by Asha Haridas

Many astrologists suggest the lucky stones on the basis of stars; but it is not sufficient. It has to be based on Sun’s position and Planetary positions. So it is essential that you consult a good astrologist before selection of the Stones.

Introduction: Engagement is a joyous and proud moment for two hearts full of love bonded by ring ceremony. Offering a ring is a unique way of expression of a romantic love. It is independent of the material and cost. Topics Covered

1. Selection

(a) on the basis of Astrology

(b) on the basis of Science

2. Options

(a) Antique

(b) Branded

3. Quality & Credibility

(a) Gold

(b) Diamond

(c) Gem

(d) Platinum

4. Price

(a) Standards

(b) A word of caution

5. Appendix

(a) International Certification Centers

(b) Alternatives to Gem

1. Selection of engagement ring on the basis of Astrology

Many astrologists suggest the lucky stones on the basis of stars; but it is not sufficient. It has to be based on Sun’s position and Planetary positions. So it is essential that you consult a good astrologist before selection of the Stones. Wearing stones not suitable to you may cause undesirable effects. Rings with Navaratna should not be used. e.g. Nobody consumes all the vitamins together; but selects the vitamins depending upon the necessity. Similarly some stones produce good effects for one person while other stones cause evil effects. Select which is suitable for you. It is not advisable to fix more than one stone in a ring. Next comes the selection of metal. Usually stones are embedded on silver rings. You can opt any metal, but silver is cheaper than gold. The stone need not touch the body, but the bottom of the ring should be open so that skin is able to absorb the energy of the stone. The weights of each stone should also be given importance. On the basis of science Selection may be done according to the budget, colours matching with the skin or dress, style and grace.

2. Options Antique rings

These are traditional rings representing status, culture and heritage. It is unique in style, class and grace. Usually the design and art form are selected by customers with the guidance of goldsmith and templates. This may be a pleasant surprise to your loves ones.

Gold rings – Branded, artistically designed rings are available with exclusive sellers. For those who no longer desire the traditional golden yellow, various colored gold rings are available. Such rings are becoming popular. You can choose Sandal Polish, Copper Polish, Mat Polish, Rhodium coated or Tri-colored gold.

Diamond Studded Engagement Rings – The upper class customers find a costlier way to express their affection and love by offering diamond studded rings to their loved ones. You can select pure diamond or diamond like Zirconium. There are colored ones from cheaper varieties like Yellow and Brown to costlier ones like White and Pink.

Gems and Stones – Gems have emerged as a strong contender to gold and Platinum. Belief that gems and stones are linked with luck and health is becoming strong and popular. They are also cheaper than diamond.

3. Quality and Credibility Gold

Hall Mark makes your gold reliable. After the introduction of ‘Caratometer’, it is now easy to check the purity of gold. Credibility is further boosted by the standardization of gold by World Gold Council. Now the Certificates of authenticity is issued along with branded gold ornaments. Now the consumers are quality conscious. Standardization of diamonds and gems is a boon to the purchasers. Four C’s are carefully looked into by consumers before purchase. Four C’s

Cut : – This is the most important one among 4 C’s — because this decides the sparkle or brilliance, which is based on depth of the Stone. It is better to purchase diamond having sufficient depth. The table, the flat part, should be sufficiently big for, this too contributes to the brilliance.

Colour :- The more the whiteness (less yellow) the costlier is the diamond. Colour codes are adopted by Gemological Institute of America, i.e., from D to Z. D,E,F are clear, G to J is colorless; thus moving down to Z which is light yellow. It is always better to view the un-mounted diamond from the top and from all the angles to determine colour and brilliance. But deciding the colour is not easy unless you compare with a standard diamond. Remember that among the colored diamonds, Pink is the costliest, Yellow and Brown the cheapest. Refer internationally accepted colour chart available with the sellers.

Clarity :- The lesser the flaws in a diamond, the better is the diamond. These flaws are natural and GIA has standardized them as given in Appendix. All these flaws are not visible to naked eyes. Beware of filled diamonds, i.e., diamonds having more flaws are filled to increase clarity. These types of diamonds are cheaper. It is preferable to refer any internationally accepted chart available with the sellers.

Carat :- It signifies the weight (1 carat = 200 milligrams). Density varies from diamond to diamond. Hence, for the same weight, size varies from diamond to diamond. So it is imperative to give importance to the weight and not to the size.

Few more tips for buying engagement ring

1. Beware of the fake diamonds and enhanced diamonds. There are synthetic and imitation gems which are manufactured on the basis of soft glass. Further, sellers also assemble stones called doublets or triplets in which two or three sections are fused together and held by a colorless cement.

2. Factors such as four C’s should be given due importance.

3. Good and bad diamond cuts.

4. Check for cracks, bubbles and clouds.

5. View the diamond on a white background from all sides; otherwise, even a yellow diamond may appear to be less yellow.

6. Never check diamonds on U.V. light – GIA reports indicate whether there is fluorescence in diamond., i.e., diamond’s reaction in U.V. light.

7. If there are more than one diamond in a ring, the weight given is the total carat weight ( weight of all diamonds.).

8. Always insist on Certificate Of Authentication by internationally accepted centers. Such certificates, certify the exact grade of the diamond; (the true value of your diamond) and it offers assurance that in case of any repairs, your diamonds can never be fraudulently replaced.

4. Price

This is the tricky part of purchasing a diamond. Diamond Report which gives information on pricing. I recommend not to accept the price if it is not according to the standard.

5. Appendix

International Certification Agencies are :-

1. GIA GTL – Gemological Institute of America Gem Trade Laboratory.

2. AGTA GTC – American Gem Trade Association Gem Testing Center

3. EGL USA – European Gemological Laboratory

4. GII – Gemological Institute of India

5. IGI – Antwerp based International Gemological Institute

List of Original and Cheaper variety of Gems

1. Ruby Star  – Ruby Garnet

2. Pearl  – Moonstone

3. Coral –  Cornelian

4. Emerald  – Jade, Peridot

5. Yellow Sapphire  – Golden Tops

6. Diamond – White Tourmaline, Quartz

7. Blue Sapphire – Lapis Lazuli

by Farhan Jaffar

An engagement ring is the most important aspect of an engagement. It signifies the betrothal of the man and his spouse. The type of ring you choose reflects your personality and also your passion for the spouse.

Summary:

So you’ve decided to pop the question and the next thing in order is an Engagement Ring, to commemorate your eternal commitment to the one you love. Of course, the debate still rages: Why do we need to buy a ring? Is the expense worth all the hype? Does it mean anything at all? When did all this begin, anyway?! Well, the following trivia may help:

* Egyptians believed that the “love vein” (vena amoris) ran straight from the fourth finger to the heart.

* Judeo-Christian ethos considers the ring’s significance as its symbol of everlasting continuity.

* Most agree the tradition of buying a diamond engagement ring began in 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria bought his future wife Mary of Burgundy a large diamond.

* Still more believe it’s a vast conspiracy on the part of the jewelry industry to rake in all our money!

Just remember, in matters of the heart, one needs little justification for any act, senseless or otherwise. Follow your heart, and let it decide what you want.

1. YOUR BUDGET – FOLLOW YOUR HEAD, NOT YOUR HEART!

I know I’ve just contradicted myself, but hey, this is an important point. It’s all very well that you’ve decided to go in for the ring, however here’s the guideline: Jewelry is expensive. Good jewelry is even more expensive. Great jewelry is… But you get the point. Solicit ideas may be a good idea. Speak to men who’ve already done the deed. A family member could have some advice. Your local jeweler will simply be bursting with ideas too. However, ensure that the final decision is yours. Nothing else will do. Here are some tips to help you along.

It doesn’t always need to be a diamond. It’s true. Many feel the modern tradition of diamonds is over-sold. Remember that the value of the engagement ring will mean different things to different women. Most women believe more in the symbolic value of the ring, especially if the proposal is sincere. There are many imitation diamonds in the market, but remember that while it may fool some, it will never fool her. My advice, don’t even try. But do take heart; there are many alternatives to diamonds that are affordable, romantic and of symbolic value too. A Ruby or a Red Garnet symbolizes the passion and zest for life, and everything the heart stands for. Other marginally more expensive alternatives are the Red Tourmaline or Red Spinel.

Choices in green include the Green Garnet and Green Tourmaline, and the enchanting Emerald, all of which stand for the everlasting symbols of faithfulness and continuity. The Blue Spinel, Iolite, Blue Tourmaline and Sapphire stand for purity and spirituality. The Pearl has long been associated with love and weddings, far before any other gemstone. Try and find a natural pearl in an heirloom or antique piece. A good idea would be to combine the stone of your choice with a small diamond on either side to complete the symbolism with the aura of indestructibility and infinity that the diamond stands for. An important thing is to decide whether she prefers her birthstone itself. It will make it more personal, closer to her heart.

So no matter what your budget, and no matter what you want to say, these beautiful, rare and precious choices are well within reach. It simply has to incorporate the correct symbolism for the two of you, while showing thoughtfulness and caring. However, society sometimes fuels unrealistic expectations for the perfect engagement ring, and you may decide to go in for a diamond ring after all. Or maybe, you can actually afford one quite easily. Whatever the reason, remember to separate yourself from the benchmarks that others set, and make this decision based on your own preference. Most financiers and jewelers agree that an ideal budget would be in the range of approximately 2 or 3 months’ salary. Some choose to spend more because they have another disposable income, and many find a good ring spending less than the prescribed budget. Just remember, matters of the heart are generally directly disproportionate to your bank balance! Use your head, that’s all.

2. WHAT DOES THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE ACTUALLY LIKE?

You will now have to begin doing things that most men find very difficult. Start Paying Attention!

* What is the metal color she prefers? Unlike men, most women will have a definite preference. Your choices will vary between White gold, Yellow gold, Rose gold or Platinum.

* Does she now wear jewelry that is vintage or antique? Or does her preference lean towards modern contemporary design, or is she prejudiced to classic and timeless designs that never go out of fashion?

* Her regular jewelry is probably the best indication of her taste, especially because it almost surely is made up of items she is most comfortable with. Are You Listening?

* If she’s ever mentioned an opinion, it’s a definite clue. Has she commented on a friend’s ring? Why did she like it? Or why not?

* Does she like diamonds, or does she prefer other gemstones? Has she ever discussed jewelry with friends or family?

* If you’re clueless, don’t worry. It shouldn’t be hard to divert her attention towards a jewelry store when you’re out shopping. Be subtle! Tell her you’re looking for a tie-pin or something, but be sure to stop by the engagement ring counter. Start Noticing Her Hands!

* Think proportional when it comes to choosing the shape of the stone, and the ring’s thickness.

* Bold styles generally suit women with long fingers, while delicate jewelry will be unnoticeable on large hands.

* The wider the band, the shorter the appearance of the finger.

* Oval diamonds will make her fingers look more sleek, but avoid over-doing it.

3. CHOOSING YOUR JEWELER & JEWELRY CERTIFICATION

Regardless of whether you choose a gemstone or a diamond, this is an important step. It will not only ensure you get your money’s worth, but will also help if and when you decide to insure your expensive investment. In the US, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or the AGS (American Gem Society) are the most trusted certifiers for diamonds. Various countries have their respective certifiers, so make some enquiries before you purchase that stone. Look for a jeweler you can trust. Generally, a jeweler who has a good reputation in the community and who’s been in business for many years is the one you should approach, especially if you, like most men, are not very familiar with jewelry.

4. The Ring’s Band

Get It Right! However tempting it is to ignore the band because the vast majority of the cost is for the gemstone or diamond, the way the diamond is set in the band decides the overall appearance of the finished jewelry. Fortunately, this is much easier than picking out the gemstone. The thickness of the band isn’t the only consideration. Her personal taste in metal color, her hand type, her skin color, the size of the stone, all play a part in deciding what the band should look like. Regardless of whether you choose White, Yellow or Rose Gold, 18ct (Carat) Gold is the best choice, followed by 14ct. Despite being significantly more expensive, many still choose Platinum for the ring. Now you need to decide how you want the stone set. Want it to ride low? It won’t be very showy (you’re probably wondering what the point is then), but consider that a diamond that juts out is liable to snag itself on just about anything that brushes it and will also be prone to damage. You’d imagine there’d be an easy answer to the illusive question of choosing an engagement ring design.

There is no scientific or mathematical way to design or choose one. It’s purely a matter of one’s personal preference, hedged by some practical reasoning: – Does it look good? – Is it practical to wear? – Will it withstand normal wear and tear? – Does it hold the all-important gemstone securely? If you want an extremely fine design, then choose Platinum, as it is much stronger and will wear out gold many times over. Also, a 6-claw arrangement will hold the stone more securely than a 4-claw. If her work involves very heavy contact, then you may consider a bezel setting (called a rub-over). It’s safer than a claw setting. You may want to sneak one of her rings to the jeweler, so he can measure it. Otherwise an outline will help. You could impress one of her rings in a bar of soap, or push one down as far as it will go on one of your fingers, then mark the spot. Simpler still would be to trace the ring on paper. If all else fails, try asking her mother or friend to do the deed for you! Which brings us to our final point: Is this ring an investment? Ideally, no. At least, not for the reason you’ve bought it. When you consider the non-monetary investment you’ve made in the ring, you’ll find as a symbol of your love and devotion, it stands unrivaled. As a priceless testament of your love, your woman will be overjoyed, no matter what you choose.

by Reuben Robert

It doesn’t always need to be a diamond. It’s true. Many feel the modern tradition of diamonds is over-sold. Remember that the value of the engagement ring will mean different things to different women.

So you’ve decided to pop the question and the next thing in order is an Engagement Ring, to commemorate your eternal commitment to the one you love. Of course, the debate still rages: Why do we need to buy a ring? Is the expense worth all the hype? Does it mean anything at all? When did all this begin, anyway?! Well, the following trivia may help:

* Egyptians believed that the “love vein” (vena amoris) ran straight from the fourth finger to the heart.

* Judeo-Christian ethos considers the ring’s significance as its symbol of everlasting continuity.

* Most agree the tradition of buying a diamond engagement ring began in 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria bought his future wife Mary of Burgundy a large diamond.

* Still more believe it’s a vast conspiracy on the part of the jewelry industry to rake in all our money! Just remember, in matters of the heart, one needs little justification for any act, senseless or otherwise. Follow your heart, and let it decide what you want.

1. YOUR BUDGET – FOLLOW YOUR HEAD, NOT YOUR HEART!

I know I’ve just contradicted myself, but hey, this is an important point. It’s all very well that you’ve decided to go in for the ring, however here’s the guideline: Jewelry is expensive. Good jewelry is even more expensive. Great jewelry is… But you get the point. Solicit ideas may be a good idea. Speak to men who’ve already done the deed. A family member could have some advice. Your local jeweler will simply be bursting with ideas too. However, ensure that the final decision is yours. Nothing else will do. Here are some tips to help you along. It doesn’t always need to be a diamond. It’s true. Many feel the modern tradition of diamonds is over-sold. Remember that the value of the engagement ring will mean different things to different women. Most women believe more in the symbolic value of the ring, especially if the proposal is sincere. There are many imitation diamonds in the market, but remember that while it may fool some, it will never fool her. My advice, don’t even try. But do take heart; there are many alternatives to diamonds that are affordable, romantic and of symbolic value too.

A Ruby or a Red Garnet symbolizes the passion and zest for life, and everything the heart stands for. Other marginally more expensive alternatives are the Red Tourmaline or Red Spinel. Choices in green include the Green Garnet and Green Tourmaline, and the enchanting Emerald, all of which stand for the everlasting symbols of faithfulness and continuity. The Blue Spinel, Iolite, Blue Tourmaline and Sapphire stand for purity and spirituality. The Pearl has long been associated with love and weddings, far before any other gemstone. Try and find a natural pearl in an heirloom or antique piece. A good idea would be to combine the stone of your choice with a small diamond on either side to complete the symbolism with the aura of indestructibility and infinity that the diamond stands for. An important thing is to decide whether she prefers her birthstone itself. It will make it more personal, closer to her heart.

So no matter what your budget, and no matter what you want to say, these beautiful, rare and precious choices are well within reach. It simply has to incorporate the correct symbolism for the two of you, while showing thoughtfulness and caring. However, society sometimes fuels unrealistic expectations for the perfect engagement ring, and you may decide to go in for a diamond ring after all. Or maybe, you can actually afford one quite easily. Whatever the reason, remember to separate yourself from the benchmarks that others set, and make this decision based on your own preference. Most financiers and jewelers agree that an ideal budget would be in the range of approximately 2 or 3 months’ salary. Some choose to spend more because they have another disposable income, and many find a good ring spending less than the prescribed budget. Just remember, matters of the heart are generally directly disproportionate to your bank balance! Use your head, that’s all.

2. WHAT DOES THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE ACTUALLY LIKE?

You will now have to begin doing things that most men find very difficult. Start Paying Attention!

* What is the metal color she prefers? Unlike men, most women will have a definite preference. Your choices will vary between White gold, Yellow gold, Rose gold or Platinum.

* Does she now wear jewelry that is vintage or antique? Or does her preference lean towards modern contemporary design, or is she prejudiced to classic and timeless designs that never go out of fashion?

* Her regular jewelry is probably the best indication of her taste, especially because it almost surely is made up of items she is most comfortable with. Are You Listening?

* If she’s ever mentioned an opinion, it’s a definite clue. Has she commented on a friend’s ring? Why did she like it? Or why not?

* Does she like diamonds, or does she prefer other gemstones? Has she ever discussed jewelry with friends or family?

* If you’re clueless, don’t worry. It shouldn’t be hard to divert her attention towards a jewelry store when you’re out shopping. Be subtle! Tell her you’re looking for a tie-pin or something, but be sure to stop by the engagement ring counter. Start Noticing Her Hands!

* Think proportional when it comes to choosing the shape of the stone, and the ring’s thickness.

* Bold styles generally suit women with long fingers, while delicate jewelry will be unnoticeable on large hands.

* The wider the band, the shorter the appearance of the finger.

* Oval diamonds will make her fingers look more sleek, but avoid over-doing it.

3. CHOOSING YOUR JEWELER & JEWELRY CERTIFICATION

Regardless of whether you choose a gemstone or a diamond, this is an important step. It will not only ensure you get your money’s worth, but will also help if and when you decide to insure your expensive investment. In the US, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or the AGS (American Gem Society) are the most trusted certifiers for diamonds. Various countries have their respective certifiers, so make some enquiries before you purchase that stone. Look for a jeweler you can trust. Generally, a jeweler who has a good reputation in the community and who’s been in business for many years is the one you should approach, especially if you, like most men, are not very familiar with jewelry.

4. The Engagement Ring’s Band

Get It Right! However tempting it is to ignore the band because the vast majority of the cost is for the gemstone or diamond, the way the diamond is set in the band decides the overall appearance of the finished jewelry. Fortunately, this is much easier than picking out the gemstone. The thickness of the band isn’t the only consideration. Her personal taste in metal color, her hand type, her skin color, the size of the stone, all play a part in deciding what the band should look like. Regardless of whether you choose White, Yellow or Rose Gold, 18ct (Carat) Gold is the best choice, followed by 14ct. Despite being significantly more expensive, many still choose Platinum for the ring. Now you need to decide how you want the stone set. Want it to ride low? It won’t be very showy (you’re probably wondering what the point is then), but consider that a diamond that juts out is liable to snag itself on just about anything that brushes it and will also be prone to damage. You’d imagine there’d be an easy answer to the illusive question of choosing an engagement ring design.

There is no scientific or mathematical way to design or choose one. It’s purely a matter of one’s personal preference, hedged by some practical reasoning: – Does it look good? – Is it practical to wear? – Will it withstand normal wear and tear? – Does it hold the all-important gemstone securely? If you want an extremely fine design, then choose Platinum, as it is much stronger and will wear out gold many times over. Also, a 6-claw arrangement will hold the stone more securely than a 4-claw. If her work involves very heavy contact, then you may consider a bezel setting (called a rub-over). It’s safer than a claw setting. You may want to sneak one of her rings to the jeweler, so he can measure it. Otherwise an outline will help. You could impress one of her rings in a bar of soap, or push one down as far as it will go on one of your fingers, then mark the spot. Simpler still would be to trace the ring on paper. If all else fails, try asking her mother or friend to do the deed for you! Which brings us to our final point: Is this ring an investment? Ideally, no. At least, not for the reason you’ve bought it. When you consider the non-monetary investment you’ve made in the ring, you’ll find as a symbol of your love and devotion, it stands unrivaled. As a priceless testament of your love, your woman will be overjoyed, no matter what you choose.

by S Prasad

Platinum, known for its durability is a popular choice for rings. Finally, the selection of the ring style is just as important. You could either select a simple ring with a single stone (which is called a solitaire), or a ring with side stones or Baguettes, which will add to the total price of the ring and is more personalized.

Summary:

A special occasion always warrants a special gift. And for an occasion like an engagement, the ring is the gift which highlights the ceremony. When buying an engagement ring, the first decision to make would be the ring size. It is important to note that the ring band (or the part of the ring which surrounds the finger) should fit comfortably and well. The engagement ring itself comes in two parts: the setting (which holds the stone) and the band. The setting is almost always made out of platinum (even on a gold ring) because of the metal’s strength and durability.

A selection can be made whether the stone is gripped by 4 or 6 prongs. A setting with 4 prongs will show more of the stone, but a setting with 6 prongs is more secure. But, whether you would want prongs or any other setting which does not use prongs, for example, a setting which would use a channel to hold the stone, is a matter of personal preference. The band itself can be made out of different materials, most common to note would be gold. The gold used in manufacturing rings is usually alloyed with Nickel, Copper or Zinc to add strength to the band, as pure gold is known to bend easily.

A 24-carat band is known to be of pure gold, where as an 18-carat band will usually be about 68% gold. However, if you would want a silver band that rarely tarnishes, platinum is the metal of choice for the band. But, platinum is much more rare than gold and costs more. Platinum, known for its durability is a popular choice for rings. Finally, the selection of the ring style is just as important. You could either select a simple ring with a single stone (which is called a solitaire), or a ring with side stones or Baguettes, which will add to the total price of the ring and is more personalized. 2. How to choose gemstone. A gemstone is a mineral rock or petrified material that when cut and polished, can be used as either a collectible or in Jewelry. It is usually the organic or hard gemstones like diamonds and rubies which are used in Jewelry. There are four basic gemstones which are considered as cardinal and these are Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds; and these are classified as precious stones. Others, which are semi-precious, range from Agate to Zircon, which are mostly manufactured to imitate precious stones.

The most common semi-precious gemstones are Opal, Cubic Zirconia (which is a synthetic diamond substitute), Amethyst, Jade, Quartz, Topaz and Lapis Lazuli. When selecting a gemstone, some important factors to consider would be: a) The artificial materials used in the gem: Some artificial materials used include High-Lead glass, and synthetic materials like cubic zirconia, corundum, and moissanite. These are used to strengthen the material. b) The organic materials used: these can range from Amber, Bone, Coral, Pearl to Jet (Lignite). c) The cut of the stone: Some stones, most commonly diamonds, are cut into different geometrical shapes to reflect their dimensions. Most common cuts are Round, Radiant, Pear, Oval and Marquise. The cut defines the shape of the stone and determines the brilliance it reflects. It is the above factors which also determine the price of the gemstone in addition to the setting that the gemstone would be in, the carat weight and the color.