Archive for the ‘The Ring’ Category
Wedding Band Metals
Now that you’ve found the diamond, it’s time to decide what band material is going to be lucky enough to hold it. There are 4 major categories that you will want to focus on although the most popular is platinum or white gold. Although this decision rides mostly on budget, you will want to focus on quality as well. Since the idea is that the diamond lasts forever, we want to find a band material that will also. It will also be helpful to educate yourself in these now so when picking out the wedding band, you’ll be a pro at this.
Platinum - is the most durable, most reliable for a loose diamond setting because the prongs will not chip and wear the same as other metals. Overtime, other metals will lose their durability and could need to be replaced. The easiest to maintain, she will only need to clean with soap and water and can use a soft bristled brush to gently bring it back to its original luster. This is the priciest of materials, but makes up for it in durability and quality.
Gold – Gold will not tarnish, rust, or corrode although it is malleable, meaning a band made of 100% gold would be too soft to wear. For this reason, the gold is mixed with other metals to become stronger. This is where we get karats come from. Karatage is noted by a number which indicates its purity. For instance, 24K is 100% gold and would be too soft to wear. A 14 or 18 karat gold band is recommended for bands. The color of gold is determined by the metal which it is combined with along with the percentage of gold included. For a strong gold color, go for 18k. If you are more concerned about durability, opt for 14k.
White Gold – In order to make white gold, a yellow gold ring is taken and plated with rhodium, a shiny metal which is extremely hard. Choosing between yellow and white gold will come down to what your bride prefers, so try to be sneaky and observant. Most women are very picky when it comes to this! It is possible for the plating to wear away and reveal the yellow gold underneath. To remedy this, it is quite easy and a simple re-plating will be done. With the process, the band looks brand new and it is quite inexpensive to have done.
Silver – Although silver is very durable, it will be difficult to find an engagement ring with a silver band. If you plan on having a band which is silver, most likely you will need to order the band separately, then have it set with the diamond. When selecting silver, sterling silver is recommended, which is the highest quality due to very little copper being added.
Whichever metal you choose, be sure you are choosing the highest quality of that metal. Don’t be afraid to ask about the quality of metal when buying and inspect the band closely to look for stamps of quality. Most of all try to find out which metal she prefers and try to combine this with your budget. Happy hunting!
Diamond Shapes
Although a diamond may be a diamond to you regardless of the shape, the actual shape of the diamond can be of great importance to your lady! Although the shape of the diamond will not affect its quality, finding out information about the shapes is an important part of the buying process. Just as important is finding out which shape your future bride prefers! You will find that most women have a very specific shape in mind when they envision the engagement ring on their finger. However, there are some ladies out there that just say, “I don’t care what it looks like, I just want the ring!” For these kinds of ladies who don’t specify exactly what they are looking for, first examine what jewelry they own to see if there is a pattern of shape in what they have selected for themselves. If she’s a girl that isn’t too into jewelry, then you are on your own! Sort of. Keep reading to find out which shape best matches your lady from the descriptions below.
Round Brilliant – The round brilliant cut is the most popular and traditional diamond shape. Cut to achieve maximum brilliance, this eternal favorite is for the classic bride. Because of the popularity of this cut you will find a lot of variety in terms of color and clarity.
Princess – The princess cut is the second most popular cut behind the round brilliant. As an alternative to the round brilliant, this cut provides the same brilliance as the round but in an alternative shape. Sometimes referred to as a square modified brilliant, this princess shape is typically square or slightly more rectangular with sharp pointed corners.
Oval – With an elegant look, the oval shape is an elongated brilliant cut, providing a symmetrical and flattering shape that creates a slimming effect on the finger. It is a very romantic shape for the sophisticated bride. You will often find the oval cut surrounded with smaller diamonds and along the band.
Emerald – Instead of having a brilliant cut, the emerald shape has a step cut and is rectangular with cut corners. This shape is best chosen with a high quality diamond as the major appeal of this cut is its transparency. Similarly, an emerald cut may highlight the diamond’s flaws, so it is best to select a diamond with good clarity and color. The emerald cut offers less fire than the brilliant cut, but instead offers an extremely stylish and sophisticated look.
Asscher – Sometimes known as the emerald square cut, the asscher diamond is the same as the emerald except it is square shaped instead of rectangular but also with cut corners. When selecting an asscher cut diamond, pay attention to the length width ratio to find the evenly proportioned shape.
Heart - The most sentimental of shapes, a heart shaped diamond symbolizes love. It is a very particular woman who would request this shape and you will notice that they are more difficult to find. When selecting a heart cut, make sure to look for an even shape.
Cushion - The cushion cut is essentially a square or rectangular shaped diamond with rounded corners. Cushion cut diamonds are available in shapes ranging from square to rectangular. It has a romantic antique look that was most popular in the 19th century. You will find that most gemstones from the 19th and early 20th century were cushion cuts.
Radiant – This diamond is either square or rectangular and borrows the shape of the emerald with its square shape and cut corners with the fire of the round brilliant. This shape is mostly used for side diamonds and baguettes but is a very versatile diamond.
Pear - Combination of the marquise and oval cut. The pear shape looks like a teardrop because of its rounded end and will often be found as pendants or earrings that dangle.
Marquise - Commissioned by Louis XIV who wanted a diamond to match the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour. This cut is very elegant and is often used when buying a both the engagement ring and wedding band together. This shape is often used with side diamonds and sits parallel to the finger.
Now that you know more about shapes you can go on your hunt armed with more knowledge of how the shape goes with the rest of the diamond package. Because so much of the choice of shape depends on personal preference, try to find out ahead of time from your lady what she likes without giving too much away. Good luck!
Buy Like A Guy: Unmanly, Unromantic and Completely Unnecessary
I sat down and had a few conversational beers with some regular guys to find out what men think about when they’re on the diamond/engagement ring hunt. I have to be honest…I didn’t expect the conversation to focus on “salespeople” and “trust” as much as it did. I thought for sure the #1 topic would be price, but I found out that guys want real, live help at the counter and are willing to pay for it.
That’s really cool because the people behind the counter (the good ones) can and do help give you something that you can’t buy online in most cases: peace of mind. They are your Hired Guns and when a true professional is there to help it speeds up the process and takes some of the pressure off.
Under Pressure…Not!
Which brings me to the topic at hand: A lot of men feel pressure when it comes to buying the “right” ring and really not as bad as all that. I know how it goes…I’ve seen it a million times and it goes something like this:
- You are in love and spent some time talking to her and looking at ring styles she says she likes.
- You’ve found a beautiful ring that fits her style and the price is something you can live with.
- You’re standing in a store that speaks your language and you like the salesperson.
- All you need to do now is pull the trigger and buy the ring. Instead you say something like:”I think I’m going to bring her in to make sure she likes it.”
No…no…no…no and NO. You can and should buy the ring because bringing her in to look at yet another ring is unromantic, unmanly and completely unnecessary. How do I know? I asked women who are/were in the market for an engagement ring.
The Survey…
I wrote a very casual survey and submitted it to women with the help of several jewelry store buddies and Facebook fans. This is the question I asked:
How would you like the ring purchase to go down?
- I want to pick out the ring and that’s the ring I expect to see when I open the box. (10.1%)
- I want to show him the general style I like and as long as it’s in the ballpark I’m good. (61.6%)
- I’ll provide a laundry list and expect him to fill it. (Not in a mean way. I have to wear this ring the rest of my life!)(6.9%)
- I want it to be a complete surprise. I’ll take anything.(21.4%)
Nearly 62% of respondents said as long as you buy a ring that is similar to the style she picked out, you’re good. If you add the other 21.4% who want the ring to be a complete surprise then you have an 8 in 10 shot at being the man she expects you to be. Seriously…you know if she’s one of the other 17% so act accordingly.
But still…what if I pick the wrong ring?
There you go again…making it harder than it needs to be. That’s OK because I have this to share with you as well. The follow up question to the above was:
If he came home with something different than what I told him to get or hinted at I would:
- Be disappointed but OK. (54%)
- Be disappointed and mad. (4%)
- Love it just the same. (42%)
Only 4% of women will be “mad” if you propose with something she’s not expecting so the risk factor is extremely low. See? This is easy.
Go for it!
I grant you this is not the most sophisticated survey on the planet but it is telling. Feel free to take your own casual surveys as you’re out and about. Ask women what they think, combine those answers with my results and come to your own conclusion. Something tells me you won’t feel the need to “bring her in” anymore.
Personally I’d take this info and run with it. There are so many more important things to do than push off buying a ring with manufactured excuses. (For example…you can start planning your proposal.)
Let me know how it goes!
The Ring: Decide Together or Alone?
When a man decides that he is ready to pop the question, he must devise a strategy. And when it comes to picking out a ring, he has to decide if he is going to involve his bride to be in the selection process. It is a personal choice and there is no wrong answer… but which way to go? If this sounds like you, let’s go over some of your options:
A Complete Surprise!
This is the traditional route. Just like in the movies, the gentlemen bends down on one knee, much to her surprise, and takes her breath away with the most beautiful engagement ring! If you’re going to do it alone, make sure to sneak a peek at the rings she may already own for a sense of style and size. By doing this, you can take some of the guess work out of it. Choosing an engagement ring on your own is exhilarating and extremely romantic!
Surprise Her, But With Some Help!
You want to surprise her and you can’t wait to see the look on her face! But maybe you’re not sure what she’ll like. You want it to be a surprise but you want to minimize any room for error. In that case, its time to get sneaky! One option is to involve her sister (or her best friend if she doesn’t have a sister) and let her help you with choosing a ring she’ll adore. That way, you’ll have another woman’s opinion who can help you make the right choice.
Get Her Input But Keep Her Guessing!
This is a very popular option for couples. The topic of marriage has come up in conversation, so it wouldn’t be completely out of the blue for you to pop up with an engagement ring. If that is the case, why not take advantage of the situation and get her feedback, sneakily of course! Go to mall and find an excuse to browse a jewelry store. Chances are this will not be a problem since most women love to look at jewelry.
While you are there, pay close attention to what she is drawn to and what she doesn’t like. Since the topic of marriage has come up before, there is a strong chance she has every intention of passing along this information to you anyway. Narrow it down so you know her favorite shapes and preferences. Then, when the time comes to purchase the ring, you’ll be able to pick out the perfect diamond you know she’ll love!
Buy the Ring Together!
Increasingly, women are becoming more involved in the design of their engagement ring. Either they want to customize their ring or simply go with you to pick it out. She figures, she’ll be wearing this very important piece of jewelry for the rest of her life and so she wants to make sure she likes it. If that sounds like your woman, go together! This can be a great solution for the guy who is nervous about making the right choice. Ring shopping can be a fun and romantic experience for you to share as you celebrate your love and commitment to one another!
Ask A Bride: How do I pick out her engagement ring?
I have plans of proposing to my girlfriend soon but have yet to pick out the ring. I’ve done my research and I know about the different styles and shapes but how do I really know what her ring should look like? How do I realistically pick out her engagement ring?
- Joe, Baltimore MD
Joe,
This is a question that comes up for many guys in your position and can lead to much stress and frustration. After all, this isn’t just any purchase. When you are spending this kind of money, you want to know that you’re getting the right thing and I totally understand that. Realistically? I can’t tell you exactly what your girlfriend is looking for. But if you are watchful and listen, she may be telling you herself. My brother was recently stressing about what to get his girlfriend for Christmas. I told him that women rarely have this problem because we listen. I intently listen to my husband and if he’s interested in an item, I know about it. The same was true for my brother’s girlfriend – while he stressed about what to get her, she picked out his gift based on a single phrase he said in passing. And he loved it! Anyway I say all this to say that your girlfriend is telling you things without really telling you. If she isn’t coming out and saying the words, she is telling you through her everyday sense of style and how she acts day to day. Does she currently have any diamond jewelry? Investigate this thoroughly. If she has diamond earrings, what shape are they? Most girls have a very specific shape they want and stick with that shape. Is she low maintenance or does she like every inch of her to sparkle? If she’s low maintenance I would go with a single diamond on a band instead of a multiple diamond ring. If she’s more the type to want to dazzle then I would go with either stones on each side of the center diamond or small diamonds all the way around the band. One day when you pass the jewelry store and you see her lingering around some items, take a look at what they are – even if they aren’t diamonds. A girl’s taste in jewelry tends not to vary too drastically. Another thing you may want to consider is going online and fiddling around with different styles. It’s easy to change the style and shape and you can ask yourself “is this something she would wear?” If not, keep changing it up until you find something that goes with her style. I would recommend visiting ADiamondIsForever as they have this great feature. Whatever you choose, you’ll know you made the right decision when you get on your knee and see her face. You can do this.
If you have a question for our bride, feel free to post a comment with your question or send a tweet to @getengaged!
Announcing the Winner of Our World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond Giveaway!
The 1 Carat Hearts on Fire Diamond Ring
In August, WhereToGetEngaged.com and Hearts on Fire teamed up to provide one lucky member of WhereToGetEngaged.com the chance to win a beautiful one-carat Hearts on Fire Diamond Ring valued at over $12,500. When over eighty percent of the community participated, we knew this would be the biggest contest yet!
Contestants were required to add their three favorite Hearts On Fire pieces to their wish list and complete their profile to be eligible. The contest deadline was December 15th, 2009.
The winner of our World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond® Giveaway is Michael Clover!
Mike met Anne his sophomore year of college through Anne’s roommate. It took three months for Mike to get Anne to come around and finally date him, but by the time they started dating, Mike already knew Anne was the girl for him. It took Anne a little bit longer to be sure – but after a little bit of time (and even a break) she knew Mike was the one for her.
They looked at engagement rings, but Mike struggled with the cost of buying a ring would set him back a few months (with student loans and only a part time job). He also forgot that he had entered in www.WhereToGetEngaged.com’s contest to win a 1 Carat Hearts On Fire Diamond Ring a few months before, but one day he received an e-mail from WhereToGetEnaged requesting his phone number to contact him. Mike did not want to get his hopes up so he figured it was for advertising purposes. Later the same day he received a call telling him he had won the 1 Carat Hearts On Fire Diamond Ring!
Mike & Ann
Mike said, “I thought for sure it was a scam as NOTHING like this has ever happened to me”, but after hanging up, Mike realized that he had just won a ring that was at least 10X more valuable than the one he was going to buy. And he didn’t have to go into debt for it. He said “I was so stressed about the ring, tuition, housing, books, Christmas and other expenses that I didn’t know how I was going to get through the next few months. It was seriously an answer to my prayers!”.
The day after receiving the ring in the mail, he flew out to Kansas to spend a few days with Anne and her family. On New Years Eve, Mike and Ann went to the Kansas City plaza to walk around and look at the lights. He took the ring with him after envisioning it as his chance to propose. It was really cold outside and he couldn’t keep the secret any longer. They walked past a fountain and he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. After she said, “yes,” he showed her the ring. She was initially shocked that it wasn’t the inexpensive ring that she had looked at a few weeks prior, but even more shocked when he told her the story about where the ring came from. Anne was so excited that she was at a loss for words until they got back to the car!
Congratulations Mike and Anne! We are happy we could be a part of your engagement!
Ask A Bride: Getting her ring size
“I’m proposing to my girlfriend soon and I need to get her ring size without completing tipping her off. Any suggestions?”
- Jeff, San Francisco, CA
Congrats Jeff! I like that you’re going into this a bit slyly. I can see how you don’t want to flat out say, “I’m getting your engagement ring tomorrow, what size are you again?” My first piece of advice? Listen! Chances are, if you guys have been discussing marriage and engagement, she will likely drop hints about ring preference and sizes.
She may make it super easy for you. What you could also try is pilfering one of her rings that she doesn’t wear everyday and taking it to the jeweler where you are buying her ring. Make good use of the jeweler. Are you getting a comfort fit band? If so, buy a bit smaller. I’m ordinarily a size 5 and ½ but with my comfort fit band, I’m a 4 and ½. However be cautious with this. It’s much easier to resize a band to a smaller width than a larger one. This is where your jeweler will come in handy and can help you in picking out the safest size. Can’t get away with stealing her ring? Quickly put it on your finger and mark where it rests. Then get yourself to a jewelry store quickly to find out the measurement! If this fails, ask her friends who you can trust not to say anything. Be careful with this option. We girls are, by nature, gossipers. If you are ok with her having a good idea of what’s going on, take a string and without saying a word, put it around her ring finger and mark where it rests comfortably. Measure the inches and compare it to this chart to find out her exact size here. Be sure not to measure her finger when it is cold, you will not get an accurate reading. Good luck Jeff!
If you have a question for our bride, feel free to post a comment with your question or send a tweet to @getengaged!
Premium Vendor Showcase: Bessie Black Photography
What was your inspiration for being a photographer?
I always knew I would own my own business. It wasn’t until high school that photography came about- I always took pictures, but when my cousin got married when I was in HS, I kind of put the two together and found my passion as a wedding photographer. During high school I was involved in Yearbook, which helped my photography grow with a couple of large projects to realize my love of the field. After high school I spent some time at Blue Ridge Community College in the Marketing & Business program, while also taking photography courses. . Once deciding that photography was my true focus, I found the art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and finished there with an Associates in Photography.
What makes you unique to brides?
- 10+ years of bridal shop knowledge (adjusting a veil, making a bustle, groomsmen boutonnieres, advice on do’s & don’ts – years of knowledge of the makings of weddings & actual day of!
- Always willing to lend a hand, very flexible, and willing to please.
- Always adding to my product line to ensure that there is something for everyone.
What services do you offer?
- Wedding services- wedding day coverage, various levels of professional albums, including the coffee table style albums, wedding prints & enlargements, Digital Image DVD, online hosting, engagement & bridal portraits, save the date cards, and surprise proposal storytelling (live from your day of engagement – capture it as it really happens).
What is your style of photography?
It changes from couple to couple, but I try to keep it simple & always about the bride and the groom and their personal style. Its really a mixture of traditional & candid photojournalism.
What are five tips that you can give to brides looking for a photographer?
- Be sure to ask all of your questions, but remember that this person will be with you all day on the most important day. You need to be comfortable with them and feel totally at ease in their presence. This to me is most important; I build relationships through my couples & families.
- Think about your wedding and where it is going to be. Make sure to make the most of all of your decorations & flowers. The little details and special unique personal touches can really enhance your wedding and the photography from it. Keep in mind that pictures resemble your day and we photograph the story as it is told.
- A photographer should show you what there is to offer, but it is also good to hear from you as well! If you know what you want, great! Share it with us. If you do not know, we will guide you and explain to you what the products and services are about, and talk about your day and what will work best for you and your budget.
- While attending a bridal show, the vendors are there for you. We want to share our information with you, talk about our services, how we can help you. Please do not be shy in stopping and looking through our albums and getting to know us!
- Enjoy your planning process, but be sure to hire trained professionals. This is essential in having a beautiful stress free day. We have done this before (and we love it) and so many times we can spot & resolve an issue before it becomes a problem. Trust who you are working with and you will have a wonderful day!
For more information about Bessie Black Photography, please visit her vendor profile.
Diamond Care
Your engagement ring is a very special piece of jewelry that will be worn for decades. Over time, your ring will come across different substances in your day to day routine that will create films on your diamond and decrease the light’s ability to keep it sparkling. And so, in order to keep your diamond looking its best, it would be beneficial to clean your ring regularly.
The easiest and most non abrasive way to clean your diamond is to soak it in warm water with a little bit of soap. A mild liquid detergent like dish soap will do the trick. After soaking your ring for about ten minutes, you may use a soft bristle brush to gently clean your ring further. It is extremely important that the brush is soft, as not to cause any harm to your diamond. With regular cleaning, there may not even be a need for a soft bristle brush. Also, be aware of any other stones that may be set on your ring. If you have stones other than diamonds, you must keep in mind that particular gemstones may require specific care. When you’ve rinsed off your ring, dry gently with a lint free cloth.
It is suggested that you take your diamond to be professionally cleaned and assessed by your jeweler once or twice a year. Firstly, because your jeweler will check the setting to make sure the diamond is secure and secondly, to give it a thorough professional cleaning. Most jewelers perform a steam cleaning and will be able to clean those tough to reach corners around the prongs. If you would like to steam clean your ring at home, there are several at home cleaning kits and personal steamers that can be purchased for home use. This is a personal choice, but note that having your diamond professional cleaned once or twice a year and regularly cleaning your diamond at home with soap and water will do wonders for keeping your engagement ring in tip top shape.
Lastly, in addition to regular cleaning, make sure to steer clear of any harsh chemicals that may cause irreparable damage to your ring. Acids, solvents, and chemicals like chlorine will damage the surface and discolor your diamond. Remove your diamond before swimming, and it may be wise to remove it when cleaning your home. With proper care and caution, your diamond will continue to sparkle brightly for decades to come!
Online or In Store?
It is highly recommended that you purchase your engagement ring “in store.” Rather than using the web to make your purchase, it would be optimal to use the internet to locate reputable vendors in your area. Using a site like WhereToGetEngaged.com can enable you to broaden your options and read about customers’ experiences.
For selecting your ring, you are going to want to do this in person. There are several very good reasons to do this: Firstly, when you shop for an engagement ring in a store, you will be working with knowledgeable individuals who will be able to guide and assist you through every step of the process. Your experience will be personalized and they will be able to make suggestions that tailor to your tastes and needs.
Secondly, you will have a clear understanding of what you are getting. You can get a general idea of how the diamond should look by examining it’s specifications online, however there is immeasurable value to actually seeing the diamond up close in front of you. Also, you will be able to compare it with other diamonds to make sure that your selection resonates with you. Never underestimate that although a diamond may have certain criteria met, you may not like it in person next to another diamond. Selecting a diamond can be a very personal choice and it is highly recommended that you do it in person, with a friendly and knowledgeable professional on hand to help guide you through the process.
When you purchase a diamond online, you are taking a risk with the quality and sometimes authenticity of your diamond. You are also risking the possibility that you may not like the diamond in person. Some people feel that it is worth taking this risk in order to take advantage of sometimes lower prices than you can find online. As previously emphasized, this is not the recommended route for such an important purchase.
However, if you do choose to buy your diamond from an online retailer, make sure to do your research. Do not work with retailers who cannot guarantee GIA certification before you make your purchase. Also, make sure the vendor is reputable. Take a moment to carefully read and understand their policies so you fully understand what you are getting yourself into and the commitments you are making. With an online purchase, it is in your best interest to researching the retailer’s customer reviews and complaints. If you buy online, you need to do all you can to minimize your risk.
Selecting an engagement ring is supposed to be a fun process. It is your opportunity to pick out the most special piece of jewelry that she will ever wear. Take your time in the store and do your research. Feel free to ask questions and see different options up close. Choose a ring with personality that reflects your good taste and represents your love and undying commitment that you both share.
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Find the Ring
Plan the Proposal
Plan the Wedding
