It’s an exciting time in your life when you start thinking about the type of engagement ring that you may want. Getting into a serious relationship that could lead to a proposal is one of the rites of passage for many adults. To find the perfect ring of your dreams you should first know what to look for.
Styles and stones vary widely throughout the jewelry industry. There is nearly no limit to the possibilities when it comes to your engagement ring. Once you know the style, cut and design that you are interested in, the process becomes much easier.
Personal preference isn’t the only thing that you should be thinking about when choosing your engagement ring. Although you want to end up with something that you will cherish for a lifetime, you need to think about cost, quality and practicality. Know whether you are more interested in a gemstone ring or maybe one of many beautiful vintage engagement rings that are all the rage nowadays.
Diamonds
They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and we won’t argue with you, but they are also a good investment. Many people have started to invest their money into diamonds and gemstones instead of more traditional savings. A good quality diamond can hold and increase its value over time rather than lose what it is worth.
When you are shopping for a diamond you should be aware of the basic facts. You should know if your diamond is conflict free, where the company has its mines, or even if your diamond may have been created in a laboratory.
The other most important aspect of choosing your diamond is the 4 Cs. Pay close attention to the Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat of your diamond. The price and value of your diamond will be based on the rating that it receives in these four categories.
The cut of your diamond should be clean and precise. The clarity rating is based on any clouding or imperfections that may be found in the stone. The color is the best quality when it is almost non-existent. Although colored diamonds have risen in popularity over the past few years, a high-quality diamond will have almost no color.
Gemstones
Since the appearance of the famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring first worn by Princess Diana, gemstone rings have enjoyed a boost in popularity. Choosing a high-quality gemstone like an emerald, sapphire or ruby can not only save you a bit of money but really make a personal statement.
If you want your ring to stand out from the crowd you may want to integrate high-quality diamonds that surround a main gemstone of your choice. The results are often stunningly beautiful.
Although modern gemstones often cost less than diamonds, the quality of the stone is still the most important consideration. Make certain that whichever stone you choose is cut by highly qualified jewelers and set in a ring that will complement not only the stone but the lucky lady who will wear it.