Buying a Ring
Whether you're buying "THE RING" (an engagement ring) or merely a beautiful gift, there are a few things to keep in mind. Regardless of whether you're combing through the options on the internet, together at a local jewelry store, or window shopping along 5th Avenue, there's a few things you'll want to keep in mind:
Shapes
Stones can be cut in a variety of shapes and no shape is really preferable to another, in terms of value; it's really a matter of personal choice. Know what shape you're looking for, or try on several to see what works with your fingers, your hands, or your other jewelry. Some of the most common shapes are:
- Emerald cut: Rectangular
- Marquis cut: Typical "Diamond" cut
- Princess cut: A newer style - square
- Pear shape: Shaped as a pear with a round end and pointed end, opposite
- Round: The traditional shape of a single, solitaire engagement ring
- Trillion: Triangle
Combinations
You may have your heart set on a single, breathtaking solitaire or perhaps you've imagined the perfect ring with trillions offsetting a princess-cut center stone. The good news is that these days your imagination is the limit-many jewelers can help you design a ring, or even better, you can find sites online that help you put stones together. The venerable old mainstay of engagement-ring shopping, Tiffany's, has brought out a "new" style with a center princess-cut stone, crystal clear, flanked by gorgeous yellow-shaded diamonds?play around with color and play around with stones. And if you are choosing an engagement ring, consider what stones and shape will work for a wedding band; some brides choose a diamond engagement ring with sapphires or blue topaz side stones that slide around the original diamond, for example.
Size
Bigger isn't always better-but, bigger stones of better quality often mean a bigger expense! Be sure to balance the competing desires for a large stone with the look and feel on your finger, and take into account the 4 C's (if you're buying a diamond) of Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat. With other stones-emeralds, topaz of any color, rubies-be sure the stone is free of visible occlusions (lines or scratches within the stone).
Metal
A fairly simple decision-silver, gold (yellow gold, white gold, red gold) or platinum? It really comes down to personal preference; think about what color jewelry you often wear, and think about if you are choosing a ring to wear "every day" or as a cocktail piece (for special occasions).