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Engagement Rings Infographic – Engagement Ring Settings & Diamond Shapes

November 22, 2011 By

Take a look at this great engagement rings infographic – finally an opportunity to learn which setting goes best with the diamond sape you’ve always dreamed of.


Courtesy of Zoara Engagement Rings

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Top 10 Most Desirable Diamond Shapes for 2011

April 28, 2011 By

pamela anderson engagement ringRound Diamonds (Hearts & Arrows)

Its no surprise the round cut diamond has been the most popular diamond for 2011. The round cut diamond has been popular for many years, representing 75% of all diamonds that are sold worldwide. The round shaped diamond with a hearts and arrows cut is far more brilliant than any other round shape diamond – and due to its cut and shape a round diamond is generally superior to fancier shapes at the proper reflection of light, maximizing potential brightness.

Pamela Anderson has a Round diamond engagement ring.
Natalie K has created The Perfect Diamond a custom made hearts and arrows diamond only available at exclusive Natalie K retail stores.

Star Jones engagement ringPrincess Diamonds

This lovely diamond shape was first created in 1960 and the Princess cut diamond is the most popular “fancy shape” diamond. Its popularity only continues to grow as it tops the charts.

Star Jones has a Princess cut diamond engagement ring.

 

 

khloe kardashian engagement ringRadiant Diamonds

The Radiant Diamond is a modified square shape, making a nice alternative from a Princess cut diamond or a Cushion diamond. This glimmering, radiant cut diamond offers a brilliant-cut facet pattern which makes it one of the most desirable diamonds around.

Khloe Kardashian has a Radiant cut diamond engagement ring.

 

 

anne hathaway diamond earringsCushion Diamonds

The Cushion cut diamond is a lovely, glittery combination of a square cut with beautifully rounded corners. The very first Cushion cut diamond was created almost 200 years ago and the cut has gone through some great refinements over the years. We’ve seen the Cushion diamond become quite popular in recent years.

Anne Hathaway wore Cushion cut diamond drop earrings by Harry Winston.

 

 

 

 

Kate hudson engagement ringAsscher Diamonds

The Asscher cut diamond was originally produced in 1902 by two brothers in Holland. The Asscher cut is proudly named for the last name of the two brothers. As you can see, this diamond shape is a forerunner to the popular and beloved emerald cut diamond and there are some similarities. But the Asscher cut is truly a perfect square shape with large step facets, a high crown and a much smaller table. It’s this lovely Asscher cut that has grown in popularity, pushing it ahead of its cousin, the Emerald cut.

Kate Hudson has an Asscher cut diamond engagement ring.

 

eva langoria engagement ringEmerald Diamonds

The Emerald cut diamond is considered a unique cut and with its step cuts in its pavilion, it has an open table also. While it doesn’t have the deep sparkle of a brilliant cut diamond, the Emerald cut diamond has something others don’t – a stunning hall-of-mirrors effect. This quality lets both light and dark shades in to show depth and great beauty in this Emerald cut diamond. A challenge with the Emerald cut is that the type of cut easily shows any inclusions and color. The Emerald cut will always have its fans, but it is not as popular as it once was.

Eva Longoria has an Emerald cut diamond engagement ring.

 

Katie-Holmes engagement ringOval Diamond

Oval diamonds are modified brilliant cut (round diamond) and are similar to the round diamond as they both have true fire and brilliance. This lovely, elongated shape creates the illusion of a greater size than it truly is. The round cut still remains the most popular, but for some the oval cut is their preferred diamond.

Katie Holmes has an Oval cut diamond engagement ring.

 

 

jessica-simpson-engagement-ringPear Diamond

Don’t bite into this juicy fruit! The Pear diamond is a lovely combination of a Round and Marquise shape diamond. A tapered point at the top and a solid, round bottom just like any delicious pear we know. The challenge with the Pear diamond cut is it is best for large diamonds – 5 carats and above. So while this diamond shape is admired, not everyone has access to such large, glittery gems! It is important that Pear diamonds should have “excellent” or at least “very good” symmetry.

Jessica Simpson has a Pear cut diamond engagement ring.

 

Marquise Diamond

Looking at the Marquise diamond, you may realize it looks like a glittery, shiny football. The Marquise diamond is known for its long and narrow cut. This gives it the wonderful illusion of a greater diamond size – something any diamond lover would appreciate. The Marquise diamond cut from carat to carat when wanting to maximize how large and lovely that diamond looks.

Catherine Zeta-Jones wears a Marquise cut diamond ring.

 

 

elizabeth-taylor-engagement-ringHeart Diamonds

The Heart is the traditional symbol of love and romance, making it quite popular with solitaire pendants and engagement rings. Heart shaped diamonds less than .50 cts are not the ideal choice as it is hard to see every detail of the Heart, especially after it is set in prongs for jewelry. Remember that the Heart diamond often looks smaller than it actually is – try to choose a larger diamond so every detail is easy to see in that sweet and romantic Heart cut diamond.

Elizabeth Taylor wore a Heart cut diamond engagement ring.

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Red Hot Rubies, Ruby Rings, and Ruby Jewelry

March 23, 2011 By
Ruby Engagement Ring

Ruby Engagement Ring

Mined primarily from the rich soils of Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand, rubies are one of the world’s most popular colored stones. Registering a rating of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, rubies are the second hardest gemstone on earth, second to diamonds. While most people associate rubies with a brilliant red color, rubies come in a wide color range, varying from soft-hued red to deep red, orange-red, and even purple-red shades. The first rubies were discovered thousands of years ago and were named “ruby,” which means “red” in Latin. Since then, a wonderful variety of ruby jewelry items have been handcrafted for the public’s jewelry appetite. Gemstone aficionados readily picked up beautiful ruby rings, earrings, and pendants to add to their growing collection of fine jewelry.

The popularity of ruby rings and ruby jewelry can be attributed to its natural beauty, rich color, durability, and rarity. Throughout the years, rubies have been associated with certain meanings and celebrations namely, the month of July’s birthstone, a traditional gift for either the 15th or 40th wedding anniversary, the gemstone of romance and passion as well as royalty. In Biblical Scriptures, ruby rings and ruby jewelry are mentioned as secondary to wisdom. Many also believe in the superstition that wearing ruby rings on the left hand will attract good fortune. For the ancient Chinese, ruby rings and ruby jewelry invite the good spirits of prosperity, happiness, and protection.

Ruby rings come in a variety of gemstone shapes or cuts. The most common shape used in ruby rings is the cushion cut. It is a square or rectangular ruby that is shaped like a pillow or a cushion that has a total of 58 facets. Another popular ruby gemstone cut is the oval shape as well as the regular round cut. Rubies also come in cabochon cuts, which have smooth round edges and a domed top. They are more popularly known as star rubies and make wonderful ruby rings because of its six-rayed light effect.

Ruby rings and ruby jewelry are also found in a number of precious metal mountings. Because of its rich color, rubies work well with different metal settings such as platinum, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, sterling silver, and also stainless steel.

Modern ruby rings and ruby jewelry have gone a long way from their ancient versions. Ruby jewelry designs are plentiful and are only limited by the jeweler’s imagination. Ruby gemstones work well either as center stones or as accents to other precious gemstones. The possibilities are endless when it comes to red-hot rubies!

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Pave Set Engagement Rings

January 30, 2011 By
Pave Engagement Ring

Pave Engagement Ring - The Perfect Choice

Pave style rings are the newest and hottest engagement ring style. Take from the French word meaning “paved”, pave refers to the way the diamonds are set into the actual ring. Typically using very small diamonds, each stone is set equally, at the same height, so it will create an even surface. The result is something that looks like a paved road, hence the name, pave.

Most pave set rings feature numerous small side stones surrounding a larger center stone, or larger side stones. Jewelry designers often use the pave setting when creating a vintage or antique style ring and it is possible to view actual antique rings from the early 1900’s see this delicate work.

Pave engagement ring settings are often accompanied by some sort of delicate metal work such as milgrain or other fine carving or engraving on the actual band itself. This also lends itself to a very antique style. While pave is most commonly used for engagement rings, this type of setting also looks beautiful as a fashion ring using gemstones such as sapphires.

Most often the band of a diamond engagement ring that has pave set diamonds will feature either a split or cathedral style shank. This simply means that at the top of the band, where the center stone meets the band, the arms of the band go up instead of staying rounded, like a perfect circle. A split shank refers to what looks like two bands on the actual ring.

The fabulous aspect of the pave settings is that variety of different diamonds looks great with it. Diamonds such as round, emerald, cushion, radiant, asscher and others tend to give this ring a beautiful look. To make an even more dramatic look, try adding a colored diamond, such as a yellow radiant or cushion diamond.

If you are looking to stay on a tight budget, pave settings might be the way to go. Considering that pave set diamonds only use very small stones, the cost is kept fairly low. However, you must also consider the cost of your center stone, as this is where prices can start to climb.

In addition, the best metal to use for a pave setting is platinum. This precious metal is by the strongest used in jewelry designs today, is very durable and is hypoallergenic. However, 18 karat white gold is also a very popular alternative.

Whichever style engagement ring setting is right for you, do some research and make sure it fits with your style and budget.

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Diamond Engagement Rings – Adding Color to Your Future

January 25, 2011 By
Black Diamond Engagement Ring

Black Diamond Engagement Ring

A diamond engagement ring is a tangible display of numerous intangibles – a physical display of a spiritual attachment; a beautiful and seemingly delicate item yet one of the hardest elements known to man; endurance. Perhaps this is why a diamond ring is traditionally given to commemorate a wedding engagement, as the characteristics of a diamond so closely replicate those of the ensuing wedded life – physical, spiritual, beautiful, and hopefully, strong and enduring.

There are diamonds of varying size, quality, and color to meet almost every budget. However, a diamond engagement ring often comprises the most expensive piece of jewelry purchased by a man for his significant other.

An emerging trend has started to filter down from the very wealthy and famous to the broader diamond buying market – engagement rings of fancy color diamonds. Fancy color diamonds comprise only about 1 in 10,000 diamonds. Their color range runs the gamut of the spectrum from red to blue, green to pink, orange to violet.

Although appraised from many angles, natural color diamonds are evaluated predominantly from the “face up” – a gemologist will look directly through the top of the diamond. The following three parameters are used to describe the color of these stones: Color Hue, Color Tone, and Color Saturation.

Color Hue refers to the dominant color of the stone, such as pink, yellow, blue. A stone may have more than one hue, resulting in it being cast into a separate color category. For example, a pinkish-orange diamond describes a stone with principal pink hue and orange tints. If no such tints are present, the hue of the stone is said to be of pure primary color.

Color Tone refers to how much lightness or darkness a stone appears to retain even when illuminated. The range is from light to very light, to dark to very dark.

Color Saturation describes the strength or intensity of the hue or main color. The saturation of light toned diamonds can vary from a pastel to vivid and intense, whilst darker diamonds will range from dark to deep.

To ensure natural color diamonds are authentic and not synthetic or treated diamonds, gemological laboratories use the most advanced technologies, lighting, and comparative techniques. This guarantees that a diamond graded and certified by a qualified gemological laboratory as a natural color diamond is in fact a natural color diamond; enabling buyers to purchase with confidence.

For those with an independent streak, an original and unique black diamond engagement ring may provide the perfect contrast to a white wedding dress. A yellow diamond engagement ring may appeal to couples with a more traditional mindset.

Just as in the game of love there are no rules, in the choice of a diamond for an engagement ring there are no rules. Size, color, shape; everything is contingent on the couple and their taste. The option of natural color diamonds further broadens the canvas for self expression.

Diamond Color Guide, Diamond Clarity Guide, Diamond Education

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Cubic Zirconia Engagement Ring

December 1, 2010 By
Cubic Zirconia Engagement Ring

Cubic Zirconia Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is more than a piece of jewelry. It is a promise, a hope, a life-altering event that lasts forever. You may want to consider the purchase of a cubic zirconia engagement ring, if you are in the market for a beautiful engagement ring, but don’t have the budget for a large karat diamond.
A cubic zirconia engagement ring, which is an excellent diamond engagement ring alternative is one of the world’s most popular simulated gemstones. Beautiful, sparkling and brilliant, cubic zirconias engagement ring provide the stunning look of a natural diamond for a fraction of the price.
Most engagement rings are set with a diamond or at least with a gemstone that came from deep within the earth – a product of Mother Nature. On the contrary, a cubic zirconia engagement ring is set with a gemstone that came from a laboratory, a product of man.
If you’re one of those people who consider manmade gems to be amusing just because they are not “natural,” consider the difference between a bitter, all-natural cacao bean and a bar of fine, manmade chocolate.
Rocks and Minerals
Cubic zirconia is a mineral called zirconium oxide. This is found in nature, but rarely. Synthesized, it is colorless unless another mineral is added to give it color. It is hard and, certainly, has none of the defects that a naturally occurring stone would have.
The name is similar to the gem “zircon” but that stone is composed of zirconium silicate and is different. Cut like a diamond, only an expert can tell the difference between a cubic zirconia engagement ring and one set with a genuine diamond.
Because Cubic zirconia engagement rings are man-made, these cubic structures of zirconium oxide are far less expensive than their natural cousins and nearly indistinguishable to the naked eye.
Differences between Diamonds and Cubic Zirconia
In scientific terms, a cubic zirconia engagement ring is quite similar to one set with a diamond. One of the ways a gemstone is judged is by dispersion rate. That’s the degree to which a prism cut from the gemstone splits the light to show “fire.”
The dispersive power of a cubic zirconium is slightly greater than that of a diamond, so that a cubic zirconia engagement ring has more fire to it. The hardness rating is 8.3 compared to a diamond’s rating of 10.
Because diamonds have a higher refractive rate, the cut of the two stones should be slightly different to optimize their brilliance. The biggest difference between the two gems is that a diamond is an efficient heat conductor while a cubic zirconia is a heat insulator.
Color is one of the vital C’s that determine a diamond’s value. While extremely few diamonds are really colorless, most cubic zirconia can be made to meet the perfect color rating.
Apart from its color, and heat conductivity, a cubic zirconia engagement ring looks, cuts, and lasts like a genuine diamond. It is also less costly per carat so that the same price will get a larger cubic zirconia engagement ring.
The point of an engagement ring has nothing to do with the gem. However, the promise, the hope, the life-altering event are the same whether the ring has a gem or not.

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Three Stone Engagement Ring

December 1, 2010 By
Three Stone Engagement Ring

Three Stone Engagement Ring

The three stones in three stone engagement rings commemorate the eternity of your relationship. Once upon a time, ring with one big stone was the most popular ring, in general a diamond solitaire which was received with great joy.
Slowly people moved from that trend to the present trend, which includes one big stone in the middle and two other little diamonds on both the sides. In this way the ring has three stones, i.e. the one large one which is the start of the show, and two extremely tiny side kicks.
Earlier, the bigger the engagement ring you would give, the better you were valued. At present, it is regressing into the smaller the better. The value, the sophistication is more significant than the flashiness of the ring. The three stone engagement ring falls right into this description.
It is a huge decision to make for selecting the three stone engagement ring that fits your bride-to-be best as it is one that will stick with you for the rest of your lives together. Many different stones, cuts of the stones, precious metals and designs are available, so there are a lot of decisions to be made.
The three stone engagement ring is popular for its standout appearance with the three stone setting whether the stones are the same throughout or an arrangement of two to one. Typically a three stone engagement ring will only consist of two stones maximum, but three separate stones could be incorporated if desired.
Type Metal to be Used
The first thing the buyer will generally consider when selecting a three stone engagement ring is the type of precious metal the ring itself will be made of. Recent trends have steered many buyers toward platinum.
Platinum is a beautiful choice and, actually, is one of the most popular precious metals for engagement rings these days.
A similar looking precious metal is silver, even though it is slightly less valuable than platinum and, silver is less durable than platinum according to some experts. Other nice choices for the ring portion of a three stone engagement ring are gold and white gold.
Cut of the Stones
Next, the three stone engagement ring buyer should consider the cut of the stones. Some popular choices include:
•    Round cut stones
•    Oval cut stones
•    Octagon cut stones
•    Princess cut stones
•    Square cut stones.
Settings
Moreover, the three stone engagement ring buyer should determine the setting of the stones and if more than one type of stone will be featured. Thinking about all of these deciding factors and basing a decision on the lucky recipient will result in the perfect three stone engagement ring for your lovely bride-to-be.
Online Shopping for Three Stone Engagement Ring
You don’t even need to go to big jewelers’ shops to get things done. You can order any type of rings on the online jewelry store, including the one that you require, such as a three stone engagement ring, directly over the Internet.
There are millions of catalogues on the web. If you do not know where to go, type in ‘three stone engagement ring’ in a search tool and you will get a million and one websites which can give you more than you ever wanted.
The benefit of looking at a lot of websites is that you can see on the screen so many hundreds of designs of three stone engagement rings to select from. In this you are not only educated on the different popular trends but also choose based on the cost, time that the product will reach the destination, etc.
A Word of Caution
Go into the second phase, and verify the website from where you would like to buy your ring once you know and identify the right three stone engagement ring for you. Check out whether they are part of BBB.
Then run a check on the website, use the search engine, typing the company’s name and scam together. Avoid the website altogether, if you get that they may be scams.
Once you have passed this stage, you will need to order it to your residence. Give your address, and tell the people there at what time it is the best for the courier person to reach you. You can expect your ring to be delivered to you usually within about a week.
The general rule of thumb when buying an engagement ring is that the buyer should plan on spending around two months’ salary on the purchase. So for someone who makes approximately $60,000 a year that would amount to about a $10,000 budget for the purchase.
This two month rule of thumb really is an arbitrary idea and one conceived of by jewelers themselves. It is a good idea to come up with a budget, but it makes more sense for the buyer to really determine what that amount should be.

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Sapphire Engagement Ring

December 1, 2010 By
Sapphire Engagement Ring

Sapphire Engagement Ring

Sapphire engagement ring is a beautiful and delicate option of engagement ring. One can choose from a range of different sapphires types and get a wonderful and unique engagement ring for yourself.
Around the 1920s, the sales of diamond began to decline. There were many reasons, one of which was their price was very high. And for this reason, people slowly switched from diamonds to other alternative, which at that time were mostly sapphires.
Due to the strength and price of the stone, a sapphire engagement ring was considered the best choice at that time. Sapphire is a type of stone which by nature is very hard and durable, making it an ideal choice of stone for constant wear. The value of the sapphire stone is dependant on its size, color and transparency.
Where Does the Sapphire Stone Come from?
•    Kashmir Sapphire gemstone is one of the most famous sapphire stones. It has set a standard for the most valuable sapphires in the world. As more heat-treated Kashmir sapphires are found in the market, the question of value differences between heated and unheated Kashmir stones becomes ever-more important. Fine Kashmir sapphires are distinctive in color, texture and inclusions and so can often be positively identified as to country of origin.
•    Burma (Mogok).  Supplies of Mogok sapphires are as tight as for Mogok rubies. There is little fine material around. Prices are relatively stable, and those who deal in better sapphires buy all they can. Mogok sapphires are being heat treated with increasing frequency. Like their ruby cousins, heat-treated Mogok sapphires are worth less than unheated stones
•    Sri Lanka.  Today, most Sri Lankan sapphires have been heat treated to improve their color. From about 1975–1985, the market heat treated stocks of geuda sapphire which had built up over the centuries. These stocks are now depleted. In addition, heavy rainfall in the early 1990s also hurt production.
This would be the traditional places of sapphire mining, but these days it is not just limited to these places. There are also other known sapphire mining taking place in Thailand, Australia, United States, and Madagascar.
Various Colors in which Sapphire Stone can be Found
Sapphires come in many colors. However the most natural and beautiful color is deep, royal blue. While selecting a sapphire one should see that the color of the sapphire should not change in varying light. Sapphires come in different colors like:
•    Orange –these sapphires are considered to be the most expensive. Those with a darker, red-orange color are the finest of the lot.
•    Yellow – selecting a yellow sapphire is a bit tricky. Be sure to know what you are going for. Its light appearance makes it more transparent, but a light-yellow coloring is what you will want.
•    Purple – These sapphires are plum in color and are of light and dark shades. The lighter shades are almost closer to pink in color, especially when exposed to any light.
•    Pink – many times pink sapphires are mistaken as pink rubies. So one should be very clear while selecting the sapphire.
•    Padparadscha – The very rare pinkish orange padparadscha sapphire is found mainly in Sri Lanka and at Vietnam’s Quy Chau mines. The stone should have both colors evident to be considered this type of fancy sapphire.
A Perfect Choice
When it comes to heavy wear, the sapphire engagement ring is certainly a very good selection. Sapphire or sapphirus in Latin means blue. Right after the diamond, this stone is always the best choice, and usually nowadays many people buy it together with platinum or white gold rings.
Traditionally, the sapphire engagement ring was worn according to the belief that it protects the marriage from all sorts of evil powers. This was a followed belief from the typical gemstone association with the sacred and divine.
Many people in those days wore rings with sapphires, believing that sapphires were used to ward off illness and bring peace, joy and wisdom.
From there, the sapphire engagement ring and the general acceptance of this belief have evolved. Sapphire is related with eternal loyalty and devotion. It is a very attractive stone by nature and comes as a substitute to diamonds usually.

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Princess Cut Engagement Ring

December 1, 2010 By
Princess Cut Engagement Ring

Princess Cut Engagement Ring

Princess cut engagement ring will be the best ring choice if you are seeking to get engaged in a very simple, but beautiful way in the most serene setting. Princess cut engagement ring is very famous when compared to the other types of diamond rings due to many reasons of its uniqueness.
The Princess cut engagement ring as an Ideal diamond cut is an excellent choice for a diamond engagement ring for any type of setting. The Princess cut engagement ring is a very versatile diamond engagement ring that looks great as a solitaire engagement ring or as a multi stone engagement ring.
Women Love Princess Cut Engagement Ring
Many women love the princess cut engagement ring because of three main things. They are elegance and beauty, the settings, and cost. This ring, which is a very popular choice among urban and well to do women, is in fact more favored than traditional type of diamond rings, such as the typical round solitaire diamond rings and so on.
Adding the touch of brilliance found in only the Ideal cut diamonds that are certified by the AGS, the American Gem Lab, on cut color, clarity, and carat. What the certificate means to the buyer of an Ideal princess cut engagement ring is the authenticity of the diamond as well as the value.
Elegance and Beauty
Because of the sparkling nature of princes cut engagement ring, it is considered as one of the brightest diamond rings. This has to be related to the cut of the diamond itself, which makes the diamond three to four times shinier than before it was cut and polished.
The princess cut is one of the most unique cut of diamond, because it is in general unusual compared to the typical cuts. This cut is in fact not so old, and actually it is considered one of the most important innovations in diamond cutting.
When one wears a princess cut engagement ring it is usually visible from afar thanks to its unique square shape. There are more facets on the princess diamond here when compared to the classic ones due to the brilliant cuts along the ridges, face and surroundings respectively. This makes the princess cut diamond very bright and sparkling.
Settings
Setting here refers to the placing of the diamond on the accordingly-named princess cut engagement ring. Princess cut diamond can be usually aligned parallel to the ring’s band or angled to present a ‘diamond’ shape.
Besides that, there is also the channel setting, whereby the stones are set into the princess cut engagement ring itself rather than held above it with prongs.
Cost of the Princess Cut Engagement Ring
One of the least expensive diamond shapes to make though is sounds very complicated and exclusive the princess cut diamond.
The square shape of the diamond in fact preserves more of its structure, which takes less time to cut and polish. This would eventually lower the final price of the diamond itself, because there are not many complications in production.
A princess cut diamond has straight edges and has a rectangular shape with the best cut proportion being an equal-sided square. The clean edges add to the pristine and wonderful aura of the stone.

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