What Engagement Ring Material Should I Choose?

There are three basic types of metal to choose from when it comes to engagement rings. Those include steal, gold and platinum. The most popular choice is a classic gold. Platinum is the next popular and steel is generally chosen either when someone has an allergy or when the couple wants to have alternative settings with the engagement ring and wedding band.

Here is a brief overview of these three common engagement ring metals:

Gold
Gold is, by far, the most popular choice when it comes to engagement and wedding rings. Gold rings come in two varieties: white gold and yellow gold. Additionally, you can purchase pink gold and a variety of shades of yellow gold. Gold can be purchased by the carat. The higher the carat is, the softer and more expensive the gold piece will be. 12 carat gold is the most common engagement ring choice, but it goes up to 24 carat for the very fine rings. However, it is recommended that you do not go quite as high because it is important that your engagement ring is durable and will last for generations with out getting dented or bent.

Platinum
Platinum is a popular option for couples that either have allergies to gold or want a stronger metal. Platinum is often more expensive than gold, but it also is more durable and has nearly the same color as white gold (the color is silver). Platinum does not bed as easily as gold. Thus, if you think that the diamond you purchase will be expensive, it might be a good idea to investigate the price of Platinum as well. Platinum has less chance of the setting bending, which would result in a lost stone.

Steel
Most engagement rings are not actually made of steel. However, steel wedding bands are relatively popular among men and women. Steel wedding bands are hypoallergenic and are extremely durable.

Titanium
Titanium is a newer, more expensive wedding band material that some couples enjoy. Titanium has the color of chrome and is stronger than steel. Many couples prefer the stronger metal because they believe that it is an allegory for the strength of a relationship.

While there are a multitude of engagement ring metals to choose from, it is important that you do your research into each type so that you can purchase a ring that is right for you and your future spouse. The ring should be a testament to the bond that the two of you share. As such, make it special!

What Can You Do If You Lose the Engagement Ring?

If you happen to lose the engagement ring, you’re kind of out of luck, aren’t you? Particularly if it was a ring that she selected or if she was expecting the ring right when you bent down on one knee to propose. Well, it’s not the end of the world if you come up empty handed when you ask for your woman’s hand in marriage, but you probably won’t have the happiest of proposals if the ring truly is lost.

First things first- don’t panic. This sort of thing actually happens quite often and you can most likely find it. Perhaps in all of your pre-proposal nervousness you left the little gem on your dresser? Or maybe it’s in the pocket of the coat hanging by the door? Whatever the reason and location, you are sure to find the ring as long as you are patient - and have lost it in a location that does not frequently double as a giant black hole!

After your retrace the steps of your house, look in your car, your office and your friend’s car, if you have still not found the ring, then look again. And again. If after several attempts to retrace your steps have not produced your ring, then there is only one thing left do to: panic. Especially panic if it was an expensive engagement ring.

Being that you might not have intended to tell your would-be fiancé about the engagement, you may not want to tell her that you have lost the ring. Indeed, she will not only be sorry for you, and disappointed, and perhaps lose her faith in your ability to carry small objects, but she will likely know that you were planning to propose. Thus, any surprise element of the engagement will be stricken.

And yet, you will most likely be very sad and even frustrated because you cannot find the ring. Hopefully, you had not been saving for years for the ring, because the loss of it could put your engagement back a few years.

However, keep in mind that most men get insurance on the ring or some sort of warranties. Some warranties will cover lost or stolen rings, but you will pay a hefty price for it. It is highly advised that you purchase an insurance rider for your engagement ring, especially if it will be in your possession for more than a day. The rider is free, up to a certain limit, with many mortgages. Otherwise, you can get insurance only on the ring and agree to pay it for your fiancé, if she accepts.

Having some sort of insurance or security is critical if you are going to sustain your sanity after a lost ring. Your fiancé will also be impressed by your foresight and intelligence!

What If I Don’t Like the  Engagement Ring He Selected?

Nearly every boyfriend has worried about his future-fiancé not like thing engagement ring that he selects for her. Trust that before he has selected and purchased your engagement ring, he has done loads of research into what’s available and what would most closely suit your unique style. Still, if he happens to purchase a ring that does not directly suit your tastes, what should you do?

Before answering this question, it is important to ask yourself two questions: what does this engagement ring mean to me? And will I be happy to wear the ring he selected everyday for the rest of my life? Here is some advice for addressing these two questions:

What does this engagement ring mean to me?
The engagement ring is a symbol of your love. It is a hand-selected token of the bond that the two of you share and will continue to develop for years and years to come.

Will I be happy to wear thins ring everyday for the rest of my life?
You should feel proud to show off your engagement ring - the symbol of your love. Therefore, if you do not feel proud of the engagement ring that your fiancé has selected, chances are good that you will silently resent his selection.

It is better to appreciate the ring and truly love it than to convince yourself that you will be able to someday love the ring simply because it is a symbol of your love. An engagement ring is a symbolic token, but that doesn’t mean that is doesn’t have to be aesthetically attuned to your personal tastes.

If you do not like the engagement ring that your fiancé has selected, by all means, tell him so that you can exchange it for a ring that reflects your tastes and personality better. You can exchange the ring at most places for one that you love.

Broaching the subject of exchanging the ring can be tough. However, your fiancé should most likely bring it up first. If you have recently proposed to your girlfriend, it is important that you open this line of communication. Your new fiancé will not want to hurt your feelings by asking to exchange a ring that you are proud of. Therefore, it is up to you to let her know that if she is not completely happy with the engagement ring, she can exchange it for another.

What are the Current Engagement Ring Trends?

When it comes to engagement rings, there are changes in trends every decade. There was a time when everyone wanted a pear-shaped diamond. Now, many stores do not even stock the pear-shaped diamond. Once, everyone wanted ornate engagement rings. Now, brides are preferring to have very simple and streamlined designs.

Here is an overview of some of the most important trends in engagement rings.

1. Princess cut
The princess cut engagement ring is a square-shaped diamond that sits within a normal four-pronged setting. Tiffany’s made this cut very popular with young ladies all over the world. The princess cut is very simple because it only requires four prongs, whereas other shapes use six or more to hold the diamond in place.

When purchasing the princess cut, it is important to look at the color and brilliance of the reflection in order to determine rock quality. The clearer the ring, the more fire it will have when reflected in the sun. Spend some time comparing different princess cuts.

2. Princessa
The princessa cut is basically four small princess-cut rocks that are scaled and fit together to give the illusion of being one large princess-cut stone. While this style has increased in popularity among budget-shoppers, it is often perceived as a “cheap” method of purchasing a ring that you cannot afford. Some couples view it as the equivalent of purchasing a fake diamond - even though all of the princess pieces are genuine diamonds. The reason for this feeling is because the larger rock is meant to look like a 1 carat, for example, but is truly the equivalent of being a 1/2 carat. Most people say, “buy what you can afford, not what you want but can’t afford.”

3. Platinum
Platinum is an alternative to white gold and is more durable and will not dent, like gold could. Therefore, many brides would rather have a platinum band than a gold band. When selecting a platinum band, make sure that your bride likes the color silver and that she has no allergies to consider.

4. Six-pronged round diamond
The six-pronged round diamond has long-been a popular choice in rings among brides around the world. The major benefit of the six-pronged ring is that it is strong. The frequency of a diamond falling out of a six-pronged ring is relatively low, so you can be comfortable with the purchase. The style is also a classic and will be popular for years to come.

What are the Diamond Shapes in engagement rings and their benefits?

When it comes to engagement rings, there are a multitude of style and shapes to choose from. Some affect the hand in different ways. Others have the advantage of making the rock appear to be larger than it actually is. Here is a very brief overview of several engagement ring styles, but be sure to do your research on your own to select the style that is right for you and your bride.

Keep in mind that in addition to the shape of the cut, the depth of the cut is also important in determining the quality of the stone. Make sure that you select a ring that has very nice symmetry and balance, rather than one that is too deep or too shallow.

Round
The round cut is the most popular. Basically, the top of the diamond is drilled in a circle so that it can be round. The benefit of the round cut is that six prongs usually hold it, which decreases the probability of it falling out of the setting.

Princess
The princess cut is the square-top cut that was made popular by Tiffany’s. The major benefit of the square cut is that it is trendy, attractive and full of color. However, because it is held in place using only four prongs, it can be easily lost if any of the prongs come loose.

Oval
The Oval ring is one of the less popular options, as most brides prefer the round cut. However, the benefit of the oval ring is that the length helps to elongate the hand while the softness helps to add a degree of character.

Pear
The pear shaped engagement ring is one of the least-popular options. In fact, it is so frequently not chosen, that many jewelry stores do not even carry it in stock. If you would like a pear-shaped ring, chances are high that you will have to either go online or special order your ring.

Marquis
The marquis shape is an oval with tips. It not only helps to make the hand appear longer and slimmer, but it also makes the diamond appear larger than it actually is. Marquis are a very popular cut, but are not liked by all brides.

When determining which cut is right for your bride, it is probably important to take a good look around at available options. There are plenty of options with engagement rings even if you go the ‘I’ll design my own engagement ring’ route.

The Four C’s of engagement rings

The most basic thing to remember when searching for that perfect diamond for that perfect person is that all diamonds are rated and priced according to a system called the 4 C’s. the four C’s are: cut, clarity, carat, and color. Each of the C’s has its own system of ranking, which we will discuss in this article in more detail.

As with any big purchase, it is important that you spend ample time researching your options before you purchase that perfect engagement ring. You need to know that she has a high probability of saying yes, sure. But you also want to know that you are purchasing the best possible ring for her tastes. After all, this is a purchase that you will hopefully only have to make once. She will bear the honor of wearing your engagement ring for the rest of her life, so make sure it’s a ring that you would be proud to have her wear.

Now, here’s an overview of each of the four C’s. More information is, of course, available from a certified diamond jeweler.

Cut: There are more than half a dozen cuts for your diamond. Each shape accents the hand in a different way. The most popular cut is the round, which is literally, a diamond with a rounded top. The least popular cut is the pear-shaped cut. In recent years, the princess diamond has grown in popularity, largely due to the Tiffany’s retailer. The marquis is an elongated oval shape that many women prefer because it not only makes the hand look slimmer, but it makes the diamond appear to be larger.

Clarity: The clarity of the diamond means literally the clarity of the diamond. The more clear the diamond, the more light will be reflected through the angles of it. Many times, the difference in clarity is so minute that it is tough for the average person to recognize. However, if you want to ensure that you purchase a diamond of the highest clarity, then it is important to consult a trained jeweler to help you select the best option.

Carat: The higher the carat, the heavier the diamond, and thus, the more expensive. Most women prefer to have about one carat on their fingers, though it is entirely a matter of personal preference.

Color: The color of the diamond is affected by the clarity and the cut. The higher the clarity, the better the color. It is important that you spend time looking over your options for diamonds to observe how colors can be so different.

The Benefits of Having Your Intended Pick the Engagement Ring

If your future spouse is very particular about her jewelry selection, then chances are good that she will want to play a key role in the selection of her engagement ring. Determining what kind of lady your future spouse is will be important when first deciding whether or not you want to involve her in the engagement ring selection process. After all, you know her well, but when it comes to engagement rings, you are both are new territory with each other.

It is important that you ask your future bride if she wants to play a role prior to taking her to the jewelry shop or to keeping her out of the selection process. If you are unsure, then ask her friends what she might like. Next, spend some quality time with her alone in the shop looking at sizes, style and colors. If you have a budget, don’t tell her. Let her look around on her own first, then look for rings within your price range.

If you are unsure as to whether or not your future bride will want to play a role in the selection process, then review these few benefits of having your future bride select the ring on her own.

1. She will get the cut she wants.
Many brides have strong opinions when it comes to the cut of the ring. The cut of the ring is the shape of the diamond and it varies greatly across the board. Some women love the round cut, while others love the idea of having a square diamond. You will not have to bear the guilt or uncertainty of selecting a ring that she will not like if she selects the cut on her own.

2. You know you have the right color.
Just about every woman chooses to wear either one color of jewelry or another. Some women wear silver while others wear gold. Likewise, some women prefer platinum to anything else. When you take your future bride to the shop, she can help you learn which color ring she likes best. Even if she does not select the final ring, at least you will know you have gotten the color right.

3. She will select the size.
Many men are not sure what size they should select for their engagement rings. Some women like big diamonds and others find them to be gaudy. When your future bride selects the ring on her own, she is able to tell you what size she prefers, helping to leave out any room for uncertainty on your end.

There are many benefits to having your future bride select her engagement ring. However, you have to sacrifice and element of surprise when you let her know in advance that an engagement is on the way. Weight the benefits against the downfalls to make a decision that is right for you two.

Is the Quality of the Engagement Ring Really that Important?

The quality of the ring means the quality of the stone, the setting and the band. As with any jewelry, the quality is an entirely subjective consideration and needs to be worked out by individual couples. However, the ring will last longer and be more attractive if the quality is high. Furthermore, many people view their engagement rings as testaments of their love for each other. As such, as ring with a high quality will be a testament to the high quality of the relationship.

Here is a brief overview of the three types of ring quality that you will need to keep in mind when ring shopping:

1. Diamond Quality
Diamond quality is measured by the cut, carat, color and fire of the diamond. The higher the carat, the higher the quality. Likewise, the more color that you have, the better to cut. The idea is to have a very clear diamond - almost so that you can look straight through it without seeing any disruption in the quality.

It is always a good idea to purchase a certified diamond if you want to be sure that you are getting the best diamond possible. Diamond certifications come with an image of the diamond as well as all of the specifications about the diamond, such as the cut, color, brilliance, depth and more.

2. Setting Quality
The quality of the setting is important because it means that your diamond will not fall out if you have a strong setting, therefore, be sure to consult with a certified jeweler to ensure that you purchase the highest-quality setting possible. The setting, of course, should match the band in color. However, you can purchase two different metals for the band and the setting. For example, you can purchase a soft gold for the band and steel for the setting to ensure that the setting is solid, even if you want the classic gold metal for the band.

3. Band Quality
The quality of the band is important because it will help to ensure that your ring not only lasts for generations, but also that your ring continues to look stellar. Gold is the standard when it comes to engagement rings. However, gold is a very soft metal and tends to bend and get dinged up. Therefore, many couples choose to have steel or titanium wedding and engagement bands because they are more durable.

The quality of the ring that you select is entirely dependant upon your personal preference. While many couples prefer high quality engagement rings, if you are on a budget, you might have more restrictions that keep the quality in the mid-level range. Therefore, the decision needs to be based both on your desire as well as your abilities. Remember: you can always upgrade your ring for an anniversary gift years down the line.

How to Size The Engagement Ring Finger Without Letting On

One of the most important things when shopping for an engagement ring is making sure that you purchase the right size ring. While any ring can be adjusted to fit her finger, it is important that you show her that you went out of your way to customize the ring as much in advance as possible. Also, you want her to have to do as little work as possible when it comes to the engagement. Furthermore, it is nice for her to be able to slip the ring on and begin wearing it as soon as possible, rather than having the experience drag on. She will want to show the ring off and you will too.

If you and your girlfriend go shopping for engagement rings together, then you are sure to find the ring that will fit her size. Make sure that she does a sizing chart and take notes. This is one of the key advantages of going engagement ring shopping together - not only will you select a ring that she will like, but it will be the right size.

However, if you want to be totally secretive with your proposal and do not want her to know that the ring is coming, then it is important that you use the best spy tactics possible. First, slip into her room and take one of the rings that she already has. This is a dangerous move because if she discovers the ring is missing, one of two things will happen:

First, she may think that she has lost her ring. If this is the case, she could become upset and sad. You don’t want a sad girlfriend.

Secondly, she may catch on and grow suspicious - especially if the ring shows up again where she knew it hadn’t been only days before.

Therefore, it is up to you to be stealthy. First, make the process quick. Try to return the ring on the same day that you took it. Even better, perform the whole process while she is at the office. If she happens to notice that the ring is missing, then it is up to you to come up with some tactics for returning it without arousing suspicion. Never simply return it. You can slip it on the floor, in her purse or some other place. You can even find it at your house - but never return it to the jewelry box once she knows it’s gone - that’s simply too obvious.

Fitting the ring can be tough if you have no ring for comparison. Just remember: don’t get too nervous because you can always change the band size at a later time - like after the proposal when she’s with you.

Creative Ideas for Designing Your Own Engagement Ring

When it comes to designing and personalizing your engagement ring, you should take liberty to get as creative and personalized as you and your fiancé see fit. It is important that your ring, above all else, acts as a testament to the love and the bond that the two of your share. Therefore, it is important that the two of you are proud of the ring.

Many couples choose to design their engagement rings. After all, if your love is so unique and special, shouldn’t your ring also be unique and special? Here are three creative ways to personalize your engagement ring.

1. Keep it in the family.
Many men and women have inherited their parents’ or grandparents’ jewelry. If keeping the ring in the family is important to you, as it is to many couples, then take the family ring and have it made into a brand new piece that celebrates the love that you share with your partner. You can easily either adjust an old ring to fit your finger size, or you can completely redesign the setting in any way you desire.

2. Handcraft the ring.
Some couples enjoy the idea of designing their engagement rings so much that they actually have a jeweler hand craft rings for them. When you hand craft a ring, you can have a design of any sort engraved into the metal. This design can be a message or it can be alongside a diamond. The jeweler can get as intricate and as personalized with the design as you desire. Simply tell him what you are looking for and have him come up with a sketch, if you do not already have one in mind.

3. Re-using metal.
If you have a gold piece that the two of you share, then you can melt the metal down and craft it into a ring. Many couples that have purchased a metal item on travels or have inherited it from a close family member like to reuse the metal in this way so that the full composition of the ring comes from a place of love. Therefore, take the time to investigate your options to see what is possible for you.

By exploring different avenues for personalization, you are sure to find a method of designing your engagement ring that is right for you and for your fiancé. Be sure to research options so that you can make an informed choice when it comes to selecting the perfect engagement ring style. The next step is finding a qualified jeweler to make the ring for you.