You’ve decided to propose… You thought about the words you’re going to say… Summoned the courage… But there’s on “little” thing left – choosing the ring of her dreams.
Grooms are often faced with different pros and cons when choosing a ring for engagement.
In order to make the right choice, you need to prepare well and be sure to know about 5 misconceptions about engagement rings. A bit of history. Pope Nicholas First had issued a decree that to prove their independence, the groom must give their fiancées an engagement ring made of gold. In 1215, Pope Innocent Third issued a similar decree, but the ring could be not only of gold, but silver and iron. The ring was meant to be worn during the length of the engagement.
Principles of choosing the ring:
- Material
- Stones
- Design
MATERIAL
The most commonly used material for the engagement ring is gold. Pure gold is never used because of its softness and fragility. Silver and copper are added to gold for strength and color.
Copper is used to achieve a pink tint of gold. 18 carat gold – yellow gold with the addition of silver – is considered the optimal for the Engagement Ring.
Particular attention should be paid when buying a ring of white gold. In order to achieve that shade, nickel or palladium are used as additives. Generally, manufacturers do not indicate the full composition of gold, and it should be inquired from sellers. An important fact to consider is that palladium is a precious metal and is also hypoallergenic. Nickel is not as valuable and can cause skin irritation.
In recent years platinum has become a metal of choice for Engagement Rings. Platinum is valued more than gold, but loses to white gold in color. Platinum has a dirty-gray tint.
STONE
Classification of diamonds depends on the value measured in carats, color, clarity and cut.
Carat – the notional value equal to one grain. Weight: 1 carat = 0,2gr, the more carats in a diamond, the more valuable it is, however, not only the size is important.
It seems that diamonds are colorless. However, they are not. Natural color of diamonds – shades of yellow and brown. The more colorless the stone, the more valuable it is.
Stones of saturated colors – red, blue, yellow, purple, pink are called fancy. Naturally colored diamonds are very rare and very expensive.
Cleanness – the most significant factor in determining the quality of the diamond. The most precious stone is a diamond of pure water, ie most pure and without inclusions. According to some classifications, the most quality diamonds are those with a performance from 1 to 5.
Diamond cut affects its shape and shine. With the right cut the diamond can look even bigger.
DESIGN
Trends in the design of Engagement Rings are divided into:
-Classic
-Fashion
-Art-design
Classic Engagement rings are composed of one or more of the brilliant-cut diamonds. Fashion Design Engagement rings implies the use of colored diamonds, different grinding metals (matte, glossy) and non-organic stones. Art-design includes vintage rings, as well as the use of unconventional materials such as wood, steel and so on.
And finally the five misconceptions:
1. Size always matters!
Let’s look the truth in her eyes – if your lady is mostly interested in the size of the diamond, this is probably not the kind of girl that you want. But all jokes aside – most of the women do not dream of an overly large stone in their ring.
More important, is that the ring matches the taste and style of your chosen one. Besides, most women are knowledgeable in diamonds and know about the cleanness of the stone and its color. Try to find out about her preferences and pick out a diamond ring which is of greater quality and of the desired cut. Not the one larger in size.
2. Same as her girlfriend’s.
Even if women often covet celebrity’s shoes or neighbor’s designer purse, no girl will want a ring similar to the one her friend or sister has. Today the fairer sex appreciates uniqueness, which would indicate to her that the man of her dreams went out of his way to find the one and only ring for his one and only! So if you know that your loved one absolutely loved her sister’s 3 carat princess cut white gold engagement ring, improvise, and give her a 3 carat round cut diamond set in a platinum setting.
3. The traditional ring.
Some think that perfect engagement ring boxes should fit the “definition” – the typical engagement ring – a diamond in the middle. However, in the past few years, this definition of engagement rings became obsolete. Modern brides and grooms often choose the rings that are original and those that do not resemble the boring definition. You can not pick a diamond ring, but with different stones around it. Or even dare to be super original and get an engagement ring with some other precious stone, like emerald.
This approach can be very rewarding but dangerous as well, and you better know the tastes of your future wife
4. White for the bride.
Yes, the white diamond on a white metal (whether white gold or platinum) looks like a win-win and is considered the best of the best combination for Engagement Ring. However, things are changing and the girls want new ideas and unique solutions. And some just do not wear white metal. Engagement rings made of yellow or rose gold are becoming more and more common. Pink gold is quickly gaining it popularity and becoming the metal of choice for engagement rings, not only because it’s pretty color, but also because it compliments any skin tone.
5. Only the chosen one knows.
Do not think that you need a specialist or an advisor for buying the perfect engagement ring. All it takes is those three steps and you’re guaranteed success:
- Do a little research. Ask around about the types of cuts, clarity and brilliant colors.
- Choose a reliable jewelry shop with good reputation.
- Know her ring size.
Whether you get your fiance an elegant blue box from Tiffany’s, luxury diamond from Cartier or a modest, but lovingly selected ring – is not important. The most important thing is the ring that conveys your feelings, and her “I Do!”.
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