How to surprise her - your custom design engagement ring
Ally Too
September 05, 2006
The tradition of giving an engagement ring as a symbol of promise of the future marriage started back in the Middle Ages. As a representation of everlasting love, diamonds evoke the romance and magic of traditions that have spanned centuries.
Each diamond purchase is special. Whatever you spend, your diamond will represent one of life’s deepest emotional investments. So how much should you spend? The two months salary convention is a common starting point. Quality and value should also be taken into consideration. To find that special distinctive ring, you might want to take the time to design your own engagement ring as it will be much more rewarding and special.
The classic engagement ring is composed of two parts, a diamond and a setting. Traditionally, diamonds are used in engagement rings, but there are alternative stones such as rubies, emeralds or pearls that can be used for a more unique style. Not every engagement ring features a single diamond. There are other designs that have rubies, emeralds, sapphires or other gem stones as accent stones. When designing your engagement ring thoughts should be given to the matching wedding band as well. Thanks to our modern times it is now possible to design your own engagement ring over the internet. You can browse through thousands of settings, loose diamonds and even compare prices.
Before you design your engagement ring, learn as much as you can about diamonds. Familiar yourself with the Diamond Grading System and the 4C’s- Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. The first step in designing an engagement ring is to find the setting. That is to find the right style for your soon-to-be bride. Consider her style, does she prefer classic or traditional? Does she project a more flamboyant image? Look at her jewelry: does she prefer simple or more elaborate design? Ask her friends and family what they think will appeal to her. Look at her hands and fingers. Are they long, wide, rounded or thin? In consideration to style, width add width, length add length. So to complement wide hands use elongated designs. And for thin hands use rounder designs. Choose a design that is in proportion to her hand. Don’t forget to figure out her ring size. For someone with no hint whatever should go for the traditional solitaire diamond ring.
Next consider the type of metal to be used for the ring. Most engagement rings are made in either Gold or Platinum. The most popular choices are 18K or 14K gold either in yellow gold or white gold. The type of metal will impact the cost of the ring as well as the design. Platinum is significantly more expensive than gold but is becoming more popular. Sometimes titanium is chosen as it is extremely durable but it cannot be formed into intricate patterns and designs.
Now select the right diamond to fit your setting. First find the shape of the diamond. The common diamond shapes are round, princess, emerald, marquise, pear oval, radiant, heart and Asscher. It is important to note that size alone is almost meaningless unless you consider cut, clarity and color. When choosing a diamond, cut is of crucial importance as this determines the brilliance, fire and beauty of a diamond. Diamonds cut to proper proportions maximize this fire and brilliance. That is why sometimes you can notice the extraordinary brilliance of a well cut diamond engagement ring even across a crowded room. At times, you might have to give up a bigger carat size for a better cut. Decide on the right combination of diamond size and quality and you’re sure to choose the perfect ring.
Next make sure that the diamond is certified. Since each diamond is unique in its own way, all the critical qualities of your diamond should be certified in writing. It should include the exact measurements of your stone, with the color, clarity and carat weight. You should request a certificate or the diamond grading report on your purchase of the stone. A diamond certificate is a report from an independent laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
There is no right or wrong when it comes to your selected design. It is all a matter of personal preference. But no matter how pleased and proud you are with your design it have to be practical. Consider her lifestyle, can she wear this everyday? Is it durable, can it withstand everyday wear? Is the setting securely holding the stone? If your design has these qualities you have found your ring! Congratulations!
Each diamond purchase is special. Whatever you spend, your diamond will represent one of life’s deepest emotional investments. So how much should you spend? The two months salary convention is a common starting point. Quality and value should also be taken into consideration. To find that special distinctive ring, you might want to take the time to design your own engagement ring as it will be much more rewarding and special.
The classic engagement ring is composed of two parts, a diamond and a setting. Traditionally, diamonds are used in engagement rings, but there are alternative stones such as rubies, emeralds or pearls that can be used for a more unique style. Not every engagement ring features a single diamond. There are other designs that have rubies, emeralds, sapphires or other gem stones as accent stones. When designing your engagement ring thoughts should be given to the matching wedding band as well. Thanks to our modern times it is now possible to design your own engagement ring over the internet. You can browse through thousands of settings, loose diamonds and even compare prices.
Before you design your engagement ring, learn as much as you can about diamonds. Familiar yourself with the Diamond Grading System and the 4C’s- Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. The first step in designing an engagement ring is to find the setting. That is to find the right style for your soon-to-be bride. Consider her style, does she prefer classic or traditional? Does she project a more flamboyant image? Look at her jewelry: does she prefer simple or more elaborate design? Ask her friends and family what they think will appeal to her. Look at her hands and fingers. Are they long, wide, rounded or thin? In consideration to style, width add width, length add length. So to complement wide hands use elongated designs. And for thin hands use rounder designs. Choose a design that is in proportion to her hand. Don’t forget to figure out her ring size. For someone with no hint whatever should go for the traditional solitaire diamond ring.
Next consider the type of metal to be used for the ring. Most engagement rings are made in either Gold or Platinum. The most popular choices are 18K or 14K gold either in yellow gold or white gold. The type of metal will impact the cost of the ring as well as the design. Platinum is significantly more expensive than gold but is becoming more popular. Sometimes titanium is chosen as it is extremely durable but it cannot be formed into intricate patterns and designs.
Now select the right diamond to fit your setting. First find the shape of the diamond. The common diamond shapes are round, princess, emerald, marquise, pear oval, radiant, heart and Asscher. It is important to note that size alone is almost meaningless unless you consider cut, clarity and color. When choosing a diamond, cut is of crucial importance as this determines the brilliance, fire and beauty of a diamond. Diamonds cut to proper proportions maximize this fire and brilliance. That is why sometimes you can notice the extraordinary brilliance of a well cut diamond engagement ring even across a crowded room. At times, you might have to give up a bigger carat size for a better cut. Decide on the right combination of diamond size and quality and you’re sure to choose the perfect ring.
Next make sure that the diamond is certified. Since each diamond is unique in its own way, all the critical qualities of your diamond should be certified in writing. It should include the exact measurements of your stone, with the color, clarity and carat weight. You should request a certificate or the diamond grading report on your purchase of the stone. A diamond certificate is a report from an independent laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
There is no right or wrong when it comes to your selected design. It is all a matter of personal preference. But no matter how pleased and proud you are with your design it have to be practical. Consider her lifestyle, can she wear this everyday? Is it durable, can it withstand everyday wear? Is the setting securely holding the stone? If your design has these qualities you have found your ring! Congratulations!
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