Engagement Rings
Choosing An Engagement Ring
If you haven't yet chosen an engagement ring, you may consider buying one that is part of a set with a coordinating wedding band or bands. You may also consider purchasing a ring that is not matched with a wedding band and decide on the band later.
Typically an engagement ring is given to the lady at the same time or just after her fiance proposes marriage. Times are changing so some men are receiving engagement rings as well (our article on Marriage Proposals brings us up-to-date).
Like a wedding band, an engagement ring may have been passed down through the bride's or groom's family as an heirloom. If you do not have an heirloom engagement ring, but want that style, you can look for an antique (older than 50 years) ring through reputable dealers. Alternatively, a vintage ring will be a reproduction of an older ring style.
Gold (white or yellow) and platinum are the most common metals for engagement rings. Since the bride and groom may both wear engagement rings, the rings can be picked out to coordinate, though the style for women is generally quite different than a man's style.
Traditionally, a woman's ring has the primary gem, usually a diamond, lifted above the metal and other smaller gems embedded in the ring. If there are 2 stones flanking the center stone, you have a three stone ring. The man's ring will most likely have gems that are channeled into the metal, of his wider ring, so that they don't stick out much above the surface of the ring. Emeralds are also popular as the primary stone. A celtic or irish ring may have a trinity knot or celtic knot design in the metal on either side of the main stone or stones.
If you are looking for an engagement ring or rings, you may consider an internet purchase. Of course, as with anything you purchase to wear, you will use a sizing chart as part of the order process. Netaya has a 30 day money back guarantee for un-worn jewelry (and without customization such as engraving). We recommend Netaya for your diamond engagement rings - all diamonds have been purchased from conflict-free sources. ------ Just click the Netaya link at the right.
Weddings and Romance has many more articles that may be of interest to you, such as our articles on Wedding Rings and Choosing a Wedding Dress or Gown.