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Selecting Your Wedding Rings
By Tracy Harwell
“With this ring, I thee wed.” Those words have long
been spoken to signify a couple’s ever-lasting
commitment to one another. The exchanging of wedding
rings marks the beginning of a new life together for
the bride and groom. The circular shape represents
eternity and the presence of the ring on the finger
leaves no doubt as to the wearer’s marital status.
It is one of the most universally recognized symbols
in the United States, if not the world.
In addition to all the significance behind a wedding
ring, it is a major investment in fine jewelry. When
the wedding is over and life settles down, you still
have the ring on your finger. Needless to say, it’s
something that you want to get right.
Most jewelry stores will be able to take care of you
once you’re ready to shop for a ring, but if you
want to make sure that the jeweler is reputable,
there are a few things you can do. First find out
how long the store has been in business. Ask about
their qualifications. Do they have a gemologist on
hand? How long have their employees worked in the
business. You should also ask what kind of
warrantees, trade-in policies and care programs they
have. A good jeweler will probably include life-long
care such as cleaning and polishing in the price of
the ring. If you still want additional assurance,
check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the
store has received any complaints.
Although an engagement ring is certainly a major
purchase, it does not have to break the bank. Milton
Doolittle, general manager of Benold’s Jewelers says
that the old theory of spending 2 months’ salary is
nothing but a myth. “One shouldn’t think that one’s
love will be determined by the size of a
diamond,” says Doolittle. “There’s something
beautiful for every budget.” Doolittle adds that a
man will often buy a small stone for the engagement
ring and then trade it in for a larger stone later,
perhaps on an anniversary, when he can afford to do
so.
When looking at rings, ask to see the diamond
grading report. This report is a document issued by
the Gemological Institute of America or other
independent laboratory and is the ultimate authority
in determining the quality and value of the diamond.
It is a non-biased opinion, and the GIA or other lab
has no investment in whether or not the diamond is
sold. If you do not get a grading report, you are
relying on the word of the person who is selling it
to you, who certainly has an interest in seeing the
diamond sold.
The grading report will analyze the diamond on four
different characteristics – cut, color, clarity and
carat weight. Commonly known as the 4 Cs, these are
the attributes that determine a diamond’s value.
The first quality, cut, is probably the most
important. “The cut is the single most important
factor that will determine a diamond’s brilliance,”
says Doolittle. The diamond’s brilliance is what
gives it that sparkle, as if the stone is lit from
within. If a stone is cut poorly, the proportions
will be off, and the diamond will appear dull or
lifeless. A diamond that is cut too shallow will
lose
light from the bottom and one that is cut too deep
will lose light from the sides.
According to Doolittle, the second most important
factor is color. Cut and color both contribute
greatly to the visual aesthetic of the diamond. A
colorless diamond is considered the most valuable
and is assigned a “D” grade. The grades continue
through the alphabet as the stone has more color.
While traditional engagement rings have used
colorless stones, pink and yellow diamonds are
becoming more popular.
Clarity rates the purity of a diamond. Most diamonds
contain natural flaws called inclusions that cannot
be seen by the naked eye. Because some inclusions
can only be seen with a microscope, there is a
little more room for error in this category. A
diamond that is graded Very Slightly Included (VS1,
VS2) or Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) will be less
expensive, but still attractive.
Finally, there’s carat weight. While many women will
say that one carat is sufficient, it really comes
down to personal preference and budget. It is
important to note that often times the description
of a ring will give the total carat weight,
including all the stones on the ring. So if you are
looking at a three-stone ring and the total carat
weight is listed at one carat, the weight of center
stone plus the two side stones equals the total
weight. Don’t get fooled into thinking you’re
getting a larger diamond than you really are.
Of course, looking for the perfect ring is about
more than just budget or the 4 Cs. Personal tastes,
lifestyle and current trends should all be
considered. The use of white metals in rings has
skyrocketed over the last few years. Many brides
prefer white gold or platinum over yellow gold. In
fact, the selection of yellow gold rings has
considerably diminished recently due to the
popularity of the other metals.
Vintage rings are also very popular right now. “A
period piece is timeless and classic,” says
Doolittle. “Also, with all of the improvements in
technology, you can have a new ring with a vintage
design that has a few modern touches for a fresh
look.”
While typically a man will purchase the engagement
ring as a gift for his fiancé, the couple should
shop together when picking out wedding bands.
“Wedding bands serve a different purpose,” says
Doolittle. “The engagement ring represents a promise
or a betrothal, but wedding rings symbolize a new
life together, and thus should be chosen together,
to reflect the personalities of both the bride and
groom.”
Today’s bride and groom have more options than ever
before. The bride is no longer restricted to
choosing a matching band, and in fact, most brides
don’t opt for a matching set. The idea of a
different but complimentary band, one that may even
include colored gemstones like sapphires or rubies,
is becoming increasingly popular. Some women even
forego the wedding band altogether, and simply use
their engagement rings in the ceremony.
The days of every man wearing a simple gold band are
no more. New, more durable metals like titanium and
scratch-resistant tungsten are ideal for guys who
are active in sports or weight-lifting. There are
also many different styles and finishes, and even
bands with diamonds, allowing men to show more
personality with their choice of ring. And while the
bride and groom don’t necessarily have to get
“matching” bands, they should at least be the same
color.
Manufacturers make engagement and wedding rings
knowing that they will be worn everyday, but this
does not mean that they are indestructible. “Never
wear your diamond to the gym!” instructs Doolittle.
Metal on metal is never good for the jewelry. A
wedding band with no protruding stones will probably
be more durable, but still needs proper care.
Doolittle recommends taking your ring to the jeweler
three to four times a year for maintenance. The
jeweler can make sure the stone is secure and polish
and clean the ring. Remember to ask if this service
is available when you purchase the ring.
Engagement rings and wedding bands are outward
symbols of love and commitment, but they are also
very personal possessions. With so many options
available, look for something that reflects your
personality and use this as an opportunity to
express something about yourself.
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