How Do You Choose An Engagement Ring?
You’ve found the girl of your dreams, and you are going to pop the question…just as soon as you do what every man dreads: pick out the ring. That quest can cause a lot of stress. So here are a few steps to help you out. • If you have the money, stick to platinum, the highest quality metal. But remember, if you can not afford platinum- or if your fiance prefers gold, those are options too. Educate yourself on diamonds and metals that are used in rings. Diamonds have different grades, clarity, cut, etc. Price will vary depending on how pure the diamond is and what cut it is. Ask your stylish friends for recommendations on a master platinumsmith and diamond expert and research platinum engagement ring designers online. Ask her friends or family about her favorite jewelry designers and design elements she loves such as engraving, filigree, pave, micropave and milligrain. • Plan for a lunch near the master platinumsmith or jeweler and pop into the store “on a whim.” Tell her to feel free
• Be familiar with the terms that you’ll be confronted with when shopping for a ring. Be familiar with the terms that you’ll be confronted with when shopping for a ring. Giving the impression that you know what you’re looking for will increase your confidence and help you to ward off any disreputable ring sellers. Here are some of the terms to be familiar with: • Band: The band is the circular part of the ring that sits around the finger. It’s usually made from gold, silver, or platinum, although it can be made from some other combination of metals. Gold is yellow-orange in its natural state and is normally alloyed with another metal for durability. Some prefer the lighter yellow color of less-pure gold such as 14K or 10K. “White gold” is gold alloyed with metals purposely to give the mixture an off-white color and must be plated with another metal–rhodium is common–for a bright silvery appearance. The plating wears off; some jewelers will replate their rings from time to time for fr
