Engagement
Rings
Engagement
rings are traditionally known as a symbol of love and proposing.
When a man asks a woman for her hand in marriage and in life,
this ring is offered. Traditionally, any ring is usable because
the ring itself is a continuous loop symbolizing eternity.
But as victims of society, now every man is pressured to use
the most expensive piece he can afford, typically a diamond
ring. The general rule of thumb is two to three month's salary
to show his dedication and sincerity.
Diamond
rings became a tradition when the first one was given by Archduke
Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. Now it's
become a widely practiced ritual by nearly every culture in
the world. More than 250 tons of earth is mined before a single
1 carat gem quality diamond is uncovered. The best quality
diamonds are usually set into platinum bands for people who
perfer the best of the best.
When shopping
for an engagement
ring in diamond, platinum, or else, there are
3 main steps you should follow:
- First
you choose the center stone. Popular choices are diamonds,
rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. But depending on taste,
some women may enjoy more unique stones that are not widely
seen on other people's fingers.
- Choose
the shape of the center stone. Popular designs are: round
brilliant, princess (square brilliant), emerald cut, marquise,
oval, pear, heart, and trillion.
- Choose
the precious metal and style of setting. Many settings are
created for a certain shape and size of gems. First, study
the type of finger jewelry that she wears to get an idea
of her style and preferences. Then choose the setting that
matches best with the stone. Some women prefer gold jewelry
while others enjoy silver, white gold, and platinum - the
white metals. If she like silver, you don't want to
get an expensive diamond set in silver, so your best choices
would be either white gold or platinum. platinum rings are
the most durable and expensive in all of ring making, and
usually only go with really good quality diamonds and rubies.
Emeralds are usually set in yellow gold because they enhance
the color of green.
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