There are several issues to be decided when you are choosing a ring which ought to last a lifetime – beauty and style, an ability to maintain that appearance for decades and longer, your budget and affordability and probably most of all, the final appreciation and happiness you both have with the finished article.

Gold is the most popular wedding and engagement ring metal though this has not always been the case – weeding and betrothal rings were originally made of wood and stone!

Gold is often used because of its luster and bright color which do not fade with time and it is also generally robust enough to weather the daily and constant use over the years and decades the ring is worn.  Gold is also used a lot because it is perceived to be a metal which holds its value and even increases in value during hard times and so it can be a recession proof safety net (certainly something kept in mind in the early part of the last century).

How much a gold ring will cost will be determined by the purity of the gold used – a 14 carat gold ring will cost considerably less than a 22 carat equivalent (pure gold is 24 carat however it is too soft for use as a jewelry item which will be worn constantly and needs to last).

Platinum is also known as “White Gold” due to its color and is used extensively in ring and jewelry making.

Platinum is a precious metal though it has a far more volatile price range than gold – in times of plenty, platinum usually is worth twice as much as gold but when recession and hard times hit, the value tends to fall rapidly below that of gold – in this respect platinum is not a good hedge or safety net in hard times!
Platinum is inert as a metal which means it does not corrode or lose its shine – this makes it very attractive for use in making rings and jewelry but usually this is as an alloy (or blending of other metals) to increase strength and durability.
Nevertheless, platinum rings look exquisite and provide that something different for those couples seeking to make a more individual statement.

Palladium is a platinum substitute which is slightly whiter and less dense depending on the alloy mix used in the making of the piece.  It provides a good setting for diamonds on engagement and wedding rings precisely because of its natural color complementing the fire of diamonds.  Palladium is much cheaper than either platinum or gold and is a popular choice when budget considerations are an issue but the client does not wish to sacrifice looks or durability with the ring itself.

By Lawrence Reaves, president of DanforthDiamond.com your best source for wedding rings, diamond rings and high quality jewelry at 40% off of retail.

The tradition of exchanging rings on betrothal and marriage dates back to ancient times with the Egyptians being the first recorded culture that performed this and passing the custom on to the Greeks, then the Romans, then the Europeans and eventually us in North America.  The materials used initially were fibers from reeds and papyrus which had the serious shortcoming of not lasting for long, about a year or so, and this led to other materials being used such as leather, ivory and wood (sometimes even stone).

Metallurgy eventually led to the development of metal based jewelry and silver and gold were popular for the nobility with less precious metals such as bronze and iron for poorer and artisan classes.  In fact some people were not allowed to use precious metals at all in the construction of their rings because they were specifically reserved for the very rich or powerful and this was rigorously enforced when it came to using precious stones.

Initially, multiple gem settings using different stones was used, frequently using the birth stones of the bride and groom but again you had to be amongst the super rich and very powerful of the day in order to own these rings.  In late medieval Europe the practice of exchanging a wedding ring decorated with a gem (not a diamond) started and in Victorian times became more widespread amongst the general population (Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were definite trend setters and established many of the modern western traditions we enjoy today including Christmas).
Into the 20th Century and two major events occurred which changed the course of society; World War One and World War Two!

After WWI though there was the boost in the number of marriages as troops came home, on the worldwide market there was a great depression given the numbers of men from other countries who perished in the slaughter.  By the time WW2 came around, there was a severe diamond surplus which was exasperated by the reduced level of engagements and marriages in such an uncertain time.

In the post-war period, De Beers, the major diamond supplier in the world came up with what has come to be regarded as the most successful advertising campaign ever – Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend!
This was the advertising slogan which launched a marketing campaign which changed our society and the wedding tradition of exchanging a diamond ring.  The de Beers campaign also introduced the idea that the groom should spend around three months of his salary on buying an engagement ring though there is no basis for this anywhere in tradition or anything more than recent culture.

In short, the tradition of exchanging a diamond wedding ring is nothing more than a recent advertising induced trend which has been rapidly adopted and taken to heart by millions of couples.  An increasing realization of the original customs has led many couples to consider many other alternatives to a diamond ring when it comes to exchanging vows or making a commitment which ought to last a lifetime.

This article has been humbly provided by DanforthDiamond.com, your online store source for wedding bands, diamond engagement rings and other fine diamond jewelry.

Mining is a seriously invasive process which not only can irretrievably damage the immediate environment rendering the land unfit for humans and animals to live on or nearby, but the byproducts of mining and refining can be extremely toxic and persistent.  Acids and highly corrosive agents are used to separate out the precious metals from the rest of the excavated materials.

Now without putting anyone off the idea of buying a wedding or engagement ring, or any form of jewelry for that matter, now is the time to consider what you can in fact do to reduce the environmental impact in the planet.

The maxim used by environmentalists is Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
You can now buy an engagement or wedding ring which has been made from reclaimed materials; old jewelry is constantly being sold and traded (just take a look at some of the TV commercials asking if you want to sell your owl unwanted jewelry) and consider what is happening with all that metal!
Old gold items are melted down and refined to produce new gold of a desired purity and ready for working into new jewelry pieces.

The impact on the environment of these refining operations is miniscule in comparison to the effort required from a full scale mining operation to get the metal extracted from the tons of earth and ore within which it naturally occurs.

Another increasing popular method is to use old heirlooms having special significance to be melted down and used as the raw material for a new set of rings for the happy couple.  Indeed, some couples actually stick with the heirloom intact but this does not convey the fresh start which an engagement and marriage demonstrate and in fact are.

The quality of the materials used in these reclamations is extremely high, and given the reduced costs compared to extracting new materials there are cost savings involved which are passed on to the consumer.  In effect, you can have a purer quality metal band and setting together with a better used diamond indistinguishable from a brand new cut and polished on for less money.

With green issues becoming more important as the realization sets in that we have a planet with finite resources and more people are adopting ecologically sound practices in their lives, it makes a great deal of sense to ensure you can not only demonstrate the provenance of your diamond with a grading certificate, but also the environmental credentials.

Ensure you are able to obtain certification as to the materials used in the manufacture of your rings which along with a diamond certificate will show you really care about the environment and the people who live in the places where diamonds, gold and other materials are produced.

Lawrence Reaves. This article is provided by DanforthDiamond.com your online store source for wedding bands, diamond engagement rings and other fine diamond jewelry.

The ends of the prongs are usually rounded though they can be worked into delicate and decorative shapes.  The prong setting may be used to set the diamond on a perch high above the band in an attempt to show off the stone to best effect, or alternatively it may be short, that is, hold the diamond close to the band and your finger.

A prong setting will usually have small prongs in order to show off as much of the diamond as possible and to allow maximum amounts of light to enter the stone which will increase the sparkle and brilliance.  They are usually the cheapest form of diamond setting as well because they are less complex while at the same time, they lend themselves to being cleaned much more easily.
You should ensure the prong setting is tight and the stone fits snugly; make sure none of the prongs are loose or left hanging as they will quickly snag clothing or become lose and you risk losing your diamond.  The diamond itself should fit in the “basket” formed by the prongs in a straight and level fashion and not be lopsided or uneven.  In addition, make sure the prongs themselves are robust enough to keep the stone in place – too thin and they will be liable to breaking or wearing away which again risks losing the diamond.

You also should be aware that prong settings expose more of the diamond; while this is great for letting in more light and showing off the actual stone it does mean less protection is provided by the setting.There is a fine line between showing off a diamond and making sure it is locked into the ring firmly, so it can't fall out j.  The best way of assessing which setting and ring is most suitable for you is to try as many on as you can and see which are the most comfortable.

You should think about your lifestyle as well and the level of wear and tear your diamond ring will be subjected to; tall, solitaire settings are more likely to suffer damage from being caught on clothes and other objects (including children when they arrive!) than a close, short set diamond more flush with your finger.  On the other side, v-shaped prongs are very good at protecting the sharp edges of a cut diamond and remember, diamond is one of the hardest substances known to man and they can cause considerable damage particularly with children and one wrong wave of your hand.

By Lawrence Reaves.com your online store source for wedding bands, diamond engagement rings and other fine diamond jewelry. Danforth Diamond gives timely advice to help you select an affordable diamond ring. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RING

Jill Renee – This article is provided by DanforthDiamond.com a leading authority on wedding rings, engagement rings and fine jewelry. Danforth Diamond provides wisdom and advice to help you choose the right ring at the right price. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RING

Jill Renee – This article is provided by DanforthDiamond.com your online store source for  wedding bands, diamond engagement rings and other fine diamond jewelry. Danforth Diamond gives honest advice to help you select the right engagement ring at the best price. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RING

A pave setting is made up of numerous small diamonds which are set side by side in rows with their surfaces level with each other and the setting and this gives the impression of a large diamond.  The brilliance and sparkle of the diamonds makes it very difficult to distinguish one stone from another and this gives the illusion the diamonds used are actually larger than they are – a form of reflected glory!

Shaped Diamonds

The most popular choice for an engagement ring is a round diamond however, there are others and notably the marquise oval and pear shaped diamonds will look a lot larger in carat weight than they actually are.  Generally if you choose a diamond stone which has an elongated shape you will gain the impression that it is larger than is the case.

Illusion Setting

An illusion setting is mounted on a mirror plate before it is set into the metal band; this creates internal reflection and makes the diamond sparkle and appear much more bright which in turn gives the illusion it is a larger stone.

Be aware when choosing an illusion setting as they are much more expensive to repair because they are a more complicated setting.

Bezel Setting
A bezel setting comprises of a metal rim completely encircling the diamond stone in the center; using a white metal such as platinum or white gold will accentuate the effect and make the diamond appear even larger though you should use this only with white diamonds.If you elect to use a yellow metal (let’s say gold), that will create a yellowish tint on the diamond stone and take away from it’s sparkling quality.

Watch Out For …

Side stones are frequently touted as being able to make a diamond look larger but in truth they do not; what side stones do is to add some pizzazz to the ring and give it more impact value.  Using them to enhance the diamond size does not work.

Be particularly aware of shallow cut diamonds; by shallow cut we mean they are not as deep as they should be.  This allows for a larger visible part of the diamond face to be set into a ring but the fire and brilliance of a diamond is directly related to the amount of internal reflection of the light which enters into it; if you cut the stone too shallow you will reduce this internal reflecting of light and the stone will look dull and lifeless in comparison.

Jill Renee – This article is provided by DanforthDiamond.com your online store source for  wedding bands, diamond engagement rings and other fine diamond jewelry. Danforth Diamond gives honest advice to help you select the right engagement ring at the best price. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RING

Diamonds are pure carbon, just the same way lead pencils used to made from graphite which is also pure carbon, it is the way the carbon atoms are arranged which makes the difference between cheap, dull graphite or brilliant, fiery diamond. Diamonds are formed at great pressure and temperature inside the earth; at least 50 miles below the surface where the pressure is so intense that the carbon atoms are compressed together into an extremely packed formation and which gives diamond its strength. Diamonds are brought to the surface as a result of the natural, geological processes of the earth or more usually, are sought in some of the deepest mines in the world.

Brazil and India used to be the principal sources of diamonds with their gemstones being sourced from rivers and gravel deposits which had come to or close to the surface naturally. In 1870, Kimberlite rock was discovered to be richly laden with diamonds in South Africa and now, huge masses of rock are mined and processed to extract the diamonds it contains. To put it into some perspective, for one carat of polished diamond over 250 tons of Kimberlite ore must be mined and processed – now you understand why diamonds are so expensive!

Once extracted from the ore, the rough diamonds must be sorted and processed further. Processing includes cutting and polishing as at this stage, the diamonds resemble pebbles you would encounter on a beach and are nondescript in appearance. Cutting and polishing the rough diamond brings out the internal fire and beauty of the diamond, however, it is how a diamond is cut which determines the level of light which enters the stone and is internally reflected before exiting the diamond – this level of internal reflection is what adds to the sparkle and brilliance of the stone so cutting a diamond properly is essential or it will appear dull.

After being cut and polished, diamonds are then graded according to a system know as the “Four C’s”. The Four C’s are – Carat (or weight), Cut, Clarity and Color. A carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams but you must take care not to confuse diamond size with weight – a carat is a measure of weight and not size; a smaller looking diamond may very well be a larger weight of a much larger diamond simply because of composition and the way it has been cut. The cut, as we have seen, determines how much light enters and internally reflected within a diamond thus bringing out the fire or brilliance – too shallow a cut, where the diamond is not deep enough to allow the internal light reflection, will mean the diamond looks dull instead of fiery – this is a poor cut and underlines why diamond cutting is a highly skilled art.

Clarity refers to how clear and flaw-free the diamond is; diamonds will contain flaws which may be foreign matter enclosed within the diamond when it was forming in the earth or bubbles of gas and even internal faults where the carbon atoms have not uniformly bonded together. The presence of flaws affects the visual appearance of the diamond but also influences how light will travel and internally reflect within it; for these reasons, a flawless diamond is considerably more valuable than one with flaws.

Finally, color – diamonds can come with a yellowish tinge or at the other end of the scale have no color whatsoever – no color means a brighter and fiery brilliance whereas the yellowish tinge will dampen the brilliance of the diamond. The less color a diamond has the more valuable it is and the more you are going to pay for it.

This article is provided by DanforthDiamond.com a leading authority on wedding rings, engagement rings and fine jewelry. Danforth Diamond provides wisdom and advice to help you choose the right ring at the right price. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RING

Diamonds are the traditional stone for engagement rings and by far the most popular is a solitaire diamond ring.  Every woman wants to have a big, sparkling rock on her ring finger but just think for one moment – for a one carat diamond it takes 250 tons of ore to be mined from some of the deepest mines in the world, brought to the surface and with exceptionally gifted craftsmen, be processed through cutting and polishing before being set in the jewelry piece your intended would love to have.

Cutting to the chase – diamonds are expensive!

Fortunately, there are ways you can get a bigger rock on her finger but without the enormous price tag that comes with it.

The way in which a diamond is fixed to a ring is using a setting; you will have seen a setting if you have seen a ring and they come in many variants.  Usually a set of prongs are used to create a basket into which the stone is “set” and then affixed to the band of the ring – this is the most common setting, known as a Prong Setting, but more on that later.

By clever use of the setting, a diamond can be made to look much larger and much more impressive than it really is in fact.  One of the best settings to achieve this effect is known as the Bezel Setting; a Bezel Setting is where a circular rim of white gold or platinum is put in place and into the center of this is set the diamond itself.  The white metal then reflects back onto the diamond any light which emphasizes the brilliance and fire of the diamond as well as making it look a lot larger than it really is.  This is a very popular setting for solitaire engagement rings simply because the effect is simply stunning but at a fraction of the cost of using a diamond capable of achieving the same effect on its own.
Another setting is the Pavé Setting which is very good at making engagement rings look very expensive and high end.  A Pavé Setting has a series of small diamonds inserted into small holes set into the body of the ring itself forming a continuous row of diamonds. The effect is a very sparkling ring but you are using less expensive small diamonds and the metal setting itself stops the true size of the diamonds becoming apparent unless they are closely scrutinized.

The Illusion Setting uses a mirror plate set at the base of the diamond within the ring setting; this reflects even more light within the diamond which results in a much greater fire and brilliance turning a small diamond into a much more sparkling piece.  This considerably cuts the cost of the diamond required but a word of caution – Illusion Settings are more complicated to create though the cost saving of the diamond more than makes up for this when working out the final price you pay, but the issue is if you ever need it to be repaired it will be more expensive than one of the other settings.

This article is provided by DanforthDiamond.com a leading authority on wedding rings, engagement rings and fine jewelry. Danforth Diamond provides wisdom and advice to help you choose the right ring at the right price. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RING

Depending on who you believe the idea of a ring came about because it represented the fetters holding women in bondage; because the circle represents endless love and eternity with no beginning and no end; similarly, the union of a man and a woman and where one begins and another ends is fused imperceptibly.

In other words, no one really knows for sure, but what we do know is that the ancient Egyptians do provide the earliest recorded exchange of rings to signify betrothal and marriage.  The practice is believed to originate along the banks of the River Nile, a potent symbol for the inhabitants as it supported life and the harvest but along its bank’s grow papyrus, sedge and reeds.  Manipulating these plant fibers into strands and then braided around the fingers and wrists resulted in the first known rudimentary wedding rings and bracelets.

The ring shape itself had deep significance for the ancients and not just the Egyptians but for all peoples around the world and throughout time.  The ring or circle represented the sun and also the moon; both dominating the hearts and minds of men even to this very day!  The space for the finger also held special significance representing not just a hole for fitting the ring over a finger but a gateway leading to the future and a future bonded in matrimony at that.

This leads on to why the modern wedding custom of placing and wearing the ring on the third finger of the left hand?

Again the practice is believed to originate with the Egyptians who after being conquered by the Ancient Greeks combined the practice with their own medical belief that this finger had a vein which ran directly to the heart, an idea adopted by the Romans. Through the Romans, the Europeans gained the tradition which has by various routes become the tradition here in the United States and many other countries and cultures worldwide.
Now a ring made from plant fibers is not going to have a long-lasting life, especially if it is worn everyday in a marriage which may last for decades. 

After a year or so the rings would break down and become worn out but this in turn spurred the development of rings made of more sturdy and long lasting materials.  Initially this was not metals such as silver or gold but instead leather, ivory or carved bone and often wood and sometimes stone.

The addition of a decorative stone such as a diamond or sapphire was a later development and which is beyond our scope of this article today, but needless to say, how we come by the traditional diamond ring for engagement and wedding rings is also a tale steeped in history and several different cultures.

Lawrence Reaves. This article is provided by DanforthDiamond.com your online store source for wedding bands, diamond engagement rings and other fine diamond jewelry.