement and Wedding Rings

Claddagh rings can be found to include many of the precious gemstones associated with fine jewelry such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and even diamonds, making them ideal for use as engagement pieces. If you and your future fiancée appreciate the Irish heritage or simply appreciate the meaning behind the designs, a claddagh engagement ring may be an ideal choice for you. It is worth noting however that the rings are not to everyone’s taste therefore you may with the subtly check with your intended that they like claddagh design before purchasing.
Claddagh wedding rings can also be found in a wide range of designs, however the shape of the traditional claddagh design can make it difficult to wear with an engagement ring. If there is no engagement ring to consider, the traditional shapes make lovely wedding rings as the sentiments behind the ring are a perfect fit for the commitment of marriage. However if an engagement ring is to be considered, the claddagh design has been incorporated into a band style wedding ring whereby the claddagh design is engraved or sculpted onto the band itself. These are a great choice for those who wish to use the romanticism of the claddagh whilst fitting nicely with other jewelry.

In summary, claddagh rings are a wonderful way to solidify a romantic commitment between a couple and are particularly meaningful as engagement or wedding rings. Whilst they are not admired by all, if the designs are to your taste or if you admire the Irish heritage and sentiments of the rings, they are a wonderful addition to your collection or gift for a loved one.

About Silver 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?

What Makes Gold Rings So Popular?

admin — Sun, 09 May 2010 21:21:52 +0000

The gold ring is a classic piece and a staple item in any jewelry collection. The metal is ever popular in the marketplace as the demand for gold rings is always assured. Gold has often been associated with wealth and opulence and these associations makes the precious metal all the more desirable. Twenty-four carat gold is a relatively soft product and it is due to this that the gold jewelry on the market is usually 22ct to 9ct. This is because the pure gold is made into an alloy with another base metal, such as copper, to improve the durability and strength of the jewelry. The higher the content of gold the more expensive the product will be, making 22ct gold the more desirable for fine jewelry. White and yellow gold are both very hardwearing and this makes the pieces good investments as you are guaranteed to be able to wear the ring for many years to come. As gold is so popular, there is a very wide range of qualities, styles and designs of gold ring so all you need to do is find one that suits you and your budget the best.

The White Gold Ring Trend

White gold is undoubtedly the fashionable cousin of yellow gold in today’s jewelry trends. White gold rings are becoming as popular, if not exceeding the popularity, of yellow gold as the white metal is often seen as a more contemporary option. This trend is particularly prevalent in the wedding and engagement ring market as many newly betrothed couples are opting for white gold rings for their wedding jewelry. This may be because white gold ring designs tend to be more minimalistic and that white gold and diamonds are matched extremely well, the diamonds seem to accent the white in the metal perfectly to create stunning and stylish designs. The natural whiteness of diamonds also seems to be emphasized when set against a white gold background and so appear to radiate more sparkle. Therefore if you are looking to purchase a modern and dazzling version of the classic engagement ring, a white gold diamond ring may be the ideal choice for you.

Styles of Mens Gold Rings

There are many styles of mens gold rings available on the market for men who are looking for a piece of fine jewelry, from plain bands to engraved and encrusted with gemstones. Men mainly choose a gold ring as a wedding band as the long-lasting, hardwearing properties of the metal ensure that the pieces can be worn for many years to come. Scratches will appear on gold jewelry from time to time however they can usually be buffed away by a reliable jeweler if necessary. Men are also given the option to purchase many styles of wedding band in both white and yellow gold therefore whatever color preference you may have, there will be a gold ring to suit your taste.

Why Choose a White Gold Wedding Ring?

A Brief Introduction to the World of Emerald Rings

admin — Sun, 09 May 2010 21:19:48 +0000

Emerald is a uniquely colored deep green precious gemstone that is highly revered by gemstone connoisseurs. There is simply no other gemstone close to the color of the emerald and the stones also have close connotations with royalty and opulence which makes the emerald rings all the more desirable. Emeralds are often treated with resins and oils to bring out the desirable deep green tones of the stones. This is not at all unusual and should not put you off purchasing an emerald ring, however do check with your jeweller if you are at all concerned with the quality of your chosen piece. Emerald rings are a wonderful choice if you are looking for a striking piece of fine jewelry and the classic nature of the rings ensures that your chosen piece should never go out of style.

Emerald Rings For Special Occasions

When combined with precious metals, such as gold, and are accented by dazzling diamond detail, an emerald ring can be a truly stunning piece of fine jewelry worthy of any special occasion. Emeralds are the birthstone for May and an emerald ring would make a wonderful gift for a special birthday of an important person to you in this month. Or if your future fiancée is an admirer of emeralds, it may be an ideal to choose a piece from the range of possible emerald engagement rings on the market. A good quality emerald ring is a worthy opponent to the traditional white diamond solitaire engagement ring if your intended loves color in her jewelry and would like an engagement ring that is different from the masses. However it is worth noting not to confuse emerald engagement rings with emerald cut engagement rings as emerald cut refers to the cut of a diamond. An emerald cut diamond ring is a cut of diamond which is similar to the cut of an emerald, usually rectangular with larger facets. The diamonds of this cut do not tend to sparkle as much as the more facetted princess or brilliant cuts, and so the emerald cut is thought to be more of a specialist or acquired taste as the more subtle fire is not prominent enough for most diamond admirers. The cut works so well with emeralds as the gemstones are not expected to sparkle as such, but to simply showcase the beauty and quality of the emerald stone. The vibrancy of the emerald is enough of a wow factor to attract purchasers therefore the level of sparkle is less of a concern.

In summary, emerald rings are a wonderful choice for those looking to purchase a piece of classical, elegant jewelry that will never go out of style. The opulence of the gemstones make them ideal for use as offerings at special occasions such as an important birthday or as an engagement piece. Emerald rings are in a league of their own as fine, vibrant jewelry items and no collection is complete without the addition of one of these striking pieces.

Emerald Cut Engagement Rings

What is So Special About a Garnet Ring?

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 23:20:59 +0000

The most traditional form of garnet is the warm red colored gemstone which make the most stunning garnet rings. However garnets can also be found in green, yellow and orange tones which make more unusual additions to any jewelry collection. Garnet is a very classical gemstone to be used in ring designs and is a great alternative to the more expensively priced rubies as garnet is mined in plentiful supplies. Similar to the ruby, red gemstones have often held strong associations with romantic gestures as red is the color of love. Therefore a garnet ring may be a great option if you are looking for a truly romantic gift for a loved one. There is an immensely wide range of styles of garnet ring on the modern market, in both traditional and contemporary designs, therefore you are guaranteed to find a garnet ring to suit your exact taste and budget.

Popular Styles and Settings for Garnet Rings

If you prefer your jewelry to be classically styled, you may wish to search through the many garnet gold rings on the market. Garnet works particularly well when set into gold as the warm tones of the gemstones is perfectly matched to the warm tones of the yellow gold. These pieces tend to be more traditional designs and make wonderful pieces of fine jewelry and are excellent choices for a special gift. However if you are looking for a more contemporary design, you may wish to opt for a garnet ring set into a silver colored metal such as white gold or sterling silver. A silver garnet ring is a more contemporary choice as the designs of these rings tend to be more minimalist and modern.

Garnets also work well when set into vintage styles as vintage rings tend to be bold and brightly colored, making the intense tones of the garnet ideal embellishments for these pieces.

Can Good Quality Vintage Garnet Rings Be Found?

As garnet is a relatively hardwearing gemstone, there is a good chance that a vintage garnet ring would still be in reasonable condition. It is wise to purchase a piece from a reputable jeweler who can check that the garnet is still securely set into the ring without danger of becoming loose. If the ring is plated, look out for areas where the plating may have worn away. In some cases it is possible to have the ring re-plated, however this is not true of every piece and would be at an additional cost to you. If you appreciate the vintage style but would prefer a modern vintage style ring, there are many vintage style garnet rings on the market which can be easily obtained.

In summary, a garnet ring makes an essential addition to any complete jewelry collection. The wide range of styles available ensures that there will be a ring ideal for your taste and budget, or for a stunning gift for a loved one. Whatever style of garnet ring you opt for, you are sure to the impressed with the deep and beautiful tones of these special gemstones.

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.