Engagement Rings

Engagement rings represent one of the most expensive items of jewellery that most men will buy in their lifetimes. Men are often advised to spend one or two month’s salary on the engagement ring, but to be honest, it is hard to generalize and the budget should really be down to the preferences of an individual or couple. This being said, it is possible to find rings for every budget and so there is no need to panic if you are looking at rings below a certain price. Diamonds are cut in all sizes and can be added to most styles of design. They also vary enormously in quality and colour and so it is possible to find a diamond to fit in with your price.

The classic style of engagement rings has to be the diamond solitaire. Seen in its simplest and most elegant form, contemporary styles feature a central diamond held by four claws on a band of white gold or platinum. This though is only one of thousands of styles, each designed to meet many individual tastes.

There are various parts to engagement rings, each styled differently. These can be broken down into.

• The Diamond
• The Setting
• The Shoulders
• The Shank

Engagement rings can have a variety of settings. This is essentially the part that holds the diamond. They can secure the stone with claws or prongs, or with metal as in bezel or rubbed over settings. The latter is where the metal that the diamond is set in, is pushed over the very edge of the diamond, neatly to secure it. When it comes to princess cut engagement rings, claws need to protect the corners of the diamond. This is often why we find box claws at each corner. They basically just cover each corner in a “V” shape, offering protection. The classic tiffany style is another timeless design in these rings. This type of setting often has six claws and the diamond is held up with light being allowed to enter the setting. Modern variations of this are numerous, each being a variation on a theme.

The shank itself can vary greatly. If you were to cut through the shank, you would see an outline or profile. This can vary from flat, to “D” shape or most commonly court, which is curved on the inside and the outside. The curved inner surface offers a very comfortable fit which has remained very popular for many years. Where the shank meets the setting, we call the shoulders which to be honest, is a good analogy for this part of the ring. The design of these can vary from intricate designs, narrowing or tapered shoulders, diamond set shoulders, or even shoulders that cross over on each side of the setting.

Our advice for men is to look at the jewellery that your soon to be fiancé owns. Look at the styles of jewellery and the colour of metal she normally wears, whether it be yellow gold or white gold, or a combination. Many rings exist in all these combinations. Would she like something elegant and simple? In this case you would possibly be wise to consider a simple diamond solitaire.
If you want something a little different, why not choose an alternative shape of diamond. Engagement rings featuring round, square (princess cut & carre cut), rectangular (baguette cut), pear shaped and even triangle shaped (trilliant) diamonds are available.

If you are unsure of what type of diamond to go for, why not make some inquiries. Provide the retailer with a ball park price and they will respond with what is available. Give as much information as possible on the metal, style and shape of diamond and they will offer some suggestions of different ones available. They may even suggest some special offers running.

The next difficult task you have if it is a surprise, and one not to forget about is the ring size. You will have to borrow a ring she wears on the third finger and measure the diameter, or to have a jeweler measure the size. Make sure to provide the jeweler with this information though as it is essential when making engagement rings to order.

Although the most common type of engagement ring is considered to be the diamond solitaire brides today are becoming more unique wanting something a little different to show of their individuality. What could be better than giving your future wife an antique engagement ring.

Not only do antique engagement rings hold memories from the past they are also considered a huge investment accumulating value over time. If you are looking to purchase a ring for engagement then now is the time to stretch your budget just a little more.

When it comes to antique engagement rings your options are endless, they are not specific to one gem stone, antique engagement rings can have diamonds, rubies, sapphires or any type of stone giving you much larger choice.

An antique engagement ring may prove to be expensive or you may be lucky enough to have had one handed down to you from a previous generation. Getting married is all about families and presenting your loved one with a beautiful and treasured heirloom is a wonderful way to show how much you love them.

The antique engagement ring will look stunning on any bride’s finger. Often this older style of ring will have more intricate detail giving it a beautiful and unique look.

If you are not lucky enough to have been handed down an antique engagement ring then you will need to set yourself a budget and have some basic knowledge before parting with huge amounts of money.

Consider how the stone in the ring will age, softer stones such as opals or pearls may not hold up to damage as well as a diamond would. Consider what the wearer does on a daily basis to determine a stone that will suit her. Because these rings were not designed for much wear and tear your ring may become more delicate over time.

I would recommend you ask your jeweler for a gemologists report to ensure the ring is authentic and not a replica you. Having a qualified jeweler look at the ring can also determine if it will need any repairs or stones re set.

Antique engagement rings are enchanting and it is easy to go way over your budget so be sure to have something in mind before you shop.

Consider insuring your antique engagement ring, although you will never be able to replace the sentimental value of a ring covering your financial loss should it be stolen or lost should help to soften the blow. Check with your insurance company if the ring will automatically be covered on your house insurance as many companies will need a ring to be specifically listed on a policy.

There is nothing more romantic than giving or receiving a ring or any sort however an antique engagement ring will hold memories and will really show your love for someone.

Whether it’s an 10-carat marquise diamond such as the one worn by Catherine Zeta-Jones when she promised to wed Michael Douglas, or the 5-carat oval shaped ring in pave setting, such as the one given by Tom Cruise to Katie Holmes, celebrity engagement rings are as much a testament to the Hollywood glitz and glamour as any other piece of jewelry.

Just what exactly makes celebrity engagement rings so alluring? Other than the fact that they are glimpses into the intimate lives of larger-than-life individuals, their existence in this real, 3-D world we ordinary mortals live in makes us all believe that fairy tale endings might just be possible for us, too, after all. Celebrity engagement rings transcend the pomp and circumstance of Hollywood and strike at the very expression of real and enduring love. Or at least the illusion of it. Indeed, one can argue that celebrity engagement rings and this new breed of commercialism are responsible for the malaise that grips the present state of marriages, especially Hollywood ones. Still, these rings are no longer just Hollywood props. They are real, they’re right here and they don’t come at a cheap price.

Billionaire businessman Donald Trump gave Melania Knauss a $1 million 13-carat emerald cut engagement ring. Britney Spears flashed not one, but two engagement rings: a $40,000 4 carat cushion-cut diamond ring in a platinum pave setting and another one that was given to her by (now ex) husband Kevin Federline. Not to be outdone, Paris Hilton sported two engagement rings herself: a 24-carat canary diamond ring given by erstwhile fiancé Paris Latsis which came at a whopping $5 million, and another one, a cool $2.1 million 15 carat white diamond ring.

Despite the current trend in engagement rings that says bigger is better, celebrity engagement rings demonstrate otherwise. Just look at the 18-carat deep blue oval sapphire worn by Lady Diana Spencer when she promised to wed Prince Charles. We all know how that turned out. Or the much-talked about $3-million 6-carat radiant shaped pink diamond Jennifer Lopez sported when she was engaged to Ben Affleck. Jennifer Lopez went on to marry Latin superstar Marc Anthony and Ben Affleck trotted off to domestic bliss with another Hollywood actress, also named Jennifer.

Nowadays, a simple diamond ring just doesn’t quite cut it anymore. According to the Diamond Information Center, the new three-stone diamond ring is fast becoming the engagement ring of choice within the Hollywood circles. The three stones on Madonna’s 5-carat Edwardian ring with bezel settings given by husband Guy Ritchie represent mother, father and son Rocco. Prince Charles gave Camilla Parker Bowles a platinum ring with an emerald-cut center diamond and three diamond baguettes on each side. Originally belonging to the Queen Mother, the ring is believed to be valued at over $1 million.

Celebrities have long dominated consumer affairs and popular culture. When Marilyn Monroe purred the now infamous line “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” sales in the diamond engagement ring market skyrocketed. Since not everybody can afford the services of jewelers-to-the-stars Neil Lane or Harry Winston, some have opted to have replicas created instead. Replicas of Lopez’s rare 6-carat pink diamond ring currently retail at a more affordable price. The cost of the replicas depends on the quality of the stones and the materials used in reproducing it. Replicas can transform an ordinary bride-to-be into the likes of Elizabeth Taylor or Jackie Kennedy. Indeed, the secret to the publics endless fascination with celebrity engagement rings lies in its appeal to make us still yearn for that elusive happily-ever after.