Carat Pear

Engagement Rings/Bridal Set Rings?

I am so stressed over finding the perfect ring. I have been looking for several months and our budget of $1000 (to include both engagement, bridal band and I am looking for pear shape diamond) is just not going to happen. First of all, I don't understand carat and clarity and all of that. Can anyone explain it in English? I just want to have a decent ring and not break the bank. Now, I am starting to think of getting a CZ ring. I don't know how I feel about that. Ahhhhh, help help because they are less expensive.

I can help you! I have so been there! Hell, I still haven't chosen the ring and it's been months. But, my problem is too many options! I've done a ridiculous amount of research to figure out exactly what I want and to get the best value.

Here's some steps to go through:

1. What metal do you want for the setting?

Most people typically choose gold which comes in various karats and the colour rose, white or yellow. You would also be fine to go with platinum ($$$), palladium (just like platinum, but cheap!), titanium (durable!) or tungsten (durable and scratch resistant!). Silver isn't usually recommended for bridal jewelry because it doesn't endure well over time and with constant wear.

2. What size of ring do you want? (Stone and Setting)

Not finger size, though you need to know that too, but what looks good on your hand? A thin band can make chubby fingers look super chubby and a very thick band will dwarf short fingers even more. What width works on you? 3-4 mm seems to be the most common for women's rings.

Also, what size stone do you want? Again, different stone sizes will look better on your hand. A 2 ct is huge, but may not look as such on longer fingers, but will look gaudy on a small hand. A .5 might disappear on your large hand, but look perfect on average hands. Where do your hands stand?

3. What type of ring is good for your lifestyle?

Do you get your hands dirty? Might want to avoid something with lots of detail, unless you plan to remove your ring frequently. If you work in a sterile environment or an office setting, something with lots of details might be fine.

4. What shape of gem do you want?

You already chose a pear. Congratulations! You got one down.

5. What type of stone do you want?

If you go with the traditional diamond, you will need to research the 4 C's and know them well.

If you like the look of diamond, but want cost savings you have lots of options. One would be colourless gemstones such as white zircon and moissanite. CZ is an option, but note that there is both low quality and high quality CZ. Low quality may not last more than a year, which is fine since you might pay only $30 for it, but only if you don't mind changing up your ring so frequently. Higher grade CZ passes for a diamond and can last your lifetime. For higher grade CZ look at Nexus Labs, Asha Diamonds and any CZ with a grade of AAA, AAAA or AAAAA.

Do you like colour? Look into gemstones. Sapphires, including rubies, are known to be very hard and durable and come in so many colours. Check out this site for pictures of various gemstones (you can buy as well): http://www.gemselect.com/group/gemselect.php?x_ByType=on

6. Do you want to pick out a loose stone and add it to a setting or buy the completed set?

Just something to think over, you have options.

7. What style of setting do you want?

Solitaire (single stone)
Solitaire with side stones
Three Stone (Past-Present-Future ring)
Plain (No stone)

Then do you prefer a modern sleek look or an intricate antique look or something else? Narrow down what you like.

8. Relax! You can find plenty in your price range. Be sure to check out some jewelry forums which I have found a huge help. Here's some links to help you out:

Education

http://www.pricescope.com/diamond-knowledge.aspx

http://www.jewelry-secrets.com/

http://www.jewellerywebshop.co.uk/1.25ctfingersize.htm

http://www.newyorkweddingring.com/materials-wedding-rings.htm

http://www.diasource.com/fourcs.htm

http://www.helpwithdiamonds.com/

http://www.beeghlyandkeim.com/diamondchart.gif

Forums

http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/

http://betterthandiamond.com/discussion/ubbthreads.php

Shopping recommendations (to keep within budget)

http://www.moissaniteco.com/

http://www.overstock.com/

http://www.benmoss.com/home/entity/tabid/60/language/en-us/c-1524-sets.aspx

http://www.zales.com

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.hsn.com/

http://www.qvc.com/

http://www.robbinsbrothers.com/

http://www.jared.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home%7C10451%7C10001%7C-1%7C

http://www.diviene.com/

http://www.myjewelrybox.com/

http://www.superjeweler.com/

http://shopping.schubachstore.com/

http://www.novori.com/

http://titaniumera.com/

http://www.goldandgems.com/Bridal_And_Wedding_Rings/

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