What Are Unique Choices For Engagement Ring Stones Besides Diamond?

Brought to you by antique emerald cut engagement rings.

If you are asking this question, congratulate yourself: few people ever stop to consider the many beautiful options open to them when buying engagement rings. Most people look to the basics because they normally only have one choice.

Although most rings are mundane a thrifty couple can introduce romance and make a new symbol, new choices, and save money to be invested in their new union by choosing a unique set of wedding rings.

There are three groups of rings to select from if you opt to do so. You can choose a ring with no stone: a simple band that will harmonize with a wedding band, perhaps engraved with words that matter to you, or embossed with a pattern that appeals and coordinates with your wedding band choices.

You can do an array of different things with the bands and wedding set. You can double the band and mix and match them as you please.   Many designers would jump at the opportunity to design a dual band set so it should not be hard to hire one for cheap and use the savings on stone.

If you choose a stone, the remaining two choices are to go with some form of stone or synthetic that looks like diamond, or simply lighting out for the unknown country and finding a stone that suits you perfectly, both as individuals and as a couple.

Cubic Zirconium is the most preferred and known substitute for  diamond, though it  weights more and looks duller than a pure diamond and may even wane in color with usage. That is the single, most popular diamond substitute today and it is beautiful to wear.

A more expensive alternative to cubic zirconium is moissanite.  This stone is based on a meteorite gem and is produced synthetically. The stone is twice as brilliant as a diamond and slightly harder. (although this factor may increase the diamond’s beauty, it could also lead to identification for people whose preference is a diamond’s muted fire), and refracts light somewhat differently, leading some people to feel that it has a faint greenish tinge. Moissanite has its good and bad points, but it just depends on what you like.

White sapphire has been used as a diamond substitute for over a hundred years now. The white sapphire is a beautiful stone in itself and the beauty of it is it can be cut just like a diamond but one must be aware that it is softer and less durable.

If you want to consider stones outside the diamond look-alike field, then there are no limits besides those you set for yourself. Because the stone will be worn constantly over a long period of time it is wise to choose stones with strength and hardness: ruby, sapphire, jade, and similar stones are good choices.

A color that goes well with the range of colors often worn is wise. But beyond that the entire world of fine stones is open. Would you like to choose a star sapphire or prefer a ruby like carborundum stone? Sure! This is a gorgeous variation in comparison to a faceted diamond stone. Would you consider a carved jade jewel mounted in solid gold? It will last forever, and jade offers an infinite range of colors.

Engagement rings come in as many different styles as you can imagine. This is jewelry designed with you in mind. If either of you thinks “oh, blah, diamond” or “we could spend the money so much more wisely,” then it is time to start discussing the many choices open to you.

For more please see pear shaped diamond solitaire engagement rings and three stone princess cut diamond engagement ring.

How Can You Differentiate a Fake From A Real Diamond

Brought to you by asscher cut solitaire engagement rings.

Let us be specific and brief. Get a professional to check up a diamond and find out if it is a real one. That may seem brutal, or you may have heard that there are ways that clever people with jewelers’ loupes can just take a peek and know which stones are real and which are fake, but the truth is that it is becoming harder and harder to determine a “real” diamond even for trained professionals, and it is dangerously difficult for amateurs.

While that may be true, there are still things that have to be considered and followed. If you purchase an already set diamond, look at the bands metal stamp (10k, 14k, 18l, Pl, ect), as using a precious metal band increases the chances that the ring’s creator used a real stone as well.

If you have a jeweler’s loupe or a high magnification hand magnifying glass, look at the edges and girdle-band of the cut stone. Soft, rolled edges indicate a fake. So does a clear, waxy-smooth girdle at the place of meeting and changing direction of facets around the stone’s belly.

Also you can use the loupe to look inside the stone for damage or nicks. These were created naturally and are difficult to copy. Natural diamonds are most valuable when they have the fewest flaws; unfortunately minor flaws, which are often allowed through, cannot be easily spotted by an amateur.

Weight is a common indicator. Simulated diamonds have a significantly different weight than an authentic diamond; cubic zirconium is much heavier. In order to compare diamonds, you require a precision scale and samples of real diamonds.

Do not attempt scratching glass with your diamond. Don’t attempt acid tests that might be used on metals. Don’t give in to your curiosity and try to smash a diamond because it will crush because it is a crystalline material.    If it is a diamond, and you breath on it, the moisture will disappear too fast for you to see it; whereas, with a fake, it won’t. But that is a mere hint, no more, and is far from fail proof. Be careful about composition diamonds, which have a base of one material and a table top made of diamonds, this will pass a diamond tester, but be relatively worthless.

When you want to know for sure if the diamond is truly real, you must have someone reputable give it his opinion of it. That means you must choose your jewelers carefully, and then ask for documentation of each gem (each is individual and documentation can go a long way to establish the nature of your own stone). A professional jeweler, working with reputable sources, will be reliable, helpful, and able to ensure you an unquestionable grade of appraisal.

With no insult intended towards chain jewelers, think very carefully before going to one for an appraisal. Businesses such as these demonstrate the pros and cons of ass produced distribution and manufacturing. These stores are usually well run and honest, but what they lack is training and expertise.

After you’ve found an appraisal service by searching online or in the yellow pages, make sure you thoroughly vet the assessor by looking at his or her experience, licensing and background. The good indications of skill are a Licensed jeweler, a good journeyman in a traditional program  and a dealer who has been dealing with stones previously.

Whenever you bring in a stone you are well within your rights to ask that it be tested under your supervision. to avoid unscrupulous jewelers changing it out  . In the event you are turned down, you should go right out of the store. Request complete documentation if purchasing a stone. Regardless of your choice, you will need to understand that even the pros have difficulty in determining if a diamond is real or not, sometimes even looking at them two or three times.

For more please see 3 stone cushion cut engagement rings and antique princess cut diamond rings.

Where To Order An Engagement Ring Online

Brought to you by round brilliant diamond solitaire engagement rings.

If both of you are ready, you’re already aware of it. You want to get engaged the traditional way, and get an engagement ring. It may be two also. One for him and the other for her. Just think of it. However, you haven’t had the time to build up an expertise on what makes jewelry high quality. What should you do when you purchase an engagement ring?

When he is purchasing a ring for her, the first thing for him to decide is if it will be intended as a surprise. (or even from her to him) as part of a proposal. This approach is no good. It involves a lot of money and keep the parties at great disadvantage and it is a gamble.

Even if you want to play out the classical, lovable, corny ritual of giving your love a box when you pop the question, think carefully about purchasing a “place holder ring.” This will be a ring you select as one but is a more cost effective right that you can cherish.

When buying an engagement ring, involve the person who will wear it in the decision making process. There are several elements to keep in mind, and the majority of people have clear thoughts about what kinds of jewelery make them uncomfortable, what kinds don’t succeed in suiting the kind of life of the wearer, what metals or colors matter the most. What you need to consider is that there are many people who have strong style preferences, people with metal allergies, and people in jobs that demand a limit to the choices of jewelry or even forbid it while on the job. 

Make sure to set a budget for the ring you’re buying.  Get your partner involved so that the budget is realistic. The total investment commitment in a jewel of a ring can make or break your budget in the early years of their marriage, the cost of the wedding and wedding reception.

You should focus on good planning rather than great show unless you happen to be very wealthy, and even among the affluent, most partners find it useful to balance sentiment and spendthrift enthusiasm. 

You should always be clear about your financial limits, needs and goals in shopping for diamonds, whether you’re talking to a shopping mall counter person or a professional jewelry designer. If you withhold facts from whoever is hired to consul you they can not give you good advice. Without doing your research, you should plan to spend several hours comparing rings at the store.

Once again, let the jeweler know if you and your significant other are looking to find something unique rather than the usual types of diamond engagement rings. If you wanted a private made setup or if you are providing a stone from a family ring, you guide should be made aware. 

Consider purchasing fully outside the realm of gold and diamond: for many this is both financially wise, and also a matter of taste. If diamonds do not put a sparkle in your significant other’s eye perhaps the rugged but polished look of Jade will fit the bill. Or maybe call a sapphire? Or maybe you and your lover both are in love with the look of traditional diamonds but hate the cost. While a real diamond can be beautiful to look at, consider the new synthetic and simulated diamonds that at fraction of the price can be just as or more real looking than the actual diamonds themselves.

When you have considered all these things you are ready to walk into a reputable jewelers shop and begin the process of buying an engagement ring. Until you have considered these issues, you are striking out in an ocean of choices. Know what you want before you go shopping for a ring.

For more please see princess cut engagement rings and unique cushion cut engagement rings.