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Rings
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Like no other jewelry, rings are literally an extension of your personality. From simple bands of gold, silver, or platinum to extravagant displays of diamonds, gemstones, pearls, rings state your mood, marital status and your sense of play like nothing else. Choosing a ring, make sure it compliments not only your wardrobe, but also your persona, your lifestyle.
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If you're feeling like Scarlet O'hara, go for a ruby set in platinum. Perhaps you want to present a more matronly image, think of an Akoya pearl solitaire in soft yellow gold. Whatever the case, remember that you have options. If you find the ideal diamond in a not so perfect setting, unless it's a designer original, ask to have the stone re-set. It's your ring, you should have it the way you want it.
Check out the setting options listed here, and find the one that works best for you.
Diamond rings are not only the most significant piece of jewelry you will ever own, but they are also one of the most versatile. You can wear diamonds with jeans or gowns, they are complimented by pearls, gold, gems and more diamonds. Diamonds are unique in their beauty, prestige and durability, so you should create a ring that reflects all of those qualities.
Diamonds are a "big-ticket" item. In order to make sure you're getting your money's worth, we recommend the following due diligence course of action before you actually shop. You might think that the 4Cs are the place to begin. But,beside the 4Cs, there are three crucial factors that you must consider:
1. Shape: From round to emerald, marquise to heart, choose the shape based on occasion, type of use, etc. For example, if you are selecting the diamond for an engagement ring, a ring that will be worn every day for many years to come, you may want to consider a beautiful round stone. Not only are round diamonds more durable than other shapes but, also, round cuts never go out of style, insuring a timeless, subtle statement that can be worn with any outfit, any mood. If, the diamond is to be placed in a fancy cocktail or occasional ring, imagine the entrance you'll make with a dazzling marquise or heart shaped diamond on your finger.
2. Budget: You wouldn't shop for a Rolls Royce or Jaguar if your budget calls for a Honda. Likewise with diamonds, determine how much you want to spend, set that amount in stone, and don't be swayed by glittering goodies in the window. There are plenty of beautiful diamonds available in every budget, enjoy all the fire without burning too big a hole in your pocket.
3. Size and Quality: Now decide what is most important to you. Do you want the biggest possible diamond for your money at the expense of quality? Or are color, clarity and cut quality unimportant? If you are on a limited budget, remember that the higher the quality, the smaller the stone. You can also go middle of the road and find a nice size diamond with a few flaws.
Perfectly, you've found the diamond of your dreams. Don't buy it. Not yet. Do you know how you want to set the stone? You may fall in love with the sleek look of a bezel setting style, but what if the diamond you also love belongs in a prong setting? With the diamond you've selected in mind, take some time to look at settings.
The significance of your setting cannot be overlooked.
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Prong Setting: Show off your diamond.
The most popular engagement rings style, prong settings consist of either 4 or 6 metal prongs that are formed around the stone and bent over the top to hold it in place. Known as a Tiffany setting, prong settings allow the entire gem to be seen and maximum light to shine through, enhancing brilliance.
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But prong settings may not be the ideal choice for very active women.
Not only are the prongs themselves vulnerable to breakage, but the nature of the design leaves valuable gems exposed. This is particularly dangerous with marquise, pear and heart shape stones, as the pointed ends can get caught in hair and clothes. Prong settings are perfect for less active women.
If your bride to be has an adventurous streak, but has her heart set on a prong setting, we recommend a six prong Tiffany design and a round cut gem. All soldered connections should be invisible and the prongs should be form fit around the diamond, almost as if it were an extension of the stone. Consider platinum over gold for your setting. Platinum is harder, stronger and less likely to break.
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Channel Setting: Go for the bold.
Two strips of gold, silver or platinum create a dramatic channel for stones set side-by-side. The gems are set flush with the metal, offering protection from snags, but slightly diminishing the ability for light to shine through. This is a very popular style for anniversary bands, but the channel setting tends to cost more than prong settings.
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Bar Setting: Beauty and protection.
This is like a high security channel setting. In this version, the stones are actually placed in the channel with supporting bars on either side of each stone. A nice idea if it is properly executed, but very difficult to perform expertly. Always check for how well the stones are set.
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Invisible Setting: Last call for bars.
This is a variation on the bar setting. The stones are placed tightly together so no metal shows between them, creating a beautiful display of uniformity in gemstone presentation. As there are no metal bars between the stones, more light is allowed to pass through for heightened color, fire and brilliance.
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Bezel Setting: It's all about highlights.
The bezel setting creates a metal frame that surrounds the stone.
It's not a good idea to mount white or colorless diamonds in yellow gold bezels, since the yellow will be reflected into the stone, diminishing the colorless quality you paid for.
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White gold or platinum are excellent choices for such stones. However, yellow gold is a great option for rubies or emeralds. The reflected yellow will make the red and green sing with vivid color.
Check for quality and security by gently shaking the ring close to your ear once every few months. If you hear a little rattle, the stone is loose and should be attended to immediately.
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Pave Setting: A choice of confidence and individuality.
Like a metal honeycomb, little gemstones are placed very close together in tiny holes of the frame. No metal shows through so the effect is a paving of stones. Because of the size of the gems involved, somebody may find the pave setting to be a compromise, but for those in the know, this setting means one thing: quality and elegance.
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Cluster Setting: The special event choice.
Very popular for cocktail rings, the cluster setting surrounds a large center stone with tiered rows of smaller stones. Each of the smaller stone is set in a semi-bezel below the girdle. This setting has a delicate appearance, and construction. Cluster rings are beautiful occasional pieces, but not recommended for daily wear.
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Buying Tips
1. Choose gemstones that compliment your personality and skin tone.
The smooth and clean lines of round stones make a perfect choice for active women.
Look at your wardrobe; which gemstones match your style?
Trust your eye. If you love that heart shape diamond, buy it.
2. Select settings that fit not only your finger, but your activities as well.
Bezel and channel settings are great for daily and casual wear.
Stones with points ( hearts, pears, marquise) in prong settings are vulnerable to catching on hair, clothes, etc. Go for 6 prongs.
Make sure your engagement ring will fit nicely with a wedding band.
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