Shopping for engagement rings, a pleasure or a pain?
Shortly after taking the decision to marry, during the conversation about an engagement party to announce the happy news, one of you is bound to say, “What about the ring?” This issue has to be dealt with quickly; no-one wants to turn up at their own engagement party without being able to reveal the ring. Enjoying the sighs of admiration from your friends as they hear your happy news and gaze at your newly adorned ring finger, is truly a treat to look forward to. So without further ado it’s time to get on with the business of shopping for engagement rings. Many couples undertake this trip together and in the interests of continued harmony, here are some tips to help you make this important choice. Before you begin, decide on the stone you want. By far the most popular choice is a diamond, which has come to represent everlasting love and fidelity. Consider the 4 Cs; cut clarity, colour and carat and decide between you whether to insist on the top grade for each of these qualities, or whether to compromise. A high carat for example, will of course mean a bigger ring but you may prefer to opt for a smaller one with near perfect clarity or an exceptionally beautiful cut.
When it comes to colour tastes will vary enormously. The finest diamonds are colourless, a D on the scale established to grade diamond colour and very rare. Some people prefer a warmer effect achieved by a slightly coloured diamond set in yellow gold. It is not widely known that Nature gives us diamonds in a variety of strong intense colours, blue, green, pink and the rarest of all red. These diamonds, known as coloured fancies, are both rare and highly sought after. When you embark on your shopping trip, having chosen the stone you want and its’ colour, you will find yourself faced with trays and trays of engagement rings in a variety of cuts and settings. The Princess cut diamond is a very popular choice due to its brilliance. They are usually square shaped and often set in a claw, allowing the maximum light to shine through the stone to great effect.
Many of the rings set with a Princess cut stone are simple elegant styles, allowing the intricate cut of the diamond to speak for itself. Diamond clusters have to be seen to be believed. Usually consisting of a larger impressive stone, surrounded by several smaller ones this is not a style for the shy and retiring. Neither is it ridiculously ostentatious. A cluster ring is most effectively worn with classic, understated outfits, the diamonds very beautifully claiming centre stage. The Princess and the Cluster are two quite opposite styles, and there are many more, including Marquise, Oval, Emerald and Round. Remember, engagement rings are as varied as engaged couples. It is well worth taking the time to choose a style, cut and setting which enhances the beauty of the wearer, and reflects the personality of the couple.