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Ring Shopping 101
By Holly Lafferty
If you are a recently engaged bride, you are probably well-informed on the importance of the 4 C’s (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) when it comes to selecting a diamond engagement or wedding ring. But something that cannot be defined when determining a diamond’s value is how it makes you feel when you are wearing it. The 4 C’s, the price, and the emotion…put them all together, and shopping for your engagement and wedding rings can quickly become overwhelming.
There are numerous different trends and styles when it comes to engagement and wedding rings, and some of the most popular styles right now have real staying power. If you’re not sure where to start when buying your engagement and wedding rings, consider how some of the recent trends might reflect your own personal style.
VINTAGE RINGS
One extremely popular (and timeless) trend is that of vintage-inspired rings. Vintage or antique-inspired rings usually feature intricate details, such as gemstone baguettes or floral accents. Because the appeal of a vintage ring is the nostalgic sentiment it gives its wearer, a vintage ring will never look or feel outdated.
CLASSIC RINGS
While a classic ring probably doesn’t qualify as a trend, classic rings are still all the rage, and for good reason—they’re certainly not going to be going out of style anytime soon. While white gold is increasing in popularity, yellow gold is still a popular element chosen for engagement and wedding bands, and it’s a specific characteristic of a classic ring. Round solitaires also convey a classic feel.
EMERALD-CUT STONES
Choosing an emerald cut diamond for your engagement ring makes a statement. Because they are more unique than the ever-popular princess-cut diamond, wearing an emerald-cut stone will help you stand out from the crowd. They are also more affordable than other shapes (you can generally get a larger stone for the same price as a smaller stone in a different cut). An emerald-cut diamond will show flaws more than other cuts, however, so it’s important to pick a top-quality gem if you’re going to go with this cut.
COLORED STONES
While this has been a trend in celebrity circles for years, it’s now starting to take off among the rest of us. A colored stone is another way to really stand out with your style of engagement ring. It also opens up a much wider world of selections. While many brides opt to go with a colored diamond, it’s now acceptable to choose an entirely different type of gem for your ring. Anything from rubies to opals is fair game and will definitely draw attention.
MULTIPLE DIAMONDS
Solitaires are still extremely popular, but more and more brides are choosing a large diamond framed with tiny diamonds all around. This gives off a little of the vintage feel mentioned before; it also creates the illusion of a larger stone. Brides also love the look of three-stone or five-stone settings, which have a traditional yet glamorous quality. The different design options made available by choosing a ring with multiple diamonds—as opposed to a solitaire, where design options may be more limited—only add to the appeal of choosing this style of ring.
MODERN STYLES
The modern, streamlined trend in home decorating has carried over into brides’ jewelry selections. Think clean and simple, usually in a platinum or white gold setting. Tension-set diamonds are a characteristic of this look. Modern rings have a sleek appearance that borders on plain, but works well for everyday wear. If you’re not looking for a flashy or ostentatious setting but still desire something cutting-edge, a modern design might be the right style for you.
PLATINUM
Platinum is still the go-to choice of many brides. Platinum is much harder and stronger than gold, which makes it a better investment for the long-term; it is also pricier than gold, which is why some brides who love the white-silver color of platinum end up choosing white gold. White gold offers the look of platinum without the expense. However, if durability is important to you, it’s probably worth it to pay the extra expense and upgrade to platinum.
While engagement rings are still an ideal way to show off your individual style, wedding bands are becoming more personalized as well. Once you’ve settled on your dream engagement ring, you and your fiancé should go shopping together for your wedding bands. Here are some tips when it comes to selecting them:
• Mix it up. You don’t have to get a matching his-and-her set (although you will usually save money by doing so). If you both have different taste, don’t worry about it. Each of you should be able to wear what you love, whether it matches or not. You will learn the art of compromise soon enough in marriage; you shouldn’t have to compromise with your wedding bands!
• Incorporate your personality. Consider including a special engraving on the ring or adding other meaningful details. Have the jeweler design a ring with stones from your great-grandmother’s ring. Designers today can do just about anything you may think of to help make your ring more personal to you.
• Think about what you will be doing every day when you choose your ring. If you fiancé is in construction, simple is probably better because the ring will endure a lot of wear and tear. Lots of stones or a less durable metal combined with an active lifestyle can diminish the beauty of your ring over time.
• Stick to your budget. Decide on the maximum amount you’ll spend before you go shopping and don’t sway from that. It’s easy to be tempted when you see the vast offerings your jeweler may have, so it’s important that you and your fiancé hold one another accountable. One rule of thumb is that the wedding rings should account for about 3% of your budget, but it’s up to you and your fiancé to decide the right number for you.
• Think long-term. It’s like getting a tattoo—are you going to love it as much thirty years from now? If not, maybe you’d better keep looking.
• Take your time. You don’t have to buy wedding bands at the first jeweler you visit. Visit several jewelers, and don’t feel pressured to buy anything on your first day of shopping.
• Plan accordingly. Get your rings two to three months before your wedding to allow for sizing, engravings, or any other modifications that will need to be made. The last thing you want is to wait until the last minute and not have a wedding band on your big day!
• Consider buying online. If you make certain to buy from a reputable site and you know your ring size, buying online can offer great deals and a wider selection of rings to choose from. You can still make it a special time with your fiancé by scheduling it as a “date”: Cook dinner, pour some wine, and settle down in front of the computer for a long, romantic night of perusing.
The best advice you can get when shopping for your rings is this: Your engagement and wedding rings are an important symbol of the commitment between you and your husband. Long after your flowers have wilted and the strains of Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” have faded, your rings will still be on your fingers as reminders of the vows you made to one another. Remembering their significance while choosing them will help you make the best decision you could possibly make.
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