Rings

RINGS

There is no substitute for a reliable, reputable jeweler when selecting your rings. His expertise will help you make your selection to ensure that you will be happy and satisfied for years to come.

It is suggested that you and your fiancé decide together on the engagement ring, since you probably have already established preferences as to cut, style, etc. At this time, you may also wish to select your wedding rings.

There are basically three different metals to choose from - gold, platinum, and palladium. Gold is the most used ring metal and is available in a yellow or white color. Pure gold (24K) is too soft for rings. Gold ring settings are usually 14K or 18K alloys of gold and other stronger metals. Platinum is a white metal, which is very expensive. It is the strongest ring metal available and is often used for the prongs which hold the stones in rings of gold. Palladium is similar to platinum in color and strength, but is lighter in weight and costs less.

Of course, the design you choose will depend on your personal preference. A narrow band with a solitaire (single stone) is fitting for a tiny hand, whereas a larger hand can accommodate a cluster of stones. Most jewelers have a wide selection from which to choose, to see what style is best for you, and your budget.

Make the final sale contingent on an appraisal from an appraiser of your choice. Be sure returns are allowed if the appraisal of the ring(s) doesn't meet with your expected standards. Ask the appraiser for a genuine appraisal, as opposed to one for insurance purposes, which may be inflated.

Four basic things to look for when selecting your diamond are color, clarity, cut and carat. The clearer the diamond, the greater its value, however, most diamonds contain yellow or brown traces. Diamonds that are clear (no color) and colorless or of a faint blue are considered to be perfect. Jewelers grade a diamond's color with a letter scale, beginning with a high score of D, which is colorless and going to Z which is yellow. As the stone's degree of color increases, the value decreases. The degree to which the stone is free from interior or exterior flaws (inner cracks, bubbles and specks) will determine its clarity. Flawless is rated "F1" and "I3" is imperfect. The sparkle of a diamond depends on the cut and design used. Diamond cutting is a precise and delicate process during which nearly half of the rough diamond is lost. The cut is usually considered the most important, because this is what gives a diamond its brilliance. The diamond is cut, with each facet p roportional in exact geometric relation to one another, then polished. There are several cuts or designs available–brilliant, marquise, oval, emerald cut, single cut, pear, heart-shaped or baguette. Carats deal with the weight of the diamond. One carat is equivalent to 100 points. A diamond weight of 1/2 carat is 50 points.

Brilliant	Marquise	Oval	Emerald Cut	Single Cut	Pear	Heart Shape	Baquette

An engagement ring does not have to be a diamond. You may wish to choose from some of the other semi-precious stones available. For example, you may want your birthstone, or a ruby, emerald, sapphire, opal, or pearl–just to name a few.

Birthstones and Their Significance

January	Garnet or Hyacinth	Constancy
February	Amethyst	Sincerity
March	Bloodstone or Aquamarine	Courage
April	Diamond	Innocence or enduring love
May	Emerald	Success in love
June	Pearl, Moonstone or Agate	Health and long life
July	Ruby or Onyx	Contentment
August	Sardonyx, Peridot, or Carnelian	Felicity
September	Sapphire	Love
October	Opal or Tourmaline	Hope
November	Topaz	Fidelity
December	Turquoise or Lapis Lazuli	Prosperity

In addition to the traditional birthstones assigned to the months of the year, certain stones also are assigned to the days of the week:

Sunday	Topaz
Monday	Pearl of crystal
Tuesday	Ruby or emerald
Wednesday	Amethyst or loadstone
Thursday	Sapphire or carnelian
Friday	Emerald or cat's eye
Saturday	Turquoise or diamond

Again, your knowledgeable jeweler will be able to help you make the right decision when selecting your rings so that it will express your personality and be unique for you to enjoy for a lifetime.

The diamond is worn as the engagement ring prior to the wedding. Before the ceremony, this ring can be taken off or worn on the right hand, so you have a free left finger for the wedding ring exchange during the ceremony. Or, if you leave the diamond on for the ceremony, reverse them later. After the wedding, the wedding band is worn closest to your heart and the diamond engagement ring on the outside, closest to your fingertip (on the left hand). They may be soldered together after the wedding, but some brides prefer to keep them separate, in case one or the other needs work in the future. Some rings that come as sets clasp together with a small hook and hole (or other method), so they do not need to be permanently connected.

Some brides prefer to only wear one wedding band and not have a separate engagement ring. This is purely your choice. You can certainly be engaged without a ring. Or, if the single ring contains diamonds, you can wear it as an engagement ring and then take it off and use it again during the ring giving in the ceremony.

Care of Rings

Now that you have made the big decision, you will certainly want to take care of this precious treasure. First of all, be sure your ring is insured–either under your parents' insurance policy, or your renter's/homeowner's insurance policy–in case of theft or loss. Below are some tips to keep your jewelry brilliant and sparkling for years to come:

1. Remove rings when doing housework; bleaches and cleansers can pit or discolor mountings.
2. Diamonds can scratch things, so wrap them separately in tissue paper when travelling. At home, store rings in a ring holder.
3. Remove rings during sports activities or heavy work to lessen the chance of losing.
4. Keep your hands and nails well manicured because everyone will want to see that beautiful diamond!
5. Have your jeweler check your stone and mounting at least once a year.
6. Clean your ring at least once a month:

• Use liquid detergent and warm water, then brush gently (use small brush). Put rings, earrings, etc. in a wire tea strainer to protect them while rinsing under warm running water. Dry with a soft cloth.

• Or use equal amounts of cold water and household ammonia. Soak for 30 minutes. Lift out, tap off liquid around the mounting, dip again and drain on paper towel to air-dry.

• Or you may choose to use a commercial jewelry cleaner.