Archive for the ‘Buying Diamonds’ Category

« Older Entries

Pink Diamonds – A Beautiful Choice for Wedding Rings

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

Pink diamonds are a gorgeous stone to incorporate into your wedding ring, and are a lovely alternative to plain gold bands or colorless diamond rings. While highly romantic and beautiful, pink diamonds can be difficult to find. However, if you are willing to put in the effort you can find the perfect pink diamond wedding ring to suit your tastes.

 

What are Pink Diamonds?

 

A beautiful alternative to colorless diamonds, pink diamonds are actually one of the rarest fancy colored diamonds available. For couples who are interested in a pink diamond wedding ring but cannot find or afford the real deal, they can be easily created in a lab as synthetic stones.

 

The majority of pink diamonds are actually quite pale. Darker or more vibrant shades of pink are even more rare, which makes them extremely valuable.

 

Designs

 

If you choose to wear your pink diamond wedding ring with other jewelry, their beautiful light hue coordinates well with other gemstones, including pink sapphires or colorless diamonds. Of course, many women choose to wear the pink diamond alone, because the rarity and beauty of the stone is stunning enough without other jewelry to detract from it. Luckily, you have many design options when choosing a pink diamond wedding ring.

 

Consider using a pink diamond as the central stone, with smaller diamonds on either side as accent stones. This is a lovely variation on the three-stone design, and will look gorgeous sparkling on your finger.

 

Many women also choose pink diamonds as accents in figural wedding rings, such as those in the shapes of flowers or other natural objects. Pink diamond eternity rings are also highly popular, or you can choose a scatter set design where tiny diamonds are sprinkled throughout the band of the ring for a very distinctive look.

 

Whether you choose a simple or elaborate look, the beauty of pink diamonds will shine through whichever design you create.

 

Finding Pink Diamond Wedding Rings

 

Unfortunately, finding a pink diamond wedding ring can be difficult. Most mass jewelry retailers do not offer pink diamonds, either natural or man made. You can look at online jewelers, who may be able to offer a larger selection of rings, including pink diamonds.

 

High-end “couture” designers often carry a limited selection of these gemstones, as well. Your best bet is to look for a reputable online retailer for pink diamond wedding ring designs. You can also try searching for loose stones, and having them set into the design of your choice.

 

Pink diamonds are prized for their beautiful pale hue, and are exceptionally rare and valuable. While pink diamonds are difficult to find and are quite expensive, synthetic stones are available to help make the look more affordable to the average couple.

Whether the sparkling diamond on your finger is the real deal or a fabulous fake, choosing a pink diamond wedding ring is a gorgeous and unique choice that will be cherished for years to come.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Buying Diamonds, Wedding Rings | Comments Off

Using Synthetic Diamonds in your Engagement Ring

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

While synthetic or imitation diamonds have a certain negative stigma attached to them, more couples are turning to fake stones for a beautiful engagement ring that is more affordable than one made with natural diamonds.

 

These days, the technology used to create synthetic diamonds can be so great that only the trained eye can normally distinguish a real stone from a fake one. If a couple desires the look of a real diamond but do not have the means to purchase one, a synthetic diamond engagement ring can be a suitable alternative.

 

Imitation Diamonds

 

Imitation diamonds, also called synthetic or fake diamonds, are created under very specific conditions in a lab. While technology has enabled many synthetic diamonds to look just like the real thing, the trained eye would be able to discern the difference.

 

Common synthetic diamonds include cubic zirconia, arguably the most common version of a synthetic diamond found today. They will sparkle and shine as brilliantly as a natural diamond but their flawless appearance should tell you that it definitely is a fake.

 

Moissanite is also a popular fake, and a high quality moissanite stone can be very hard to distinguish from a natural diamond.

 

Why Choose a Synthetic Diamond?

 

Engagement rings can be quite expensive, but synthetic diamonds are an affordable alternative for the couple who cannot afford the real deal. Don’t be afraid that an imitation stone will somehow cheapen the engagement ring; it’s not about the cost of the ring, but the relationship between the two people who are sharing their lives together. Besides, you can always upgrade the engagement ring at a later date once your finances are more secure.

 

If you do choose a synthetic stone, make sure the setting and metal you pick are high quality so as not to cheapen the overall effect of the ring. You want to highlight the stone for what it is, not what it isn’t, so be sure to choose a metal and setting that complements the diamond, synthetic or not.

 

If you are uncomfortable using a synthetic diamond as the center stone of your engagement ring, consider using an inexpensive gemstone and using smaller imitation diamonds as accent stones for an extra bit of sparkle.

 

Caring for a Synthetic Diamond

 

Just because you choose an imitation diamond engagement ring doesn’t mean you can get away with treating it poorly. Synthetic diamonds need to be cared for properly too; they can be damaged or become dull just as easily as natural diamonds can.

 

The plus side to this is that synthetic diamonds are often easier to care for than their natural counterparts, and most quality store-bought jewelry cleaners work just fine for these stones.

 

While synthetic diamonds have been thought of negatively in the past, there is no denying that they are an affordable alternative to a natural diamond engagement ring. What’s more, they can be just as beautiful as the real thing and because they are created in a lab, they are without the flaws or imperfections found in natural diamonds.

 

Whatever your reasons for choosing an imitation diamond, you can still have a gorgeous engagement ring – and no one has to know your sparkling rock is really a well-crafted fake!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Buying Diamonds, Gemstone Facts | Comments Off

Everything a Man Needs to Know about Purchasing a Wedding Ring – Part 1

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

When it comes to the purchase of a wedding ring, most men are, well… clueless.  The majority of men are under the impression that a wedding ring consists of nothing more than a simple gold band.  This however is quite incorrect.  There are a myriad of options which are available to male consumers with regards to wedding rings.  Moreover, men need to arm themselves with all of the pertinent information regarding metals, gemstones, styles and designs before they purchase their wedding rings or wedding bands.  We here at wedding rings.net would like to help those men who are in the market for a new wedding ring or wedding band and equip them with all the information they need to know.  As such, it has become the task of this blogger to fully educate men regarding everything they might need to know about purchasing wedding bands or wedding rings.

 

So, with this first installment in our series. Let’s begin by debunking a myth and elaborating on a few facts contained within the jewelry industry.  First and foremost, as stated above, wedding rings and wedding bands for men are not simple circles of metal.  Certainly they can be, but at the same point in time, there is no reason why a man’s wedding ring or wedding band cannot express his own unique nature.  One way to express one’s own individual identity is to incorporate gemstones into the design of their wedding ring or a wedding band.  The most common gemstone used in wedding band designs is of course the diamond. 

 

Now gentlemen, ask yourselves, how much do you really know about a diamond?  Did you do your homework when you bought your bride-to-be her engagement ring?  Do you know what the four C’s are?  No?  Alright then, let’s explore the topic in this the first installment of our series.  There are four words which a man needs to keep in mind when considering purchasing a diamond for his wedding band or wedding ring.  These words, in no particular order are color, clarity, cut and carat weight.

 

Firstly, let us determine precisely what carat weight is and how it is determined.  A carat is a unit of measure, or metric if you will, which is used to determine the weight of a diamond or other precious stones.  One carat is equal to 0.2 grams.  Since a diamond is extremely consistent in its molecular structure and density, more often than not, one carat of diamonds of a similar cut (cuts being something we will discuss in a later post) will be of similar but never exact size by volume.

 

Now let’s expound upon color.  Like carat weight, this one too is easy for pretty much anyone to get their head around.  The color of a diamond is just that, its color.  For the most part diamond colors are translucent and their nature, and so are more of a hue than true color.  Clear or colorless diamonds are by far the most common, but diamonds come in an assortment of colors such as pink, yellow and even black!  A quick bit of Internet-based research will reveal that diamonds truly do indeed run the gamut of the color spectrum.  The rarer the color, the more precious (and thus more expensive) the diamond.

 

Stay tuned for our next installment in the series, where we will discuss the remaining two C’s of diamonds.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Buying Diamonds, Men's Wedding Rings, Wedding Ring Trends, Wedding Rings | Comments Off

10 Things to Consider When Looking for Eco-Friendly Wedding Rings – Part 1

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

There is a small but steadily growing niche market for what many might call eco-friendly jewelry. For those individuals concerned about the environmental impacts which various mining industries can create, we here at weddingrings.net highly recommend giving a good read to not only this post, but the ones which will follow. There is just too much information that we wish to share with you to fit into one blog entry! What follows now  is a list of the first three things the environmentally conscious couple can take into account to ensure that their wedding rings or wedding bands fits not only their fingers, but their particular emotional belief system as well.

 

 

DIAMONDS AND OTHER GEMSTONES

Though many wedding rings and wedding bands turn out to be ‘plain’ sets of unadorned rings, others incorporate various gemstones into their designs. The most popular gemstone currently being incorporated is of course… the diamond! The blockbuster movie, Blood Diamond, revealed to many a rather ugly aspect of an otherwise precious gift. There are a myriad of ways in which one can ensure they are not purchasing what are commonly referred to as conflict diamonds. A review of previous postings of this blog will reveal many ways you can ensure you are not purchasing such a diamond. For the record, the mining gem industry is not famous for its loving embrace of mother Earth, but on the upside of that same coin, diamonds mined from industrialized nations such as Canada, Australia, South Africa and the United States all have to conform to various environmental safety standards. 

 

 

BASE METAL OR METALS OF THE RING

Here again we could comment on the rules and regulations that govern the general zeitgeist of the mining industry. The mining of ore bearing rock or deposits of metals, refining and smelting such materials, as well as the leftover slag that such activities inevitably produce is actually quite a big issue for those with a mind toward preserving Mother Nature’s beauty. There really are only a few specific ways to get around this potential problem. One way is to salvage precious metals from other pieces of jewelry, household cutlery, electronics or any other of material component which consists of previously mined precious metals. Putting jewelry aside, both gold and platinum can be found in small quantities in everyday household goods such as computers, televisions and assortment of electronic devices. If silver is your choice (as it is for many ‘eco-couples’), well… what about sacrificing a fork from the family’s antique silver cutlery, or simply buying a silver spoon at the local flea market? Perhaps you have some old coins lying around the house or in a collection whose value would be greatly increased by incorporating them into a wedding ring or custom-designed wedding band. A second way is to forgo precious metals altogether and go with a nontraditional metal such as titanium or tungsten. Admittedly both of these metals still must be mined and refined, but much of the refining process is petrochemically based as opposed to relying on the more environmentally damaging/energy consuming thermal refinement methods.

 

 

FUTURE RING MAINTENANCE

A copper ring is quite possibly the easiest to maintain. A simple polishing rag is all that is needed to keep it shined to a grade ‘A’ quality. However, I don’t know of too many copper-based wedding rings or wedding bands, and though I’m sure they do exist, I seriously doubt they’re flying off the shelves! Understand that no matter the metal you choose, to properly maintain and care for your wedding ring in the long run will most probably require chemical cleaning treatments. Thus finding a jeweler who uses environmentally safe cleaning products to maintain your wedding ring or wedding band is a fine thing to consider.


Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Buying Diamonds, Designer Wedding Rings, Wedding Ring Trends, Wedding Rings | Comments Off

Latest Men’s Wedding Ring Trends

Saturday, May 9th, 2009

Gentlemen, the era of the simple gold wedding band passed several years ago. Though such a wedding ring style is still considered to be quite fashionable and easily available for purchase, the latest trends focus more on unique metals with unorthodox finishes. Moreover, most modern men’s wedding rings have been designed with the ultimate in comfort in mind. And that would seem to make sense, considering the fact that you’re going to be wearing it for the rest of your life… hopefully.

 

Nowadays, wedding rings designed for men no longer operate under the old-fashioned “cookie-cutter” principle. Modern men’s wedding rings are being designed and sold with the lifestyles and work habits of today’s male wedding ring consumer being closely considered. As such, wedding rings sold by online retailers, standard chain boutiques and those designed by custom jewelers are becoming more more specialized. Wedding rings for men these days are being created in high quality and extremely durable industrial type metals for those men who spend a great deal of time working environments where damage from perhaps machinery, or other common workplace hazards, are an issue. New techniques in metal working and drop forging are allowing for rings of greater comfort to be easily made.

 

Though rings made from traditional precious metals such as gold or platinum are often enjoyed for the beauty and luster that such metals themselves provide, other metals such as titanium, tungsten and various tungsten-carbide alloy’s are growing in popularity not just for their durability, but also their ability to be specially “finished”. For example, titanium can be given a new and unique look (as opposed to a simple mirror finish) through various processes of oxidation. Unique color schemes and textures are achievable through the oxidation process. For tungsten and tungsten carbide alloys, there is a similar process called anodization, and it is capable of achieving similar results. Lastly for both of these metal types, specialized matte finishes and composite chemical coatings can be added to the exterior of the ring to create truly unique design outcomes.

 

Modern men’s wedding ring styles are also taking the concept of  ergonomics into great consideration, trying to come up with new and intriguing band designs that maximize the wearer’s comfort. The band of modern wedding rings are being designed with bevilled edges and convex interiors in an effort to ensure the piece goes as unnoticed as possible to the wearer. Something else of unique interest that is being incorporated into modern men’s wedding rings is the design of rings that are themselves not perfect circles. Creating rings of a less rounded shape wherein one portion of the ring, perhaps even a third of its circumference, has a slightly more obtuse or perhaps even flattened portion to ensure the ring does not spin around the finger. This is becoming an especially popular design with men’s wedding rings that incorporate precious stones, as it allows for the stones to stay atop the man’s finger thus lessening the chance for loss or damage. Cleverly this design has actually come about in response to research conducted by marketing focus groups which have determined many men would like to own wedding ring set with precious stones.

 

Since when did a diamond become a man’s best friend? I was always in the impression that title was held by dogs!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Alternate Metal Wedding Rings, Buying Diamonds, Designer Wedding Rings, Gold Wedding Rings, Men's Wedding Rings, Wedding Rings | Comments Off

“Roughing” It! An Off the RADAR Diamond Ring Trend

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

The above ring is a fine example of how rought-cut diamonds and other stones can provide lasing and unique beauty.Though certainly not the choice made by the majority of diamond engagement ring buyers, rings containing rough-cut stones are growing in their popularity. There are several existent conditions contributing to the rise of such rings, many of which center around environmentally conscientious consumers, those buyers looking to make a unique statement with their piece and cost comparisons with the more traditional, finely cut and polished stones.

 

For all the blushing brides-to-be who beam with excitement  each time they display their well polished engagement rings to friends, family and complete strangers, there are also a few brides who would blush with something other than pride if sporting the latest in cut stone fashions. For such green economy consumers the idea of wearing a diamond that may have been mined from a contested area, or feel that the diamond’s production might have been cause for further pollution to the environment, a rough-cut diamond is quickly becoming the leading choice in  many kinds of diamond jewelry; not just engagement rings. The demand for such eco- friendly stones and designer jewelery has grown bit by bit over the past few years, and though most chain retailers do not carry such pieces, custom boutiques and several specialized online shopping portals either carry, or can custom craft, such a unique diamond engagement ring or other type jewelery design.

 

Now, do not let the word “rough” fool you. A rough-cut stone contains two things: beauty in its own right and the kernel of a polished diamond! For most consumers who purchase a rough-cut stone, be it for the “main event” of an engagement ring, as accent stones on a wedding band or other designer jewelery piece, the primary motive is show a new and unique trend. Rough-cut diamonds possess a unique beauty in their own right. Unlike their refined and polished cousins, no two rough-cut diamonds will ever even appear quite the same… much less identical! Also, for those individuals who may want a truly one of a kind ring, implementing uncut or otherwise rough diamonds is a fine option to consider. Perhaps you may to go for an ‘ancient’ and not just ‘antique’ look for your next piece! However, another factor may come into mind when purchasing rough-cut gems (diamonds especially), and that is the fact that contained with each is a potential mega stone. Depending upon the surface clarity of each stone, rough-cut diamonds can easily be determined for 4-C quality and potential final cut size. Since rough-cut diamonds are less costly on a carat per carat basis, the savvy consumer can not only get more diamond for their two months salary, but may also take investment potential into account as well. This is particularly true for jewelry pieces that may hold less sentimental value than engagement or wedding rings, such as earrings and pendants.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Buying Diamonds, Designer Wedding Rings, Engagement Rings, Gemstone Facts, Ring Musings, The 4 C's, Wedding Rings | Comments Off

Ensure Your Diamonds Don’t ‘Conflict’

Sunday, April 26th, 2009

From Rodeo Drive to Main Street, the popularity of the Leonardo DiCaprio’s film Blood Diamond has elevated the world’s understanding regarding what is commonly referred to as conflict diamonds. If the idea of purchasing such stones for your wedding band or engagement ring is less than appealing, let’s examine some of the ways you can ensure that your purchase is free of such a back story.

 

The United Nations passed an international accord in 2002 known as the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). It details all the ways in which the UN has determined both diamond producing nations and mining corporations can ensure that diamonds are both mined and shipped in a humane manner, as well as being in accordance with standing international anti-smuggling laws. All diamonds that meet the guidelines stated within the KPCS are issued an individual Kimberly Process Certificate. Your jeweler should be able to provide this certificate upon request and/or purchase of any and all natural diamonds. In the event that the jeweler is unable to show said documentation for any diamond, you may want to consider purchasing another stone.

 

Putting aside the above documentation, all diamond retailers should be able to provide further proof of the diamond’s “conflict-free” status. All natural diamonds are issued a System of Warranties Statement, and every reputable jeweler or chain retailer must provide this document upon request. Educating yourself as to what this document should look like is the responsibility of the buyer, and examples of said document can be found at DiamondFacts.org. There are several online retailers, and one major chain boutique, who have taken advantage of the free marketing the film provided and exclusively sell conflict-free stones, specifically from Canada. Moreover, many of the companies donate upwards of five percent of their profits from each sale to various charitable organizations located within the African continent that work trying to eradicate illegal or slave labor gemstone mines.

 

Canada is not the only major diamond producer that conflict-free stones commonly come from. Nations such as The United States, South Africa, Russia and even the land down under, Australia, have had no histories of human rights abuses during the mining or shipping phases of diamond production. If your stone is coming from one such country, you can be certain that you are not contributing to any of the “…evils of globalization.”, as famously stated by Jennifer Connelly’s character in the film.

 

On a happier note, do not think that buying a “conflict-free” stone for your diamond engagement ring or wedding band will be more expensive. In the event that your retailer mentions that such stones come at a higher price, it is this writer’s opinion that the jeweler may be less than reputable. And as always, let the buyer beware. Do be sure to educate yourself before looking to buy a clear conscience, conflict-free stone.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Buying Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Gemstone Facts, Ring Musings, Wedding Rings | Comments Off

The “Rules of Engagement” – Part 3

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

As promised, here is the final installment of our three part series covering some of the things engagement ring shoppers need to be aware of when making that special purchase.

 

 

7.       Be Certain to Please Her

Many modern couples have begun to embrace the idea of shopping together for engagement rings. Though perhaps not right for the purist at heart, this can take a great of pressure and strain out of the selection process, as well as being sure to please. Even if your life partner to be is fully aware of how the engagement ring will look like before it is ever slipped on their finger, one can still plan for a surprising or otherwise memorable proposal!

8.       Find a Professional

Discovering a reputable jeweler is not nearly as difficult as one might think. The Internet affords for just about any retailer to be easily researched. Online journals, rating sites and business directories are filled with reviews of the best boutiques, as well as warnings regarding those which you may wish to avoid. Word of mouth advertising, personal recommendations from friends and colleagues and Better Business Bureau research can go a long way in finding the right retailer. Also keep in that smaller family owned stores will be more willing to work with you in finding just the right engagement ring, as some of the larger national franchises focus more on quantity of sales than quality of service. Be sure that any establishment you may patron is a both member of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), as well as being accredited by the Jewelers of America.

9.       Prior Planning Prevents… Oh, You Know the Rest

We all know that saving those two months worth of your salary has been programmed into the planning process, but a lot more goes into preparing to purchase an engagement ring then just building up a savings account. Understand that jewelers may not have what style you want in stock, a properly set stone or band in the right size. Should you like for any special craftsmanship put into the final product, such as engraving of the band or etchings on the stone itself, in all probability you won’t be able to walk out the shop that day. It could takes weeks to compete the specific ring your and special someone desire. Timing is everything as they say, so if you plan is to propose on a specific day, do be sure to allot the jeweler a large enough window of opportunity for competition.

 

10.    On the Dotted Line Please

Again, you cannot forget that buying an engagement ring is a major purchase and should be treated as such. No one, but perhaps Donald Trump, buys a house sight unseen.  And I’m sure even “The Donald” reads over each contract before signing them! Make sure that any warranties you and the jeweler may have discussed have been put down in writing before you make your final payment. It would also be a good idea to ensure that the diamond and other gemstones which may be used in the engagement ring have been issued the proper paperwork and rating from either the GIA or American Gem Society. It should include a very specific explanation of the diamond or diamonds you have purchased and its/their ratings in all of the 4-C categories (cut, clarity, color and carat weight), as well as the size and shape of the stone or stones themselves. Oh, and if one really takes rule #9 to heart, insuring the Diamond would not be a poorly made decision!

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Buying Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Gemstone Facts, The 4 C's, Wedding Rings | Comments Off

The “Rules of Engagement” – Part 2

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

As promised, here is the second installment of our three part series covering some of the things engagement ring shoppers need to be aware of when making that special purchase.

 

4.       Setting Selection

By setting we refer to not only the type of material used in the manufacture of the engagement ring’s band, but also how the stone sits atop the ring itself. For example a solitaire diamond engagement ring is one upon which a lone diamond rests. The purity levels of the ring’s metal, or metals, come into play here as well. Tine count, or the number of small metal mounting studs that hold the diamond or other stones in place, can also add up to some noticeable savings. A setting consisting of fewer tines also has the added bonus of exposing more of the surface of the stone to visible light, thus increasing the total reflective/ refractive properties of the ring and thus its overall presentation.  Again, educating yourself as to all the possible options and combinations is your best bet to surviving this part of the engagement ring selection and purchase process.

 

5.       Find More for Less

Allow me to take things down to the proverbial brass tacks and be blunt. In the event your beloved has been dropping hints regarding their preferred stone size and setting specifications, and you have realized that such things are a bit beyond your budget, it would behoove you find a few ways to maximize your purchasing power. Most people are unaware that by purchasing a stone only slightly smaller can make for big savings. Try pricing a 1.8 – 1.9 carat stone to one of its 2 carat cousins and you may find yourself more than surprised at the difference! Also, consider purchasing an engagement ring in white gold over platinum, or 14 carat as opposed to 18 carat gold. Such things can go a long way in determining a final price that meets your budgetary needs without taking too much away from the overall aesthetics of the piece.

 

6.       Never Fly Solo

Every fighter jet pilot has their wing man just as every SCUBA diver needs a swim buddy. Your ventures into jewelry boutiques here on dry land should be no different! Ideally I would suppose that bringing your beloved to the store would be best, but many “fiancés’ to be” would like to keep their proposals under wraps until the perfect moment. So perhaps a trusted friend or relative who knows your sweetheart’s tastes and preferred style would be a viable option. Moreover, engagement ring retail stores can be ‘dazzling’ places and one can easily become over whelmed. Bringing a second individual with you into a jeweler’s boutique will lessen the chances of you making some kind of impulse buy as opposed to just simply standing by for a second opinion!

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the big final four!

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Buying Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Ring Musings, Wedding Rings | Comments Off

Shopping for Wedding Rings

Monday, April 13th, 2009

Planning a wedding is a stressful time; shopping for wedding rings does not have to be. When planning to purchase wedding rings, the happy couple can wait until about four months before the wedding to get their order in. Plan to make a day of looking at different jewelers and jewelry types either on or offline. Ideally, the couple wants to choose matching wedding rings, but you don’t have to.

Wedding Rings 101

While purchasing a wedding ring can wait until 4 months before the wedding, couples who are looking for something special or unique may start looking at wedding rings as long as a year before the wedding. Brides to be enjoy window shopping for wedding rings.  Who needs to shop early for wedding rings?

*Special Wedding Ring Size – Odd-sized rings will need customized sizing.  Some rings don’t lend themselves to re-sizing well. If that’s the case, a jeweler may offer to custom make a ring and that can take significant ordering ahead of time.

*Custom Engraving – Custom engraving is standard for modern wedding rings. The type of engraving, however, particularly on men’s wedding rings takes forethought and planning. Standard engravings is one to two weeks for normal engraving, but allow at least a month for busy times of year and for specialized character engraving.

Where to Shop for Wedding Rings

When it comes to shopping for wedding rings, the couple is best off finding a reputable jeweler, online or off. Avoid any jeweler who isn’t registered with the better business bureau and who hasn’t been in business for a few years.  If uncertain about the jeweler, check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints and how those complaints were resolved. This typically gives shoppers a good idea of the retailer’s reliability.

Beyond reputation, the couple wants to shop for their wedding rings at a jeweler who offers a payment plan. Wedding rings and wedding/engagement ring combinations can be a sizable investment for a couple.  One rule of thumb states that a man should spend at least one quarter of his income or four paychecks on a wedding ring. Not everyone can afford to pay that out of pocket, so when shopping for wedding rings, a jeweler that offers a payment plan can make life easier on the couple.

Good versus Bad Quality

The average person is not a jeweler or even an expert on gems. When shopping for a diamond wedding ring, be sure that it meets the following criteria before making any kind of investment. The first criteria are the cut of the diamond itself. A round cut is most often the best cut and uses a higher quality of diamond.  The clarity of the diamond refers to how flawless or translucent it is versus the occlusions or cloudy spots in the diamond.  The more flawless a diamond is, the more expensive it will be. For most couples, this just means that if the diamond seems overpriced with multiple flaws, it probably is.

Diamonds have color ratings; despite being what many feel is a clear stone. The color is a graded value with letters beginning with D. A D graded stone is a pure blue-white diamond and extremely expensive, A Z colored diamond is a dark diamond and much cheaper than the D. Checking the color grade of the diamond can help determines if the pricing on the wedding rings is fair or not.

Tags:
Posted in Buying Diamonds, Men's Wedding Rings | Comments Off

« Older Entries