Engagement Rings: Finding the Perfect Ring for Your Loved One

Buying an engagement ring is an extremely important venture where many factors should be considered prior to the grand purchase. Since this is probably the most important jewelry purchase an individual will make, it is pertinent to go into this shopping trip with a few things in mind. The following various factors should be considered before buying a ring, including history of the engagement ring, purchasing tips and various styles from which one can choose when buying an engagement ring.

History of the Engagement Ring

It is not very often that you hear about the history of the engagement ring. It is important to take a quick look back into the past and see how this wonderful and symbolic piece of jewelry came to be. The meaning behind the diamond engagement ring is a promise for marriage. One gives an engagement ring to another to secure their promise that they will be married in the future, usually the near future, although there are no time limits for the engagement period. It has been stated that the diamond engagement ring was first given back in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy. However, other types of presents had been given prior to that time to symbolize engagement or pledge to marry.

The 4 C’s of Diamond Engagement Ring Shopping

There are certain factors that an individual must consider when purchasing a diamond engagement ring. Perhaps you have heard about something called the 4 C’s which relates to buying the perfect engagement ring. The 4 C’s are what all individuals should consider in their quest for the perfect ring. This term stands for cut, color, clarity and carat.

Cut

The first thing you must look at when choosing from amongst a large collection of engagement rings is the cut of the diamond. This term means the way the facets of the diamond are proportioned so that light reflects from the stone. Although some individuals consider the term cut to mean the shape of diamond, it actually relates to the shaped facets within the diamond. The easiest way for a layperson to determine the quality of cut simply by looking at the diamond is by judging the amount of sparkle that comes back to them. A “sparkly” diamond is a well cut diamond.

Color

When choosing a diamond engagement ring, the purchaser wants to find one that is virtually colorless as opposed to yellow in tone. The more yellow a diamond is, the less expensive and less quality it is. It is very difficult and expensive to find an absolutely colorless diamond; however, the more money that you are able to spend on your purchase the less color your diamond should have.

Clarity

Diamonds are not usually perfect in the strict sense of the word and may oftentimes have inclusions within them. The term inclusion means the existence of small flaws within the diamond. When looking for an upscale diamond, you want to choose a gem that has as few inclusions as possible because the less inclusions a diamond has, the more stunning it will be. Just be aware that the less inclusions that are present within the stone the better clarity and therefore the pricier your diamond engagement ring may be.

Carat

Last, but certainly not least, is the fourth “C” which is carat. The carat is the weight of the stone. Note, however, that bigger is not necessarily better when choosing a diamond ring. A diamond can be 4 or 5 carats but be dull and less brilliant than another one which is only 1 carat. That is why you need to consider all 4 C’s in concurrance with one another when choosing an engagement ring and do not base your final decision on only one or two of the aforementioned factors.

Engagement Ring Styles

Engagement rings come in a number of different styles. They may range from the most basic of all rings to the other end of the spectrum which is full on flash. Also, even though engagement rings have been mentioned previously in terms of diamond engagement rings, an engagement ring does not have to have a diamond in it in order to be a ring securing the promise of a future wedding. Some individuals have an aversion to diamonds and prefer to have an engagement ring with another stone, such as their birthstone. Others may ask for their significant other to choose an engagement ring that has both a diamond and other type of gemstone within the ring. This adds a little extra color and added flair to the typical engagement ring. Engagement rings also come in a variety of different metal types including white gold, yellow gold and platinum, just to name a few. The possibilities are endless when it comes to selecting an engagement ring.

This may seem like a lot to swallow with regard to engagement ring shopping. However, just keep in mind the fact that if you know your significant other’s likes and dislikes, your shopping venture to find the perfect engagement ring will not be as hard as it may seem.

Copyright © 2005 Titanium Rings Studio, Eric Pless

About Titanium Rings Studio: For 14 years Titanium Rings Studios has been
making the finest quality handmade titanium rings; Titanium Rings Studio
carries a full line of Weddding Rings, Engagement Rings, Celtic Rings,
Tension Rings, Friendship rings, as well as Titanium Bracelts.