Posts Tagged ‘engagement ring’
Tips On Buying Titanium Wedding Bands And Engagement Rings
In the past, titanium has been used in tools for the industrial and manufacturing industries, but today titanium is also used to make attractive and fashionable jewelry. Titanium is hypoallergenic, lightweight, and very durable, which has made it an ever more popular metal for discerning ring shoppers. You can now find all sorts of jewelry items fashioned from high-grade titanium, to include watches, earrings, rings, bracelets, cuff links, and money clips. But without a doubt, titanium wedding jewelry is the most popular of all titanium jewelry sold. But if you’re shopping for a titanium engagement ring or wedding ring, there are a few things you should know about titanium before you start your search.
For starters, titanium has a much different look and heft than other metals. It takes a very high polish but is generally darker in color than silver, platinum, or white gold. It also is quite a bit lighter than other metals, allowing it to be used for large titanium earrings and pendants. It can also be colored and engraved with different designs, a unique option that is not possible with other more popular metal jewelry.
If you get a titanium engagement ring that is set with a diamond or other precious stone, chances are good that the setting will be made from another type of metal that is more malleable and easier to work with, such as platinum or gold. This allows the jeweler to create unique designs by playing off the different tones and hues of the two metals, resulting in what is commonly known as a “two-tone” design. Just be aware that the price associated with these types of rings is a bit higher, since it can be very difficult to work with rings that contain titanium and a precious metal.
Sizing a titanium ring can be difficult for the average jeweler, so it’s best that you pick the exact size of the ring when you buy. Generally speaking, if you need a different size you are probably going to have to exchange the ring for the correct size, instead of taking it to a local jeweler to have it sized. So, be sure you check your ring size before you order online! Also, if you ever have to get your ring cut off, you will likely need to replace the ring with a new one (for example, if you injured your hand and swelling prevented the ring from coming off hospital personnel would have to cut the ring off to prevent damage to your finger from lack of circulation).
While titanium does not tarnish or discolor under normal wear, it can be scratched if subjected to hard use. While still a popular choice for people who work with their hands all day long, after time a titanium ring will begin to show signs of wear. Even so, this is not a problem since titanium is easily polished. If your ring begins to show signs of wear, simply take it to any jeweler and they’ll have it looking brand new in no time.
Titanium is a solid selection for anyone who wants a wedding ring that is a unique and beautiful as it is durable and lasting. More and more, it’s becoming the metal of first choice for engaged couples the world over. Now you know what other consumers have discovered – that your titanium wedding ring will last you a lifetime.
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Things to Consider before Buying Jewelry
One of the most harrowing moments of a man’s life is when he has to enter a jewelry store and look for some nice jewelry for a loved one. You can bet that during the course of your relationship, you will venture into this store for quite a few times.
First would be when you purchase a nice bracelet so that you can woo her. Next would be when you purchase a necklace on your anniversary so that she feels extra special. And finally, the most harrowing of them all, to buy the ring that will seal your lives to each other, the engagement ring. Here is when your choice on buying the piece of jewelry matters most. As such, here are some things you need to keep in mind.
Determine the Authenticity
First of all, know if the piece of jewelry you’re about to buy is 100% authentic. To do this, you have to ask for a Jewelry Certificate of Authenticity. It might sound like an awkward thing to do, but if you’re going to spend the big bucks on the ring then you at least owe it to yourself to be vigilant. Trustworthy jewelers can provide this proof at once and without any hassle. If the jeweler dithers and cannot produce a certificate, be at your guard.
Examine the Jewel
Let’s say you’re looking for a diamond ring, as it’s the most popular choice for those looking for engagement rings. One thing you must do is to examine the jewel yourself. Of course, you might not be an expert at doing this, but there are some simple ways in which you can determine if you’re getting your money’s worth or if you’re getting duped.
First, consider the diamond’s look. The clearer it is, the pricier it’ll be. Next, take a look at its color. Usually, the more expensive ones are the colorless diamonds. It is said that you’ll have to look through it in order to see if there really are any specks of color. If there aren’t any, then the stone is worth something big. Lastly, know the carat. This mainly indicates the weight of the stone itself. Of course, the weightier it is, the more expensive it becomes.
Examine Yourself
Most importantly, ask yourself if you’re really ready for the big leap. Jewelry isn’t something that you just give to anyone. They are incredibly expensive, after all. So if you’re going to give a piece of jewelry, make sure you mean it and you’re giving it with utmost sincerity.
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Engagement Ring Settings – Types Of Engagement Ring Settings
Engagement ring settings add sparkle and shine to the gemstone. They not only hold the valuable gemstones in place but they showcase these gemstones.
When buying an engagement ring, consider size, shape, gemstone and setting. Engagement ring settings refer to the mountings which attach the gemstone to the ring’s band. This is basically to prevent loss and damage to the gemstone in the ring.
Engagement rings have three basic parts: band, gemstone and setting. The band is the part of the ring that goes around the finger. It is often made of precious metals such as platinum, gold and silver. The gemstone, usually a diamond, is the most important part of the ring. The setting refers to the part of the ring holding the gemstone. It is the part that brings sparkle, brilliance or luster in the total appearance of the ring.
Setting is important because it holds the valuable gemstones in place. It showcases these gemstones and adds to the gemstones’ sparkle and shine. Therefore, it is important to know the different settings used in engagement ring and to determine what perfectly suit the recipient. Determining the best setting is a personal choice and should match the wearer’s personality.
The following are the popular types of engagement ring settings.
Prong setting
The most popular ring setting is the prong setting, which was designed in 1886. This type of setting is a popular choice for solitaire rings. The prong setting can be pointed, V-shaped, rounded or flat. It has claws or hooks that suspend the gemstone in place slightly above the band. It comes in a larger range of variety such as three-prong, six-prong, and custom made styles like Belcher, Fishtail and six-prong Tiffany.
Unlike other setting, prong setting can hold large gemstones. It is not ideal for smaller gemstones as it can overshadow them. In prong settings, smaller gemstones will appear lost. Also the setting can get caught on hair and clothing. One great advantage of prong setting though is that it increases the diamond’s sparkle because it allows for the most light to enter the diamond and be refracted. Also it allows for easy cleaning.
Prong setting is very ideal for an engagement ring because it makes the gemstones look larger and more stunning. Choose six prongs to make sure that the prongs are not too thin as it increases the chance of losing or damaging the gemstone. Do this for security and symmetry reasons. Thin prongs may be easily bent or twisted.
Channel Settings
A type of ring setting in which the gemstones are arranged in a line is called channel setting, the gemstones are inlaid into the ring’s band that contains a small metal lip on each edge. This small metal lip keeps the gemstones in place. There are no visible metal pieces or hooks to hold the gemstones in place. There are no bars or prongs between the gemstones.
This type of setting is one of the most popular and most useful engagement ring settings. This setting can be used to enhance a middle-set gemstone that sits above the band or to continue completely around the ring so that the piece has a continuous row of gemstones. This engagement ring setting provides better protection and less chance of damage or loss. It is ideal for simple rings, like eternity rings, that lack an overall center gemstone or single focal point.
Bezel Setting
Bezel setting has a metal band that wraps around a circular gemstone to secure it in place. Bezel often has straight edges, scalloped edges or any mold and shape that complement the diamond. Bezel settings are very durable, perfect for people with active lifestyles. Furthermore, Bezel setting keeps the gemstone well protected while accentuating it and covering minor flaws.
Tension Setting
Tension setting is a type of ring setting that uses the ring’s band preferably an ultra strong metal to hold the gemstone in place. This setting is so amazing because it makes the gemstone looks as if it is being held in mid air. The edge of the band that intersects with the gemstone is carved with small grooves for added security.
In tension rings, resizing is not suggested because it will cause the ring to lose the needed strength to protect the gemstone. These are usually custom made.
Pave (Pa Vay) Setting
In a pave setting, a cluster of small diamonds is encrusted along the surface of the band and is secured by beads or small prongs. The gemstones literally coat the entire surface of the ring. This type of setting makes the gemstone appear as if it is standing freely.
Bar Setting
Bar setting is a variation on the prong setting which is very similar to the channel setting. With bar setting metal is highlighted without obscuring the gemstone. Thin elongated bars hold the gemstone in place.
Flush setting
In a flush setting, the gemstone is in a tapered hole and the surrounding metal is pressed around its rim. It also offers good protection for the gemstones and provides a very smooth, sleek surface. Flush settings are perfect for those who like tailored, contemporary look.
Invisible setting
In an invisible setting, the gemstone is bound to the ring without immediately visible means. A stable cup which is attached to the band in a bypass or split design is often added so the gemstone can rest securely. Invisible settings allow for easy resizing but not tension settings.
Other engagement ring settings include illusion setting, which is used to make the mounted gemstone appear larger; flat- top and bead setting that has a flat- top setting with a hole where the gemstone is placed; and gypsy setting, which has a metal at the top of the ring that is much heavier than the shank.
Choose an engagement ring that best complements the wearer or bride to be. Be sure that both the gemstones and setting express beauty, elegance and personality of the person wearing it.
Choose a quality setting that is not damaged easily or will not require constant repair. Examine the security of the gemstone and/or the settings for gaps. To lessen the risk of scratching or damaging the ring, especially the gemstone, consider the wearers lifestyle.
An engagement ring setting that does not secure the gemstone properly is stressful to wear. When looking for an engagement ring, the ring setting is one of the most important consideration as it plays a major role in the wearer’s ability to enjoy and wear the item.
Engagement ring comes in various settings for the perfect bride-to-be. engagement-ringsettings.com offers an array of engagement rings. Also selected engagement ring in different engagement ring settings are offered with discounts on eBay and Amazon.
About the Author: Fred Gagnon specializes in providing tips and information on jewelries. He owns a wide collection of beautiful, glamorous and elegant jewelries. To learn more about jewelries, accessories, precious metals and gemstones, visit Engagement Rings and Designer Engagement Rings.
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Moissanite Engagement Rings ” Excellent Alternatives to a Diamond Engagement Ring
Moissanite engagement ring offers the mystic of having one of the rarest jewels in the world. Moissanite is a diamond stimulant that is nearly undistinguishable from diamonds particularly to the casual observer or onlooker. It is because the Moissanite is more brilliant and more durable than a diamond. Moissanite engagement ring is therefore an excellent alternative to a diamond engagement ring.
Moissanite is a rare mineral with a hexagonal crystal structure that occurs in iron nickel meteorites, sometimes called carborondum or silicon carbibe. Its colors range from a greenish tone to grayish.
A French Chemist, Ferdinand Frederick Henry Moissan discovered Moissanite in 1893, he mistakenly identified the crystals as diamonds. He identified the crystals as silicon carbibe (SiC) in 1904, which was named after him later on. But jewelers used Moissanite as a gemstone only until 1995.
Moissanite is nearly as hard as diamond and features the same brilliance as diamond. Its crystalline structure is held together with strong covalent bonding or similar to diamonds attraction-to-repulsion stability. Moissanite is an excellent diamond simulant because it is quite similar to diamond.
Aside form looking alike, moissanite and diamonds have other similar features. They are both great conductors of electricity making them both ideal for use in the electronic field. Moissanites are thermally conductive like diamonds and can even match the heat conductivity of diamonds.
There are other gemstones that are used as diamonds alternative, but moissanite can give even more.
Moissanite is one of the hardest substances known. It has a hardness that rates 9.25 to 9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, with diamond being a 10. It is harder than other diamond substitute, such as cubic zirconia, which is a 9 on a Mohs hardness scale. Such hardness is important for an engagement ring as it will be worn daily.
Moissanite is more brilliant than cubic zirconia which is common alternative for diamonds. Moissanite is actually twice as refractive as the diamond and is double-faceted, giving the moissanite more brilliance and fire than either a diamond or cubic zirconia. Hence, it is indeed more brilliant than a diamond.
Moissanite is not a fake diamond. It is a genuine gemstone that looks like a diamond. It should not be passed off as a diamond but should be valued for its own unique properties.
Here are some tips when buying moissanite engagement ring:
1. Before buying a moissanite engagement ring, examine the stone under a variety of lights. Check its carat weight, color purity, clarity, and cut intricacy.
2. Inspect different sizes and shapes of a moissanite engagement ring before choosing one.
3. Know the store’s return policy. Ask to see the stones certification and other documentation.
4. Most moissanite engagement rings are more affordable than diamond engagement rings but they are also more durable. Some moissanite can even be more expensive than a poor quality diamond, depending on stone quality. Moissanite engagement less expensive than diamond engagement ring, but slightly cheaper than real diamonds.
5. Moissanite engagement ring is more expensive than a cubic zirconia engagement ring.
6. Choose a marquise or princess cut moissanite engagement ring, because a cut with multiple points of refraction displays the best shines.
Moissanite rings out the sparkle, the brilliance, the luster, the elegance that you are looking for in an engagement ring. At moissanite-ringsdiscount.com excellent quality and elegant moissanite engagement rings await you at affordable prices. If you are on a budget, this type of ring is aptly made for you. We even offer discounts on selected items which you can avail on eBay and Amazons. Come and visit us.