Where to Buy Non-Traditional Engagement Rings

I grew up in a small town in the south. My family didn't have money, nor did any of my friends' families. Some of us really grasped the frugal lifestyle and some of us didn't. I know several individuals from my graduating class that proposed to their girlfriends with engagement rings with huge stones, at least a half-year's pay. I think my favorite one, though, was my best friend, who took her husband to the jewelry counter at a store in the mall and pointed out a gem with a tiny, cute butterfly on it. The butterfly was made of beautifully set Peridot stones, a deeper more lustrous green than you usually see. They're both August babies, so it was a shared birthstone. “That's what I want you to propose with,” she said.

Now, they'd already talked about getting married, being rational and thoughtful folk, but JT wanted to wait until he got a better paying job to propose. He wanted to get her something big and fancy, to show he could take care of her. She still caught him by surprise that day, though, and he finally popped the question a few months later, with that little butterfly ring.

When seeking an engagement ring always remember that she is saying yes to you not just the ring. Traditions are a wonderful thing but often times being non-traditional is the essence of being crazy in love with someone.

Diamond Engagement Rings: Stressing Out

There is certainly an array of choices for couples to pick from when looking for diamond engagement rings. The shimmering inventory of choices can often be overwhelming when you are looking to take the plunge. After all, isn't it stressful enough just wondering if she is actually going to say, yes? Here are three ways to bring that stress level down to a dull roar and walk away with the perfect ring.

Engagement rings are the mainstay of the fine jewelry market. You can only pick one of those glistening designer gems from the vast array of inventory. It's no wonder your blood pressure begins to go up at the thought of shopping! It's a big decision and you need something extra special to convey that statement. However, before you begin looking at rings, look at your bank statement. A large part of ring shopping anxiety is the expense. One way to avoid stress is to sent a real budget and try not to look at rings that are out of that range.  Secondly, if you are thinking of using a financing plan, make certain that you already have at least 50-75% of the purchase price. It's much easier to pay off a small portion and some interest than the whole ring on credit.

The last way in which to avoid stress is to involve your partner in selecting a ring. To be honest, you can't stress about if she's going to like it or if it's the perfect ring, if she picked it out herself! Ask for advise! Ask for examples and find rings that are in your price range. Shopping for engagement rings does not have to be a time of stress and anxiety if you take it one step at a time.

How to Find Affordable Engagement Rings

Are you ready to take the next step in your relationship but worried about finding her the perfect ring that won’t wipe out your savings? Finding an affordable engagement ring is actually pretty simple if you are willing to step out of the big chain jewelry stores.

Look for hand crafted jewelry. There are many talented artisans working with precious metals, rare, gems, and even diamonds. You might also find a vintage engagement ring that your lady will love!

You can also check out the consignment area at a local jeweler. You can find beautiful engagement rings for half the price of the large chain stores. Another way to find the perfect engagement ring is by going to estate sales where you can purchase rare antique jewelry at huge discounts over retail.

Be careful shopping at sites like Amazon or eBay. You won’t be able to check the authenticity of the ring until you receive it, which can be a bit of a gamble. You are better off shopping at a reputable online jewelry dealer.

Always remember, the most important thing about your engagement is you and your love. Finding her the perfect ring might take a little creativity, but you can start your new life together debt free.

Engagement Rings: Be Bold Brilliant and Dazzling

Engagement rings are a big deal. There’s just no getting around it. The ring you choose to propose with reflects the ways you think about the relationship you are about to suggest should continue until one of you dies. You do not want to start off on the wrong foot. That makes shopping for these rings a frightening process, but to some extent, it absolutely has to be. This is a huge transition on which you are about to embark. Finding the ring that perfectly sums up and communicates what you believe your relationship uniquely expresses is what the whole thing is about.

A trick that can help is to start thinking about one value you really want to express to your partner and then shop accordingly. If that is trust, for example, trust is traditionally associated with the idea of marriage, so more traditional designs can be appropriate in expressing that value. This jumping off point is at least a way to start thinking about the way that the properties and materials of a ring work together to create a message, and that communication is vital when it comes to your ring. Boldly go and select your engagement ring with that idea in mind and you are sure to find the perfect ring.

Choosing Loose Diamonds to Personalize Jewelry

Upon entering any jewelry store, there are many pre-made pieces of diamond jewelry from which to choose. From rings to watch chains, any type of jewelry can be found with these precious gems.  There are some individuals, however, that prefer to personalize their jewelry by choosing from a selection of loose diamonds for placement in a variety of settings. When deciding to create diamond jewelry by selecting the individual pieces, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

When choosing which diamond to use, consider the setting in which it will be placed. If that intricate gold leaf necklace has a small setting place, a large carat diamond probably should not be selected. If it is too big, not only will it not fit, but it may not look right on such a delicate piece of jewelry.

Make sure that the diamond is of the highest quality possible. It should be a certified diamond, with the paperwork showing the four “C's” of the stone in question. The four “C's” include carat, clarity, cut, and color. Personalizing jewelry with loose diamonds can be a wonderful way to create unique, personalized jewelry for any individual. The selection of the diamond should be made carefully, however, before creating the perfect ring or necklace.

The Symbolism Behind Solitaire Diamond Engagement Rings

Over the years, solitaire diamond engagement rings have been the most popular outward sign of a couple's commitment and devotion to one another. Simple yet elegant in design, the symbolism they represent can provide the perfect way to express two people's intent to spend a lifetime together.

The diamonds of the engagement rings themselves represent long life and overcoming struggles. The stones were formed under extreme duress over hundreds of thousands of years. After being exposed to constant heat and pressure, the lumps of coal are made into something precious, durable, and long-lasting. Like these gems, relationships, many times, undergo obstacles and hardships that mold and strengthen the love felt by the people involved. This strength helps the couple feel closer, as well as gives them the knowledge that they can last throughout a lifetime.

The single stone of the diamond solitaire engagement ring also symbolizes the love felt between two people. After they are married, they are no longer two separate entities. They become one unit bound together through love, devotion and dedication to one another. The sole diamond represents this lasting unity between two loving people. When two people become engaged and commit to a lifetime together, the solidarity and unity felt is often indescribable. Solitaire diamond engagement rings symbolically represent these feelings with a single gem that will last forever, just like their love.