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An engagement ring is the first and most significant purchase that you buy to signify the upcoming union between you and your significant other. There are many styles of cut out there to be chosen from for your engagement ring but marquise cut perhaps could be one that will do best to describe your deepest feelings.
The marquise cut diamond is a variation of a round cut diamond but the shape is stretched out more to an oval. From the top view, you will be amazed that it takes into a shape of a football. Its slender striking cut is very well proportioned, and the whole shape gives off a visually bigger appearance with a bigger table spread for carat weight than traditional cut engagement rings. It also has a line of beauty that can be used running up and down the finger. This cut has an ability to accentuate the size of any diamond, with tapering to graceful points at each end.
The perfect length to width ration for a marquise cut diamond engagement ring stone is usually approximately 2 to 1. Always keep in mind of this property when you are purchasing a marquise cut diamond because this ratio plays an important role to the diamond’s capability in gathering and refracting light. The fiery brilliance of a marquise cut engagement ring is dependent on the proper proportions. If the cut is not done precisely, you will be able to notice a darker ‘bow tie’ in the center of the diamond where an obvious lack of brilliance or a blackened area can be detected. Choose a diamond with as little bow-tie effect as possible.
Either as a classic solitaire setting or surrounded with smaller accent diamonds or other gemstones, the marquise cut engagement ring will always exude elegance and style. If you are on a tight budget, a somewhat smaller diamond stone can be purchased to be cut into the marquise cut style and you will be surprised to see the final result that comes from the cut which will give you an illusion of having a larger looking diamond stone.
Marquise cut engagement ring has the effortless ability in flattering the hand of your bride-to-be, making the fingers look longer and more slender. This unique quality of the cut may perhaps come from its lure as the style of royalty. Often called a ‘fancy’ cut, the classic marquise cut engagement ring speaks of a refined style. Celebrity actor Michael Douglas had given Catherine Zeta-Jones an antique-style 10-carat marquise diamond engagement ring to celebrate their union, you too can mark your own unique celebration of love by giving the unique marquise cut engagement ring for the queen of your heart.
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Choosing between princess cut and radiant cut diamonds is a tough decision especially since both of these styles have really great light reflection. When it comes to the most sparkle that a diamond can give off, the radiant cut is the winner. The radiant cut diamond was introduced back in 1977 by Henry Grossbard which had been patented and helped to revolutionize the diamond cutting industry. Grossbard created the radiant cut in order to combine the best properties of the emerald and round cuts which are the beauty of the outer lines and cut corners in the crown the emerald cut and the unique triangular faceting of the round cut. It is a wonderful mix of the two properties that results in a hybrid of emerald and round cuts creating a ‘brilliantized’ step cut diamond.
There are distinctive differences between the radiant cut diamond and a princess cut diamond. The most obvious difference would be in the ability that each cut reflects light whereby the radiant cut does sparkle more. The similarity of the radiant cut diamond and princess cut diamond is at the crown but to an experienced jeweler, the radiant cut diamond has a crown that is slightly higher that the princess cut. The radiant cut has a smaller table than the princess cut and its depth may be slightly less. There are no sharp edges in the radiant cut which makes it identifiable as the cut-cornered square mixed cut. As you look down from the top, you will notice that the reflected light seems to move in a circular pattern, which makes it easier for more light to enter and more ways for it to be reflected out. The overall shape of the radiant cut can be squarish or rectangular, with step cuts.
It is a little bit difficult to find rare radiant cut in the market today as the more popular choice of many people are the princess cut diamonds. You can try to locate for them in estate sales, family heirloom and your local jeweler stores to find out if they are available. Even though the princess cut diamond is a favorite choice, break the rule by choosing the radiant cut for your engagement if you like the unique hybrid touch of the emerald and round cuts that give the radiant cut its trademark cut corners and extra facets which will no doubt dazzle your other half.
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Emerald cut engagement rings are very elegant and economical choice. Its unique characteristics make these types of rings very popular. Being a type of step cut, its facets have the appearance of ‘steps’ which are carved into the gem. The overall shape of the emerald cut is rectangular with slightly cropped corners. This type of cut was originally used for emeralds, but soon became a favorite choice of cut for diamonds as well.
Emerald, Asscher and princess type of cuts are actually different in their shapes though to the less experienced buyer they may look the same. Asscher cuts are squares with trimmed corners while princess cuts are squares without the trimming. As for the emerald cut, be sure to notice that it is rectangular with only a vague hint of cropping around the corners.
The elongated shape of the emerald cut diamond is often wonderful to be paired with accent stones. For a lady who has slender long fingers, an emerald cut solitaire would be a remarkable ring of choice. The rectangular shape is not so suitable on a woman with short, thick fingers however. Round shapes emerald cut engagement rings are versatile design that you can find in bridal sets, unique styles and contemporary rings. The four-prong arrangement is the kind of setting that is used to provide stability to the stone while protecting the delicate edges. Other unusual settings can also be used by choosing a stone that is placed lengthwise along the band instead of the common perpendicular placement.
When choosing a stone for the emerald cut, a good quality diamond is important. Due to nature of the very open cut, color variations and flaws would be easily noticeable. Precision of the cut is also vital for a nicely balanced and proportionate look. The ideal length-to-width ratio you should find from 1.3:1 to no more than 1.75:1 if you are looking for a classic emerald cut. Wider or narrower stones may also be used according to your personal preferences.
Loose stones should be made a choice for this cut so that you can thoroughly analyze the emerald cut stone, which is not so easy to do if you go for finished rings. With loose stones you are able to check for imperfections. With finished rings you can always ask the jeweler’s loupe to get a good magnification of the stone.
If you are looking for custom made or additional designs for your emerald cut engagement rings, there is always a selection of emerald cut rings carried by jewelers. The simple cut makes emerald cut engagement ring a more affordable alternative to the round cuts of similar quality. The elongated shape of this cut offers a higher carat which allows you and your bride-to-be focus on the budget and time on the design and details of the ring instead of the central stone.
Make emerald cut engagement ring the choice for a sleek and elegant design to pass it to your significant other as your love and commitment symbol.
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The Asscher cut engagement rings were first developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers. The Asscher cut engagement rings had been the rage back in the first half of the 20th century but then the demands fell short after the new development of diamond technology and diamond cutting techniques. Now, the Asscher cut engagement rings are coming back as a much more sophisticated alternative to the more traditional choices.
The Asscher cut stone has a distinctive shape that is a square with deeply trimmed corners that resembles the octagon. It is cut with a series of parallel steps, producing hall-of-mirrors effects when you look deeply into the stone. It is sometimes called the square emerald cut and is also a type of modified cushion cut. This Assher cut style has been exclusively patented which means that every original Asscher cut diamond will have the Asscher family symbol with a unique identification number inscribed directly on the stone’s girdle. To check for the authenticity, these marks are visible under high magnification.
Vintage Asscher diamonds are popular during the Art Deco period. During the worldwide Great Depression, the production stalled but it reopened in 1945. Vintage Asscher diamonds are different from the modern stones as the modern one has slightly smaller corners and larger central flat top of a cut diamond. To increase the cut’s sparkle, sixteen additional facets are added and thus modern Asscher cut will have a total of 74 facets. Both modern and vintage Asscher cut has a deep cutlet at the base to accentuate the depth of the stone by calling attention to the gem with extraordinary clarity.
When you pick a diamond or a stone for the Asscher cut, be aware of flaws and inclusions that may lower the stone quality. The color of the stone is the next important factor as the brilliance of the tone may be more visible at the stone’s wide corners. Many Asscher cut diamonds tend to be smaller in size but the unique and intricate cut outweigh the stone’s size by offering a truly eye-catching look.
The most common setting that is used for the Asscher cut engagement ring is the four-prong arrangement. As the step cut does not naturally reflect much light, the prong setting allows the stone to be elevated to attract more light that it would in a channel or bezel setting. Make sure that the prongs are wide enough so that they don’t hide the stone’s distinctive corners. Another setting that you can use is the pave setting which has a coating of brilliant diamond crusts that is perfect for the rarity and beauty of Asscher cut.
Depending on your taste, you can have you Asscher cut stone be surrounded with accent stones like trilliant, princess or emerald cuts that can sit nicely against the flat sides of the central stone. Without the embellishments, the single stone Asscher cut engagement ring is stunning by itself. Due to the exclusive nature and rarity of this cut, you may want to visit several high-end jewelers to find out about the availability. Certification by the Gemological Institute of America or the High Council for Diamonds in Antwerp, Belgium ensures that you are dealing with authentic Asscher cut stones. The timeless cut of Asscher engagement ring with its angled corners and incredible depth will make a grand statement of your future bride’s individuality and personality.
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ushion cut engagement rings would be the perfect choice if your significant half is into vintage style rings. They make such humble engagement rings with an antique flair due to its soft and romantic shape. The cushion cut diamond is shaped like a pillow, rectangular with rounded edges. Back in the 1800’s this type of cut was such a popular choice, which is now making a comeback. The cushion cut engagement ring made of either diamonds or other gemstones is becoming a favorite choice today as it provides the grace, romance and the tradition of the past.
The softer glow of the cushion cut engagement ring is what that attracts most people as compared to the sharp brilliance of the modern cuts. The soft glow emitted from a cushion cut diamond, for example is achieved through its large facets, depth and an open cutlet which it the facet at the bottom part of the diamond. Depending on your personal taste, you can choose a specific amount of light reflection property that you want. Some cushion cuts are nearly square in shapes while others are of long rectangular in nature.
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The simple diamond engagement ring is the classic choice for the symbol of your love and commitment to your other half. A filigree diamond engagement ring is the one that you pick to show the depth of your love through the symbolism of intricate and airy designs of the filigree. By definition, ‘filigree’ refers to a delicate and ornamental design. A filigree diamond engagement ring, thus have very extensive metalwork, that can be of symmetrical or figural in nature.
The extent of the pattern of a filigree diamond engagement ring depends of the size of the ring whereby usually medium or thick rings have elaborate filigrees. Depending on the intricacy of the design, you would want to pick the ring which has the filigrees that serve to accentuate the beautiful diamond. You do not want the intricacy of the filigree designs to be in competition with the beauty of the diamond.
There are many design variations for filigree diamond engagement rings. Simple filigree pattern is one that is located at a specific part of the ring, such as the arch or surrounding area of the center stone. Simple patterns are less detailed but uniquely wonderful if you are looking for simplicity so that eyes will straight away be focused on the diamond. Complex filigree for your diamond engagement ring involves many integrated patterns which may surround the diamond or completely encircle the ring’s band. This type of filigree diamond engagement ring is much more expensive due to the massive detailed of filigrees.
A multiple filigree diamond engagement ring uses several types of filigree designs in different paces. One pattern may be at the arch while another would circle the stone with another one wrapped at the band. The designs of filigrees often flow from one pattern to the next making it a beautiful expression of art. A multi-tone filigree diamond engagement ring uses contrasting metal to make each part of the design stand out. Platinum and yellow gold are often used for this type of design.
With a filigree diamond engagement ring, the meticulously detailed filigree that has interwoven floral and nature inspired engravings will definitely make your future bride-to-be gasp in delight as she slips on the exquisite ring with its lavish presentation that is topped with a diamond. The delicate, intricate designs of a filigree diamond engagement ring signify the beautiful and complex connections between you and your loved one.
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Not every women dream of diamonds for her engagement ring. The classic style of using a diamond for engagement rings has been repeated for so long that it has become a predictable and safe choice when one decides to buy the perfect ring. This does not have to be the case, if you and your partner are the kind of people who appreciate the breaking of the standard norm or tradition. Diamonds are not the only options. Pick rubies as it is of one of the many stones there is to show the uniqueness of your personalities.
A really genuine beautiful ruby can be actually more valuable than the good quality diamond. It is considered as the most powerful gem in the universe which is associated with many astral signs. It is often said that to own a ruby means to be in the experience of contentment and peace. What is more perfect for the symbol of your union with your partner than to have her slip on her finger the best stone that denotes perfect love and vitality.
In order for you to find the perfect ruby engagement ring that are said to be the ring of kings which has been well regarded for ages, invest yourself in a good and trustworthy gemologist. Always check for the intensity of color and the size of the stone. A high grade ruby has an intense red color that is never too dark or to light that you confuse it with pink. The carat size of ruby is equally important because large ones are of the rarest kind. The prices of large rubies are of course of the expensive side. Keep in mind that a value of a particular ruby is also determined by its carat weight.
Just like sapphires, rubies are also affected with inclusions. An inclusion-free ruby indicates a highly valuable stone and of course high in pricing. The clarity of rubies is often not as high as other types of stones which make enthusiasts always on a look out for the perfectly transparent red stone. Keep in mind that tiny inclusions do not minimize the beauty of the ruby. Consistency in the color of ruby is important and always choose one that is free from major cracks or fractures that could compromise the stone’s endurance in the future.
Cuts that are common for rubies are oval and cushion. However, you are allowed to choose some other types such as emerald or heart shape. Like sapphires, the rubies which are the most unique are ones that have the star inclusion. A perfect star ruby has six rays that branch out from the core of the stone to shoot out to the perimeter of the cut.
Beware of imitation ruby engagement rings as it is made of artificial glass. Pay attention to the terms that are used by jewelers that indicate whether they are genuine or fake. The fake ones are usually called the cultured or created ruby and physically they are unnaturally huge with a red color that is too strong. Remember to check for the previous treatments that the ruby has been put through and have them identified on the bill of sale.
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Choosing gemstones for your engagement rings over the standard diamond types is becoming a trend mostly because with gemstones, they hold a certain uniqueness and symbolism. There are also ethical issues involved with buying diamonds and if you do not want to be in the mix, the gemstone engagement ring is perfect. The affordable prices make them more appealing too with the poor economy backdrop.
Even though diamond rings are still the traditional type one uses for engagement purpose, many people these days are ready to be different and unique in their choices especially when it comes to a once-in-a-life-time commitment to their partners. When you want to indulge the one of a kind personality of your bride-to-be, the best way is to choose a specific gemstone type with a color chosen to meet the preference of your loved one. A gemstone engagement ring can be one that carries more than one colored gemstones accented with smaller diamonds.
One issue that is eliminated when one chooses a gemstone for an engagement ring is the moral concerns especially when you are unsure if you are purchasing a conflict diamond or a blood diamond. If ethical concern is high on your priority list as you do not want be indirectly fueling the market that works through oppression and violence, the gemstone engagement rings relieve you from such dilemma. Discuss with your partner as he or she may have a high moral stance when it comes to matters such as these.
Not everyone can afford the high amount of money to be spent on diamonds for engagement rings. If you have a specific budget that you would like to stick to, but would want an appearance of a diamond on your engagement ring, cubic zirconia is one option to have this without having to pay a high price for it. Remember though you may have to pay more for a high quality gemstone than you would for a diamond that is of low quality.
Gemstones that are popular more than others are rubies, sapphires, pearls, emeralds and amethysts. Many more types are available if you want to widen your scope of choice. There are peridot, garnet, topaz, aquamarine, opal, turquoise, tanzanite and jade. Always check for the color, carat weight, cut, clarity and flaws before you make your decision. There are no rules to choosing a specific gemstone, find one that speaks of your love to your partner by choosing one that complements his or her essence.
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Vintage style engagement rings are not the same as the vintage engagement rings. It is important to know this difference as the true vintage rings are the original dated ones while the vintage style rings are the replications of the styles which these old rings have.
With the poor economy outlook today it is more beneficial to get a vintage style engagement ring as it is much more affordable. People from different financial backgrounds are able to own a ring with a touch of the yesteryears. Not only are vintage style engagement rings economical, you are allowed to add your own personal perspective to the designs as details can be given to the customization of the quality and quantity of gemstones or diamonds used.
Styles that these rings imitate may come from the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco or Retro eras. Depending on your preferences you may choose the designs and styles that complement your taste the best. Each of the eras has specific individual characteristics in its designs, so take your time to pick the best one for you.
You are even allowed to choose the metal type that you particularly prefer. Decide whether you want the metal to be gold or platinum. Vintage style engagement rings allow you and your bride-to-be great flexibility in the selection of designs with gemstones of your desire to fit your own budget. You get to experience owning a ring with a vintage design as well as the quality of a modern ring.
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Diamonds which are the hardest and strongest mineral on earth that can stand fire and even steel have been used in the makings of the vintage engagement rings. A vintage diamond engagement ring symbolizes the sanctity of an unbending union of marriage. It is the perfect heirloom to be passed from one generation to the next.
For the young couples who are excited to step into their marriage life, nothing marks this special occasion than a classic vintage diamond engagement ring. To find a true vintage of a diamond ring is not an easy task as usually they are part of a family treasure. Have a chat with your mother first before embarking on the journey to buy one.
On Ebay where there are vintage collections up for bid, you may try to look for them here but prices may really be expensive as they may be marketed for the people who are avid collectors. But don’t give up, jewelry stores are around for this specific reason.
Look for that unique cut that suits your sense of style. Whether they are European-cut, Old Mine-cut or Rose-cut, these rings carry a certain character and aesthetic values to them. With the classic designs and sentiments that a vintage diamond engagement ring hold, you are making pledge to your partner with the same tradition of romantic couples in the past.
For lovers of tradition and heritage, owning a ring of this status is a way to recall the elements in the past which will bring peace and sense of belonging. Nothing beats wearing an exquisite vintage diamond engagement ring previously worn by queens, royalties and women of yesteryears.