Find Her A Ring

Once you’ve chosen a stone for your engagement ring, then the fun part starts: choosing a setting. This part might be a little harder since there are so many different choices and of course, you have to know what your woman wants. (that is if she herself even knows) Although the stone can account for up to 90% of the cost of the ring, the setting is what defines its look and showcases the stone to its best advantage. When you start your search, be sure to check out a variety of rings, and not just the ones in the display counter either. Ask to see the catalog of setting and you’ll be amazed at what’s out there.

Also, when shopping for a diamond engagement ring mounting, always remember that you’re going to need a wedding band to go with it that will have to match. Sometimes the wedding band will either fit side-by-side with the engagement ring, or it will be one that can be worn by itself altogether. Usually you can find both rings in a set, which may get you a better price overall.

The styles you are going to look through are endless. What matters most? Whatever she will like of course. That will most likely be something that’s unique, elegant and in tune with her personality. But to get you started here’s a little info about the different types of engagement ring settings and what the terms all mean:

The Settings…

Solitaire: Simple design with one center stone

Sidestone: A ring with smaller diamonds embedded into the band equally on both sides of the center stone.

Pave: A ring that is encrusted with very small diamonds either all along the band , around the center stone, or both to give the appearance of solid diamond surface, rather than a metal band.

Tension: A design in which the compression-spring pressure of the band or shank holds the stone firmly in place. The minimal interference of metal can give the impression that the stone is “floating”.

Bezel: A metal rim with edges fully or partially surrounds the perimeter of the stone to protect the girdle of the diamond. This secures the diamond very well.

Channel: Popular for wedding bands, this setting sandwiches a row of stones — with no metal separating them — between two horizontal channels for part or all of the ring.

Bar: This setting can also be applied around some or all of the ring, but instead of channels holding the stones, thin vertical bars of metal between stones secure them firmly in place.

Piece of cake, right? Now you’re ready to continue your search for the perfect ring.

Platinum Ladies 6 Prong Solitaire Engagement Rings available through James Allen.  Made with a refined wire basket and a slightly pinched shank it is destined last for eternity. Ring price does not include the center diamond.

Click on the picture to see a full 3D view of this ring.

Tags: diamond engagement ring, platinum

The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance. To measure the cut, you really have to take into account all of the angular measurements of all of the facets on the diamond. All of these measurements and observations determine the relationship between a diamond’s light performance, dimensions and finish. Most gemologists consider cut the most important diamond characteristic because even if a diamond has perfect color and clarity, a diamond with a poor cut will have dulled brilliance. For example:

The width and depth can have an effect on how light travels within the diamond, and how it exits in the form of brilliance.

Too Shallow: Light is lost out the bottom causing the diamond to lose brilliance.

Too Deep: Light escapes out the sides causing the diamond to appear dark and dull.

Determining a diamond’s cut grade, however, goes beyond simple measurements of width and depth. Using an optical measuring device, a three-dimensional model is created to determine the diamond’s proportions and angles. The interrelations between these various dimensions will greatly affect how light reacts once it enters and how it behaves once it exits; by using sophisticated computer modeling, it is possible to trace light behavior and measure its levels of brightness, fire and scintillation – the face-up appearance.

• Diameter: The width of the diamond as measured through the girdle.
• Table: The largest facet of a gemstone.
• Crown: The top portion of a diamond extending from the girdle to the table.
• Girdle: The intersection of the crown and pavilion which defines the perimeter of the diamond.
• Pavilion: The bottom portion of a diamond, extending from the girdle to the culet.
• Culet: The facet at the tip of a gemstone. The preferred culet is not visible with the unaided eye (graded “none” or “small”).
• Depth: The height of a gemstone measured from the culet to the table.

Polish and symmetry are two important aspects of the cutting process. The polish grade describes the smoothness of the diamond’s facets, and the symmetry grade refers to alignment of the facets. With poor polish, the surface of a facet can be dulled, and may create blurred or dulled sparkle. With poor symmetry, light can be misdirected as it enters and exits the diamond. The polish and symmetry grades are clearly listed in each diamond detail page and within the GIA or AGSL diamond grading report. For the most beautiful diamond, look for a symmetry grade of excellent (EX), very good (VG), or good (G) for a GIA graded diamond, and ideal (ID), excellent (EX), very good (VG), or good (G) for an AGSL graded diamond. Avoid diamonds with symmetry grades of fair (F) or poor (P), as the alignment of their facets may misdirect light so severely that it affects the brilliance of the diamond.

When if comes down to it, the cut of a diamond, any diamond, will determine how well it glitters in the light. Choose a diamond with excellent or ideal cut and you’ll be amazed at how well any inclusions are hidden by the diamond’s brilliance. Just having this little piece of information in your hands will give you more confidence in choosing the right diamond for her ring.

For more information go to the GIA at  http://www.gia.edu/diamondcut/05_diamond_anatomy.html

Tags: 4Cs, cut of a diamond, diamond, how a diamond reflects light, refelction of light

Most people are unaware of the role diamonds play in bringing real benefits to people in the countries around the world where diamonds are sourced. Nowhere is this more evident than in Africa. It is also in Africa that this same resource has been used to fund conflict. In 2000, a coalition of governments, non-governmental organizations and the diamond industry worked together to address this issue. In 2002, they established the Kimberley Process Certification System, a UN-backed process that has virtually eliminated the trade in conflict diamonds. Today, over 99% of the world’s supply of diamonds is from sources free of conflict. Diamondfacts.org is dedicated to presenting the facts about conflict diamonds, along with how diamonds are driving economic growth and prosperity in countries around the world.

Fact #1: An estimated 5 million people have access to appropriate healthcare globally thanks to revenues from diamonds.
 
Fact #5: Diamond revenues enable every child in Botswana to receive free education up to the age of 13.
 
Fact #3: An estimated 10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry.
 
Fact #14: The charity Jewelers for Children funds a community based care program for orphaned children in South Africa.
 
Fact #4: The diamond mining industry generates over 40% of Namibia’s annual export earnings.
 
Fact #11: The Diamond Development Initiative was established to improve the working conditions of artisanal miners.
 
Fact #8: Approximately one million people are employed by the diamond industry in India.
 
Fact #9: Approximately $8.5 billion worth of diamonds a year come from African countries.
 
Fact #12: The revenue from diamonds is instrumental in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
 
Fact #15: An estimated 65% of the world’s diamonds come from African countries.

For more information, visit diamondfacts.org  or

http://www.un.org/peace/africa/Diamond.html

Tags: blood diamond, conflict diamond, diamond, UN

Many engagement and wedding bands today use white gold as a cost-effective alternative to platinum.   None but the most experienced eyes can tell a difference between the two precious metals, so if you want to save money on an engagement ring, you can spend less on a white gold setting and put the money toward a nicer diamond.

Buy what is white gold anyway?  Most people think that white gold is actually solid gold, just silver in color. Actually, gold is yellow, granted, there are different shades of yellow gold depending on the carat weight and the alloys mixed with it, but still, it’s yellow. For the most part, however, White Gold is just yellow gold with some kind of plating using a silver colored metal alloy. Some types of metal used are platinum, palladium, nickel and rhodium.

Since a lot of people in the world are allergic to nickel, it’s being used in white gold less and less, especially in Europe. Palladium is mostly used there instead. Rhodium is a silver colored metal which is ten times as costly as gold, so it is not a real feasible material to make solid jewelry from.  It is also too stressed and brittle. Rhodium, however, is fabulous as a plating for jewelry because it is glitteringly, dazzlingly, white and mirror-like and it makes diamonds look bigger and better because it’s so bright that it’s almost hard to see where the stones end and the metal begins. Nothing sets off diamonds like rhodium plating does, but it is only a plating and therefore it will wear off and require replating.

Huge Engagement Rings Selection @ JamesAllen.com

If you love today’s brilliant, dazzling, ultra-white diamond-like look, you simply can’t get it from an unplated ring, and you never could. No matter how well it’s made, an unplated alloy which is about half yellow gold can never even come close to offering the flashy glint of rhodium plating. Yes, your grandmother’s ring lasted decades and never needed plating, but it was never dazzling like today’s rings –  it was bright enough for her taste in a different time. The only downside to your Rhodium ring – you’ll have to eventually get it replated. (That’s why you buy the extended warranty with the band!)

Also, in any white gold ring, many jewelers recommend replacing the prongs of the setting with platinum.  This is to insure the stronger prongs hold the diamond more securely and do not deteriorate. Overall, white gold makes a lovely piece of jewelry and it is very cost-effective. Depending on the intricacy of the setting, some bands can cost almost three times as much if made by pure platinum rather than gold. So think about it, saving your money here on the band will give you a few more bucks to spend on the diamond.   The result will be a much more dazzling ring for the woman you love.

Tags: carat, engagement ring, nickel, platinum, rhodium, white gold

You have many choices today to find that one ring for her. The old saying “two months salary” doesn’t need to apply either, you can find beautiful jewelry at reasonable prices today. There are some things you will need to know, however, before walking into the store. Here’s your engagement ring guide to her finger and her heart…

• First, you need to know her ring size. The actual size number, not just your best guess.
• What shape of diamond does she prefer? Round, princess cut, etc.
• Does she like yellow gold, white gold or platinum?
• Does she like a simple elegant ring, or maybe something with an antique look?
• What’s your budget?
• And of course, know the 4Cs!

Having this information will enable you to make better decisions and will also help the salesperson to help you in a better way.

If you’re on a budget, you can stick with a white gold versus the platinum. Platinum today is trading for over $1000 an ounce, so you can expect a platinum band, just the band, to cost about that much, maybe more depending upon the complexity of the design. White gold will look just the same, though it’s a softer metal. Technically there is no such thing as “white gold”. The ring is actually yellow gold underneath and it’s coated with a silver colored plating. Eventually the bottom of the band or the sides may wear down enough to show the yellow gold through, so when you make the purchase, get the extended warranty plan that will allow you to get the ring renewed when that happens.

Knowing all this information will help you make the right choice, but if you really want to wow her, this is what you need to do, so pay attention to this little detail. When you walk into the store, start by browsing the cabinets and their ring selections. That will give you an idea of what rings cost and what designs are popular. The next thing you do though is ask to see their catalogs of engagement ring settings. I’ve found that you can make some extraordinary rings from browsing the special order catalogs of very reputable companies. This is where the best stuff is hiding. Ignore the case in front of you and go for the catalogs. Choose the right setting for your girl and she will be eternally grateful. This, however, is half the battle.

Now, you’ve got to find the center stone to go with it. Some rings today will come with the more affordable cluster of really small diamonds which give the ring a special sparkle, but don’t let that distract you. Every girl wants a rock on her finger. Don’t feel pressured to buy the stone from the same place as you got the band either. Depending on the store, you may be able to get a good deal on the package, but you’ve also got a budget to stay within, right? Hopefully before you walked in, you had some idea of what size stone you want and what traits is should have. Have the store you’re in look for you, but also shop around to reputable diamond wholesalers to find the best price with the best quality diamond you can find. You’ll thank yourself later.

Keeping in mind the 4Cs, in my opinion it’s best to look for the best quality cut of diamond as opposed to the best color or clarity. A diamond with an excellent or ideal cut, with excellent symmetry will sparkle more incredibly than a poorly cut, flawless diamond. So what you’re looking for is a balance between the best quality of diamond internally, cut by the best craftsmanship of jeweler.

The best part of all of this is, after you’ve given her this fabulous ring, she’ll want to know all about how to put it all together. You’ll have the satisfaction of wowing her again with your knowledge and the time and effort you put into making her the perfect ring. There’s no better way to kick off an engagement than that. So take your time, heed this advice and create your own custom diamond engagement ring. You’ll love the results, I’m sure of it. Best of luck to you both!

Tags: 4Cs, diamond engagement ring, diamond ring, loose diamonds

Watch this 3 minute video from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) on how to choose a diamond and what the 4Cs are all about.

http://www.gia.edu/resources/flash/4cs/GIA.swf

Tags: 4Cs, diamond certification, GIA, loose diamonds

There’s no better way to make the woman you love feel like she’s on top of the world than to give her an engagement ring that’s as unique and special as she. This one act signifies the beginning of a whole new chapter in both of your lives, so making the right choice in choosing an engagement ring is a very important decision. Lots of guys will walk into a jewelry store and pick something nice out of the case, which is fine to do at most reputable stores like Kay’s or Zales. What I’ve found in my experiences, however, is that women will always say that anything they get from their man will be great, but underneath, what they really want is something unique. They don’t want the same ring that every other girl has on their finger. Don’t fret though, this is easier to handle than you think, so here’s some free engagement ring advice.

solitare diamond engagement ring

Tags: diamond, diamond ring, enagagement ring, jewelry