Marriage has been part of human culture for a very long time. The first recorded marriage ceremony dates back to about 2350 BC in the far east. The institution of marriage has changed and adopted different traditions over time.
At first, marriages were polygamous, but as time went on, monogamy was adopted. Also, as time passed, different cultures stood their ground on their views on marriage and made traditions around the issue. Engagement rings have also found their way into the marriage tradition.
People have also adopted beliefs about wedding rings and engagement rings. Many believe that buying an engagement ring from a pawn shop brings bad luck. However, there is no scientific proof to back this information.
There is also a belief that taking off your engagement ring brings bad luck. Taking off your engagement ring can also be used to communicate different messages. The act can signal to be hurt or disinterest in the marriage.
However, you should take off your rings when performing some activities to protect them from damage. It is advisable to take off your engagement ring when swimming, taking a shower, washing dishes, and playing sports. This will help reduce the chances of losing it or scratching it.
Finding the perfect engagement ring can be difficult if you do not know what to assess. The process is also made difficult by the many options there are to pick from.
In this article, we will guide you on how to pick the best engagement ring for your partner. Let us look at some things you need to know:
Gemstones
Your engagement needs to have a gemstone of some kind. Traditionally, the go-to gemstone is a diamond. Diamonds are popular because they symbolize faithfulness, love, purity, and innocence. Diamonds are also affordable and very durable. You have probably heard of engagement rings being passed on down in generations.
Apart from diamonds, there are other gemstones you can try. Emeralds, pearls, sapphires, aquamarine, and rubies are also viable options. The prices of the gems vary. However, you should note that rare gemstones will cost more. Finding the right engagement ring in the style you want isn’t always going to be cheap!
Types of Diamonds
There are several types of diamonds available in jewelry stores. Diamonds can either be mined or created in the laboratory. It is possible to make quality diamonds in laboratories thanks to modern science.
You do not have to worry about any visible difference. Only professional jewelers and gemologists can spot the difference between lab-created diamond rings and rings from natural diamonds. Another perk of lab-created diamonds is that they are cheaper than natural diamonds.
Mined diamonds can be classified into two groups. There are clear diamonds and colored diamonds. Colored diamonds are formed similarly to clear diamonds. However, colored diamonds were exposed to different elements during formation, which gives them their color.
Since colored diamonds are so rare, they will cost significantly more than any other diamond.
The Four Cs
Focus on the diamond cuts, clarity, carat, and color when buying your diamond rings. The diamond cut refers to how light is reflected in the gem. An ideal cut directs light toward the crown, making it look sparkly. A shallow cut will let out light at the bottom, and a deep cut directs light to the side or bottom. The good cuts are expensive.
The color of the diamond will vary from colorless to light yellow. The color options in between are not very noticeable. However, by placing the side of the diamonds next to each other, you can see the difference. The icy colorless diamonds are rare and therefore, cost more than the yellow-colored diamonds.
The clarity of a diamond focuses on the absence of blemishes or inclusions. Diamonds of flawless clarity are the rarest and the most expensive. Clarity can be a confusing character. Because of the confusion, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) made a chart to help shoppers understand.
The carat defines the size of the diamond. The carats range from ¼ carat to 2 carats which is the biggest. However, the size is the least important factor compared to the other aspects.
The Shapes
Gemstones can be made into a variety of shapes. The round shape is the most famous. Other diamond shapes include pear, emerald, oval, heart, princess, and cushion shapes. The shape of the diamond does affect the pricing of the diamond.
Diamond shapes that require more expertise to craft cost more. Consider the brilliance and fire when picking shapes.
The Metal for the Band
No matter the type of wedding band you choose, you have to decide on the metal to be used. Normally, people go for yellow gold, silver, or platinum. People are also adopting rose gold for rings.
When picking metals, remember some metals scratch easily compared to others. You also have to remember that the metals vary in pricing. Silver and platinum look similar, but platinum is denser and rarer, therefore, platinum is more expensive.
Finger measurements
Before you go ring shopping, know your partner’s ring size. You can get one of your partner’s rings as a point of reference in case you do not know their measurements. You can also find a way to ask them. Find out from their friends if you are planning on surprising them.
You should get a perfect fit ring size. A small ring will be uncomfortable and may cut blood circulation to the finger or leave marks. A big-sized ring is no better; it will slip off at any time.
Certification
As you may have noticed, there are a lot of qualities to look at when getting your diamond jewelry. It is easy for jewelers to overprice a diamond and give you reasons to support their claim. It would be a shame to pay thousands of dollars for a gem that is not worth that amount.
For this reason, you should shop from stores that have certified gems. The most reputable gem agencies are the GIA and the American Gem Society (AGS).
Conclusion
Choosing the right engagement ring for your partner can be a difficult task. There are so many factors to consider and you do not know if they will love it. Take your time to go over the different qualities and see what your budget can accommodate.
Size is not a major factor to consider. Consider how the engagement ring will look with the wedding band. It is common to stack the two rings together.