Gem of the Setting Sun: Topaz

There comes a time in a relationship when a man realizes that the woman he is currently dating is the one. At this point, one can clearly envision a future where they love each other, live together, raise children, and grow old while holding hands. But how do you tell your wife-to-be that you want to be together? You already know the answer. When a man pulls out a small box with a ring inside it in front of a woman, he is expressing his willingness to be with her for the rest of his life. Women, on the other hand, use engagement rings as a subtle sign to inform people that she is getting married. Subtlety is not much practiced today, though, as word often travels fast about the engagement. Still, an engagement ring is something nice to look at, and brides-to-be would more than happy to show their rings to their friends. In a few countries, an emerging practice would be for the woman to also purchase an accompanying ring for her fiancé to wear. Some say that this is small but important step to achieve gender equality in relationships. Prior to this, only women wear engagement rings while men can go about their day without people knowing that he is about to be married. How Men Pick the Rings Unlike some women who have already seen how their weddings will be like while they are still seven, men only think about engagement when the moment dawns on them. They do not buy an engagement ring and then pull it to any woman they are currently going out with. However, when the right woman comes, they would start looking for the right engagement ring. The selection and the succeeding purchase are often done in secret. In order to help men who are artistically challenged, jewelry stores have an entire section devoted to engagement rings with various designs. The basic structure would have a metal ring (usually gold or silver) topped by a precious stone. The choice for many men would always be diamond due to its strength and beauty. Diamonds also do not come cheap, and their value would greatly depend on the cut, carat weight, color, and clarity. There are other gemstones that can be considered. Ultimately, men choose engagement rings based on what they think is the most beautiful or the most expensive that they can afford. Price or beauty aside, what matters most is that when the proposal comes, it is hoped that the woman should look at the ring and understand what it means, not look at the ring and wonder how much it costs. The Proposal Equally important to the engagement ring is the proposal itself. Most men take their girl to an elegant dinner and pop out the question right there. Others go as creative as they can, because hopefully, they will only do this once in their life. Several proposals have been done in public, especially sports games with not-so-good results. Others propose under the sea. For what its worth, the proposal and the engagement rings bring out the romantics in all of us. Now let us hope that the girl says yes.

When someone announces that they got engaged, don’t most people, especially ones you know, excitedly congratulate you and ask to see your ring?  Did engagement rings lose their fascination?  I think it must have because that’s what happened to me.  At least, I think maybe it happened to me because when I talk to people about it, they seem to think differently.  Anyway, I recently got engaged – yay, I’m so happy!  When I made the announcement to my close friends, they seemed happy for me too, maybe not overly excited, but happy.  I usually thought at this point, people would grab my left hand to see my ring, but no one really did.  No one really asked to even see my ring.  Well, I’m exaggerating.  A couple of them did as well as my immediate family, but not even some of my close cousins asked.  I was a little shocked, maybe even a little hurt.  I wanted to show off my ring, not because I’m a showy person, but because I guess that is what I expected.  Plus, my fiancé spent a lot of time in choosing my ring after looking at so many diamond engagement rings, and I know he’s proud that he was able to even pick a ring on his own.  Hmmm, I wonder where I even got this notion of how people, women especially, typically act during engagement announcements.  I blame the movies and TV.  I also think and observe that other people generally ask to see the ring just because we’re all curious, and I know that I excitedly ask to see my girlfriends’ engagement rings.  So why did I get a different reaction? 

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I’m lucky that I get to choose my engagement ring. It’s funny, my fiancé didn’t propose to me like most people. No setting off to a secret, romantic, or exotic location and getting down on one knee, saying, “Will you marry me?” Just a simple, “When do you want to look for engagement rings?” And I’m okay with this “proposal.” I already knew he’s the one that I want to marry and vice versa. We already talked about marriage four months into the relationship, but we were friends two years prior. Plus, we’re older, so I don’t need all that frivolity. I’m just excited about picking out my ring! I’m having trouble picking out the type of metal to choose for my diamond engagement ring. There are so many to choose from, yellow and white golds, platinum, tungsten, titanium, and silver, and they all have their pros and cons. Right now, I’m going to stay away from silver engagement rings because the metal is too soft. Yellow gold is classic, something that my mom and her friends often choose because it’s considered precious and valuable. However, it seems like it’s going out of style. More of my friends choose white metals, and I have a lot of silver jewelry and some yellow gold pieces. Because I have more white metal jewelry, yellow gold will be towards the bottom of my list. White gold does sound appealing, and it contains gold, 75% to be more exact with 25% white metals with rhodium plating, and is durable and light. However, I heard that the metal can have a yellowish tint over the years, but it can be restored by replating it with rhodium, which be can be done while you’re waiting. Platinum has the status of wealth nowadays because it is expensive and very durable. However, it’s heavy, and a few of my friends tell me that it tends to be dull in a couple of years, scratches easily, and needs to be polished pretty often. Yet, some of my friends say that they love their platinum rings. Titanium is an even stronger metal than platinum, but it’s black. I think this metal would make a better wedding band than engagement ring, so I’m taking this metal off my list. Plus, I read that since it’s so strong, in emergency situations, no paramedic has the tools to break it off! Tungsten has the highest melting point than all the other metals, so it’s very durable and is great if you’re working in a labor-intensive environment. But it can crack if it’s hit with enough force. Hmm, I think I’ll also put this lower on my list, maybe consider it more for a wedding band. I narrowed down my choices in the following order: platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and maybe tungsten. I’ll get more of an idea of what I want to choose once I try them on tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow, my fiancé and I will begin my engagement ring search!

A wedding ring is neither an ordinary jewelry piece nor a simple fashion statement. It has been used to signify a couple's commitment to love and cherish each other throughout their lives. It represents messages of lifetime love and partnership.

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A diamond is a girl’s best friend, so they say. However, unless you have a lot of money in your bank account, it may not be the same case. In many cultures’ traditions, when it comes to getting married, the man is responsible for paying for the expenses incurred in a wedding, even diamond wedding rings. That is why the following tips are truly perfect for you. You will learn how to get the diamond wedding ring you and your partner have always wanted without breaking the bank: Go for heirloom diamond wedding rings. Wouldn’t it be nice to continue the tradition of the family? Your family may have a significant ring that has been passed on from one generation to another. You can then utilize the ring to finally welcome your wife-to-be into your family. You may ask your mom or dad about it. Watch out for promos in jewelry shops. There are certain times of the year when pieces of jewelry such as diamond wedding rings are being sold at a discount. You can actually purchase the wedding ring at 50 percent off the regular price. What’s more, you have a lot of choices when it comes to designs and even inlays. When you already have set a date for your wedding, you may then watch out for the holidays and Valentine’s Day. These are the best times to scour for diamond wedding rings. Look for used diamond wedding rings. Okay, it may sound awkward to be wearing somebody else’s diamond wedding rings, but we are talking about practicality, right? Fortunately, you have several places to go to when you are hunting for used diamond wedding rings. For one, you can search for them in antique shops. These vintage rings are usually very affordable. Thus, you can expect them to be uniquely designed. You can also find them in the World Wide Web. There could be some couples who may have agreed not to go through with their weddings. To recover from their expenses, they are willing to sell everything including the wedding ring. Always compare jewelry shops. Before you decide to buy any wedding ring, you may want to compare shops first. Most of them could be selling similar diamond wedding rings, but differ in terms of prices. Know where you can possibly spend less or even ask for a discount. A little research can surely save your pockets from overspending. Purchase loose stones. One of the reasons why diamond wedding rings can be pretty expensive is because of the intensive labor that has been performed by the cutter and the jeweler. To have more control on the cost and the design of your diamond wedding rings, you may want to buy the loose stones and opt for a setting that you think is cheap. Wedding bells could be sounding so hard, but you do not need to worry. With these tips, you can definitely find the wedding ring that will make you and your bride truly happy.

Getting married is an exciting time in any couple’s life. It only makes sense to immortalize the moment with diamond wedding rings. Preparing for a wedding, however, can be a daunting task with hectic schedules and a long list of things to do. While the wedding ring is an important aspect of the wedding preparations, it should not take too much time and consideration choosing one. Diamond wedding rings are the perfect symbol for commemorating love and commitment. Diamonds last forever and this enduring quality, along with its stunning beauty, makes it the perfect gem for your wedding rings. Accept no alternatives. If you are thinking that you could not afford a diamond, think again. There are really great pieces of diamonds that cost much less than what people would assume it costs. Remember that diamonds are rated according to their carat, cut, color and clarity; and are priced accordingly. Get a smaller diamond if it suits your budget. Or perhaps get one that is a little bit cloudy, but has a great color rating. An error in cutting the diamond usually brings the price down but you can hide the imperfections by talking to your jeweler and setting it correctly. What you can change, however, is the ring’s metal. Depending on your preference, budget and personality, you can choose from gold, white gold, titanium, or platinum. Some couples prefer silver, but silver tends to be softer and pliable, making it unsuitable for a diamond setting. If you and your partner have active lifestyles, consider getting titanium or platinum rings because these metals tend to be stronger and more scratch-resistant. Gold and white gold are perfect for those who are looking to save up on their expenses. No matter which metal you choose, pairing it with diamonds would make it an elegant and beautiful piece. Diamond wedding rings do not have to be expensive. While it is practically unbelievable that a simple and elegant symbol would be inexpensive, it is utterly possible. For one, check out a lot of stores both in the real world and online. This will give you the widest possible range of choices at prices that you would love. This is especially true if you browse online; within a matter of seconds you are looking at hundreds of different diamond wedding rings from a variety of suppliers. Consider if you are going to get matching rings. Most couples, because of their schedules get different rings on their own time. Getting matching rings however, make the symbol more potent and more special. What’s more, if you get matching rings, you are in a better position to ask for a discount from your jeweler. Diamond wedding rings are durable, beautiful and elegant. It is precisely because of this that they make perfect wedding rings. You might also consider using diamond wedding rings as “double duty rings”, or using your diamond wedding rings to double as the engagement ring.

Pearls have been the most popular accessories with women wear that continue to be a strong favorite today. A pearl necklace is the one piece of jewelry in the world that a woman should not be without as it is the quintessence of traditional classiness and eternal sophistication. Wear it with a casual day wear to formal evening attire, it compliments everything you carry and enhances your aura. There are numerous pearl necklace styles depending upon the nature of pearl and its color available for every one from the very young to those enjoying their declining years and people who are in middle of these two. Generally, the price of a pearl necklace depends highly on the worth of its pearls. Normally, saltwater pearls are expensive than freshwater ones, which are refined form of pearls. The size and roundness of the pearls also plays a major role in depicting the price of necklace. Today, you can find various colors of Pearl necklaces in the market making room for everyone. Smaller pearls in light shades of blue or pink are generally suitable for young children, while the creamier, ivory-colored pearls are ideal for older women. Because of their rarity, jewelry pieces made from black pearls are really expensive. Apart from the natural strand, the brilliance of pearls can also be used in necklaces set in gold, silver or platinum. Some designers also mix pearls with other gems to create a marvelous impression. For creating a unique effect, you can also add extra ornaments, such as charms or a brooch with a pearl necklace that gives an unimaginable beauty and charm. Because of its sensitiveness, pearl necklace needs a lot of care than other piece of jewelry. Proper care and attention must be given to maintain its brilliance and matchless shimmer that lasts forever. The most advisable thing to do is to wear it frequently as if it's kept away for long durations, it will arid up and lose its gleam ultimately. In fact, the body's natural oils also keep the pearls looking radiant and clean. To maintain the shine of pearls, it's important to keep a distance away from substances such as hair spray or body lotion that badly affect the pearls' status. Due to their versatility and sparking light of pearl necklace, fashion experts are even anticipating pearl-accented costume garnishing. Pearl necklaces are the very common and popular jewelry admired deeply by woman can actually make her special. It can also outshine the sophistication of the sight of a pearl necklace gracing the neckline of a woman, no matter she's a celebrity or an ordinary woman.

Engagement rings are dazzling. Though with so many engagement rings to choose from and all that engagement ring terminology it can be hard to know where to start when choosing the perfect engagement ring. Gemstone engagement rings add a radiant dash of color and allow more individual expression then ever before. Whether you like typical, graceful, bold, fashionable, ageless or simple styles, you can find many pieces that will suit your taste. When selecting colored gemstone jewelry, the color is generally what will attract you initially, but it's good to consider the styling of the piece as well. Beautiful engagement rings set with precious gemstones have served as symbols of love, trust and commitment since the middle ages. But, just because engagement rings have been around for thousands of years does not mean they all have to look the same. As a wonderful alternative to traditional diamond engagement ring, gemstone engagement rings are unique and ensure to enlist compliments from admiring eyes. Now, in place of diamonds, you can choose popular alternatives such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, which can be set with diamonds or without, according to personal preference. Choose Your Style Showcasing the purest form of every possible color, gemstones come in a wide range of breathtaking hues. With the variety of gemstones ranging from red sparkling rubies to blue sapphires, green emeralds, and more, there truly is something for everyone. If you are considering buying a gemstone engagement ring decide about its color first. Do not afraid to ask questions about your kind of ring. That way, you can know what you want; any good jeweler can turn your dream ring into a reality. As special as any diamond engagement ring, gemstone engagement rings look radiant and dazzling. Any reputable jeweler who has experience designing unique wedding rings should be able to help you bring your idea to fruition. You can base your choice on personal color preference, or let the romantic in you choose according to the traditional significance of each gemstone. Blue often symbolizes peace and tranquility, for example, while red is the universal color of passion and symbolizes beauty and love. Green reflects the vital energy of life, awakening us to growth, nature and the possibilities of a vibrant existence. Determined by its beauty, rarity and durability, gemstone engagement rings are adorable and beautiful.

Filigree is the type of design that uses twisted wire to create subtle, lacy, openwork jewelry made from finer metals like gold, silver and platinum. Over the centuries, the art of filigree has been used to craft jewelry such as pins, rings and pendants. To give shape to a beautiful filigree piece, an artisan rolls the malleable metal into thin filaments, then twists and bends them into complex figures. Filigree- In History Researchers have confirmed the art of filigree in many ancient civilizations including Greece, Rome, Armenia, India and China. Then the artisan beat chunks of metal to get it elongated and convert them to filaments. After that, they used to join the elongated wires at their overlying stages with elementary soldering. This method of making jewelry may have been delicate, but they helped people celebrate rituals during marriages and birth, as well as providing fancy ornamentation for royalty. Till now the remnants of filigree can be seen in museums. Later, in late 19th and early 20th centuries, the craze of filigree reached its peak of popularity. As during that time, people valued flowery, ornate designs in clothing, furniture and book illustrations as well as jewelry, so filigree was of a great importance to them. The style of filigree was also seen in the diamond engagement ring of that era. Other jewelry such as brooches set in emeralds or rubies, linked bracelets made from silver, or hanging earrings of gold looked fantastic. Many wedding rings were made of filigree. They demonstrated off geometric patterns and to reflect the generalization of modern design. Filigree in Present World The rich history of filigree art says the importance of filigree pattern in the jewelry. They look royal and classic. In present times, surely the craze of filigree jewelry has declined but still there are many filigree lovers, who love to showcase their beautiful filigree jewelry. With a variety in designs, filigree jewelry remains a special. If you haven’t possessed any filigree art work, internet can be a best medium to help you to get one. Do a little homework before making your purchase so that you can make a profitable deal.

One of the toughest challenges a man face in his life is when he goes to the jewelry store to buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend.  If you know the taste of your girlfriend, then there is no reason to worry. But if you don’t know her taste in jewelry, then be careful, it may affect your marital life in the future.

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