So you’ve determined the person you want to spend the rest of your life with? You know, the person who possesses those key qualities you’ve always desired in a mate? Well that’s fantastic news, and identifying “the one” is perhaps the most challenging part of this romantic adventure you’re both on. Now it’s time for the next step…and that would be determining your preferred symbol of love, an engagement ring, to present to the love of your life.
When shopping for the perfect quality engagement ring to give to your perfect love, do consider these three factors: the ring style, the diamond and your budget. Let’s get started…this will be fun and informative.
DISCOVER THE PERFECT STYLE
When trying to narrow down the perfect ring, it helps to determine her personal style. After all, you know her best. What is her taste in clothing? How does she wear her hair? Take a look at the style of furniture she has, her handbags, and even the other jewelry pieces she wears and see which category she fits into. Most ring styles can be categorized into Vintage, Modern or Classic. Here are some descriptions to help you figure out which style fits her best.
Vintage styles are typically delicate designs inspired by antique looks or heirloom pieces. They may have beading or milgrain details with or without a halo of diamonds surrounding the center stone. The vintage pieces offer a pave or micro-pave diamond setting.
*Personality Characteristics: Sentimental, feminine. The wearer would love a wedding in a romantic setting like a castle or garden. She might prefer old movies, romance novels, and antiques.
*Comparative Clothing Styles: “Romantic” styling, lace, ruffles, soft flowing fabrics, antique or delicate floral patterns, hearts, ribbons, bows, feminine styling. A Vintage shopper.
Modern styled engagement rings are typically channel set, with open shanks, and bold mountings. Modern styles are usually geometric with architectural lines, creative, abstract, streamlined, unique textures and shapes.
*Personality Characteristics: Bold, adventurous, unconventional. The wearer loves hip and trendy spots. Her ideal wedding might be in an art gallery, museum or somewhere totally unexpected.
*Comparative Clothing Styles: Unique textures, angular to geometric, edgy/experimental styling, bold patterns and colors.
Classic ring styles are mostly channel set, three stone or solitaire styles with a thin band showcasing just one diamond in the center.
*Personality Characteristics: Traditional. Sophisticated. She loves family gatherings, evenings with friends, the symphony and museums. Her dream wedding may be at a country club or estate.
*Comparative Clothing Styles: A tailored suit, a “little black dress” with a single strand of pearls, white cotton blouse and skirt, traditional, timeless clothing styles that seem to always be in style.
DISCOVER THE PERFECT DIAMOND
So, you want to find the perfect quality diamond, but don’t have time to take a yearlong course at GIA? Join the crowd! I’ve learned that sometimes jewelers can confuse shoppers about the diamond-buying process. In an effort to help simplify things, we’ve designed an easy-to-follow guide just for you!
Need more info? Explore the significance of Cut and Clarity and Color and Carat Weight, and how each can affect the quality of your diamond.
DISCOVER YOUR BUDGET
When determining your budget as you search for that perfect symbol of love, consider not only today but also the future. Make a checklist including warranties, guarantees, replacement policies, trade-in options, cleanings and inspections, and ongoing service. This is pretty much the total cost of ownership and lifetime value for your ring. And remember, budget does not mean that you have to sacrifice quality. After all, you want your engagement ring to look as beautiful as the person wearing it…for a lifetime. Learn more about budget planning when you purchase an engagement ring.
As you’re well on your way to discovering your dream ring, what exactly does quality mean to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
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