With this Ring

A wedding ring is an endless circle that traditionally represents the love that you, the bride and groom, have for each other. It is wise to make a careful selection of these immortal tokens of love.

Since you are unique, your wedding rings should portray your uniqueness. Choosing or designing your rings can be one of the most pleasurable experiences of your engagement. The variety of styles is endless. Many couples prefer to visit the jeweler together to learn about each others' style preferences. Your jeweler can advise you on the style and design most becoming to your lifestyle and tastes.

Decide if you prefer a single wedding band, a wedding ring with a matching engagement ring, or an engagement ring with guard rings. Other decisions that will need to be made are what type, size and shape of gem you prefer; whether or not you would like smaller diamonds on your band to accentuate your main stone; and if you would like your fiance's ring to match.

After you have searched for the ultimate rings and have found them, congratulations!

If you cannot find the perfect rings for you, then commission your jeweler to custom design and create an original set of wedding rings for you. A custom jeweler can create magic by simply learning your preferences and designing your rings according to your liking. The jeweler will then hand carve and create your perfect rings.

Diamonds are an important part of engagement and wedding rings. You need to know a few basic facts and standards for diamonds. The most widely accepted diamond grading standards were established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the basic concepts can be mastered by you with the help of your jeweler. Diamond grading is divided into the Four Cs: Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color.

Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. One carat weight is divided into 100 points of weight. A 25-point diamond can be referred to as a stone that weighs 0.25 carats. Size is determined by the weight and is also a factor in the price of a diamond because the larger the dia-mond, and the heavier it is, the more rare the stone, and the more valuable it becomes.

Cut refers to the make and shape of your dia-mond. The make is the faceting or cutting of the diamond surface. Most round diamonds have 58 facets. A good cut, or make, allows for the maximum light reflection throughout the diamond. Some diamonds are cut shallow, some deep, while the superbly cut diamond achieves the most brilliance.

The shape of the diamond is also a part of the cut. The most common shapes include the round brilliant, marquis, pear, oval, heart, emer-ald, and baguette. Diamond shapes are not limited to these. Diamonds have been cut in the design of stars, flowers, tree, and even the shape of Texas.

Clarity refers to the ability to see through a diamond, which is affected by internal identifying characteristics of flaws formed in nature in the diamond. The fewer and less visible the flaws, known as inclusions, the better and more valuable the diamond becomes. Diamonds are graded on 10X magnification under a microscope or jewler;s loupe, with good lighting. It is important to examine your major diamond purchase under a microscope so that you can see the flaws, their sizes, and locations.

Overall, the fewer the inclusions, the more brilliant and valuable the diamond.

Alternatives to Diamonds

Another idea to consider when discussing your rings is the use of alternative stones instead of a diamond. The main reason that diamonds are the choice of most couples can be attributed to the fact that diamonds are the hardest stone known to man, thus they are better able to withstand the stress of daily wear. A myth exists about diamonds that they cannot be chipped nor can they break. But beware ... it is a myth. A diamond, like all gemstones, must be properly cared for by you.

On a regular basis, preferably at least once every six months, ask your jeweler to clean and inspect your rings and stones so that you can maintain their glowing beauty. In between your visits to your jeweler, it does help to clean your wedding rings as often as you wish. Your jeweler can advise you as to the best way to clean your rings at home. The cleaner your rings are, the more they sparkle, and the more your friends will notice them.

Colored gemstones, such as ruby and sapphire, have also been used throughout history as a wedding ring center stone or as an enhancement to the center diamond. For example, you may choose an intense blue sapphire as your center stone and encircle it with smaller diamonds.

After you receive your rings from your jeweler, you should check with your insurance agent as to how to insure your rings on your insurance policy. Inquire about an all-risk policy to fully insure your rings. Your insurance agent can give explanations and suggestions as to the best protection for you.

Other Wedding Jewelry

Your jeweler can assist you with other wedding jewelry, such as cultured pearls. This is a traditional wedding gift given by the groom to the bride to wear with her wedding gown. Pearls are an elegant jewelry gift and may be enjoyed for many occasions.

The bride may appropriately choose a set of cufflinks or button covers as her gift to her groom to wear with his formal attire at the wedding and for future occasions. Your jeweler can guide you in making your choices.

Check with your jeweler for bridesmaids' and groomsmen's gift ideas and give a gift that will remind them of the special day they will share with you.

Choosing your wedding and engagement rings can be fun and exciting! With the professional guidance of your jeweler, your wedding rings will become cherished reminders of the love you share.