Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Keeping in with the antique theme this blog has had going for the last couple of weeks, this article will look at the cushion cut which fashions the diamond in an overstuffed cushion. This cut, offers an aesthetically pleasing alternative to other popular cuts such as the princess, emerald or oval cuts. However, it still incorporates the main elements of these other cuts into it. It's entirely up to personal preference, as well, if you choose to get the stone cut in rectangular or square proportions. As the shape is still considered quite rare in modern jewellery, cushion cuts work well as solitaires, that draw the eye in to the central gemstone. However, many women will choose to add on some additional accentuating patterns or stones, that compliment the cushion cut. Possibly the most prominent design when it comes to choosing cushion cut engagement rings, is when the cushion cut gemstone is set in a four pronged arrangement. Nonetheless, older rings may use up to eight prongs, but more than this or other settings are not recommended because they generally detract from the overall design of the ring.

Diamond Solitaire Scalloped Setting

A diamond solitaire scalloped setting can be a unique setting that embellishes the appearance of the ring, without adding bulky and lots of expensive gemstones to it. There are many types of settings couples can choose from, so it's a good idea to thoroughly research which ones are most suited to the other half's preferences.

For those unfamiliar with scalloped settings, they take their inspiration from nature and in particular seashells, as they often have a rough undulating pattern with a series of curves or ridges that make a very unusual and interesting pattern. These kinds of engagement rings are popular for perhaps exotic engagements such as Hawaiian engagements. The beauty of scalloped engagement rings, is that it gives couples the chance to just focus on one exquisite gemstone, i.e. diamond, and concentrate on the weight and by choosing a scalloped setting it focuses on the display of this gemstone at its most radiant.

Finding diamond solitaire scalloped setting engagement rings may be harder than finding normal diamond solitaire rings, this is due to their rarity and one will probably have to go to a specialist jeweller's to find them or get them custom made. Older, antique rings may also use scallop settings, and one can invariably find these in pawn shops, auction houses and so forth. However, it's worth going to the effort of scouting these out as the final end product can be really astonishing!

How do you know when you've found the right engagement ring?

For many men shoppers, it's difficult to tell if we've chosen something that will suit her. Many of us make terrible shoppers, even the thought of spending countless hours wondering around the shops is enough to send shivers down many men's spines. Of course, if it's the woman buying the engagement ring then the same might not be true. One way to minimize the time spent looking for that ideal palladium engagement ring, is to conduct some initial research online before heading out to the local jewelery shops. You also want to check out the financing options that the e-commerce stores give, especially if you're going for a diamond engagement ring, to breakdown that final amount a little. 

Also a helpful tip is to take a friend along, or a family member who can provide a good second opinion and may also be a good model, so that you've got a better idea of ring sizes and so forth. Take a few designs along with you as well if you wish to get your ring custom made as well. Don't be afraid to ask for discounts as well, as you never know you may get that sparkling diamond engagement rings for less than you had anticipated.

Natural vs Synthetic

A lot of work and effort goes into carefully crafting engagement rings, whether they are made from natural materials and then polished and set in an attractive band, or even if the natural gemstones are treated chemically in special cleaning agents, polished and then placed in a galvanized band, it still requires a skilled craftsman to get the ring to a shop display standard. I don't want to suggest or influencing your buying decision in this article, as ultimately the ring you decide upon  has to be the right ring for your partner. So it all boils down to what they would be most happy receiving and wearing. Are they the type of person, that objects to synthetic and chemicalised products? if this is the case the natural route needs to be trodden as far as it will go - for this kind of ring you may want to consider buying from a niche shop that specializes in birthstone rings and old jewelery techniques. On the other your partner, may just want something that dazzles the onlooker, and shows that its being carefully treated in order to give the stone its shine. In this case, you probably can't go wrong with most of your local jewelers who will have embraced modern galvanizing techniques and chemical polishing years ago.

It's always an idea, to do your research before buying, and this can involve reading some reviews online about the different kinds of palladium engagement rings, diamond engagement rings and natural birthstone rings. It will also involve getting out there and talking to some professional jewelers and see what they recommend. By doing this, you'll stand a better chance of getting it right first time.

Popping the question

Finding the right ring for your beloved is just part and parcel of the engagement process, another stressful aspect to it for some might be actually the proposing part that presents the most difficulties. There's a lot to consider, as with everything timing, picking a place, the mood and atmosphere are all conducive to creating a lasting memory.  Do it wrong and it could affect the final answer given. So, whilst the ring is a big deal breaker sometimes, the actual proposing part for many other halves could be just as important. Therefore, it's essential that if you want to get the proposal right, to read this Marriage Proposal Ideas from an Oprah Expert


The best way of finding out how to propose is to read how other people did it, and what worked for them. This way when you come to propose you'll be more confident in your approach knowing how to create a romantic mood, what to say and how to act...If you want to get it right first time, it's highly recommend you give it a read.

How to deal with pushy salesman

We've all been there, just casually browsing at a shop or store and then all of a sudden our peace is disturbed by an overly pushy salesman. It's enough to drive you out of the shop, even if you had intended on buying something. Of course pushy salesman are not exclusive to just jewelery shops, you'll find them everywhere nowadays and it's no wonder more and more people are going online to make their purchases. But, it shouldn't be the case, we shouldn't be forced to make our purchases online, because of the fear we may have from going into a store and being pressured into a decision we didn't want to make. The Ebook I featured last week in my post, has some interesting advice and suggestions on how to handle push jewelery salesman so that it actually works in your favor and you can utilize and leverage them to make a well informed decision, rather than being pressured and manipulated by them. Even if you decide to shop online, you still have to be careful of being directed towards certain purchases without exploring the whole catalog or getting something tailored towards your requirements. So, you may have to make a phone call to one of those pushy salesman! Either way, 'How To Buy An Engagement Ring' will certainly aid you in the process.

How to Buy An Engagement Ring

On previous posts I've given you some useful tips and pointers for going about buying engagement rings, but nothing puts it all quite into perspective and sets it out in a comprehensive way than an Ebook. If you're like me you may ocassionally buy an Ebook get excited about it buying it, and then only reading a couple pages before its resigned to the remote regions of your desktop PC. Well, I'll have to hold my hand up and say I've come across some shocking Ebooks before that I haven't learnt anything from and then again I've come across some gems and read every single page, page to page. I decided searching for some jewelery ebooks, and in particular ones which tell you how to go about buying engagement rings. I bought a couple, and whilst most were informative, I was looking for something a bit more concrete with more practical advice people could implement.

The Ebook I've found that I'm confident readers will find useful when it comes to shopping for engagement rings includes everything you need to know about the buying process: including how not to get ripped, where to shop and where not to, what to look for and much more. If you're serious about finding the perfect engagement ring for your beloved you need to read this!

Click Here to get your copy.

Budget limitations

Although, we would all like to splurge out on a massively expensive engagement ring, sometimes it's just out of budgetary constraints and given the recent economic crises and many countries' economies showing no signs of improving, we may just have to settle for something a bit more within our budget. Luckily, the jewelery industry has plenty of choices and options for people who perhaps can't or won't spend thousands and thousands of dollars on a lavish ring. One option, that has previously been mentioned is going for birthstone gems - something that perhaps conveys a deeper sentiment and is more romantic? Of course if you're going to go for this option you need to find out when gemstone their date of birth relates to. Another option, which shouldn't break the bank is considering other gemstones such as topaz, emerald or tanzanite and getting your jewelery to bespoke the design and cut it in a way so it maximizes light reflection. You also want to carefully consider the bands that are going to be used, you should choose a metal that either complements or contrast the stone nicely. If one looks hard enough, and seeks out the most competitive deals, you'll be certainly ensuring you don't pay over the odds.

Spam Blog comments

So I've been getting quite a few spam blog comments. If you want to promote your own blog/website and get a backlink it's fine as long as you post comments that actually show you've read my post and are contributing to the discussion. Please do not just post a generic response with a link to your site, it will get rejected. And if your website is a related to palladium engagement rings, and/or jewelery, it still means you've got to comment on something intelligent and meaningful. Rant over, it just really pisses me off when people don't even bother to add even something semi-worth reading.

Bands

Palladium bands aren't for everyone, as many people just simply don't like the colour of it. Also with palladium you may find that it needs a bit of restoration now and again, some may find it doesn't polish as well as gold, is brittle and is prone to reactions with hydrogen. However, many jewelers will swear by palladium as a great cheaper alternative to platinum (which has reached ridiculous prices of late), niks less than platinum, doesn't require rhodium and is actually quite a hard metal. However, if you're on the other side and fancy gold band because of its properties but favour the white colour then there's always white gold you can select. Whatever material you decide upon, it's worth having a consultation with your jewelery to see what they recommend. Nowadays, palladium is a great metal and is being used more and more in jewelery as it does the job and looks good.  

Beauty pageants and diamond tiaras

There's nothing quite like a good old fashioned beauty pageant to exhibit some of the world's best jewelery items. Apart from the obvious beauty of the contestants participating in some of the most renowned beauty pageants, theres also the stunning diamond tiaras that are presented to the winners in contests such as the infamous Miss universe contest. Every year stunning beauties gather from all around the world in a contest that is not just about beauty. Other factors come into play, such as personal achievements, what that person represents and how well they act as an ambassador for their country.

The 2009 Miss Universe contest was won by Stefanía Fernández of Venezuela, who charmed the judges with her outgoing personality and natural beauty. Amongst the huge range of perks that come with winning the Miss Universe Contest she was also able to keep the Diamond Nexus Labs Tiara, featured below with carefully crafted rubies decorated around the crown:

Picutred winner: Stefana Fernadez who gets a Manhattan apartment for a year, jewelery, clothes, an undisclosed monetary sum, and lots more. It's enough to make a guy consider a sex-change operation with all the perks offered!

Conflict diamonds

Conflict diamonds are also sometimes referred to as blood diamonds, and are typically mined from conflict areas such as Sierra Leone, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and Angola. The money from the trade of diamonds is used to fund local arms, thereby contributing and worsening the situation of the conflict. In recent years the West has become exposed to where their diamonds might actually come from, and various campaigns have ensued to eliminate buying diamonds from conflict areas. In the UK, media coverage on the subject of conflict diamonds was heightened by music celebrities - who often glamourise extravagent jewellery, actors and actresses and other celebrities to stop 'blood diamonds' being used in the UK's jewellery industry. And of course who can forget the motion picture staring Leonardo DiCaprio as the greedy diamond merchant looking for that ultimate stone. This movie helped to bring the issue really into the mainstream, and help combat the issue.

What this means today, for the average consumer is that they should be aware of the policies that jewelery companies have in relation to blood diamonds or conflict diamonds. People, should study websites, or any literature provided by their prospective companies and question where they are sourcing their diamonds. Has the companies' website got a statement relating to ethical buying/sourcing of their diamonds? Are they a reputable company. It's always worth doing some research before committing to buying a diamond engagement ring.

 

How much should i be prepared to spend?

A lot of the time, people will be stumped on how much they should spend on engagement rings for their beau.
Often the saying that people base their expenditure on is that the ring purchase value should be the equivalent of 2-3 months salary. But this to me seems quite nonsensical, as one man's wages is certainly not equal to another man's monthly salary. It's all very much dependent on your financial circumstances at the time of purchases.
There are people who can happily spend $3,000-$5,000 on a palladium or platinum engagement ring and not batter an eyelid. Then, again this large sum of money can seem out of the reach of many people, who are struggling just to pay the rent and electricity bills. If the latter is the case for you, then there's always the chance that you can get your ring on credit, just be careful to read the contract careful whichever company you choose to go with, and understand the risks and what you're entering into.

However, you may find that the ring you're looking at is somewhat less conventional, and thus has a lower price tag with it. Say an engaement ring under $1500. If this is the case, you need to think carefully about what your loved one will say to such a ring, if they are not materialistic then it's fine. But if he or she has always dreamed about something that sparkles then it may not be the best propositional ring for that person.

Whatever, kind of ring you decide upon, you should first determine your budget and if you're going down the route of financing the purchase make sure you get the best deal out there on the market. After you've found something suitable and at a good price, all you need to plan is where you're going to pop the question.

Are diamonds a girl's best friend?

It's always thought that diamonds are simply what ever girl hopes and dreams for when it comes to engagement rings. For years now diamonds have had great appeal, and are highly coveted for their sparkling nature and large size when cut and set in the right fashion. Generally, the rule goes: 'The bigger the rock, the more expensive the ring'. And we've all at one point found ourselves flicking through those celebrity gossip magazines marvelling at the sheer exuberance and extravagances of the latest celeb couple to tie the knot and what he presented her with.

But, there has been a growing movement in recent years away from diamonds, perhaps due to the controversy of 'blood diamonds' and people scrutinizing in closer details where the diamonds they are about to buy actually came from. This has given rise to the growing popularity of other gemstones such as topaz, emerald, tanzanite and birthstones. Who says the ring you present to your loved one has to be a diamond anyway? My mom for example, wears a birthstone ring. I think, sometimes a birthstone ring has a deeper sentiment resonating and really show a couple's true love for each other. Okay, I'm starting to get a bit sickened myself and what I'm writing. So back to diamonds. Aren't they just lovely?

Certification and the four C's

As we looked at last week, the cut has a lot to do with how the aesthetics of the ring. The way the gemstone is cut can affect how big that diamond, emerald, or tanzanite appears. But this is not the only factor that one needs to be aware. The four C's are commonly referred to as being determining factors in the quality of the jewelery and usually when a gemologist examines your ring these are some of the factors that they will take into consideration: These are: colour, the cut of the diamond, the carat weight and finally the clarity of the diamond. The colour refers to how well the diamond or other gemstone retains and reflects the light and also of course about its natural colour properties. Often pink diamonds are sought after because of their rarity. In terms of cuts, usually the most popular tend to be the round brilliant cuts and the princess diamond cut. But of course there are so many to choose from. The carat weight is often one that people focus on and perhaps overlook the others slightly. However carat weight is not a factor that denotes the quality of a diamond, so going for rings with a large number of carats doesn't necessarily mean the ring is of considerable higher quality than one with a lesser number of carats. The clarity is also important as a mark of quality. It refers to the existence and visual appearance of internal characteristics termed inclusions.  If you are in doubt about the authenitcity and quality of either your palladium engagement or diamond engagement ring, then always get a second opinion from a qualified source.

It's all in the cut

There seems to be a growing expansion in the types of cuts you can now get for your engagement rings. New and imporoved cuts are increasing in popularity such as the marquise cut. Of course most people for palladium engagement rings still favour many traditional cuts such as the brilliant round cut or princess cut. It's very important you get the right cut for your ring. The marquise cut for example, creates a pointed shape which makes the gemstone appear larger. Whereas, something like a emerald cut will give the diamond or other gemstone a rectangular shape.

Also it's not just the cut to give careful consideration to, it's also the setting. A prong type setting can also give the apperance of the gemstone appearing bigger than it is. Generally high prongs, will make the stone look bigger. Also you may want to consider adding accent stones to the main center piece stone. As by themselves small accents stones are pretty worthless, but adding to the a small gemstone you will add to the carat weight therefore adding to the value of the ring.

It's been a while.............

Apologies to all those of you who have been following the blog. I've been out at various gem and jewellery exhibitions recently. Collecting some great ideas for a new collection I'm going to bring out in the fall. Meanwhile, I'd like you to keep on sending your email and feel free to post any questions or comments on here for people to read. Also if you've got any questions about engagement rings, be it palladium or other materials drop me a line!

Look forward to hearing from you,

Diamond and palladium engagement rings

-Ensure your ‘Bling-Bling’ jewellery is ethically sourced

Modern youth and rap culture have popularized diamond jewellery to such an extent the slang term ‘bling-bling’, often associated with such jewellery, has been incorporated in recent years to the Oxford English Dictionary. Western culture places added emphasis on material consumerism, as shown in the importance in selecting perfect diamond and palladium engagement rings. After all isn’t it a sign of success if you can display your financial assets in the form of diamond jewellery? Contemporary rap and hip-hop artists seem to sometimes take this to the extreme, exhibiting encrusted diamond encrusted teeth ‘Grillz’, diamond watches, rings, earrings and pendants. However, this has prompted closer inspection to the source of these diamonds. As many know some of the world’s diamonds today still come from areas of conflict such as Sierra Leone, where people die mining such diamonds hence the name ‘blood diamonds’. Diamonds from such areas are unethically sourced, and further encouragement of such sourcing can lead to further devastation in these areas.

Many people today have a growing consciousness of only purchasing ethically sourced diamonds, especially when choosing to buy diamond or palladium engagement rings. Many websites are aware of this and have made concerted efforts only to stock ethically sourced diamonds.

Diamond, tanzanite and emerald palladium engagement rings

Diamond, tanzanite and emerald palladium engagement rings

A brief look into some of the gemstones on offer and how to decide which one is right for you, as well as advice on where to look for these rings.

When the time comes for a man to show his commitment to marriage and buy a ring to signify this, most will only look at diamond rings. Whilst there is nothing inherently wrong per se with this, as after all, a lot of women will only be content with a diamond ring. There are other types of gemstones available and they can look equally scintillating. Many jewellers will offer the next best thing to pre-set and custom diamond palladium engagement rings, and these are rings which use different gemstones at the centre. My local jewellery store informs me that their best sellers are in fact non-diamond rings. Very popular at the moment are tanzanite, topaz and emerald rings for engagement jewellery. This proves that the ring doesn’t always have to be diamond based. Perhaps why so many, do still go for diamond rings is that it’s slightly easier to distinguish a good quality diamond from a poor one. A lot of people will not even rely on certification to show them this, but use their untrained eye to see if the diamond sparkles or not in the light. Any gemmologist knows that this is not the correct way to ascertain a diamond’s quality. Instead the four C’s should be examined carefully. These are: colour, the cut of the diamond, the carat weight and finally the clarity of the diamond. It’s also very advisable to enlist the help of a certified gemmologist if you are buying say a topaz ring. Getting certification is also a very good idea if you have to, at any point, get your ring polished or cleaned. It will deter anyone from trying to dupe you and with palladium engagement rings- it’s definitely something to watch out for. Someone can easily swap the gemstone with anything else of lesser quality. That said, if you are getting a custom made ring you can ask your jeweller to cut the gemstone in a fashion that will give it the appearance of being bigger than it actually is. This from a cost point is highly effective as well, as chances are it will save you money as buying a pre-set is usually more expensive. Once you’ve decided upon what type of gemstone to select and whether to go for a custom made or pre-set ring, all that remains now is where to look for the ring. It’s advisable to start off by doing some browsing at a high street jewellers and if you can get to the main jewellery quarters in London or Birmingham, then you will be bound to find something of interest. But be aware some jewellers are fastidious in the sense of booking an appointment before you arrive.

Palladium engagement rings-Choosing the right diamond cut

A brief outline into the different cuts of diamonds and what you should look for when selecting a ring.

For many the diamond ring is still the preferred choice when it comes to selecting a ring for your loved one. Although, this can hurt your wallet such purchases only come around once in a lifetime so it’s important to get it right for both yourself and your partner. Perhaps the most important categorization when it comes to selecting palladium engagement rings is the four C’s: colour, cut, clarity and carat. But, for the purposes of this article the importance of selecting the right cut will be discussed.
The actual art of cutting a diamond is a very skilled one, dating back to the skilled jewelers in Belgium over 500 years ago. It involved cutting the stones into smaller ones, with the aim of reflecting the light out as evenly as possible. If this is not done well, it will give the end result of the stone looking dull and lacking the sparkle or fire that a stone cut to unique precision has. There are various grades of cuts, and most online jewelers will ensure they offer the best cuts to their clientele. Finally whatever cut you decide to go for, be it a rose, princess or perhaps emerald cut, and make sure you buy from a reputable diamond dealer. Also, ensure the diamond ring you purchase comes complete with a certificate of authentication.

The superiority of palladium palladium engagement rings

When it comes to these jewellery items, they are perhaps the most treasured gifts and something to be valued for eternity. What is striking now is the ever expanding ranges of jewellery rings you have to choose from, be it on the net or in a jewellery shop. In days gone by, the betrothal gift used to be somewhat more understated in design with an eloquent centre piece stone such as a diamond or ruby. Nowadays, the designs are more intricate and a high level of craftsmanship coupled with the latest technology goes into palladium engagement rings. Indeed it’s possible now to get a custom made ring to give your spouse the perfect gift. Gemmology has become an exact science. To the extent that diamonds, and other gemstones, are cut to a very high level of accuracy and that the right angles are adhered to. The cut of diamond is very important to many buyers as different cuts can obviously have different effects on the appearance of the end product and how it catches the light. Therefore it’s paramount that you get a feel for the different style of cuts by either getting the jeweller to show you, or having a look yourself. Perhaps the most common found cuts in modern jewellery, especially when it comes to diamonds, are the: round brilliant cuts, the princess cut, the oval cut and the marquise cut. But there are plenty of other cuts available to you, so it’s best to do some research on them. Cuts aside, there are plenty of other factors to look at when selecting a ring of quality and perhaps too many to go into serious depth here. Nevertheless, we will aim to look at some of them. Often people focus too much on the carat weight, when choosing palladium engagement rings. Of course a 14 carat ring is not going to be cheap, and with diamonds at a high price in world markets currently, it’s not going to get any cheaper. But you should not just focus on the carat weight of the ring, as a 14 carat may just mean it’s got a heavy gemstone in there but the colour and clarity may be murky rather than fiery thus signifying it’s not that high in quality. It’s always best to seek professional advice on the ring that you’re thinking of purchasing and before making the commitment get a second opinion. If still in doubt, then ask for certification for the diamond where you’ll have it in writing that the diamond you have is real and the reasons why it is high in quality. This may entail a further cost, but it’s certainly worth it if you have any doubts. Also ask your retailer if the diamond you have is ethically sourced, i.e. not a conflict diamond. Most jewellers will nowadays only use diamonds that come from areas of non-conflict. But, it’s always best to buy with complete and utter confidence. To conclude make sure your chosen unique engagement rings are treated with care, so this might involve going to your local jewellers and perhaps giving it a polish now and again.

Modern day palladium engagement rings

A brief description of why it has become common place to look online for purchasing these rings and why the high street shouldn’t be forgotten

The growth of e-commerce over the past decade has meant a variety of websites have spawned all over the place offering seemingly fantastic deals on jewellery and in particular rings to signify one’s intention to marry. However such methods of purchasing may be in stark contrast to the past, where the only way of shopping for such rings was to visit your local jewellery retailer. Now one can sometimes get closer to the source of the gemstones, and through the internet buy from where the gemstones for palladium engagement rings, are being dug up. Hence, reducing the need for a middle man. However, if this path is taken you may not be completely protected in your purchase and with some unscrupulous retailers out there it’s a risk that not many will be willing to take. Far better, is to look at the shopping options you have closer to home, of which there are many. For starters, you can still visit your local jeweller’s to get an idea on the latest styles and colours used in such rings. This may be enough for some to make their purchase there and then, as many retail stores have been going for years and years and offer their unquestionable experience and expertise. Also, the fact that it’s a local retailer, gives some people piece of mind that if their partner doesn’t like the selected item they can always return it and exchange it for something else. However, one cannot deny the increasing trend of people making their purchases over the net. It’s with this that one has to be very selective and careful when they are looking for choosing an online retailer. It’s wise to ensure they are accredited, have some sort of returns policy and their palladium engagement rings come with a buying certification (or it’s at least offered). This is very important, especially if the ring you are buying is a diamond one. Of course the great thing about buying on the net is the ease of doing such and the convenience, but make sure your chosen online retailer is part of a professional body such as the British Jewellers’ Association. It can be difficult to visualise what your ring will look like, as the pictures displayed can sometimes give you a limited view. So if this is the case, it’s well worth seeing if the online retailer has any stores near you and if not seeing if a local jewellers’ has the ring, so a price comparison can be made. In fact this is a common mistake people make, not using both options of a high street and an online retail store to reach a decision. Many just go for one or the other. In terms of price, it’s often commented that typically you should look at spending anywhere from one to three months’ salary for a quality ring. However, don’t despair if the initial price tags are way over budget, as many places (both online and in the stores) will offer great financing packages to suit your needs. All this means there’s never been a better time to purchase modern day palladium engagement rings, be it on the net or at a store.

How to choose the metals for engagement rings?

As you can see there are lots of factors to consider when choosing the metal for your ring:

The secret of buying the right palladium engagement rings

A brief overview on how careful consideration of a betrothal gift can definitely pay dividends for the long term future

It’s no secret that buying a ring that will signify a man’s endless devotion for his future wife is no easy task. First off, there are her personal tastes and preferences to account for. After all, it’s no use buying something that she will detest, as it could even elicit a ‘no’ response to a proposal of marriage. Also to consider is the matter of style and design, as no woman wants to wear a ring that looks tacky and cheap. In addition there’s the centre piece gemstone to consider, with most people having a strong preference towards diamonds for palladium engagement rings. If the latter is chosen, then more often than not, the band of the ring will be of high quality- usually yellow or white gold is the standard. However, platinum and palladium bands are becoming more popular. Furthermore if a preset ring does not appeal to one’s tastes, you can always take comfort in knowing that a custom made ring can be manufactured by your chosen jewellery retailer. If this route is taken, it’s still worth bearing in mind your future spouse’s taste in jewellery, which can easily be obtained by having a look at their existing collection. Also, be sure to find out how much any revisions to the design will cost, and if possible get an itemized quotation for the bespoke ring. One thing that can be said for getting a bespoke ring made to a high quality finish is that it does show careful thought and consideration on your part and could result in a better reaction from your loved one.

Exceptional palladium engagement rings at affordable prices

A brief editorial on why such jewellery doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg and where to look for these rings

Whilst perusing through a jewellery catalogue the other day, I was amazed at the range of items they had and also at all the scintillating diamonds in unique settings at very reasonable prices. On most pages they had discounted red price tags and attractive credit options for people worried about having to borrow money from banks at extortionate interest rates. Also on offer were not just diamond rings, but also tanzanite, emerald and ruby rings. Of course the majority of people prefer the exquisite beauty of diamond rings. However, this is changing with the inclusion of other alternative gemstones as the centre piece. Many couples are selecting palladium engagement rings that have certain gemstone colours, i.e. will represent the ring bearer’s birthstone colour. A careful selection when it comes to ring designs as well as the appropriate birthstone may offer a more attractive proposition for your future spouse, as it portrays a deeper sentiment. It’s definitely worth considering if your partner is open to other rings, apart from diamonds, as well. However, if a diamond ring is the preferred choice, there are a few important tastes to take into consideration. Firstly one shouldn’t be too concerned with the size of the diamond, but more focused on the actual cut. How well does it hold the light? What kind of cut has been used and does it maximize the optical performance of the stone? If in doubt, always seek advice from a professional board member such as a member of the BJA.


Finding the right palladium engagement rings

A brief summarization on why it’s necessary to look at as many options as possible when buying such lavish jewellery

There comes a time in every person’s life when they decide to make the ultimate commitment in a relationship, and represent such commitment in a physical article- a ring for engagement. Traditionally, in most countries the man selects and pays for the ring. The woman will then wear the ring on the left-hand ring finger, in most countries but in others it will be worn on the right- hand. However nowadays the whole process is changing and it depends on the type of relationship the couple has, as to who does the buying and proposing. It may well be that the woman takes charge and proposes. Nowadays if this does happen and the woman buys palladium engagement rings, usually no social embarrassment is felt by the man. In fact quite the reverse might be felt. He may be relieved that the stress of both choosing the right ring and proposing has been taken away. Whether it’s a man or woman doing the proposing, one thing needs to be made certain: the right purchase has to be made. There are various ways to ensure this. One way is to do some preliminary research online, and this can be a great way of getting an idea on the grades of diamond or non-diamond rings. Another option you should look at is visiting your local jewellery store and asking to see a range of styles and designs: from traditional to contemporary. Finally, it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled on the home shopping channels as sometimes they can offer great value for money.


Quintessential palladium engagement rings

A brief delve into why these items of jewellery attract admiration and adoration from so many and make for timeless gifts

The undisputable inherent beauty of rings for engagement can justify their sometimes hefty price tags. Immediately most people will associate such rings with lavish diamond ones, but this doesn’t always have to be the case. There are so many more alternatives out there waiting for the discerning buyer. Of course a diamond ring is often preferred by most people, because of the prestige attached to it. But, slowly the jewellery market is moving in favour of other gemstones such as emeralds or topaz. It can be difficult to ascertain the quality of such newcomers to the market. So if you are unsure, it’s always best to seek out expert advice. One should also bear in mind with palladium engagement rings, and deciding upon a gemstone, is their partner and personal tastes in jewellery. Sometimes, choosing the right gemstone for your partner can really be a deal breaker. Especially if a diamond ring has always been hoped and wished for. It’s always very advisable to keep abreast of the latest fashions and trends in the modern jewellery market, as well as taking inspiration from more traditional rings. This can be easily achieved by paying a visit to the renowned jewellery hubs in England such as Hatton Gardens or the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter. Finally, it’s also worth mentioning to look out for money back guarantees, as if you don’t get the choice exactly right first time round such guarantees can definitely offer a saving grace.

Buying palladium engagement rings on the cheap

A brief review on why the economic downturn may not be such a hindrance for purchasing such elegant jewellery items

In today’s economic uncertain times, many people will be considering carefully if they can really afford to buy an engagement ring for their beloved. Typically such a ring would amount to several months’ wages for the majority of people, especially if a sparkling diamond ring is bought. In the past, even if people couldn’t afford such purchases immediately they could always take comfort in the fact the bank would loan them money to buy a ring. However with the banks being in the state they are today for many this isn’t a viable option anymore. However, this does not mean it’s completely hopeless even contemplating purchasing such palladium engagement rings. On the contrary, it’s still very achievable to get the perfect ring for your future spouse with the use of ‘buy now, pay later’ interest-free credit schemes. Many leading jewellery stores, both online and in the high street, are offering such schemes without the need to pay any money back until a year after the purchase. This certainly illustrates the versatility of the modern day jewellery sector, and even though we are in a recession people should not forfeit their happiness. However, if you do decide to go down this route always make sure you do some financial planning in advance and work out how exactly you are going to make the repayments. By doing this it certainly minimizes the risk of defaulting on any repayments. And finally, always make sure you read the small print in the terms and condition of any credit agreement you make with the jewellery retailer.

The eloquence of palladium engagement rings

A brief foray into what makes such jewellery items so special and why such a purchase needs careful consideration.

There is nothing in this world as stunning as a sparkling diamond, contrasting against the sheen of metal. There are of course different grades of diamonds, and largely when it comes to these jewellery gifts, and in general you get what you pay for. The most auspicious and scintillating of diamonds are without a doubt the extremely rare pink diamonds. Sadly most of us can only dream about owning such diamonds, and most of the diamonds used today in modern jewellery are white diamonds-and when set in palladium engagement rings can be as equally dazzling. There are several important factors that constitute the quality of diamonds. However, any certified gemmologist will be able to ascertain, within minutes, the quality of the diamond. It’s for this reason alone, that if you are unsure about your diamond engagement ring you should ask for the necessary certification to accompany it with the purchase. It has been assumed, thus far, that your choice will be a diamond ring. But for many discerning buyers they may feel such a ring to be inappropriate for their spouse. In this case there are plenty of other options available. You may want to consider procuring a ring set with a different centrepiece gemstone such as topaz, emerald or tanzanite. What’s more is that you don’t have to go for traditional design; you may even want to produce your own and get your jeweller to manufacture a custom made ring. There are many pre-set rings that cater towards those with alternative tastes, such as medieval styled rings and Celtic rings. This would be a very fitting buy, if you are going to have a themed wedding. A range of styles of these palladium engagement rings can be found online and possibly at your local jewellery store. If you want to get a custom ring, it’s perhaps a good idea to get some inspiration for designs from wedding catalogues and magazines and also images from the net. Then take your design to your local jewellers’ to get it custom made. Also, enquire if there will be additional charges for any revisions that need to be made. However, if you are going down the other route of a pre-set ring, then be sure not to rush into a purchase without carefully considering if this jewellery item is what your spouse would like to receive. Therefore, it might be an idea to do some preliminary research into your other half’s taste in jewellery by having a look through their existing collection. Or better still; take a close friend or family member along with you to help you decide. You should also set aside a budget and try to stick to that. They say typically the ring should be equivalent to 2 or even 3 months salary. However, you may find prices to be somewhat lower than this figure, especially if you’re buying online. If you are feeling the pinch of the economic downturn, then there are still attractive financing options out there, for palladium engagement rings. Be sure to read the fine print, though.