Engagement Rings

Wedding Ring

Today, in traditional religious ceremonies, Christian and otherwise, the wedding ring is blessed by a minister or priest, thus continuing the symbolic practice of imbuing a wedding ring with protective powers. Strange as it may seem the use of a wedding ring by men was not common until recently. Whereas women have worn a wedding ring for eons, men have not. Giving mens promise rings is a promise to love and cherish. Engagement rings are the forerunner of a diamond engagement ring.

Yet understanding the knot patterns and why they make such an ideal wedding ring can be illusive. The exact origin of the wedding ring is uncertain and is rife with superstition and mythology. In ancient times, accepting  engagement wedding rings constituted a legally binding agreement between husband and wife.

Engagement Rings

Diamond Ring

Advertising made the diamond rings trade soar by doing one thing essentially: suggesting to young American men that if it was really love they were after, then one month's salary spent on a diamond ring was the best way to prove it.

When buying a diamond ring, an educated consumer always gets the best deal. Too many people shop for new cars and a diamond ring alike without doing any research at all, and the salesperson often takes advantage of them.

Engagement Rings

Do inexpensive engagement rings exist or do they all cost an arm and a leg. - According to a study by the Conde Nast Bridal Group, publisher of Bride's and Modern Bride, the average cost of a diamond engagement ring is $3,576. But before you ask for her hand in marriage, you have to buy a diamond engagement ring.

Here are some guidelines about diamond engagement rings to help you on your way.

The cut of the diamond on your diamond engagement ring is probably the most important factor, because the brilliance of a diamond ring depends heavily on it. The ability of the diamond ring to handle light depends on how its angles are cut. The best diamonds are proportioned - the depth should be optimally matched to the diameter, among other things.

Make sure that the diamond engagement ring you are buying has minimal inner flaws (called inclusions) that are created in the formation process. The more visible and the bigger the size of these inclusions, the lower the diamond ring is rated in terms of clarity. A clear diamond engagement ring is more brilliant, and therefore more expensive.

The best diamonds are colorless, since they allow maximum light refraction that creates sparkle. Off-white diamonds are cheaper, because they absorb light instead of refracting it, reducing brilliance.

Carat weight may seem tricky, but it is actually fairly easy to understand. Just keep in mind that the price of a diamond engagement ring increases exponentially as its size increases. Bigger is not necessarily better, though, so try to strike a balance between size and quality.

Often called the 'fifth C' in choosing a diamond ring, a certificate is a report that contains the assessment of the diamond ring according to a qualified professional. This professional uses gemological instruments not only to evaluate the cut, color, clarity and carat weight, but also to document the stone's unique characteristics.

Titanium Rings

While titanium rings may not be as widespread as gold or platinum rings, they have many advantages. There are different grades of titanium, from aircraft grade, which is the strongest and most durable, to pure commercial titanium, which is less strong. More men than women wear titanium wedding rings, but there are several models that are fitting for a bride.

A wide variety of titanium wedding rings are available, encompassing nearly every style imaginable. Black titanium is colored in such a way that it will not scratch, chip, or fade, ensuring that the color will last a lifetime.

Platinum Ring

When you wear gold ring or platinum engagement rings you have to constantly be on your guard about scratching or otherwise damaging them. Gold and platinum are extremely soft metals.  Weighing sixty percent more than gold, a platinum ring is stronger, denser and therefore provides more protection to the diamond ring.

  Diamond Engagement Rings Guide