You’ve just gotten engaged. Of course, your relationship is unique and you want an engagement as unique and valuable as your love. Why not use platinum?

Platinum has become the new standard of the highest quality. Credit card companies now tout their platinum cards. Where once a performer coveted receiving a gold record, platinum is now the mark to shoot for. Thus platinum engagement and wedding rings mark your relationship as the standard to shoot for too.

Most people think platinum is a newcomer among the precious metals. Actually it was known in ancient Egypt as early as 700 B.C., so it is an old metal. There are records of platinum/gold alloys in South Africa in 100 B.C. Scientifically, platinum was recognized as an element in 1700 A.D. but not really used much in jewelry until the early 20th century.

Platinum is used much more today but it is still rare and expensive, 30 times more rare than gold. In its natural state, it is grayish white. When used in jewelry, it is paired with iridium (in a ratio of 90 percent platinum to 10 percent iridium) to make it shine. Platinum is very malleable and more resistant to wear and oxidation than gold.

If you choose a platinum engagement ring, be careful: Platinum has been known to cause skin rashes. It also can tarnish easily. But keep in mind that more people are known to be allergic to gold than to platinum. As long as you try platinum rings on first to test your sensitivity, you should be safe. For the most part, platinum rings very little maintenance and will keep their brand-new appearance for a long time.

Budget conscious couples may be more attracted to titanium than platinum for their engagement rings. Titanium is certainly less expensive and is similar in color and durability to platinum. However titanium is difficult to cut and work with, so many jewelers don’t like working with it. That’s something to keep in mind if you want a custom-made ring.

When you go to select your ring, take your time. There are many beautiful styles available. One of them is bound to be just right for you. Or, you may consider having a ring custom made. Jewelers have custom-ring design software packages so they can make your ring exactly how you want it. Look online and in magazines for ideas of what you want and bring those ideas in.

While platinum is still very rare and expensive, it is a wonderfully durable metal, one that will make that all-important engagement ring a piece that is valued in more ways than one. By choosing platinum, you will have an heirloom that will last as long as your love for each other.

This really is like asking, “How long is a piece of string?” The answer depends on so many variables that it is impossible to answer simply.

In essence, the “best” cut depends upon what you mean by the term best.

The Best Cut in Absolute Terms
The cut of a diamond actually refers to how well a diamond has been facetted. Some diamonds are cut more precisely than others. A GIA Diamond Grading Report authenticates the quality of the cut of the diamond and grades it as Ideal or Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor. Diamonds with a cut graded as Ideal or Excellent are the most valuable diamonds and are therefore the best cuts, irrespective of diamond shape.

The Best Cut For Maximum Sparkle
If you consider the best diamond to be the one with the best sparkle, then you should buy a brilliant round cut white diamond with the best clarity and cut grading you can afford and prong set it into a solitaire.

Once you move away from a round cut brilliant, the amount of sparkle reduces. This is because of the different faceting for the different shapes of diamonds. A well cut marquise for example may well look like it has a shadow in the center in the shape of a bow tie! However, if you are looking for best sparkle, avoid Emerald cut diamonds because their faceting gives them the least amount of sparkle.

The Best Cut For Individuality
Brilliant round cut white diamonds account for a massive percentage of the engagement ring diamond cuts. Some estimate it as high as 75% of all gem grade diamonds sold. So if you want something that will show off your personality, the round brilliant cut would be the worst cut for you! In this case a fancier cut such as a marquise, heart, trillion or even an Emerald will be the best cut.

Best Cut For You
You are the only one who can decide what is the best diamond cut for your engagement ring. Buying diamonds is all about personal appreciation of the gemstone. After all, engagement rings are never bought solely for their investment value! So find the best clarity, best color diamond with the highest cut grade you can afford. After that, just pick a shape you think she will like. You will have the best cut diamond engagement ring

Pave set diamonds are found in many antique diamond rings, as large stones were not very popular or affordable to attain by the average consumer.  this classic and beautiful embellishment on a diamond rings can make it sparkle from all angles without breaking the bank on a large diamond center stone .

Remember, a diamond engagement ring is a very important purchase. Don’t feel like its taboo to involve her in some of the decision-making. Whether you choose to involve her or not, it’s important to get a good feel for her taste, lifestyle, and to know her ring size.  If you do it right, you’ll be ready for this big decision and you’ll know right away when you’ve found the perfect vintage diamond ring.

C. Sparkles

There are several reasons behind presenting designer wedding  and engagement rings  to your better half.  Most important of them is the look of the jewelry that has contemporary style and modern techniques while still maintaining the old-world craftsmanship that ensures the quality of the piece.  Made up of different metals, they are famous worldwide for their elegance and keen eye for elegance.  If it is a not an exaggeration of fact, every groom wants his bride to look like a princess.  Designer engagement rings rings and wedding bands can empower you to add a dazzling and glamorous effect for your engagement and on your wedding.

Quality and genuineness

While buying designer jewelry, make sure that you are buying it from a genuine dealer.  Be more cautious if you are buying it online.  Read reviews and customer feedbacks regarding the web store from where you are going to make the purchase. Friends who have purchased earlier can also be consulted. The rings you are going to buy needs to be qualitative and must have a unique look and feel.

Choice of your better half

You are buying the perfect gift for your better half. Hence, never forget to take her views before purchasing. Her choice, wearing habits and preference for stones also need to be given importance. That makes the right present for the right person of your life.

C. Sparkles

There have been some people in the industry that believe based on the photos that the ring is anywhere between 5 to 12 carats.   The cost of the ring has also varied by experts between $150,000 to $1,000,000. That is a pretty big discrpetancy.

A representative at New York’s Diamond Information Center said the five-carat round diamond engagement ring with diamond sidestones cost more than $150,000.   On the upper scale, a diamond expert and chief executive of myjewelrybox.com determined that, based on website photos, the engagement ring had about 12 carats and estimated it was worth more than $1 million.

Mo Charania, a gemologist and owner of Jubilee Jewellers at Bayshore Researching Centre, said it appeared the ring was at least 3 carats, maybe more, and was definitely price six figures.   Mo Charania is also a high ranking official in the Canadian Jewellers Association and the Official Jeweller of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club.

“It’s a centre round diamond and one row of diamonds around it called micro pave,” Charania said after viewing photos of the ring on Underwood’s finger that were taken by a Citizen photographer at Monday’s game.   Micro pave settings are intricate and use the smallest possible diamonds to achieve a uniform glitter on the ring’s surface. Sometimes, the tiny claws on the outside can hold 30 or more stones.

“I’d say the ring is worth well into six figures, but it depends on the quality of the stone,” he said. the exact size, color and clarity play a significant role in the overall value of the engagement ring.

There’s no evidence to suggest that Senators forward Mike Fisher bought the ring for his new fiancée at a local jewelry store. The engagement ring could have either been purchased through a private jeweller or at a U.S. jewelry store that specializes in high end, fine-quality jewelry, Charania said. He says Fisher didn’t purchase the ring at his shop, although other Senators players, including Jason Spezza, have purchased some jewelry there.

Fisher and Underwood were engaged Sunday after a year-long relationship and the Senators forward finally confirmed the news to reporters after Monday’s morning skate at Scotiabank Place.

Underwood flashed the ring for the first time at that night’s game against the Boston Bruins. Charania said Underwood’s ring could be compared to rings by RITANI, a world-renowned maker of diamond engagement rings and other jewelry.   We would have to beleive that as the Official Jeweller of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, Charania would have to know more information about the ring.

Is it in fact a RITANI enagement ring or at least inspired by the world renowned RITANI designs? One would have to wonder? Either way, this diamond is definitely Carrie’s best friend and an expensive friend at that!

Word has that Elin and Tiger are heading for a divorce but nothing is confirmed yet. One thing we know for certain is that Tiger is not thinking about engagement rings or any of that but rather what to do about his seemingly troubled future as a professional golfer and a dad.

We hope the best for Elin and the kids, and in the end we just want Tiger to do the right thing by cleaning up his act and making things right with his family.

Twoheartedriver