WEIGHT

Gold is measured in karats (not carats). It’s a measure not of size or weight, but of purity. A 14kt gold ring contains 14/24 pure gold, or about 58%. The purity of platinum (denoted Plat or Pt) is measured on a scale from roughly 900-950 out of 1,000. This translates to a 950PT wedding ring being 95% pure platinum.

Note that the remainder is often comprised of chemically similar though equally valuable metals. While lower numbers can be found, they won’t be found in fine jewelry wedding rings.

A diamond, by contrast, is measured in carats (ct), ranging from near zero and up. 1 carat = 200 mg, a measure of mass. A diamond that is less than one eighth of a carat is considered a chip. Partly, the reason is the difficulty of faceting and polishing such a small stone in order to bring out a diamond’s effects.

A diamond that isn’t fully faceted or properly shaped is known as a “chip.”. They can result from accidents or the crystal structure that makes cutting and polishing nearly impossible. This becomes more difficult the smaller the stone. So, most chips are in the range stated.

The Cullnan diamond, weighing in at about 3106 carats, is the biggest individual gem-quality diamond ever discovered. It was cut down into the egg-shaped stone that sits in the scepter of England, itself about 525 carats.

But there are many other factors that influence the cost and look of a fine diamond intended to sit in an engagement ring or wedding band.

CLARITY

A diamond is judged by professionals on how ‘clear’ it is, and the stone is then placed into a category.

FL, IF – Flawless, or Internally Flawless represents the highest grade in this area. Such stones are extremely rare and hence invariably very expensive.

VVS1, VVS2 – These ratings represent a diamond which is only ‘very very slightly included’. ‘Included’ means, essentially, occluded or cloudy. Inclusions of non-diamond material or structure are responsible for lack of perfect clarity. Despite the ominous sounding word, these gems are very high quality. The flaws can only barely be seen under 10x magnification.

VS1, VS2 – Very Slightly Included ratings represent high quality stones. No flaw is visible to the naked eye.

SI1, SI2 – Slightly Included gems contains flaws that are visible under 10x magnification and may just barely be seen by those with very sharp eyes. Beyond having good eyesight, though, one needs to know what to look for. Generally, non-experts won’t notice much of anything.

I1, I2, I3 – These are mediocre quality stones that may still look very nice. But they have visible flaws when one looks closely that will reduce the brilliance of the stone’s appearance.

COLOR

Beyond the degree of clarity, diamonds – though usually thought of as clear or ‘white’ – can come in any of hundreds of colors. Fashions change and in one era what might be considered a flaw will be highly valued by the next generation. Color in a diamond is actually created by the impurities that mix with the diamond’s carbon structure.

A 200-carat blue diamond in the Smithsonian (the Hope Diamond), for example, is valued not only for its unusually large size. Its rare and pure color is also a significant factor.

Blue, pink and yellow are among the most common colors found in ring stones.

D stones are completely colorless and correspondingly rare.

E diamonds are also considered colorless. Any impurities are in trace amounts detectable only by experts with special tools. Still very rare.

F are also graded colorless, but a slight color may be seen by an expert.

G-H are near colorless. Non-experts can detect some shading if they look closely, but these can still be high quality diamonds.

I-J Near colorless diamonds in which the color is slightly detectable. Still a very good value.

K-M are stones in which the color is highly noticeable. Observe, though, that these ratings are for diamonds that are ranked according to how little color they have. Hence, a pure yellow diamond may still be thought of as very attractive.

What’s important is to have the color be uniform. Small spots of color are still considered a flaw by most everyone. Of course, that too is simply a matter of taste and some future trendsetter may decide such diamonds are worth even more.

CUT

It is challenging to give a ranking to the quality or price of a diamond based on the cut of the gem. That’s because, to a very large extent, which cut is better is a matter of taste. The different cuts – round, oval, square, princess – are all equally beautiful and choice simply depends on personal preference. Other common shapes are the Marquise (a type of elongated stone), the Pear, Emerald cut, Trilliant (a wedge shape), Radiant, Cushion and Heart shaped.

Diamon experts have much more specific criteria and will evaluate the different angles and the facet numbers. The Radiant, for example, has 70 facets while the Trilliant has 25 on the crown and 19 on the pavilion. But these details need not concern wedding ring buyers.

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The history of cocktail rings dates back a bit longer than the right hand ring, however both types of fashion rings have been around probably since rings were first used to adorn the hands. The terms cocktail ring and ring hand ring have both been coined in the last 100 years.

The prohibition years are the origin of the cocktail rings we know and love today. During this time period which ran between 1920 and 1933, women and men would gather in secret clubs known as a speakeasy. Since alcohol was prohibited, these clubs became very popular and not to underground entertainments spots. Women wore extremely beautiful dresses to these social gatherings, topped of with gorgeous and elaborate rings 

As with most things of this time period, going to the extremes with fashion was considered on the cutting edge. The large, gemmed cocktail fashion rings became a fad that endured long beyond the flapper dress and the speakeasy itself. 

Right hand ring fashion rings came into style when women took significant steps into the workplace and wanted to be able to display their independence and their own unique personalities. They are called right hand rings both because of the hand they are worn on and because they are often purchased by a woman herself, rather than like an engagement or wedding ring that is purchased for her.

Of course right hand rings don’t have to be purchased by a woman; they can also make wonderful presents. Fashion rings of any type, including right hand rings or cocktail rings are wonderful birthday, anniversary or anytime gifts. They are considered to be the most popular styles of rings sold next to wedding rings and bridal sets.

Both right hand rings and cocktail rings are designed to catch the eye and make a statement about the confidence of the person wearing the fashion rings. They can include silver, platinum or white gold bands and settings or they may be of traditional yellow gold.  Generally most will have some gemstones, typically a diamond or a set of smaller diamonds will be found in these ring designs.

In most situations the cocktail ring is still traditional worn for special events, evenings out and social gatherings. Right hand rings, as fashion rings, are worn all the time with any type of wardrobe. Finding several fashion rings, include cocktail and right hand rings, will give you a wide choice of fashion rings for every occasion and event.

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Not all fashion rings are the huge right hand rings or cocktail rings that are typically associated with fashion jewelry. There are actually several very elegant and sophisticated types of fashion rings seen on the runway at most major fashion shows and events.

Matching fashion rings to your hands and fingers is important. While they are beautiful if they are uncomfortable or pinch, or worse leave blisters where they rub, fashion rings will not be your favorite jewelry piece. Choosing rings that fit correctly will solve this problem and allow you to enjoy your collection. 

Matching your fashion rings with each other is also an important part of both comfort and fashion. Really wide bands on rings may rub against each other if they are worn on adjacent fingers, so alternating between wide and large rings and smaller rings is the best and most comfortable option. 

A good option is to choose large central fashion rings for each hand, then surround them with smaller, complimentary rings if you are wearing multiple rings. Often a large ruby ring or a diamond ring is the focus, and then other rings are added to enhance the appearance. Keep colors coordinated, although with diamonds you can match any other gemstone colors. 

Unlike many type of jewelry, fashion rings really are an all day every day type of jewelry. They can be worn in professional settings, for fun events and even for an elegant and romantic night out.  Keeping the style matching with the event is a great way to add that little attention to detail. 

Freeform shapes as well as shaped fashion rings are always in style.  Having a variety of shaped fashion rings is always a good start in a jewelry collection as you can mix and match as you choose. Fashion rings can be worn on either hand but they are great as right hand rings. 

Keep in mind that you don’t have to have authentic gemstones in all you fashion rings. It is nice to have a few real gemstone fashion rings, but there are many synthesized and manmade faux gems that are beautiful and almost impossible to detect.

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Not all fashion rings are the huge right hand rings or cocktail rings that are typically associated with fashion jewelry. There are actually several very elegant and sophisticated types of fashion rings seen on the runway at most major fashion shows and events.

Choosing the right type of fashion rings for your fingers is important as you want them to accentuate your hands and outfit, not cause a distraction. A good rule is to wear rings that don’t cause rubbing or abrasion between fingers, as even for a short time these rings can cause painful blisters and raw areas. 

Matching your fashion rings with each other is also an important part of both comfort and fashion. Really wide bands on rings may rub against each other if they are worn on adjacent fingers, so alternating between wide and large rings and smaller rings is the best and most comfortable option. 

A good option is to choose large central fashion rings for each hand, then surround them with smaller, complimentary rings if you are wearing multiple rings. Often a large ruby ring or a diamond ring is the focus, and then other rings are added to enhance the appearance. Keep colors coordinated, although with diamonds you can match any other gemstone colors. 

Fashion rings aren’t just for an evening out on the town and they can be worn with professional business suits, leisure outfits and even for a day shopping and running errands. Matching your fashion ring with the outfit will be the key to keep it looking matched and coordinated. 

Freeform shapes as well as shaped fashion rings are always in style.  Having a variety of shaped fashion rings is always a good start in a jewelry collection as you can mix and match as you choose. Fashion rings can be worn on either hand but they are great as right hand rings. 

Working to build a collection of fashion rings for every occasion is a great idea. These fashion rings will always be in style and a great addition to any outfit. If you can’t afford real gems, look for the higher quality faux gems, you won’t be disappointed.

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Gemstone jewelry may also be the prefect option for engagement jewelry. Gemstone rings featuring diamonds with sapphires, rubies, emeralds or any of the semi-precious stones are very unique looking and original, much different than the traditional all diamond sets.

Getting the right combination of gemstone jewelry for the right woman is really very simple. Asking what gemstones she likes or simply watching what colors she normally wears will give you the basis to form your choice. Remember that different gemstones can be combined in the ring, necklace or bracelet, making for a wonderful and unique color combination.

One of the most loved of all the gemstone jewelry items are the classic ruby rings. The deep, rich red color of the rings is particularly well matched to either yellow gold or any of the silver metals including platinum or white gold. These rings can be flanked with smaller diamonds either as chips or baguettes to really add to the beauty of the ring.

To change a simple yet classic wedding set into a thing of beauty consider addition a three stone ring. These gemstone jewelry pieces symbolize the present, past and future and are a terrific anniversary, birthday or Christmas gift. Of course they can also be used as a right hand ring as well, making them a very functional type of ring. 

Earrings and necklaces will also be popular types of gemstone jewelry. The proximity to the face really highlights the beauty of the woman as well as the jewelry items. Faceted gems as well as the polished but not faceted cabochon style of gems are often used to produce different looks within earrings and necklaces.

Gemstone bracelets are also always a hit and a great addition to any jewelry collection. These bracelets can feature gemstones in the setting as seen in the tennis bracelet style, or the gems can be on charms or floating pendants around the bracelet.

Gemstone jewelry is all about quality and style. Look for pieces that are well designed and classic and you will always have gemstone jewelry to wear no matter what event you need to attend.

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Gemstone jewelry may also be the prefect option for engagement jewelry. Gemstone rings featuring diamonds with sapphires, rubies, emeralds or any of the semi-precious stones are very unique looking and original, much different than the traditional all diamond sets.

Finding the right gemstone color for gemstone jewelry to match women’s personality and taste is not as complicated as it may seem. Simply asking which precious or semi-precious stones she likes will usually solve the problem. Plus different types of gemstone jewelry can combine two or more different stones.

One of the most loved of all the gemstone jewelry items are the classic ruby rings. The deep, rich red color of the rings is particularly well matched to either yellow gold or any of the silver metals including platinum or white gold. These rings can be flanked with smaller diamonds either as chips or baguettes to really add to the beauty of the ring.

Three stone rings that symbolize the past, present and future are a favorite gemstone jewelry piece. They can be added to a plain gold band to make a beautiful wedding set or they can be worn as a right hand ring. The versatility of these rings and the endless combination of gems possible makes them a great addition to any jewelry collection. 

Earrings and necklaces will also be popular types of gemstone jewelry. The proximity to the face really highlights the beauty of the woman as well as the jewelry items. Faceted gems as well as the polished but not faceted cabochon style of gems are often used to produce different looks within earrings and necklaces.

For the wrist a gemstone jewelry bracelet is a true fashion statement. Bracelets can be worn with virtually any outfit and are great for sporty wear with the tennis bracelet style or more elegant evening wear in a charm bracelet or bangle bracelet style.

Gemstone jewelry is all about quality and style. Look for pieces that are well designed and classic and you will always have gemstone jewelry to wear no matter what event you need to attend.

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Finding wedding rings of every style and design has never been easier. It is important to consider each style of ring and if it is really a classic fashion statement or if it is a trendy design that will be out of style in just a few years. 

One way to add a sense of fashion to your rings and give you a bit of leeway in changing the combinations of your rings is to include a promise ring as part of the wedding ring set. Promise rings are typically given in advance of the formal engagement ring and tend to be smaller than the actual engagement ring itself. 

Promise rings that match with the wedding rings provide options for wearing the promise ring over or under the wedding band. For those sets with narrow bands this can add a wider appearance to the wedding rings, plus it can also a more dazzle and sparkle if it has a few small diamonds or other stones. 

Women that have long fingers and slender hands can also decide to stack their wedding rings and the promise ring for a really striking option. Stackable rings are fashionable and the simple styling of the promise ring is a great match with any stackable wedding set.

Anniversary and eternity rings in a complimentary style to the wedding rings and promise ring can also be added to the stackable rings in your collection. Since this band style rings are often relatively simple in style they are a sure match with ring collections.

Two tone metals in the wedding rings as well as the promise ring means that any color anniversary or eternity ring can be added to the set. In some styles of single type of metal wedding rings, corresponding metal bands for the promise and eternity ring can add a really nice detail and combination.

While not everyone considers wearing different types of rings with their wedding rings, it really is a great option. Not only will you have a way to update your wedding rings by just adding a ring or substituting in another, you can also have a different look for different events, while still wearing the rings that are really a fashion statement about you.

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Couple sets or wedding rings given but the bride to the groom became very popular in North American during the Korean and First World War Soldiers going off to battle wanted to remember their new brides and a wedding band was a simple symbol of that marriage and union. By the time of World War ll most couples were exchanging wedding rings and the tradition was entrenched.  The older wedding rings for men were not ornate like they are today; they were typically very simple gold or silver bands, perhaps with a slight pattern or edging. 

It wasn’t until the DeBeers advertising campaign in 1938 that diamond wedding rings for women and men really came into fashion for the average couple. Their famous slogan of the marketing campaign was “A diamond is forever”, and it really skyrocketed the demand of diamond wedding rings.

Now it is very common to see diamond wedding rings for both men and women, although the styles are slightly different. Typically most styles of diamond rings for women tend to use larger diamonds that are raised above the band, creating vibrant and very beautiful rings.

Diamond rings for men tend to be inset into the band, presenting a flatter type of surface. While this is not true for all men’s wedding rings, even with the slightly elevated diamonds they are not in the cathedral and raised settings you see in women’s rings.

Adding diamonds to wedding rings, while a great marketing strategy, also symbolizes stability, longevity and endurance. Diamonds are well known for their strength and beauty, making them an ideal match for a wedding ceremony. 

There are several stones that are used to complement diamond wedding rings and they include emeralds, rubies and sapphires and also the semi-precious stones. These combinations are often seen in both bands, making a beautiful matching set. 

The tradition of exchanging wedding rings is one that is here to stay. Wedding rings as a symbol of love, commitment and faithfulness to each other are a much loved part of the marriage ceremony, and one that really does have lifelong meaning.

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Promise rings are not always designed the same as wedding rings, however they be very similar to traditional wedding ring designs. They come in a variety of metals including yellow gold, silver, white gold and platinum. More modern varieties of promise rings are also found in both titanium and palladium 

Although many people think of promise rings as a new addition to traditional wedding rings, they can actual be found as far back as the early sixteenth century. In these times a girl’s father or family would often require that the groom to be have sufficient funds to support the girl or young woman once they married. Until the man could get this amount of money he would not be allowed to marry, but could give a promise ring to show his intent.

In some cultures and areas, promise rings, like wedding rings or engagement rings, can be given by either the woman or the man. It is not uncommon in many areas for a woman and man to have matching promise rings.

Promise rings are worn on the same hand as wedding rings and also on the exact same finger. For some couples the option for a smaller promise, engagement and wedding ring can make a beautiful collection of stackable rings. These could then be worn as a complete set or in any combination.

Choosing promise rings and wedding rings that compliment each other provides a lot of options for different combinations. The promise ring could be worn with the wedding band, engagement ring or all together.

The promise and wedding rings don’t have to be a perfect match. They can simply use the same types of designs or patterns which will allow them to compliment each other. Romantic shapes such as hearts are very popular with these pre-engagement rings. 

For every elaborate promise rings, diamonds that match the wedding rings may be a good option. Of course this isn’t necessary, but three stone rings as well as simple bands do work very well with most wedding rings and sets.

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The history of both the husband and wife receiving a wedding ring actually started in the United States at about the time of the first World War as well as the Korean War. Young soldiers going off to fight wanted a memory of their wives at home, and a wedding band was perfect.  By World War ll this tradition was firmly in place, although the wedding rings tended to be very simple and plain in design and decoration. 

It wasn’t until the DeBeers advertising campaign in 1938 that diamond wedding rings for women and men really came into fashion for the average couple. Their famous slogan of the marketing campaign was “A diamond is forever”, and it really skyrocketed the demand of diamond wedding rings.

Now it is very common to see diamond wedding rings for both men and women, although the styles are slightly different. Typically most styles of diamond rings for women tend to use larger diamonds that are raised above the band, creating vibrant and very beautiful rings.

Diamond rings for men tend to be inset into the band, presenting a flatter type of surface. While this is not true for all men’s wedding rings, even with the slightly elevated diamonds they are not in the cathedral and raised settings you see in women’s rings.

Besides marketing and selling, adding diamonds to wedding rings adds another meaning to these rings. Diamonds are known to be durable and lifelong, making a great matching message for how people want to see their future together as husband and wife. 

There are several stones that are used to complement diamond wedding rings and they include emeralds, rubies and sapphires and also the semi-precious stones. These combinations are often seen in both bands, making a beautiful matching set. 

The giving of wedding rings between the couple is now a tradition with deep meaning to couples. Since wedding rings are an important first step together, they are really a symbol of the hope and commitment of the couple as they start this lifelong journey together.

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