Fairytales, Legends and Modern Romance

By Jewelry and Style Expert, Michael O’Connor

From our earliest childhood bedtime stories we’ve learned about love. Fairytales showed us that great love stories involved two people who wanted more than anything to be together despite their backgrounds – think Rapunzel and the prince. Fairytales showed us that there would be obstacles to love – think Romeo and Juliet. But most of all we learned that love was rich with meaningful symbols shared between the two lovers that represented their search for purity, their eternal devotion and their rare love.

Today’s modern romances still revere this meaningful symbol and therefore, the most legendary jewelry houses in the world continue to create unique and beautiful platinum and diamond engagement rings and wedding bands for the great love stories of today – yours! It’s no wonder that renowned companies such as Harry Winston, Chopard, Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany and Damiani offer a wide selection of engagement rings and wedding bands in platinum. The reason platinum is the preferred metal for these internationally recognized companies is that platinum embodies the rarity, purity and eternal nature of love.

Platinum’s rarity, at 30 times more rare than gold, has been coveted for centuries. Remember the Cartier platinum and diamond ring from Prince Ranier to Grace Kelly, that she wore in the film “High Society”? It represents the rarity of finding “the one”. Platinum’s purity, not only makes it hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin, but also means that its natural white color will never fade, just like your love. Further, platinum’s everlasting radiance and durability mean that it is resistant to wear and will hold your diamond securely. This also speaks to the eternal and enduring nature of true love.

No matter what your style is you’ll be able to find the perfect ring to symbolize your love. Women with a modern sensibility might prefer Tiffany’s “Bezet” platinum ring with a pear-cut solitaire diamond set into a simple bezel. Classic women might explore the most classic of solitaires by Harry Winston, set with either an emerald cut, brilliant-cut or oval diamond. Cartier’s “Ballerine” ring set in platinum with pave diamonds into the platinum shoulders might appeal to woman with a more romantic aesthetic.  Or for women who want “fashion flair” Van Cleef & Arpel’s “Estelle” style, or Damiani’s “Double” could fit the style need perfectly.  And don’t worry, a platinum and diamond engagement ring doesn’t require a king’s ransom or a princely dowry. Platinum and diamond engagement ring settings are available starting from approximately $1,000.

For an array of platinum engagement ring designs, you can visit www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery.

Most Popular Wedding Ring Questions Answered

Contributed by Jewelry & Style Expert Michael O’Connor

Romantic style platinum and diamond engagement ring by Hearts on Fire

• Where and when should a future bride begin to research engagement rings and wedding bands? When a bride begins research on engagement rings and wedding bands, it is a personal decision. My suggestion, however, is that couples begin their research at least 6 months prior to the engagement or wedding. Take time to fully understand the intricacies of diamonds, and to evaluate what type of setting you’re looking for. You are making a considerable investment in a diamond and this investment will need to be safeguarded by the setting. And since an engagement ring will be worn daily and subject to the wear of everyday life, it will need to be sturdy and enduring. Platinum is the most enduring of precious metals, holding a diamond securely forever and not wearing down from daily wear like other metals. Therefore, it’s the wisest choice for your rings. Additionally, because platinum is a pure and naturally white metal, it will maximize the fire and brilliance of the engagement diamond – a desired affect for every bride. Engagement rings and wedding bands are treasures that become family heirlooms and should be purchased with that in mind. Only the finest quality metal should be appropriate.As far as where research should begin, I always suggest starting at the top. You can always trade down from there but you may be surprised at how affordable the best can be. Start online by researching sites that offer you a wide selection of designers and styles, such as www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery. Narrow your search down from there to the designers and styles you like. Then visit the suggested retailers so that you can see the styles in person and learn more. Remember to ask about quality; not only for the diamonds but for the mountings and bands, you need something to stand up to a lifetime of daily wear.
• Do my engagement ring and wedding band have to match? These days people prefer to express their individuality in the styles of rings they wear as wedding bands. I agree couples should choose styles that they love, and that show their own personal style. However, because there is great symbolism of marriage, the rings exchanged between a couple should have some unifying characteristics. If he’s modern and you’re romantic, that’s fine. Consider keeping the rings metal the same – “ if she has platinum then keep his ring platinum too, to symbolize your lives together and shows metal harmony. As for the engagement ring and wedding band, these should always match. Especially if the two rings are worn together on the same finger, the ring with the more durable metal like platinum can wear away the lesser metal (white gold) somewhat quickly. Therefore, it’s best that the metal of the engagement ring match the metal of the wedding band.

Vintage style platinum and diamond engagement ring and wedding band by Kirk Kara

• Do I have to wear my engagement ring and wedding band on the same finger? There is no “official rule” that the engagement ring needs to be worn on the same finger as the wedding band, except for the ancient belief that the fourth finger of the left hand contains the vein that runs directly to the heart and therefore, both rings were placed there. Many women, specifically those who love some of the unusual cuts of diamonds, will opt to wear their wedding band separately from the engagement ring. That’s fine! However, remember the special significance of both and ensure that both are made from materials that will provide you a lifetime of daily wear. If you do choose to wear the rings together, remember to ensure that both rings are made from the same metal so that the more durable metal does not wear down the less durable metal.
• What’s the difference between platinum and white gold? Platinum and gold are two totally different metals, each with its own unique characteristics. For example, did you know that platinum is a naturally white metal? Likewise, gold is a naturally yellow metal and there is truly no such thing as “white gold.” White gold is created by adding enough other white metals (called alloys) to the yellow gold to dilute and whiten its color as much as possible. Another difference is that when platinum is used in jewelry is primarily used at a 90 – 95% platinum purity level, keeping it pure and hypoallergenic. Gold is typically used in jewelry at lower purity levels (18 karat and 14 karat). 18 karat gold is approximately 75% gold, with a mix of other alloys, and 14 karat gold is approximately 58% gold, with a mix of other metals. Characteristically, platinum is a more dense metal that does not wear down easily. It’s also 30 times more rare than gold.
• I’ve noticed some trendy styles in engagement rings and love them. But, should I forgo trendy and stick to classic?If you are a lover of some of the newer trendy styles in engagement rings then you should indulge that love. Two things that you’ll want to consider however, are if the style is too trendy, you will tire of it after a few years. This choice is one you’ll be making for life and you should ensure that you’ll be happy with it for years to come. Additionally, you should consider that the ring will be worn daily. From a style perspective, that means that large protruding areas or shanks that are too wide or cumbersome can mean that your ring won’t be as comfortable to wear daily. From a durability perspective, that means you’ll want to choose a durable metal like platinum that will stand up to daily wear and still look as beautiful on your 50th anniversary as it does the day of your wedding.
  

  Modern style platinum and diamond engagement ring by Mark Schneider

• I have short fingers- what type of engagement ring and wedding band would look best on me? Many people think that if they have shorter fingers that it’s difficult to wear rings. Not true! The trick is to give your fingers the appearance of length and there are a couple of simple rules that you can apply to do this. First, remember that you may not have as long a distance between knuckles as people with longer hands. To give the illusion that the space is longer than it is, choose rings that are narrower in width. Specifically when you’ll want to wear your engagement ring and wedding band on the same finger, narrower rings stacked together give the visual impression that the space is longer than it is. Make sure your rings stack up against one another with no gap to maximize this affect. Additionally, if you choose a style that is crowned by a “north/south” orientation on top – “ perhaps a marquise cut stone or a narrower emerald cut or radiant cut (one that is longer from knuckle to tip of finger) the line that is created along the finger will create the illusion of length.
• I don’t have a huge budget for our wedding bands, so what should I get? Budgets are a very personal item when it comes to engagement rings and wedding bands and I feel that a couple should buy the very best they can afford to mark the significance of becoming engaged and married. Typically, the “rule” is to apply a two-month’s salary guideline to the wedding band, and then I suggest another one-month’s salary devoted to purchasing the two wedding bands. I realize however, that for some, this may not be a possibility. I would still urge couples to remember the significance of the moment and think about the fact that these items need to be worn daily for life. With platinum being the best metal for wedding bands I also believe that many couples might be surprised at just how affordable the best can be. Once you set a budget that works for you, research online and in-store to see if buying the best is still an option within your budget.
• What trends are you seeing in engagement rings and wedding bands? There are a number of great trends in engagement rings and wedding bands. Classic will always be a favorite among brides. Classic styles are typified by simple clean lines and elegant, highly polished surfaces. Another trend is Modern. Modern styles tend to be a little larger and chunky in appearance and are often more angular in design. Many modern styles have matte finished surfaces. Romantic styling is very popular now as well. These styles will often have organic lines and small intricate details such as micropave (paving the surface with very small diamonds that create a fairytale like shimmer). Vintage styling is enjoying a rebirth these days with more designers taking inspiration from the past when designing engagement rings and wedding bands. Vintage styling will often be seen with intricate carving or chasing, creating patterns on the sides and underneath of pieces as a nod to the superior craftsmanship of days gone by. Whichever trend is right for you, platinum’s density will ensure that your patterns and pave stones won’t wear down easily over the lifetime of the ring. It will also mean that your center and side diamonds will be held securely forever.

Diamonds: Three Basic Steps to Buying a Diamond

Our friends at the Gemological Institute of America offer advice on buying a diamond:

Buying a diamond can be a significant purchase, both emotionally and financially.  As with any major acquisition, you want to make sure you have a basic understanding of what to look for so that you get the diamond engagement ring or other diamond jewelry you want. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s foremost gemological authority in gemology, buying the diamond of your dreams should be worry-free of you follow three basic steps:

Step 1: Choose a qualified jeweler. Choose your jeweler as you would choose your doctor, lawyer or any other professional. Ideally your jeweler will be a GIA Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) or a GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.). In addition, look for affiliations with jewelry industry groups and professional associations. A knowledgeable jeweler will clearly explain the four C’s of diamond quality and will encourage you to compare diamonds to suit your price range.

Step 2: Learn the four C’s of diamond quality. The key to a diamond’s value is its rarity and no two diamonds are alike. Rarity is determined by a diamond’s unique characteristics as measured by the 4Cs: Carat (weight), Clarity, Color and Cut. Using these criteria, a small diamond of exceptional quality will likely be more valuable than a larger diamond of lower quality.

• Carat: Diamonds are weighed using metric carats. Two carats weigh about the same as a small paper clip. Just as a dollar is divided into 100 pennies, a carat is divided into 100 points. This means that a diamond of 50 points weighs 0.50 carats. But two diamonds of equal weight can have very different values depending on their clarity, color and cut.
• Clarity: Created by nature, most diamonds contain unique birthmarks called “inclusions” (internal) and “blemishes” (external).  Diamonds with few birthmarks are rare and rarity translates to cost. Using the internationally recognized GIA Diamond Grading System, diamonds are given a clarity grade that ranges from flawless, to diamonds with more prominent inclusions (I3).
• Color: Colorless diamonds are extremely rare and highly valued. Most are nearly colorless with yellow or brown tints. The GIA Diamond Grading System uses letters to represent colors, beginning with D (colorless) and ending at Z (light yellow or brown).
• Cut: While diamonds come in many different shapes, from round brilliants to hearts, pears and marquise, cut has to do with the proportions. The well-cut diamond uses light to create brilliance, sparkles and flashes of fire.

Step 3: Ask for an independent diamond grading report. For the ultimate peace of mind, ask your jeweler to provide an independent diamond grading report with your diamond. The most widely used and respected reports are those issued by the independent GIA Gem Trade Laboratory, who provides reports on the world’s most important diamonds. A professional jeweler can arrange to have your diamond graded and even have a personal message or unique GIA Grading Report number laser-inscribed onto the diamond’s outer edge, called the girdle.

Like true love, a diamond’s light and brilliance will not diminish with time. To learn more about the 4Cs of diamond quality, or to have your diamond laser-inscribed by the non-profit Gemological Institute of America, contact your local jeweler or visit www.gia4cs.gia.edu.

Largest Celebrity Diamond Engagement Ring

I was reading a recent post from our friends at the Village Voice about Costco’s million dollar engagement ring, and it got me thinking.  With the average cost of an engagement ring slightly over $4,000, this would be slightly above average in terms of both cost and size.  So I started wondering what was the largest (size) diamond engagement ring.

After doing some very unscientific research, I found a lot of information on the largest celebrity engagement rings.  So it appears that Paris Hilton holds the record for having the largest diamond engagement ring weighing in at 24 carats and costing $4.7 million dollars at the time.  I did find that Elizabeth Taylor received a 30 carat diamond ring from her third husband, but it wasn’t technically an engagement ring, so I excluded it from my very unscientific findings.

I’m not sure about you, but I have no idea how I’d get anything done with a ring this big on my finger, but I guess if you’re wealthy enough to receive an engagement ring like this, you’re probably not scrubbing your own dishes.

Top 3 Most Popular Diamond Engagement Ring Designs for 2011

With today’s diamond jewelry market overflowing with an incredible array of engagement ring designs and styles, it can get a little overwhelming for the less than experienced customer to choose his or her perfect diamond engagement ring. Here’s a list of the top 3 most popular diamond engagement ring designs for 2011 which may help narrow down the field of your engagement ring search:

Solitaire Diamond Engagement Rings
Timelessly classic, solitaire diamond engagement rings are a long time favorite with couples who are looking for a more traditional engagement ring. The solitaire diamond engagement ring features a single diamond center stone, usually set in a prong or bezel setting. The most common diamond shape featured in this type of engagement ring design is the round brilliant diamond, however, less conventional solitaire engagement ring designs may feature fancy shaped diamonds such as a heart shaped diamond or a star shaped diamond center stone, the choices are virtually endless. The solitaire diamond engagement ring style is favored for its versatile look and its sophisticated appeal.

Cluster Set Diamond Engagement Rings
Cluster set diamond engagement rings were made popular by their unique aesthetics and their amazing, eye catching appearance. Featuring a multitude of diamonds and precious gemstones set in a cluster and arranged in tantalizing geometrical patterns, this style of engagement ring is truly unique and glamorous favored by customers who prefer a more glitzy looking engagement ring.

Fancy Colored Diamond and Precious Gemstone Set Engagement Rings
Gone are the days when customers preferred engagement rings set solely with colorless diamonds. These days, an increasing amount of younger customers are favoring engagement rings set with fancy colored diamonds and vibrant, colorful precious gemstones over the traditional colorless diamond engagement ring. These gorgeous, colorful engagement rings are cherished for their playful, almost whimsical appearance.

The engagement ring above and more can be found at Zoara.com

Diamonds: Engagement Rings Through the Ages

The solitaire setting has become a classic style for Engagement Rings. The Engagement Rings romantic traditions resonate throughout time. The Romans first introduced the betrothal ring as a plain, iron hoop. Among the gentry, the iron ring was worn while indoors and replaced with the more valuable gold band when outdoors. As early as the 4th century AD, inscriptions, elaborate or as simple as “honey,” embellished the inside of the band. According to Macrobius, a 5th century Roman writer, the betrothal ring was worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. It was believed that from that finger a special vein ran directly to the heart. To this day, the centuries-old custom of wearing an Engagement Ring in this way has endured.

Read More

Unconventional Wedding Ring Styles for 2011

Gone are the days when wedding rings were unadorned, simple yellow gold bands. These days, the growing demand for unique, customized wedding rings has prompted jewelry retailers and manufacturers to produce an amazing array of varying wedding ring styles and designs, from more contemporary designs such as the gemstone cocktail wedding ring to classic ring designs such as the solitaire set diamond wedding ring. Here is a list of the more unconventional wedding ring styles and designs for 2011:

Read More

Style Your Own Wedding Band

As exciting as it is, shopping for your wedding bands can feel a bit daunting. You are, after all, choosing a ring you will wear for the rest of your life. Not to mention, you’re asked to make this important decision in the midst of ordering flowers, testing caterers and designing invitations. Lucky for us, there’s a style for every personal preference for her and him. Try finding a basic style that you love—it could be as simple as a solid platinum band—and then add your own personal touch. This not only helps ease the selection process, but it actually gives your ring even more meaning as a symbol of your enduring love and commitment.

Read More

The Significance of the Marriage Ring Finger

We Stumbled across this online, and thought it would be fun to share it. In case you didn’t know, here is a fun fact about the marriage ring placement on your finger. :)

Read More