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Star of David Wedding Ring

Jewish rings date back to ancient times, a time before the Hebrew Bible was written. Each and every design of Jewish rings has a significant spiritual meaning which can be linked to ancient symbols. Rings are among the most common and popular Jewish jewelry.

Rings, with inscribed Hebrew text from the Torah are never about mere decoration, the rings hold a powerful and spiritual meaning.  The rings contain a hidden message of faith, resistance, survival, and unity. Jewish wedding rings play a major role in the Jewish religion. The law states that ,upon marriage, a formal consecration must be made by the groom giving the bride something of value that is whole and unbroken, which today is generally accomplished at the wedding by presenting a ring to the bride-to-be.

The ring that is given at the wedding ceremony itself must be a solid metal band all the way around, under no circumstance can the ring be embedded with diamonds or gemstones of any kind. Engravings of Jewish texts from the Torah are quite common and popular in the Jewish tradition. The solidity of the ring in essence is what symbolizes the commitment of every Jewish marriage, making it complete and everlasting.

The Hebrew translation for ring is “tabat”, and this word when broken down has several different meanings. The meanings and translations are nature, drowning and minting. It is quite difficult to fully grasp and understand how these three meanings are incorporated into the Jewish tradition of marriage; however, one can surmise that all three contain an undeniable energy of encompassing unity. Nature is God’s imprint on the planet, drowning signifies a total immersion and is dedicated to your relationship and marriage, minting refers to the commitment of the relationship which is solidified and unified for life.

I am my beloved and my beloved is mine

It is quite common for Jewish couples to have Hebrew phrases engraved into or shown around (in Hebrew letters) their wedding rings. There are a few phrases that are readily available to Jewish couples when they choose their wedding rings, such as: “Ani ledodi vedodi li” which means, “I am my beloved, and my beloved is mine” (Song Of Solomon 6:3). Another common readily available phrase is, “Betach el Hashem  Becol Lavech” which means, Trust in the lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5).

Some couples choose to select and create their own unique phrase that is special and meaningful to them. Whatever their choice may be, their wedding rings will serve as a symbol of companionship, care, support, trust, and above all love to one another. Jewish rings stand the test of time because they hold a profound religious and spiritual message that is embraced by the Jewish people.

1. Set a budget

Before you begin your shopping, it is highly recommended that you set a budget. Setting a budget will not only help you ensure that you do not overspend on your engagement ring, it will also help narrow down the choices when it comes to the various engagement ring designs.

2.    Choose a vendor
After you’ve set your budget and before you start shopping for your perfect engagement ring, decide on whether you want to be shopping at a local brick and mortar jewelry store or if you’d rather shop online. Both options have their pros and cons. Shopping at an actual brick and mortar jewelry store affords you the opportunity to try on engagement rings and choose the one that suits you best, however, engagement rings sold at brick and mortar jewelry stores tend to have a higher price tag, while engagement rings sold online are relatively less expensive, yet you cannot be one hundred percent sure that the ring you are getting online is best suited to you. Whatever vendor you choose to buy your engagement ring from, be sure to check their repute before making your final purchase. You can do that by contacting your local business bureau or by looking at customer testimonials online.

3.    Choose a setting
After you’ve chosen your vendor it’s time to choose your ring. You will find that it is easier to choose a ring setting before choosing a diamond center stone as certain ring settings are more versatile than others and can accommodate a variety of diamond shapes and sizes, while other setting designs are more particular and can house only specific diamond center stones. Ring settings are incredibly varied in style, from classic prong settings to modern cluster and tension settings. Be sure that the setting of your choice is suited to your personal taste and your budget.

4.    Choose a diamond center stone
As you my very well know, the diamond center stone is the focal point of any engagement ring. As such, it is important that you choose the perfect diamond center stone. There are no short cuts when it comes to selecting a diamond center stone for your engagement ring. Whichever stone you select, make absolutely sure that the diamond is properly certified and that its authentication is guaranteed.

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.

Princess 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.

Radiant 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.

Cushion 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.

Asscher 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.

Emerald 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.

Oval 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.

Pear 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.

Heart 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.

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!

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.

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.

Choose the Right Metal Type for your Engagement Ring

Buying an engagement ring is, possibly, one of the most expensive purchases that you will ever make in your life. In fact, engagement rings are usually put in the same bracket as a new car or a new house in terms of both the size of investment and the importance of the moment in life. It is always best to approach all major steps in your life from a position of strength. With respect to engagement ring purchases, this amounts to your knowledge about them.

One of the most important facets of engagement rings is the metal that they are made of. Resultantly, if you are planning to buy an engagement ring for your beloved then you need to know everything there is to know about the different metals that can be used. The following are details.

1. Platinum: 
Platinum is the most expensive metal you can use when it comes down to engagement ring purchases. Notably, platinum is not only the most expensive metal but is also the rarest. This rarity makes it extremely price sensitive, which, in different words, just means that its rates are quite volatile. However, platinum is very durable and corrosion resistant. Even so, this metal is quite malleable which results in it being scratched and nicked easily.
2. Gold: Gold is relatively cheaper than platinum because its availability is higher. In addition to this, gold has been used as the metal for engagement rings in the majority of cases, which gives it a very traditional characteristic. This can, on the other end of the spectrum, also lead to a compromise with originality for people who incline in that direction.
3. Silver: 
Silver is, debatably, the cheapest precious metal known to man and is mainly used by people for engagement rings because it has a more subtle look to it. However, like gold, silver can lead to allergic reactions with the wearer as it is almost always used in the alloy form.
4. Titanium: Sometimes, people do tend to use titanium as the metal for engagement rings primarily because it is highly durable and stronger than any other metal. As a matter of fact, titanium is even two to three times stronger than steel. The flaw with making your engagement rings with titanium is that it does not give the same glitter and joy that gold, silver and platinum can give. Additionally, an engagement ring made of this metal cannot be resized at all.

Emerald Engagement Ring

The emerald engagement ring is found in more retro reproduction styles than other rings possibly because it has gone through several periods of being in fashion in the last century.
The first thing a woman will do when she becomes engaged is show off her new ring to all of her friends, family and coworkers. She’ll stick her hand out to show off the bright stone set into the band that will decorate her finger until she finally gets married.
However, like most women, they want a ring that’s special when they get proposed to. They want a ring that nobody else has. Therefore, it’s now common to find engagement rings that go beyond the traditional diamond.
For instance, many people are taking to buying emerald engagement rings as the ring they use to propose to the ones they love. There’s nothing better than her being able to show off her emerald engagement ring, a ring that not that many people have.
Get Your Emerald Engagement Ring Custom Made:

You can purchase an emerald engagement ring at some jewelry stores. Ask the jeweler if you can have one specially made if they’re not in the case. It may cost a little extra but if you truly love your bride to be then the money will be well worth it.
You can even have a message engraved into the band of the emerald engagement ring. This makes the ring extra special and it shows your true love to the one you wish to spend the rest of your life with.
Auction Sites
You can try auction sites like Ebay or you can go to a real jewelry auction if you don’t want to go to a jeweler. You can get great deals on emerald engagement rings that you usually wouldn’t get if you bought it at a jeweler.
For your proposal to be extra memorable, do something special for your bride to be. When you finally get on your knees and pull out that little jewelry box, she’ll likely expect a diamond ring once you open the lid.
However, she’ll probably gasp at the beauty of emerald engagement ring when she sees the its shimmer and shine. Her friends, family and coworkers will fawn over the ring, as well, because it’s one of a kind and it’s very non traditional, which is what makes the emerald engagement ring that much more special.
So, go out and find the perfect ring before you get down on one knee. Don’t go with a traditional diamond like everyone else. Be different, be special and go out and get an emerald engagement ring.
She’ll love it and her friends, family and coworkers will love it but the best part is that it will make the proposal extra memorable, which sets the stage for a great engagement, a great wedding and a great marriage, made to last for the rest of your lives.

A Word of Caution Regarding Emeralds:

There is a lot that you need to know about emeralds before you purchase an emerald engagement ring. An emerald in its natural state has many visible cracks and other flaws. It would be very difficult for jewelers to sell emeralds to customers in their natural state. Thus, the cracks and flaws are treated before they are sold.
The cracks are usually filled with oil. When the emeralds are treated with the appropriate oil, the cracks and flaws are less visible and the color of the emerald is also improved. Occasionally, a green dye is added to the oil to further improve the color and clarity of the emerald.

Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Emerald cut diamond engagement ring is beautiful symbols of eternal love as well as ongoing connection to the Emerald Isle. The remaking of tradition is the tradition of the engagement ring. The traditional diamond cut in the less traditional emerald cut is a picture of this.
Wedding rings have been around for centuries while society danced around the notion of a promise token. For a very long time, the promise was following quickly by the wedding and no token was needed. As engagement periods lengthened, a promise was needed – something like an emerald cut diamond engagement ring.
While the most popular shape is the round diamond, an emerald cut diamond engagement ring is a classy and elegant choice. The emerald cut diamond can be either square or rectangular and has cut corners. It resembles a box when you look down on it from above.

The emerald cut is also known as a step cut because the facets on the sides resemble stair steps. The name “emerald cut” comes from the fact that emeralds are traditionally cut in the same manner.
History of Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
The engagement ring was born, when Pope Innocent III declared a waiting period for marriages in 1215. At first, plain metal bands were used as the token of a man’s intention and his ability to support a wife.
The wealthy people began adding gemstones to the bands and laws were passed forbidding the middle class from the usage of gems in their engagement rings. Naturally, those laws were ultimately repealed and everyone was allowed a gemstone in their engagement rings, bringing us a step closer to the emerald cut diamond engagement ring.
In place of a solitaire, early gemstone rings had several stones representing the two families that would be joined. One style had the birthstones of the betrothed couple flanked by stones representing the months of the parents weddings. A more elaborate style had six stones for the birth months of the couple and their parents.
Sentimental Victorians
The sentimental Victorians used engagement rings with gems whose first initials spelled out “regards,” for example: Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, etc. It was in 1477 that the first instance of a diamond engagement ring was recorded when Mary of Burgundy became betrothed to the Archduke Maximillian of Austria.
This brought us one more step toward the emerald cut diamond engagement ring. It is not as the result of a romantic reason but because of a marketing campaign that made the Diamonds a standard for engagement rings. Practicality has its place in romance, of course.
After all these centuries, the wedding band remains essentially the same. The changes in the marriage relationship have been reflected in the engagement ring instead.
Irish Claddaugh Ring
The origin of Emerald cut diamond ring is explained in three different ways by the Irish Claddaugh ring. The best one is the story of the prince who fell in love with a peasant girl.
Her father didn’t believe that his intentions toward her were honorable. He fashioned the ring for her. The crown means loyalty, the hands mean friendship and the heart means love. Her father understood that the prince respected his daughter and gave his blessing. The meaning of the emerald cut diamond engagement ring is up to the couple to decide.
According to this tradition, any couple repressing their taste to be trued to tradition can go wild in their choice of engagement ring. The less traditional emerald cut diamond engagement ring is a great way to do it.