Here you will find informative articles on an a variety of subjects such as wedding           planning, wedding favors, and pretty much anything that has to do with the wedding           day.   Wedding Budget Guide click here

                      Buying the Bands: A Look at Wedding and Engagement Rings

By April Eddleman

Your wedding ceremony will most likely include a lot of romantic symbolism. There are the vows, the unity candle, and the ever “aww” inspiring kiss! But the circle of unbroken love and open trust represented by your engagement ring and wedding bands is one of the greatest symbols incorporated in marriage. These rings aren’t just another piece of jewelry- they should stand the test of time! But what should you look for when buying a band? We’ve got inside information and terrific tips to help you pick the perfect pair.

Let’s begin with the 4 Cs. If diamonds will be a feature on your ring, your jeweler should point out these particular points on each specific stone you look at. The first is cut. This factor is mainly related to the shape of the diamond- round, oval, princess, marquis, etc. But any diamond seller worth his weight in gold will tell you that cut is really about an attempt to shape the stone in a way that makes the best use of light. Which means more sparkle for you! Next is color, a key issue when trying to choose the “clearest” diamond. To determine color, a scale from D to Z is used. Diamonds rated D to F are considered colorless and, therefore, extremely rare and expensive. The less color a diamond contains the more valuable the diamond becomes. Then comes clarity. This refers to the purity of the diamond. As diamonds are mined from deep within the earth, some elements become entrapped inside the stone. These elements are not visible to the naked eye and so your jeweler will use a magnifier, or loupe, to point them out to you. Of course, the fewer elements the diamond contains, the more the quality of the diamond increases. And finally, there’s the all-important carat. This actually refers to the stone’s weight. The heavier the diamond, the higher the carat content (and the price tag)!

The setting of your ring is also important. Setting refers to the metal framework surrounding your stone. There are plenty to choose from and all of the designs offered have a timeless quality to their craftsmanship. Take the solitaire- a single stone set in prongs. Nothing else is present, just the beauty of one gem. Or the channel, which aligns several stones in a single row and can wrap around the entire band. The bands themselves are also significant as they can be made of multiple types of metal. Yellow gold, white gold, silver, platinum, or titanium are all viable choices for your setting. It is helpful to begin by determining what other types of jewelry you wear (perhaps you already own a pair of yellow gold earrings or a sterling silver watch). Then decide how hefty you’d like your band to be. Gold and silver tend to bend and nick more easily, while platinum and titanium are almost indestructible. And men have design options too! A plain band can be decorated with diamonds, etched with engraving, or ergonomically designed for greater comfort. Whether minimal or macho, a jeweler can match your ring to your personality.

There are a few other points to keep in mind when purchasing an engagement ring or wedding band. Have your ring sized. A ring that’s too snug may not feel very comfortable when fingers swell. And a ring that’s too loose may just slip right off. Have your ring appraised. Most jewelers have an appraiser on-site. The appraiser will be able to verify the 4 Cs as they pertain to your particular ring. They will also provide you with a copy of these verifications certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Finally, be sure to have your ring insured. Your insurance company can schedule your ring on your homeowner or renter’s insurance policy, or if you have neither of these, your agent may be able to sell you an inland marine policy to insure only your ring. You will need to provide your insurer with a copy of your appraisal in order for the company to cover the ring at full value. Insuring your ring is especially vital, as a standard home or renter’s policy will not pay for full replacement cost of any jewelry item unless it is scheduled.

Now you’re armed with the know-how to pursue the perfect ring. Happy hunting!