Consider a Non-Traditional Engagement Ring
You Don't Have to Go for a Diamond
Just
give it some thought.
A
diamond is a symbol in a traditional engagement ring. That's all it is, a
symbol. There is no law that says you have to have a diamond engagement ring.
You are just as married no matter what stone, if any, is in your ring.
If
you like the look of diamonds but not the price, consider a simulated diamond.
These non-diamonds have come a long way in the past decade or so. Lines like
Diamonique and Absolute are so realistic that it's impossible for the casual
observer to tell the difference. You can exactly what you want for a fraction
of the cost with one of these lines. You and your fiancé are the only ones who
have to know. 
There
are two tips I would mention about buying a simulated stone for an engagement
ring, and they both apply to the groom. If you are the groom, you should
probably not be the one to suggest a simulated diamond. This is not because it
isn't a great idea. It's only that it just doesn't sound right coming from you.
Get a female friend or relative to suggest it to the bride, and then act like
it was her idea. The second tip is that under no circumstances should you buy a
simulated diamond and lead your bride to believe that it is real. She might
never find out, but she might. And if she does, you will be in real trouble.
Many
gemstones are just as pretty, if not prettier, than a diamond. Emeralds,
sapphires, garnets, rubies and other stones make beautiful rings. Some brides
don't like the idea of a diamond because of the social issues surrounding
diamond mining. Some brides would rather have a beautiful ring featuring their
birthstones or other beautiful stones. Take a look at what is out there before
you decide that you have to use a diamond for your engagement ring.
A
third way to get an inexpensive, beautiful and meaningful engagement ring is to
use a family ring. Talk to your parents and find out if there are any antique
rings in your family and if you would be able to use them. A grandmother's ring
or another ring from your family makes a lovely statement at your wedding.
These are just three ways to find a non-traditional and often less expensive
engagement ring. Remember that your love is the meaningful part of your
wedding. The ring is simply a symbol of your love, but in the end it's just a
thing. The love you share is what is real and what will remain.
Should You Propose with a Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring?
Types of Pink Sapphire
Engagement Rings
Like
diamond engagement rings, there are a number of pink sapphire engagement ring
style options. You can generally choose from gold, white gold, and platinum.
While the pink sapphire may be in a solitaire setting, it is much more common
for the gemstone to in combination with diamonds. There are also different
shades of pink sapphire, ranging from very light pinks to darker pinks.
Sapphire engagement rings can come in many different cuts, ranging from
princess to emerald.
Pink Sapphire Engagement
Ring Prices
The
amount of money that a pink sapphire engagement ring will cost depends on
numerous factors, including the size of the pink sapphire and surrounding
diamonds, the color of the pink sapphire, and the cut. That being said, pink
sapphire engagement rings are generally more affordable than diamond engagement
rings. While they may be more expensive at high-end jewelry retailers,
such as Tiffany's, they generally range between $500 and $1,500.
Pink Sapphire Wedding Band
Options
Many
women decide that they want pink sapphire incorporated into their wedding band
as well. There are two general options to choose from: wedding bands which
consist only of pink sapphire, and wedding bands which incorporate both pink
sapphire and diamonds. Pink sapphire wedding bands generally cost less than
pink sapphire engagement rings.
Are Pink Sapphire
Engagement Rings a Do or Don't?
It
is important to consider whether or not a pink engagement ring is the right
choice. While some brides-to-be will be pleased with a gemstone engagement
ring, others would prefer to stick with traditional diamonds. Before making the
decision to propose with pink sapphire, it is important to talk about it
beforehand. Although your girlfriend may be really fond of pink sapphire, this
does not necessarily mean that she wants it in the form of an engagement ring.
Women
who want to stray away from the normal trend of diamonds and do something a
little bit different may find that pink sapphire rings are right for them. That
said, it is ideal to consider how you will feel about having a gemstone
engagement ring in years to come. Make sure that your love for pink sapphire is
not just a phase that you are going through before having your boyfriend
propose with one.
Atlanta,
Georgia is a great place to find jewelers that sell certified
diamonds and engagement rings. Certified diamond engagement rings are a great
insurance for knowing that you are purchasing an authentic diamond engagement
ring.
Shopping for a certified
diamond engagement ring can be a rewarding experience.
Certified diamonds can take the worry out of buying a diamond. Buying
a diamond is an emotional purchase for most individuals. While w may put a
value on a stone, the rest of the world may see it as a lesser quality, over
priced, or at worst, fake. These are al fears a first time buyer may feel.
Knowing what a certified diamond is and what this means for you can help you
buy a quality diamond engagement ring that will make you and your bride to be
happy for many decades.
Independent
laboratories provide a service to the public. They inspect and put their seal
of approval on diamonds. An independent laboratory is not paid for by
the jewelry store, so you know they did not buy the approval. Think
of these independent laboratories as sort of a quality control for the diamond
industry. They work for the consumer. A quality jewelry store will already have
their jewelry inspected by an independent laboratory and be ready to provide
you with the certificate to prove the authenticity of the diamond. If your
diamond has not already been inspected, you should definitely ask to have it
sent to an independent laboratory and certified before you purchase it.
All
of this talk about independent laboratories any have you sleeping a little
easier, but there are a few things you should know about them. First of all,
there are many different independent laboratories out there. The Gemological
Institute of America is one of the most well known Independent Laboratories out
there. They compare diamond and diamond prices form jewelers and dealers all
over the world. This can be a useful service for anyone buying a diamond.
Make
sure you understand whether you are asking for proof of authenticity or an
appraisal certificate. There are other independent laboratories out there
besides GIA. If you don't know they are a reputable and well-established
independent laboratory, do not use them. As with any industry, there are always
those bad apples out there merely trying to make a buck.
Now,
that you know how to tell if your diamond is real and what it is appraise dat,
you are ready to start searching for a diamond engagement ring. Here are a few
local Atlanta jewelers that sell diamond engagement rings. For the most part
they sell diamonds that have been inspected y an Independent Laboratory. Don't
forget though, it is your job to ask!
Solomon
Brothers Fine Jewelry is located in the trendy and upscale Atlanta neighborhood
of Buckhead. They are a little known diamond source for most of the public.
Mostly they sell diamonds wholesale to other dealers, but the knowledgeable
public who finds out about them is welcome to come buy diamonds at wholesale
prices from their showroom. They are reputable and a must stop on your hunt for
the perfect diamond engagement ring. Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry is located
at 3340 Peachtree Road North East, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326. they can be reached
at (404) 266-0266.
Mayors is a high end and
posh jewelry store with a fabulous selections of pre-inspected diamonds. You
can choose to buy diamonds that are loose or already set into a ring. They also
carry fine china, which may get you started on registering for some weeding
gifts! Mayors is locate dat 3225 Peachtree Road Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia,
30305. they can be reached at (404) 261-4911.
D.
Gellar and Sons Jewelers is a national jewelry store with locations in cities
across America. They are a great place if you want to walk in on you day off
and pick something up. The diamonds are almost always pre inspected. Don't let
the words chain store keep you from visiting this store. D. Gellar and Sons
Jewelers is located at 2453 Cobb Parkway South East, Atlanta, Georgia, 30080.
they can be reached at (770) 955-5995.
Where to Hide an Engagement Ring
If
your girlfriend suspects that you are planning to propose to her in the near
future, there is a good chance that she may already be on the hunt for the
engagement ring. Jessica Simpson's new fiancé Eric Johnson hid her ring in his
shoe at her house, according to People.com.
If you're looking for a place (and preferably a less stinky one) to hide an
engagement ring so that your girlfriend won't find it before you propose,
consider these ideas.
Hide an Engagement Ring in
Unusual Places
Consider
places where your girlfriend never looks. If you don't yet live together, it is
ideal to spend more time with her at her place so that the engagement ring can
remain hidden. Even if you do live together, consider places where she would
probably never think to look. Here are some ideas.
1. Luggage. Unless
you're planning to go on a trip in the near future, your girlfriend will never
think to look through either of your suitcases for her engagement ring.
2. Decorative
flower vases. If you have any flower vases which hold fake flowers and
marbles or stones on the bottom, this can be the perfect hiding spot. Fake
flower baskets can also work.
3. Untouched
boxes. Do you have a George Foreman grill that's still in the box and
never gets used? What about the box for your Christmas tree and ornaments? Boxes she would never
think to look in can make great engagement ring hiding places.
4. Somewhere
related to one of your "man hobbies." Golf bags, tool boxes, or
even in your trunk under the spare tire can all be places where your girlfriend
might not think to check for the ring.
Be
aware of some of the places where she will be more likely to check. Underwear
drawers and nightstands are where most women think to check. While we hope that
you're not dumb enough to put the engagement ring in your glove compartment
(what happens if your car gets robbed?), it is likely that she will check there
too.
Hide an Engagement Ring in
High Places
If
your girlfriend is on the shorter side, it's ideal to consider hiding the ring
in places where she is unable to reach. Hiding the ring on top of the
refrigerator, for example, can be an ideal option if you are looking for a spot
that she would never think to look and is also not able to reach. In the attic
and on top of curio cabinets are both ideal options. While most women will look
through your clothing closet for the engagement ring, one exception would be if
you can put it in a baseball cap on the top shelf.
If
you're absolutely sure that your girlfriend will find the engagement ring if it
is in your home, it is ideal to consider other alternatives. Consider asking a
trustworthy friend or family member to keep the engagement ring until you are
ready to propose.
Should You Hide an Engagement Ring in Food?
It
is fairly common for men to propose during dessert at a fancy restaurant.
Putting an engagement ring in a cupcake or crème brulee may seem very romantic,
but is it really the best idea? Here are some of the reasons why you may want
to avoid hiding an engagement ring in food for a wedding proposal.
Some Women Find Hiding an
Engagement Ring in Food Very Cliché
We've
all heard of men proposing by hiding an engagement ring in food. In fact, most
of us have heard it many times. While there is no doubt that movies have
contributed to the idea of this being a good wedding proposal idea, some women
simply find the idea played out. Unless you're planning on doing something
extraordinary (such as buy your girlfriend the Golden Opulence sundae or have
the world's biggest pizza made for her), most women won't find a food proposal
anything to brag about when telling your wedding proposal to friends and
family.
Engagement Rings Can Get
Sticky When Placed in Certain Foods
If
you just spent a lot of money on an engagement ring, do you really want to get
it messy by putting it in some sticky dessert? While it is likely that it will
be able to be cleaned, certain foods can stuck in the cervices and may make
cleaning it a challenge. Desserts which include sticky ingredients, such as hot
fudge and caramel, may not be the best place to put an engagement ring.
There is a Risk of Your
Girlfriend Choking on or Swallowing the Ring
It
is important to keep in mind that while a food wedding proposal may seem like a
romantic idea, it can actually be dangerous. If your girlfriend doesn't see the
engagement ring in her dessert or entrée, there is a chance that she may end up
choking on. According to MSN.com,
one bride even swallowed an engagement ring that her boyfriend hid in a Wendy's
Frosty milkshake. What was meant to be a happy event ended up with her at the
hospital getting x-rays.
Choose Wisely if You Opt
for a Wedding Proposal Involving Food
If
your heart is set on proposing over dinner or dessert and you feel the need to
put the engagement ring in the food,
it is important to choose wisely. Avoid putting the engagement ring in any
dessert which would make it easy to swallow, such as a milkshake or pudding.
Instead of risking the chance of your girlfriend choking or swallowing the
ring, why not have it served separately? She'll think that she is being served
her food, but will find an engagement ring instead.
Before
making the decision to put an engagement ring in food for a wedding proposal,
be sure to consider the pros and cons. While some women may find it a sweet
idea, others may find it too cliché. If you do decide to hide the engagement
ring in food, be sure to choose carefully to reduce the risk of your girlfriend
choking on or swallowing her ring.
I
wear a size 4 ring, so when my fiance took me out ring shopping, it was a beast
to find a ring that didn't make my hands look tiny in comparison. Traditional
rings by nature make tiny hands look even smaller, so to get the right ring for
your petite finger, you've got to follow a few guidelines.
Solitaires,
even with smaller diamonds (1/2 karat or less) make a dainty finger look
dwarfed. With a solitaire, you have to anticipate a wedding band to complete
the effect, and that's a whole lotta ring for a tiny finger, and it can make
your small hand look ridiculous. Forgo a solitaire unless it's a smaller
diamond and you aren't going to be adding on a wedding band later.
Round
and square stones, 1/2 karat or less, are the most appealing on small fingers,
particularly with side stones. Believe me, the diamond will look HUGE on your
little bitty finger, and will still suit your dainty hands. You don't want a
band that is too wide, and side stone diamond rings allow you to look like
you've got a larger ring than you do without adding too much bling.
Try
to get a ring with prongs as close to the setting as possible. On a tiny
finger, a diamond that just juts out there can look ridiculous, no matter how
small. Go for tension set or floating diamond settings for a closer fit to the
ring band, which makes your small fingers look appropriate for the ring.
Stick
to 1/2 karat or less. I wanted a smaller diamond for my engagement ring, but
1/2 karat for the center diamond was the smallest they had. On my finger, my
engagement ring looks enormous, when in total it's just a bit over 1.6 karats.
I opted for the floating diamond setting, so the ring looks like a wedding band
from far away. It is simply a completely stunning ring, with 10 side diamonds
on each side of the center diamond. The added benefit of having smaller
fingers? Very little "naked" band once it's sized down. You get more
bling that way with less diamonds since there's so little finger to
accommodate.
My
advice? Stick to round and square stones, avoid princess or marquis diamonds,
keep the center stone under 1/2 karats if you can, and get a tension or
floating set diamond so the ring just looks stunning on your finger rather than
ostentatious. Don't get a solitaire, and if you get an engagement ring with
side stones, you can forgo the wedding band and have enough ring to suit your
finger. Believe me, having tiny fingers is a blessing, because any diamond
looks like a whopper on your tiny hand, you just have to be careful about what
you choose so your finger looks adorned with a gorgeous ring rather than
overwhelmed.
Picking Out a Diamond Engagement Ring
The
Four C's aren't a rock group. A heart does't always apply to an organ in your
chest. Carats aren't always vegetables.
These
terms all have to do with what's commonly called a girl's best friend - the diamond.
The purchase of a diamond engagement ring is a major decision as multifaceted
as the stones you're selecting. Here's a helpful guide covering the basics of
the diamond buying process.
The taste test
"First
of all, the most important thing is to know your partner's taste," said
Garry Shepard, owner of Jergers in Thomasville, Ga.(www.jergerjewelers.com). He
suggests visiting jewelry stores together to find out her ring
preferences. "Listen to what she likes," Shepard said. "Learn
about what cut, metal choice and design she prefers." At Jergers, white metals,
such as platinum and white gold, are the favorites among local couples. One of
their most popular engagement rings is a 1920s Deco-style filigree ring.
Three-stone
diamond rings are also a best seller. Shepard says women are becoming more
involved in the selection process, with couples coming into his store together.
"This
is a ring she will wear every day of her life," he said. "She wants a
style she can be happy with." If part of your proposal plan calls for
surprising your bride-to-be with the ring, enlist the help and opinions of the
other females in your life, such as your friends, sisters and good ol' mom.
Tallahassee
groom John Gilcher took his mom with him when he went to select a diamond ring
for Heather. Together they picked out a marquise-shaped style. "When I saw
it, I knew it was the one I wanted," Gilcher said. The couple wed at
Golden Hills Country Club in Ocala Nov. 18.
Determine your price
range, style, setting and shape
The
Diamond Trading Company (adiamondisforever.com) suggests an engagement ring be
worth the equal of up to two months salary. This is simply a guide. Diamonds
can be found in a range of price, and you're certain to find one that suits
your taste and what you plan to spend.
Diamond
rings come in three main styles - the solitaire, the bridal set and the
multi-stone. The solitaire is the most basic with a single stone set in a plain
metal mounting. The bridal set is a single large stone in the center of the
ring with smaller stones around it. The wedding band comes as part of the set
and it easily slips in the bottom of the ring. The multi-stone ring is a single
larger band that has multiple stones placed upon it.
Ring
settings come in three main flavors - yellow gold, white gold and platinum.
The center stone in a
diamond engagement ring can come in many different shapes:
- Round or brilliant: This circular shape is the
most basic and traditional.
- Oval: an elongated circle.
- Pear: This shape resembles a tear drop. It's
pointed on one end and rounded on the other.
- Marquise: Pointed on both ends.
- Heart: Shaped like the name implies.
- Princess: Box or square.
- Emerald cut: Rectangular shaped.
- Trillion: Triangle shaped.
Understanding the Four C's
The
quality of the diamond is based on the "Four C's:" cut, color,
clarity and carat. The relationships of these characteristics greatly
affect the price of the diamond.
- CUT refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond as well as the shape. A well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone. Facets are small, flat polished surfaces created by a master cutter. A fully cut diamond has 58 facets.
- COLOR refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless. Diamonds come in virtually all colors of the rainbow and are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (fancy color).
- CLARITY depends on how clear or "clean" the diamond is. Blemishes - such as chips and scratches - are imperfections on the outside of the diamond. Inclusions - such as clouds and feathers - are imperfections inside the diamond. To view blemishes and inclusions, jewelers use a magnifying loupe. This tool allows jewelers to see a diamond at 10 times its actual size, making the flaws easier to spot. Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, known as clarity. The clarity scale - also established by the GIA - ranges from F (Flawless) to I (Imperfect). The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is.
- CARAT refers to the diamond weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. One carat can also be divided into 100 "points" A .75 carat diamond is the same as a 75 points or 3/4-carat diamond. Be careful not to choose a diamond on carat weight alone. Two diamonds with the same carat weight may have vastly differing values due to the other factors previously discussed (cut, color and clarity). So don't pick a diamond based primarily on its size.
Discovering her ring size
After
going through the trouble to choose the perfect diamond, making sure the ring
fits on her finger is essential. There are many ways to obtain her ring size.
The most obvious is to take her with you to the jewelry store or simply ask her
what her size is. You can also try placing one of her rings over your fingers
(or one of her friend"(TM)s) and seeing if it fits any of them.
If
it does, get a ring that fits that finger. Third, borrow one of her rings and
take it to the store.
Vintage Engagement
Rings: Out with the New, In with the Old
When
you know that the right woman has come in your life; you always want to make
that person feel that she is special. Proposing to your beloved is one of the
most significant moments in a couple's life next to marriage. The hardest thing
when proposing is finding the best engagement ring to your soon to be fiancé.
Of course you just do not want to give something ordinary to the most special
person in your life. Vintage engagement rings are popular nowadays. The
intricate design of a vintage engagement ring will surely wow your partner. It
will be a classic, elegant and timeless piece of jewelry that you can
offer her.
Color, Quality and
Precious Gems
There
is a wide variety of vintage engagement rings to choose from. You can either
opt for a silver, yellow gold, white gold, or platinum for the band. You can
also choose other precious gemstones for the ring, aside from diamond. Vintage
rings are mostly one of a kind. These types of rings are specially hand
crafted. Not only they do look unique, they are also made out of very durable
material. The quality of vintage engagement rings will exceed those of the
modern day type. It will definitely stand out from the rest.
Timeless Beauty and
Affordable Value
You
do not need to burn money to propose to someone. Vintage engagement rings are
very affordable, yet you will not look like a cheapskate. There are a lot of
vintage stores where you can buy these types of rings. You can also check out
online stores that will offer you great value for your money. There is a wide
variety of vintage engagement rings to choose from when you shop online. The best
part about this is that you do not need to worry that there will be a lot of
the same styles of the engagement ring. Vintage engagement rings will guarantee
you that you will have a unique piece.
A
vintage engagement ring will surely win the heart of your beloved lady. Not
only will you give her something unique, there will also be great stories to
tell about the vintage engagement ring. You can ask the seller about the
history of the ring, where it was made, how old the ring is or who was the
previous owner, and or anything remarkable and significant about the ring you
will be buying for your lady.
Top 10 Engagement Ring Jewelers
With
the approach of that exciting day when your beloved beau asks you those four
promising words for lifetime commitment of love; the most important detail
surrounding that historic day is the engagement ring. The selection of a ring,
which is the outward presentation of the promised unity, is the most important
factor next to the selection of the wedding dress.
For
many woman, the cut of the stones and the choice of the precious metals for the
setting is a very deliberating process. In addition, whether going with
contemporary or traditional designs can typically be complicated. Those choices
are what makes your engagement ring special.
There
are may cuts of stone. The princess cut is the traditional square cut usually
seen in more vintage rings. Subsequently, there are the oval cut and round cut
viewed in some conventional pieces. If you are not into traditional, then you
may want to try asymmetrical cuts such as heart shape.
To
set the stones, many precious metals are being utilized. Most of the general
metals used are the 14K and 18K gold that appear in both yellow or white. If
using gold, 14K gold is stronger than 18K gold and will secure your stones
better. In the last several years platinum has become increasingly popular and
is even stronger than 14K gold. Additionally, the use of palladium is appearing
in some jewelry markets.
Shopping
for an engagement ring can be extremely arduous. Everyone generally wants an
engagement ring that is unique, beautiful, and, if possible, inexpensive.
Sometimes you might plummet into the perfect situation of receiving all three
attributes. There are many jewelers that offer good quality jewelry.
This season there are ten jewelers that have become increasingly popular for
engagement ring sources.
1.
One of the most unique of the top ten is the Charles & Colverd's Moissanite jewelry. Moissanite is a
special mineral that has the brilliants of a diamond. The evolution of the
Moissanite gem started with a meteor crater in Arizona. Beautiful shiny
high-quality crystals found within the crater were considered as a precious gem
to be used in jewelry settings. Yet for the earth to cultivate this new gem
would take centuries. A company in the south engineered a process for
manufacturing sizeable single gemstones. The Moissanite has become a popular
choice for engagement gemstone due to being less expensive than a diamond.
Moissanite Co. uses 14K white or yellow gold or palladium, which is similar to
platinum. Moissianite Co. offers either pre-designed pieces or they will allow
you the opportunity to build your own set.
2.
Located in California, Tacori Jeweler
offers elegant handcrafted jewelry that is set in platinum and diamonds. Tacori
was made popular when they were the chosen jeweler for Trista and Ryan on the
first season of The Bachelorette. Centered around the celebrity scene, Tacori
provides Hollywood royalty with the allure they need for hitting the
red carpets. Tacori's main attributes are the designs for chic artistic
engagement rings for modern brides to be.
3.
Cartier is one of the oldest of the
top ten jewelers and also one of the first to utilize platinum settings.
Originating in Paris in the mid 1800's, Cartier has been on the forefront of
jewelry and they even are noted to be the original creators of the wristwatch.
Cartier has a long heritage of creating fine jewelry for royalty, celebrities,
and the wealthy. Cartier designs are the blend of vintage and contemporary,
which much resembles art deco. Check out also these nice watches collection!
4.
Another notable jeweler is the inspirational Tiffany. Tiffany also buried his
roots in the early 1900's. Tiffany jewelry is generally subjected around the
essence of nature. Many early pieces are attributed to floral impressions.
Tiffany & Co is famous for creating the Tiffany setting which is a six
prong setting allowing the stone to be raised above the band. Many brides to be
gravitate toward this traditional setting for their engagement ring.
5.
Jeff Cooper jewelry is also on the noteworthy list. Jeff Cooper has spent his
life perfecting his art of converting precious metals and diamonds into trendy
bridal jewelry pieces. He, along with his son, handcraft all of their jewelry
with precision. It is his dedication to create bridal sets that each of his
clients envision.
6.
A native of Turkey, Michael B has been designing fine jewelry since he was 10
years of age. He began working with platinum in the 90's and he developed the
Micro Pave system of setting mega tiny diamonds in the band of a ring creating
a paved effect. Many of Michael's engagement rings have the Micro Pave effect
incorporated on the bands.
7.
Verragio studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. He prides
himself on his innovative and elegant designs centered around the one of a kind
motif he designed for his bride 10 years ago. Verragio engagement rings
encompass many unique qualities. Such exclusive traits are using scallops along
edges and using accent stones on the sides of the rings.
8.
Made famous by Marilyn Monroe's song 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend' in her
musical film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Harry Winston, too, has been around
since the early 1900's. Winston was made famous when he acquired the jewelry
collection of the spouse of the railroad industrialist, Huntington, and
redesigned the elements into contemporary pieces. Harry Winston engagement
rings are frequently offered in the traditional designs, but also can
incorporate colored stones such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.
9.
Bulgari jewelry is Italian and is generally bold in statement. This jewelry is
very daring and heavy in entirety. The pieces are normally platinum. However,
Bulgari incorporates many different styles, types, and colors in their
engagement ring designs. From sophisticated contemporary pieces all the way to
the other spectrum of floral pieces using rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. With
Bulgari, there is a wide range of options for any bride to be. With the use of
such settings as bezel setting, channel settings, or tension settings; many
shapes and varieties of stones can be used.
10.
One of the freshest and intense designers is David Yurman. Yurman encompasses
his renowned cable and crossover design into his engagement and bridal
collection. Another feature of David Yurman's engagement collections is his
very own David Yurman Signature Cut for diamonds.
So,
whether you are simple or you are complex; engagement ring choices can be
enjoyable and complicated. With all the designers spotlighted in the jewelry
market; brides to be have amazing resources to discover or create their one
perfect ring that they will wear for eternity.
Since
who-knows-when, it has always been a commonly observed tradition that a man
purchases an engagement ring, and then proposes with the ring when the time is
right. A new trend has begun, however, that involves couples shopping for the
engagement ring together, which presents a few pros and cons for those who
might not know which to choose.
I'm
not one to argue with the sacred bond of tradition in our culture, but it seems
that many women would prefer to be along for the ride when shopping for an
engagement ring. She can look at the selection, determine the price range, and
help her husband-to-be find a ring that she will enjoy wearing for the rest of
her life.
Engagement rings are
plentiful, and there are literally thousands from which to choose.
Would
she like a single large stone, or a row of smaller stones? Does she prefer
gold, white-gold or platinum? Not to mention, prices of engagement rings can be
prohibitive, which might encourage the husband-to-be into a state of sheer
panic.
Before you make this
decision for yourself, talk with the person who you hope to marry and find out
what she thinks about shopping together. Would she prefer for you to go alone
or with one of her friends to pick out the ring, or would she rather shop with
you so you get the right one?
If
you do decide to shop together, discuss the price range in advance. You don't
have to have a designated cash amount that you have to spend, but know your
limits before you even start looking at jewelry. There is nothing worse than
watching your girlfriend fall in love with a ring you can't afford.
Decide
on two or three places where you would like to shop, and allow her to look at
the selection without input from you. Give her a chance to try on a few, and
make sure that you visit at least two stores before making a concrete decision.
Once you have chosen a
ring, you can still keep the tradition by surprising her with the proposal.
Give it a while she that she doesn't expect it, and it will almost be as if
you'd never discussed it in the first place.
Traditions
are all fine and good, but since your bride-to-be will be wearing her
engagement ring for the rest of her life, it should be one that she will enjoy.
And you don't want to have to take a ring back after you've proposed and find
another one.
Avoid
that entire disappointment process and let her come with you to pick out the
ring. If, however, this doesn't appeal to you, select one of her closest
friends and bring her along. Friends often discuss potential engagement rings
together, and she might be better suited to help you choose the right one.
Haggling for Vintage Engagement Rings
As
long as the diamond and the gold is real, a ring that looks vintage can be just
as acceptable as the real thing. Lots of companies take designs from vintage or
antique settings and use them to design their current line. Finding warrantied
vintage engagement rings can be difficult because the manufacturer is long gone
or it's simply too old to warranty. You might be able to get a warranty from a
local jeweler or one that designs their own work in house.
Stay
away from the mall or corporatized jewelry chains if you're stuck on getting a
genuine vintage engagement ring. On the other hand, you can let them know the
kind of look you want and you just might find something that looks exactly like
what you want.
Sylvia's
Antique Jewelry sylviasantiques.com has quite a selection of the real thing.
Most of the pieces don't go from about $500 and go to over $6,000, with most
falling in the $2,500 to $1,250 range. They've got some outstanding Deco pieces
but their stock is always changing.
Antique
Engagement Rings antiqueengagementrings.com has a fabulous collection of
reproductions. The best part about that, is that if you know you're having
trouble coming up with the cash, the reproductions can still be made when you
have the money. When you go for a real vintage or antique engagement ring you
feel like you've got a one of a kind piece. Most of the time you don't, but
good luck finding the same exact piece that you fell in love with. These pieces
are expensive, but they are exact copies of original rings from the Edwardian
period or Art Deco. Prices range from several thousand to about $13,000. Most
run about $9,000.
Antique
Jewelry Mall antiquejewelrymall.com ranges in price from $300 and up, with many
rings in the $500 range. It's easy to see stuff in the $1,000 range, but this
site is good if you've got a budget.
How to Haggle
There
isn't much of a difference in price between a vintage engagement ring and a
modern engagement ring with the same gold and karat weight. At least there
shouldn't be. With that knowledge you can have idea of where to start your
haggling.
There
are exceptions of course. Anything from Tiffany or a specifically sought after
designer would be an exception, as would certain unusual gem cuts. (The answer
to that is to say that we don't see that gem cut because it just isn't popular
with customers and negotiate from there.
One
of the best ways to have negotiating power is to not admit that you're shopping
for an engagement ring. Just have the size ready and say you're merely buying a
ring.
Find
more than one place that can supply you with the ring if possible. Use that to
get some leverage. Or just look for comparable rings of the same price. Tell
them that you're ready to walk unless you can get it for a little less.
This
can be done in even in the mall shops, though with more difficulty than the
places below:
Antique Stores
One
of the best places to find real vintage and antique engagement rings is at am
antique store. Normally they have many cases with all sorts of unusual jewelry
and rings of all kinds in the glass cases. Go to more than one and shop around.
Prices range quite dramatically and are dependent on the area. You can get
decent vintage or antique ring from about $100 to a few thousand. Most, at
least here in Florida, will fall at about the $350 range.
Estate Sales
You
can find estate sales by scouring your local newspaper. Sometimes you'll get
lucky and land a gorgeous ring. Sometimes they'll offer an entire box of
jewelry for $50 and you might be able to snag a real and beautiful vintage ring
there. I don't know how many times I've watched Antique Roadshow and heard that
story.
The Pawn Shop
A
pawn shop isn't very romantic, but you can sometimes find beautiful old rings
for an engagement. Just don't tell her where you bought it.
Consignment Stores
Consignment
stores are often the most expensive. But that can depend on your area. Owners
who place jewelry on consignment know the value of the ring and are hoping to
recoup it.
10 Engagement Rings Without a Diamond
Purchasing
an engagement ring can be a costly affair, but you don't need to spend
thousands and max out your credit card to propose marriage to your special
girl. While diamonds are boasted as a girl's best friend, they aren't your
wallet's or African diamond miner's best friends. Whether you aren't keen on
purchasing a diamond engagement ring because of the huge expense or because of
the possibility that you are purchasing blood diamonds, you don't have to
worry, there are some great alternatives to diamond engagement rings.
Pearl
Pearls
are used for some very classic and beautiful jewelry, including rings. If you
try searching for "pearl engagement rings" you will probably have a
hard time finding what you are looking for, but who says that a pearl ring has
to be intended for engagement by a jeweler in order for it to be used as an
engagement ring. Below are some beautiful pearl rings that you may choose to
use for an engagement ring.
AmericanPearl.com (also check out the current deals, discounts and current offers)
- Corvina a Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearl Ring $195.00
- Tres Jolie White South Sea Ring $1,400.00
- Sheila a Freshwater Cultured Pearl Ring $165.00
Gemstone
Rubies,
saphires, and emeralds, oh my! Gemstones are a great way to go when it comes to
shopping for a diamond-free engagement ring. You might decide on your
girlfriend's birthstone, the birthstone of someone that she was very close to
and lost, or your birthstone for her engagement ring. It can be difficult to
find gemstone rings that don't have diamonds, but below are a few gemstone
solitaires that would make beautiful engagement rings.
RaymondJewelers.com
- Genuine Aquamarine Pear Shape Solitaire Ring in 14K White Gold $295.00
- Elegant Genuine Rhodolite Garnet Ring 14K White Gold $235.00
- Precious Trillion Triangle Shape Genuine Peridot Ring 14K Yellow Gold $395.00
Moissanite
Lately
a popular alternative to diamond engagement rings have been rings with
diamond-look-alikes, and moissanite is one of those popular
diamond-look-alikes. If you are hoping to fool the average person who asks to
see The Ring, then you might consider purchasing one of the rings listed below.
MoissaniteIsForever.com
- Moissanite 14k White Gold Classic Princess Solitaire Ring $468.00
- Moissanite 14k White Gold Square Brilliant Cathedral Solitaire $468.00
- Moissanite 14k White Gold Round Channel Set Tapered Ring $576.00
- Moissanite 14k Yellow Gold Round Trellis Baguette Ring $751.00
No
matter what your reasoning is for avoiding a diamond engagement ring, there are
many other options for you to explore. Don't allow societal norms to decide
what engagement ring is right for you and your girlfriend.
If
you are worried that your girlfriend may be offended by a less expensive
diamond-free engagement ring then you could always propose to her in
the jewelry store and then let her pick out the diamond-free ring of
her choice. Chances are, if you let her pick the ring that she wants and
explain to her why you aren't in favor of purchasing a diamond ring, she will
understand and just be glad that you want to spend the rest of your life with
her.
Tags:
Ideeas and texts by the publishers: liza_green, Clea Danaan, Lola Inez, Kellie Hill, JM Wilding, Butch West, Betty Asphy, Wanda Craft, Lila Rose, Erin Thursby, LorrieBee, Ainsley Patterson, Ann Siper, Steve Thompson, JL Tharp, Jennifer Macon-Steele, Jodi Morse, Lynda Belcher, Abby Willow - with many thanks!
Tags:
- Diamond Engagement Ring
- Certified Diamonds
- Jewelry Store
- Diamond Engagement Rings
- Jane Russell
- De Beers
- Engagement Rings
- Moissanite
- Steve ThompsonWhite Gold
- Bulgari
- Harry Winston
- Cartier
- Bridal Jewelry
- Vintage Engagement Rings
- Antique Jewelry
- Haggling
- Thinking Outside the Box
- Diamond Engagement Ring
- Wedding
- Engagement Ring
- Precious Gems
- Diamonds
- Diamond Clarity
- George Foreman Grill
- Eric Johnson
