Rings and Engagement Rings

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.

While you may think of diamond engagement rings of being set with a single stone, this is not always the case. There are plenty of diamond rings that are set with other stones that are used as engagement rings. The aspect of the ring that makes it stand apart from other rings is that the diamond engagement rings usually have one stone that stands out amid the rest and are symmetrical in nature. This is not always the case, but tradition.

Today, diamond rings come in all shapes and sizes.  You can get diamond rings that are set in either platinum or white gold as well as yellow gold. Many women today prefer the look of white gold. You can get just diamonds or other gems as well. Diamond rings set in white gold have a sparkling effect and glisten from the hands. They look elegant on the fingers of whoever is wearing them.

Most couples today go together to choose diamond engagement rings.  Many times, a woman wants to choose her own ring as she intends to wear it for the rest of her life. In addition to wanting to have a certain style when it comes to her diamond rings, a woman also wants to make sure the ring fits.  Diamond rings are not like any other type of jewelry as they have to be sized. Diamond engagement rings are costly and have sentimental value.  No one wants them to slip off their finger. Nor does anyone want to have their diamond ring on so tight that it interferes with the circulation of the finger on which it is worn.

In some cases, a man may want to select a ring for his intended wife as a surprise.  It helps if he has an idea of what she likes when it comes to diamond rings. It also helps to know her size. Knowing what size diamonds she likes, if she prefers a solitaire diamond or a gemstone setting, if she prefers white gold to yellow, brushed finish to polished. All of these come into play when it comes to choices that are made with regard to diamond engagement rings.

Diamond engagement rings are the most special of all diamond rings as they indicate a promise as well as a hope for the future. Men who choose diamond engagement rings for the woman who they love have a great deal of choices to make. While every woman dreams of being surprised when it comes to getting engaged and being presented with a ring, she usually has a diamond in mind that she would like. The more that is known about her wishes, the easier the choice will be to buy a diamond engagement ring.  Men who want to not take any chances and get her something that she will love, should either pay close attention if she is talking at rings or admiring them, or just propose without the ring and allow her to choose the ring herself from the many diamond engagement rings offered by fine jewelers.

When you are considering diamond gifts for someone close, you may wonder whether to choose diamond necklaces or diamond rings. The choice that you make depends upon the statement that you want to make. While diamond necklaces say that you care, diamond rings are often used as a proposal of marriage. Being aware of the meaning behind diamonds has much to do with giving diamond gifts. 

Diamond necklaces usually consist of pendants. They can be given to anyone on your gift list. Pendants contain diamonds and, in some cases, other gems. They are worn on a gold necklace. There are many different styles when it comes to diamond necklaces. Giving diamond necklaces to someone does not constitute a promise of marriage. These necklaces are usually treasured by the owners and are often handed down to descending generations. Diamonds are a valuable gemstone and retain their value, if not gain in value. Unlike other gifts that are worth less once they are used, diamonds can even be worth more over a period of time, than when first purchased. This is why it is important to get first quality diamonds from a first class jeweler. 

While diamond necklaces can be a gift for anyone, the same is not true when it comes to diamond rings. Unless the couple is married, diamond rings are usually indicative of a marriage proposal. If a man gives a woman a diamond ring, it usually means that he wants to get married. The exception is if the couple is already married. If the couple is already married, diamond rings have the same significance as diamond necklaces. 

Like diamond necklaces, diamond rings are set in precious metals. Good diamonds are set in 18 karat gold or platinum. White gold is often used today by fine jewelers as this gold is preferred over yellow gold today.  White gold resembles platinum in appearance. It can be brushed or polished.  Diamond rings also often have other precious gems set in with the setting.

Diamond rings can also be purchased for men. Men will wear diamond rings as wedding bands and as pinky finger rings. While you do not have to know a size to buy a diamond necklace, you do have to have a rough size estimate when you are buying a diamond ring. A good jeweler will be able to size the ring for you. It should slip comfortably on the hand of the wearer and should not be too loose so that it falls off. In some cases, the recipient can get the ring sized at a local jeweler so that it fits right. It is often helpful to have a ring size before you buy diamond rings. 

Both diamond rings and diamond necklaces make excellent gifts for someone special in your life. You should be sure of the quality of the diamond and deal with a jeweler that has been in business for a while. Be sure that the diamond rings and diamond necklaces are top quality and make the statement that you want to make to the person to whom you are giving the gift.