Whether you’ve spent years dreaming about the perfect engagement ring or your spouse surprised you with the rock, you have it, and you want to show it off!
However, now that you have this permanent symbol fixed on your finger, you must keep it safe, sparkling and in perfect condition.
Are you ready to get down on one knee and ask your partner’s hand in marriage? Before your bride shops for a perfect wedding dress, you need the perfect engagement ring for the once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Engagement is a timeless ceremony, having originated several centuries ago and was introduced to the world by the Romans. The engagement ring is symbolic of love and commitment. It marks the first step a couple takes to embark on a path of togetherness. Traditionally, the engagement ring is worn on the left hand’s ring finger as the Romans believed it to have the vein that runs straight to the heart. In addition, it is circular, indicating that love goes beyond life itself and has no beginning and no end. Many people across various countries and cultures still wear this ring on the left hand.
Purchasing an engagement ring can be one of the most important decisions you will make in your wedding process. It is also the decision to last the longest – engagement rings often become heirlooms, passed down through generations. The method of researching your options can quickly become overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!
Some people may purchase a ring they are drawn to upon walking into a store – we love you for that! Others are meticulous researchers who are curious about every aspect of the process.
Whether you opt for a brand name or an independent goldsmith, there is a multitude of factors – big and small – that you’ll need to consider when shopping for an engagement ring. As with most essential tasks, my advice is always to divide and conquer.
Most of us, regardless of if we are male or female, love rings and appreciate wearing them. However, buying a wedding ring can be quite challenging as your partner’s tastes may be unique, or we may not know what would suit them. They are fantastic for symbolizing eternal love, but you want to be sure that the ring you choose is just right.
We will start by giving you a brief introduction to the anatomy of the ring so you know precisely what we are referring to, then move on to the types of band, settings, and finally, the different kinds of metal you can use.
Anatomy
All rings comprise similar component parts. Every ring will have a shank, commonly referred to as the band. However, some rings will have some other features, and just a few of these are detailed below:
Setting
The setting which can sometimes be referred to as the head is where the main stone will be situated. There are many different setting styles; some are designed to allow maximum light to enter the stone, while others focus more on protection.
Gallery
The gallery is located under the setting and is visible from the side. In some rings, the gallery can be barely visible; on others, it is a prominent feature and can sometimes house another stone.
Shoulders or Accent
The shoulders, also known as the accent, are the sloping sides from the shank to the setting. On some rings, they will remain plain, but often they are adorned with a series of small gemstones.
Prong
Prongs are a series of tiny metal claws rising from the setting, which will hold the stone in place. Typically, there will be four to six prongs, allowing a large amount of light to pass through the stone displaying a gem, such as a diamond’s famous sparkle.
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