General rules and some differences in manufacturing
It was believed that diamonds have a magical effect and are capable of arousing reciprocal love in the chosen one. However, nowadays the belief in witchcraft is not so strong, so there are many other options for engagement rings.
Most of them are made according to the general formula: noble metal + precious stone.
The differences lie in the details:
- metal from which it is made;
- type of stone;
- design and decoration;
- combination with other decorations.
Golden traditions
Traditionally, most engagement rings are made from gold. First of all, products made of yellow gold are valued. It has the most natural color.
This is exactly the shade of gold of the highest standard (999). It must be borne in mind that 750 gold also has a yellow-lemon color, but it additionally contains an alloy of other alloyed metals.
In addition, the engagement ring can be made from another type of gold - red, white or pink. Red gold has a lower standard - 585, which means it is inferior in quality to other similar materials.
White gold is usually coated with an additional coating of radium. This alloy goes well with the shine of diamonds, but you need to keep in mind that over time the coating will wear off and will need to be restored.
Rings made of combined gold are often found. The Trinity model from the designers of the Cartier house is very famous, which is made from interlacing threads of three different metals.
Diamonds
Diamonds have never lost value or gone out of fashion. Maybe that's why they have become the most popular option for an engagement ring.
Color
Traditionally, “pure water” diamonds, that is, absolutely colorless, are considered the most valuable.
In recent years, colored or “fancy” diamonds have become popular, as have black diamonds.
Often a stone with a slight tint will look much more impressive and cost less than white diamonds.
Colored diamonds of bright shades (yellow, orange, pink, green, purple, blue and others) are rare in nature and therefore very expensive, especially large ones.
Weight
The weight of diamonds is determined in carats (ct). Carat – carob seeds with a constant mass of 0.2 g. They have been used to measure weight since Ancient Rome.
The carat stone, traditional for engagement rings, weighs 0.2 g.
There are so-called “magic numbers” for the weight of stones - 0.5 carats, 1 carat, 2 carats. At these values, the cost of diamonds rises sharply. For example, a diamond weighing 1.00 carats is one and a half times more expensive than a similar stone weighing 0.99 carats. But visually the difference in size is completely invisible.
Other options
Other metals are also used in the manufacture of engagement rings:
- platinum;
- silver;
- steel;
- titanium;
- tungsten.
The most popular among them is platinum, which is hard, durable and has a beautiful silvery tint. However, diamonds in such a setting do not look very good, especially if the stone is large.
The next two options refer to cheaper materials. Moreover, silver can quickly tarnish or blacken, so it requires special care. Titanium and tungsten are suitable for exotics enthusiasts and are valued for their increased strength and durability.
What could a stone be?
There is a clear understanding that an engagement ring must have a stone. This is precisely where it differs from an engagement ring, which has a smooth shape.
Types of stones
Of course, diamonds are in first place in popularity among engagement rings. They are considered a symbol of strong and eternal love. Sometimes budget models use laboratory diamonds - cubic zirconia or zirconium.
Transparent stones are considered the most valuable, but now other options are possible.
Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase items with the following decorations for engagement:
- pearls, which symbolize tears;
- ruby, which is associated with blood;
- opal, which means misfortune;
- diamond chips symbolizing broken love.
In principle, the engagement ring can be set with any stone that suits the bride's preferences. It is advisable to take into account that each gemstone has its own meaning and energy.
Size and number of stones
Most often, an engagement ring is decorated with one stone. It doesn't have to be very large. On the contrary, such a ring is not very suitable for daily wear.
Two or more pebbles are allowed. They can be the same size or form a composition from a scattering of stones of different sizes.
Cut shape
There is also no limit to the choice of stone shape. A round-cut stone is considered classic.
Other options look no less interesting:
- awning;
- heart;
- princess;
- a drop;
- triangle;
- square;
- pear-shaped.
Depending on the intended composition, stones of different cuts can be used in one ring.
Setting
You definitely need to pay attention to the setting of the stones in the ring. Since it is intended to be worn constantly, you should be sure that the stone will not fall out.
It could also be:
- Pave setting;
- channel;
- rim;
- corner
An engagement ring most often uses a hook setting , which allows the accent to be placed on the stone itself.
The main thing is that the setting ensures a stable position of the stone in the seat and protects it from damage.
Choosing metal
The following standards have been established for precious metals in Russia:
- gold - 375, 500, 583, 585, 750, 916, 958, 999
- silver - 800, 830, 875, 925, 960, 999
- platinum - 585, 850, 900, 950
Gold
Pure gold has a beautiful sunny hue. But it is plastic, and jewelry made from it wears out quickly. To make jewelry durable, various metals are added to gold. They change color.
White, yellow and red gold
Red gold
obtained by adding a large amount of copper
Pink gold
obtained by introducing a small amount of copper.
White gold
obtained by adding palladium and nickel.
White gold in its pure form does not have a luxurious shine. The desired color and shine are achieved thanks to rhodium plating. It is this hardness that makes rhodium an indispensable material for all kinds of coatings.
Silver
Silver products are not subject to corrosion, they are not afraid of contact with water and many acids. The higher the standard, the less copper it contains (copper turns silver into an unpleasant black tint).
Silver has antibacterial properties and can kill 650 types of all kinds of bacteria. To make jewelry, silver is often used not in its pure form, but as part of an alloy (usually with copper, less often with nickel and other metals).
Types of silver depending on the surface treatment method
Sterling silver. Classic 925 sterling silver with a smooth shiny surface without additional coating.
Matte silver. Silver with a rougher, less shiny surface, which is obtained by heating the metal in sulfuric or hydrochloric acid to reduce the copper content in the surface layer of the alloy and produce an unusual decorative effect.
Blackened silver. Silver with a chased pattern or engraving, coated with a special composition of lead, sulfur, and copper oxides, which acquires a black color after firing.
Rhodium plated silver. Covered with the thinnest layer of rhodium. It looks expensive and impressive, becomes more wear-resistant and does not fade. This is the kind of silver we use in our work.
Platinum
Platinum is a rare and most expensive precious metal with a silvery-white color. Platinum does not contain any impurities and does not change color, does not tarnish and does not require any coating.
950 standard is used in the manufacture of jewelry. The composition includes 95% platinum and only 5% other impurities: palladium, which slightly changes the color of platinum, and iridium, which increases the strength of the alloy. Platinum is hypoallergenic.
Ruthenium for coating
Ruthenium strengthens alloys and makes expensive jewelry more durable. Ruthenium treatment forms a beautiful graphite-colored film on products or gives them a completely black color. Along with rhodium, this metal helps create “black” gold jewelry, which is popular among lovers of expensive chic.
Engagement Ring Design
There are no rules governing the appearance of an engagement ring. This can be a classic version or products with an original design.
Classic engagement ring
A thin, smooth ring made of light metal adorned with a single diamond is the classic idea of an engagement ring.
As already noted, it is preferable that it be made of gold. There are several variations with stones.
The arrangement of two stones on the ring is called “Me and You” and symbolizes the unity of a couple in love. The presence of three stones is associated with the past, present and future of the bride and groom.
The classic design of an engagement ring is the most win-win option that any girl will definitely like.
The cost of such a ring depends on the quality of the metal, the number and size of stones, and the size of the product:
- gold (585 standard) ring with cubic zirconia – from $75;
- gold (585 standard) ring with several cubic zirconia – from $110;
- gold (585 standard) ring with diamond – from $130;
- gold (750 standard) ring with diamond – from $1100.
Original ring design
1. Symbolic form. Among other options for engagement rings, there are products with an original shape.
Symbolic play on the theme of “heart”, “meeting”, “eternity” is often used. This is reflected in the shape of the stones and in the bends of the metal. The price range starts from $220.
2. Ethnic style. Engagement rings made in ethnic style reflect the long-standing traditions of national culture.
They may contain ritual or stylized images. Such rings copy ancient jewelry from the Byzantine era or products of Celtic, ancient Slavic, and Jewish peoples.
Usually they are endowed with karmic connotations, so before purchasing them you should study in detail the purpose of the ring and the rules of use. The price of a ring in ethnic style is from $1000.
3. Vintage style. Vintage style is also called retro. This includes antique items or rings made in modern conditions, but preserving the “spirit of antiquity.”
It is characterized by ornateness and luxury. Often these are massive rings with large or medium-sized stones, decorated with a scattering of small stones. A different cut is used for them, which somewhat reduces the ability of the stones to shimmer. But such rings are distinguished by their intricate design and special expressiveness.
By the way, if there is an engagement ring in the family that is passed down from generation to generation, then it will be a clear representative of the vintage style.
Nowadays, many well-known jewelry companies are producing rings with an “antique effect.” The price of such products is quite high – from $1200. 4. Avant-garde style. Engagement rings in this style are characterized by the use of unconventional materials and shapes.
In their manufacture, various metal alloys, wood, enamel inserts and semi-precious stones can be used.
Such rings have the shape of a flower, a butterfly, an infinity symbol, the inscription “Love”, etc. Knowing exactly the tastes and preferences of the bride, you can risk ordering an engagement ring with an individual design.
Wedding sets
Recently, combined rings or entire wedding sets have become especially popular. They are a transforming ring, which consists of two parts.
One part with a stone is an engagement stone, and the other is a wedding stone. This shape of the ring was invented specifically so that during the engagement, only one part of it can be worn, and after the wedding, they can be worn together as a single whole. This allows us to resolve the issue regarding the future fate of the engagement ring.
The wedding set also includes a ring for the groom. This way, the complete stylistic unity of all wedding decorations is preserved.
FROM IDEA TO RESULT
What is the process of creating a custom engagement ring?
- You describe your idea in words or send a sketch (photo) of the future ring.
- We discuss manufacturing details.
- We draw a sketch, taking into account your wishes, making adjustments until the drawing is approved.
- We create a 3D model. This is a three-dimensional copy of the drawn sketch, so that the ring drawn on paper turns out exactly as the author intended.
- We estimate the cost of the ring. The price depends on the complexity of the design; from metal and weight of decoration; from stones in the product.
- We produce the matched engagement ring design in our facility.
- We deliver the ring to you right on time in our office, deliver it by courier or courier service all over the world.
How to please the bride
Usually, preparations for the presentation of the engagement ring are carried out secretly from the future bride, so that this event becomes a real surprise for her. Therefore, asking a girl directly about her preferences or, as if by chance, taking her to a jewelry store and offering to try something on is not the best solution.
But giving your loved one a ring that won’t impress her at all is also not an option. It is better to show observation and deduction skills.
1. First of all, it’s worth taking a closer look at what kind of jewelry she prefers in everyday life. What metal are these products made of, what is their size and style. It’s very good if the ring matches your girlfriend’s favorite piece of jewelry that she wears all the time.
2. If you want to give a ring not with a diamond, but with some other stone, you can ask which one suits the bride according to her zodiac sign.
3. The shape of the stone cut, especially if it is large, should correspond to the size of the hand. If it is wide, then an oval, elongated stone will look good. On short fingers, medium-width rings look better. A not very wide ring with an elongated, teardrop-shaped or round stone of medium size can visually make thick fingers appear narrower.
The main condition when choosing is not to overdo it with decorations. The ring should not be massive; it is better if it looks gentle and sophisticated.
How not to make a mistake with the size
An engagement will be a big disappointment if the ring doesn't fit. To avoid this, there are several ways to find out the size of the bride’s finger in advance.
1. Ask your girlfriend’s friend to help determine the size of the ring. Naturally, you need to be sure that your girlfriend will do this very carefully and will not give away the secret. 2. At night, wrap your finger with thread and measure the desired length. 3. Find out the size by looking at the girl’s other jewelry. You can secretly take a ring and take it to a jewelry store or trace it on paper on the inside.
- Be sure to take into account that the bride will wear the engagement ring on the ring finger of her right hand! As a last resort, you can buy a ring slightly larger than the intended size. It is also worth discussing the possibility of a subsequent exchange in advance when purchasing.
Find out the girl's preferences
Does your beloved value uniqueness? Then buy an engagement ring that suits her taste. In this case, the jewelry will not gather dust on a shelf among others: your beloved will often wear it.
Receiving an original piece of jewelry, the girl will think how attentive and caring my man is. A woman will carry this warmth through the years. Every time she looks at the single player, she will experience pleasant emotions.
The following techniques will help you find out the tastes of your loved one:
- Consult with your chosen one’s close people: mother, friends, relatives. They will tell you which style is best to buy a ring in.
- If you are afraid that someone will spill the beans about the proposal, it is better to do everything yourself. Think about whether your woman wants to be original or like her friends. Take a closer look at your girlfriend’s surroundings and draw the appropriate conclusions.
- Study the jewelry your loved one already wears. The chosen engagement ring is in harmony with the entire set of jewelry - which means the chosen one will wear the accessory for many years.
