Traditionally, men have purchased diamond engagement rings as a symbol of lifetime love and devotion, but many men admit they need a little help when it's time to choose one. If you've decided it's time to ask your loved one to marry you, here are some of the latest trends. With so many to choose from, you'll be sure to find something that you'll both love looking at every day for the rest of your lives.
Choosing Alternative Metals Such As Palladium Or White Or Yellow Gold
One of the most popular metals for jewelry is platinum. It is one of the most durable metals and is extremely resistant to tarnish. However, platinum's rarity does make it more expensive so it can be a little hard on the wallet.
Other popular metals are palladium and 18K white and yellow gold. Palladium looks like platinum, but is typically much less expensive and lighter. This makes palladium ideal for more delicate pieces of jewelry or for women with small hands and fingers. Both yellow and white gold are also gaining popularity in the jewelry world. White gold can require a little bit of upkeep, as it tends to show wear easier than other metals. Having a white gold piece of jewelry redipped is relatively easy. If your white gold jewelry is starting to show signs of yellowing, simply take it to any jewelry store and ask them to redip it. The jeweler will redip it, shine it up, and your ring will look brand new. Some stores are able to do this while you wait, but others can take up to two weeks so make sure to ask if you're planning on having this done right before your wedding or other important event.
Popular Styles Of Diamond Engagement Rings
Diamond rings come in styles to fit everyone's taste. Some of the most popular ones are antique or vintage, halo, classic comfort fit solitaires, and three diamond rings.
An antique or vintage ring is one that was previously worn by someone else. They can be found at antique or estate sales, purchased from an antique dealer or given you to by an older loved one. If you're uncomfortable with the thought of a previously worn ring, but want something with a vintage feel, you can find a custom jewelry designer to design you a new piece with an antique look.
A halo ring is one with a larger center diamond that is surrounded by smaller diamonds. These diamond engagement rings typically have a round center stone, but the center stone can also be heart, marquise, princess, cushion, pear, asscher, or oval. The outside stones can be bevel or prong set.
One of the most popular styles of diamond ring is the classic comfort fit solitaire. These diamond engagement rings can be set on a wide or thin band and have a single stone set directly in the middle of the band. The stones can be any shape, though the round brilliant and princess cut are the most common. Other cuts can include heart shaped, oval, asscher, pear, cushion, marquise, trilliant, or radiant.
Three diamond rings have become popular in the past few years as the three stones represent a relationship's past, present, and future. The styles of these pieces vary greatly. They can have large center stones with smaller outside stones or have three stones all the same size. The stones can all be the same cut, but other popular styles are ones with a round or princess cut center stone and triangle or baguette shaped outer stones.
Spending More On Center Stones
Some shoppers choose a ready to fill setting and spend more on a center stone. Doing this ensures you'll be able to purchase a certified diamond that you choose. A certified diamond has already been graded by experts at one of the diamond grading laboratories so you'll know exactly what you're purchasing. Most Americans are familiar with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), but other labs include the American Gem Society, Hoge Raad voor Diamant, the European Gemological Laboratory and the International Gemological Institute. One lab isn't more qualified than another - all must follow the same strict grading standards.
Buying a certified diamond also makes it easier to insure your jewelry, something that's important in case it is ever lost or stolen. If the diamond is already certified, you can just take in the paperwork and the jeweler likely won't need to appraise it.
Custom Diamond Engagement Rings
Another popular style of diamond engagement rings are custom ones. These are completely custom designed and the buyer chooses a custom setting and then a center stone to go in it. A custom designed, one of a kind ring is a great way to symbolize your one of a kind love.
Diamond rings are a symbol of your love, so you'll want to do a little research before spending money on one. Whether you're looking for a vintage, antique, halo, solitaire, or three stone in platinum, palladium, white gold, or yellow gold, you'll be sure to find one your bride will love.
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