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For a personality that enjoys elegant simplicity, the solitaire engagement ring makes a perfect choice that symbolizes her character. Surprise your bride-to-be with the classic one-band-one-gemstone look of the solitaire engagement ring. The statement that is made by a solitaire setting focuses on the purity of the diamond and the band which it is set.
When buying a solitaire engagement ring, the size and style of the band is very important. A narrow band will give off the effect of making a small diamond appears larger and is especially suitable for slender fingers. A thick band on the other hand will offer you a greater option in the manner you want the diamond to be set. Choose platinum or white gold for your band if you want an effortlessly elegant look as the diamond will match the metal to which it is set. A yellow gold metal for your band will instead make the diamond stand out.
Shape of the solitaires is also important. While round diamond is the traditional favorite you can always use other shapes like marquise, emerald, pear or oval shapes to give an elongated and larger looking diamond. Another unique choice would be to use a heart or trillium-shaped stone that is distinctive and eye-catching. Due to the simplicity of the single stone which is the nature of the solitaire engagement ring, you many want to choose a high quality stone. Other types of designs which include many accent stones and elaborate settings will distract the eye from flaws, but this is not the case with a solitaire engagement ring. The focus would be on the central brilliant gem. Make sure that you are familiar with the four Cs of quality; clarity, cut, carat and color, as well as potential flaws so that you are able to choose the best stone.
A solitaire is a diamond in a relatively simple setting. This makes it a far more affordable alternative to other engagement ring designs. The cost would be higher as you choose for a good quality diamond to be set in. Do not fret as the price tag should always be within the range that you are most comfortable with and the stone’s characteristics can always be adjusted to your unique taste. The solitaire engagement ring is a simple yet bold statement of the love that you share with your significant other. Even with the limits of a single stone on a simple setting, its uniqueness is in the timeless elegance that it casts.
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The princess cut is the second most fashionable cut shape for diamonds, next to the round brilliant cut. The shape of the face-up of the princess cut is a simple square or rectangular while the side-on shape is similar to that of an inverted pyramid with four beveled sides. It was first created in the 1960’s thus is still a relatively new cut for a diamond. With time, it has gained popularity becoming a distinctive alternative to the popular round brilliant cut. Also referred as the square modified brilliant cut, it has the same high degree of brilliance as the round cut while having a totally different style in its faceting.
According to the Harold Newman’s Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, the term princess cut was previously applied to what is now known as the profile cut. This is used for very flat diamonds whereby a series of ‘V’ shaped grooves are cut into the back of the stone with the top being polished. This cut was developed by Arpad Nagy of London in 1961 which was incorrectly allocated under the princess cut category by some diamond experts.
The princess cut diamond engagement ring makes such a unique choice of an engagement ring as the extra faceting produces more sparkle. Any inclusions that are present will be less visible as well as any slight yellowish or brownish discoloration, thus making it a more attractive choice which is available at a reasonable price. When picking diamonds to be cut into this style, deep stones are the better choice than shallow stones due to the nature of the cut. Deep stones allow for the maximum weight retention, and reduce the final cost per carat. Stones that are square or slightly oblong are also chosen for the same reason. Sharp points at the angles of the princess cut diamonds are potentially vulnerable points; thereby you have to make sure that the stone is mounted in a manner that protects its points.
Make sure that the jewelry manufacturer is an experienced one so as to avoid unnecessary delays and extra repair fees that is due to the re-polishing of the stone after the diamond have been set in which the process may have caused some breaks as a certain force is applied to the most delicate part of the stones. This usually affects the area around the corners and will compromise the total weight of the stone.
Nevertheless, the advantage that comes with the princess cut style is that it does not necessarily is limited for diamonds. Other gemstones can use this type of cut as well, for example the princess cut sapphires. On the other hand, the princess cut style works best with lighter colored transparent stones to give that brilliant effect. Stones which are dark or opaque do not benefit much from such cutting.
No matter what your stone of choice will be, the exquisite elegant princess cut engagement ring has such a dazzle and sparkle that makes it the second most requested cut in the market today. Show your other half, this unique piece of treasure that symbolizes the brilliance of your love and loyalty to her. She will be impressed!
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Black diamonds were once considered flawed and of no value, but today they are one of the most sought-after gems due to the extraordinary uniqueness that is attached to owning them. However, not all black diamonds are of equal values and thus careful study of the properties of the stones must be done to ensure that they are of high quality and value.
Generally colored diamonds owe their brilliant hues to chemical impurities that grow within the crystal lattice during the diamond formation phase. With black diamonds, this is not the case at all. The dark smoky coloration that you see in the black diamond is actually contributed by the mineral inclusions of iron oxides like magnetite, hematite and sulphide compounds. When present at very high concentrations, the mineral inclusions cloud the stone thus making it turn grey or black. Since mineral inclusions are the cause of the rich black color of the stone, black diamonds are typically opaque. The most expensive ones are translucent or semi-transparent black diamonds.
Do not confuse genuine black diamond with carbonados which are specific kinds of black diamonds that does not hold any true value in the jewelry industry. Though they may be large, they are often porous in nature unlike the true crystalline diamond which is much more appreciated. Unfortunately, carbonados are easily found instead of the true gem-quality black diamonds and they are often used to cut or shape other diamonds.
As always, before purchasing a black diamond engagement ring, check whether the stone has undergone treatments to enhance its color. Make sure that detailed writings of the treatment are noted in the gem’s certificate as the stone may require special care to avoid future damage. Synthetically grown black diamonds are inferior in quality and they have been exposed to heat to achieve the smoky black coloration. Due to the increase demands for black diamonds, heat treatments are often uses on low-quality stones to induce graphite residue to appear in the crystal tinting the stone grey or black.
Black diamonds make a stunning engagement ring especially when set in white metals such as white gold, silver, platinum or titanium. If you and your bride-to-be love cotemporary styles that appreciate the high contrast between the light metal and the dark stone, this is definitely the kind of engagement ring to go for. Not everybody equates a celebration for engagement occasions with the dark mood of black diamond which often signifies mourning, traditionally. Get an idea of what your other half thinks about it first before deciding to buy the mysterious black diamond engagement ring. For bold, strong personalities who love to break the rules, black diamond engagement ring would be the perfect purchase.
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Looking for an engagement ring that is reminiscent of the peaceful ocean vibe? Aquamarine engagement ring is the one you are looking for. Without the strong blue hue of a sapphire, the aquamarine is the best choice for the symbol of your love to your bride-to-be. The subtle hue of blue of the gemstone is such a gentle and soothing color to the eye that is perfect for the bride with a gentle disposition and a free spirit.
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family which is closely associated with the emerald. Its name is connected to the water (aqua) and sea (mare). The lighter blue tone that mimics the blue of the sea is often related to mermaid’s precious jewelry and is a lucky charm for sailors. Aquamarine is suitable for a bride born in March and October. Producers of the world’s aquamarines include Brazil, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Zambia and Pakistan.
When one goes on a search for the perfect aquamarine, close attention must be paid to the color of the stone. The light blue hue of the aquamarine is due to the traces amounts of iron, and the color can range from a light sky blue to a deep ocean blue with hints of green. The clearer the blue, the more it is prized for its value. Greenish or yellowish aquamarines are of less value but still are beautiful and a much economical choice for couples with a tight budget. The stones are usually large to hold the deep color saturation and one finds it hard to find a quality aquamarine in a small stone.
Famous for its clear and transparent appearance, aquamarine engagement ring that you should look for must have a uniform flawless color. Inclusions may be present to make the stone look interesting and unique but not to the extent that it takes away much of the value. As the popular shade is light blue, you are able to identify the inclusions fairly easily. Ask for a magnifying loupe from your jeweler to inspect the details of the inclusions. Dark patches within the aquamarine can indicate serious crack that could be undesirable.
Check with your jeweler to find out what type of treatments that your aquamarine has been exposed to and have that put into writing. All aquamarines have been heat-treated to bring out the brilliant blue tones. Depending on your preference, you can have the stone cut to fit your partner’s taste. Most common cuts are of emerald and oval types. To get the better color tone and clarity, invest in a larger stone that allows you to appreciate the depth of color. It is smart idea to purchase the stone first and add the settings later as you are able to inspect the stone properly.
Aquamarines can be set in a variety of different styles that can be customized to suit the taste of your bride-to-be and budget. Tiny diamond accent stones are often used to accentuate the clarity and elegance of the sea-blue aquamarine, accompanied with a white gold metal of choice. Appreciate your partner’s strong connections to the ocean, and her uniqueness by making aquamarine the choice for your engagement ring, a symbol of your undying love and commitment to her.
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If you are looking something that is very exquisite and extremely unique for your token of love and commitment to your other half, a black pearl engagement ring would suit as the perfect choice for that special someone who is the most unique and important person in your life. Known as the Tahitian pearls, these black precious gems are one of the rarest types of pearl in the world. The pearl’s dark discoloration is only produced by Pinctada margaratifara, a black-lipped oyster. The reason that these black pearl are called Tahitian pearls is because they are mostly found in the coral part of the ocean near Tahiti.
The quality of the black pearl is very much connected to its rarity. Since they are of black and dark grey in color, many imperfections are allowed and slightly elongated shapes are used to be set into rings to hide some malformations that may be present. Undesirable details such as bumps, scratches and indentations should be avoided if there are present at the surface of the pearl. Pay close attention to the dark color of the pearl as it has a distinctive color which is the main indicator of its quality. Find for the highest consistency along the entire gem surface.
When you are thinking of the color of the band to be used to set the black pearl, pick white gold or platinum as these colors provide the best contrast to the dark color of the pearl. You can also choose to place tiny accent diamonds surrounding the pearl to give emphasis to the richness of the black pearl’s color. A minimalist preference would be to choose the simplest type of setting to give a subtle elegance to the pearl engagement ring’s appearance. An engagement ring design that focuses on the yin-yang aspect of life can be achieved by using a contrasting white pearl with a black pearl to symbolize the union of both individuals as a committed couple.
It is difficult to find a black pearl because of its rarity but you may get the help of pearl dealers that have been known to keep a collection of pearl that may have a range of black pearl engagement ring to choose from. If finding the true black pearl not the imitation one is high on your priority list, get a trustworthy gem dealer to check for its authenticity and value. Black pearl engagement ring is a sleek, contemporary kind that shows individuality and sophistication, perfectly suitable to represent the rarity of the new couple’s unique love and strong commitment.
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Estate engagement rings are slightly different from true antique engagement rings. The point where they differ is of the aspect of time. An ‘antique’ engagement ring refers to one that has survived more than 50 years of time duration, while an estate engagement ring may simply refer to a used ring or one that has been previously owned that can be bought just a year back. An estate engagement ring can either be a vintage or an antique.
Typically, these rings follow the styles from the time that they belong to. The periods that these estate engagement rings may come from include, Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro. Prices of these rings range from extremely costly to very affordable and anyone of any financial class can own estate engagement rings.
When couples decide to use an estate engagement ring for their special commitment to their partners, they are actually engaging the uniqueness and charm of these rings that offer delicate craftsmanship which are an instant heirloom. One of the most valued estate engagement rings are the estate ruby rings. They are strongly appreciated for their stunning beauty, durability and rarity. They are found in a wide range of colors, mounted either in platinum or gold, these estate engagement rings are especially perfect for those who are born in July as ruby is the month’s birthstone.
There are many choices and defining characteristics that make one estate ring unique to the next and you are able to have a taste of its timeless elegance no matter which specific style it carries. Generally, when you are out looking for the perfect one, focus on factors such as the diamond shape if you prefer diamonds, its settings, gemstones, and metal of choice that suit the personality of the wearer and of course falls in your budget range.
Estate engagement rings are the best option for couples who appreciate their uniqueness. While it is exciting to get one for your special day, careful inspection to know the specific details of the ring such as a recent appraisal, original certificate and documentation to establish its authenticity and value are of importance so that you are not tricked into buying an inferior quality ring that may contain fake stones with poor workmanship.
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By definition, filigree is associated with any delicate and intricate ornamentation in gold, silver or platinum. For many brides-to-be who want something more complex than just the modern diamond ring, filigree engagement rings offer that in their designs as they carry a physical intricate expression of love and commitment.
The extensive metal work which is frequently seen in these rings is in symmetrical or figural patterns. Medium or thick rings have much elaborate filigree and they may or may not use gemstones in the designs depending on the intricacy. A complex pattern may be unique on its own without the necessity of gemstones. Sometimes, the filigree’s fine details are just what you need to notice without being distracted by the presence of gemstones.
Depending on the couple’s wedding budget, there are many designs for filigree engagement rings for them to choose from. There are simple filigree, complex filigree, multiple filigree and multi-tone filigree. A simple filigree engagement ring uses a less detailed filigree pattern that is located at a specific part of the ring.
Complex filigree engagement rings are quite detailed normally includes various integrated patterns that are surrounded by gemstones. Celtic engagement rings are an example of complex filigree patterns. Multiple filigree patterns uses several filigree patterns in different parts of the ring, where one may be tucked into the ring’s arch while another wraps around the band. Multi-tone filigree patterns use contrasting metals for each portion of the design to make it stand out better than using the same metal.
Whether your bride-to-be adores simple or complex filigree designs on her engagement ring, you will indeed find some unique filigree engagement ring designs perfect for her personal style.
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Edwardian designs use platinum and diamonds to create intricate and delicate filigree patterns that resemble lace. Hallmark of the Edwardian jewelry is light and airy designs. Edwardian engagement rings particularly embrace the romantic and beauty aspects of the era. An antique Edwardian engagement ring is such a unique piece to share with your partner to mark the occasion for marriage.
The styles that one commonly notices of the Edwardian engagement rings include the elaborate filigree patterns, the use of tiny accented stones around the center stone, romantic imagery and simple round diamond shapes. It is hard to find for an antique of such rings but with patience and some hard work, you may find them in estate sales or private collections.
To find them at the estate sales usually is troublesome unless you know a jeweler that deals with estate pieces. Relatives or agents of the estate sale cannot provide you the history of an antique or appraise its value. It is much more convenient to acquaint yourself with someone with expertise in this area. Know what type of setting or metal you prefer, carats, quality and price range that you are comfortable with.
Edwardian engagement rings embody the romanticism of its era with intricate patterns and delicate details that are true testimony to its beauty as a fine jewelry and a symbol of a fine relationship.
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Art Deco engagement rings come from the time period from 1920’s to 1930’s. Emeralds, rubies and sapphires either genuine or synthetic were popular during this time. Art Deco consists of the Russian Ballet, Cubism, King Tut and Paris Exposition. True antique art deco engagement rings often have elaborate settings accompanied with uniquely fashioned stones in the shape of flower, leaf or other complex geometric form.
The Art Deco designs can be purchased as platinum diamond rings or gold engagement ring settings with diamond accent shoulder. The patterns are geometrically clear cut with bold shapes which is significant in the rings of the 1920’s to 1930’s. The Art Deco period was the most creative times for ring styles and there was a touch of architecture in the designs.
Antique Art Deco engagement rings can be very costly and hard to find these days. Compared to the cuts and craftsmanship of the modern rings, these antique Art Deco rings may not be as fine as the new modern rings. But its uniqueness and age make for a high price tag.
Choosing an antique Art Deco engagement ring with very complex setting and design makes a bold statement about your unique style and great hopes for a successful and happy marriage. These unique antique pieces are strong symbols of love for the adventurous couples.
