One For The Guys: The Rules Of Engagement

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by Erin Love,

Are you thinking of proposing to that wonderful woman in your life? If so, you have an extremely important decision to make – choosing the engagement ring! Beginning this endeavor makes many men cringe with fear. After all, the engagement ring will be worn forever in conjunction with the wedding ring. It will be the star of the show, so to speak, so it has to be perfect! Not to worry, your fears will soon be a thing of the past.

Have you ever heard of the “Four C’s?” They are cut, color, clarity, and carat and they will become your friends during your search for the perfect ring.

• A stone’s cut refers to the number, placement, and craftsmanship of the facets that create the diamond. The more facets a diamond has the more brilliant it will become.
• The color of a diamond ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Diamonds come in a number of different colors, such as blue, red, orange, and yellow. The most common, as well as, most preferred is the colorless diamond.
• The clarity of a diamond refers to how clear of imperfections it is when viewed with the naked eye or with a loupe (magnifying glass).
• Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. One hundred points equals one carat.

Another thing to consider when it comes to an engagement ring is the shape. Have you and your soon to be fianc้e discussed what shape of ring she might want? Or are you going to completely surprise her? If you are going to surprise her you need to be armed with knowledge.

Shape indicates the actual “geometry” of a stone.

• Round is the most common shape stone. It has fifty-eight facets.
• Emerald is the most elegant shape, although it has fewer facets.
• Asscher is an Emerald shape, but with the added brilliance of more facets.
• Radiant is also Emerald shaped, but differs from the Asscher because the extra facets are cut in to the underside of the stone.
• Princess is the newest shape on the scene. It is square with intricate facets that add to its sparkle.
• Cushion has an antiqued look. It is round in shape.
• Pear is like a round stone, but has a point at the top of the stone.
• Oval is also like the round stone, but is for someone who wants something a little different.
• Marquise is basically an oval with pointed ends. It tends to look bigger than it actually is.

After you choose a stone, it is time to search for the perfect setting for your stone. The setting is like the backdrop to your stone. It should enhance the stones appearance.

• The prong setting holds the stone in place with four or six “claws.”
• A three-stone setting usually represents yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Most of the time the middle stone is larger than the stones on its sides.
• A baguette setting usually includes two rectangular stones on either side of the larger stone.
• In a bezel setting a round piece of metal fully surrounds the perimeter of the stone.
• The half bezel setting is just that – a bezel setting that does not completely surround the stone.
• A tension set diamond gives the illusion that the stone is floating.
• Channel set is a row of diamonds that are not separated by metal of any sort.
• Channel End is a row of diamonds that are each separated by a thin vertical piece of metal.
• Pave setting is where the diamonds are flush against metal.

Now you are armed with all of the critical knowledge it takes to find and buy the perfect ring for that perfect woman. Keep this article with you on your quest. It may come in handy!

About the Author

For more information on weddings, fashion, etiquette, or image please check out my website at http://www.panachebyerin.com There are weekly tips and tricks that may come in handy.

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