20 Places to… Shopping Reviews

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If you are asking this question, congratulate yourself: few people ever stop to consider the many beautiful options open to them when buying engagement rings. People are so accustomed to a single assumption that they seldom look beyond the basics.

Just because a couple is thrifty and desires to save money to be invested elsewhere in their marriage, it doesn’t mean that the choice of an engagement ring need be humdrum.  Thinking outside the traditional can often mean finding a ring that will introduce symbolism into their special relationship, romance and even something novel that will be the envy of their friends. 

The choices break down into three categories, if you are going to have a ring at all. You can choose a ring with no stone: a simple band that will harmonize with a wedding band, perhaps engraved with words that matter to you, or embossed with a pattern that appeals and coordinates with your wedding band choices.

You can do an array of different things with the bands and wedding set. You can double the band and mix and match them as you please.   Many designers would jump at the opportunity to design a dual band set so it should not be hard to hire one for cheap and use the savings on stone.

When you choose a stone, the remaining two options are to go with some form of stone or synthetic that looks similar like a diamond, or simply lighting out for the unknown place and searching a stone that suits you perfectly, both as an individual or as a couple.

Cubic Zirconium is the most preferred and known substitute for  diamond, though it  weights more and looks duller than a pure diamond and may even wane in color with usage. That is the single, most popular diamond substitute today and it is beautiful to wear.

Moissanite, a synthetically produced stone based on a gem found in the heart of a meteorite, is also superb, though more expensive than cubic zirconium stones. The stone is slightly harder than diamond, twice as brilliant (a factor that increases its beauty but does lead to identification by those who prefer the muted fire of a diamond)leading some people to feel that it has a faint greenish tinge. It is mostly a persons own style which dictates the pros and cons of Moissanite.

Instead of a diamond, the white sapphire has been used for hundreds of years. The fire of a white sapphire is softer, and the durability less than diamond, but it is still beautiful, can be cut in the same shapes as a diamond, and few will think to challenge the lovely luster of the white sapphire.

There are so many options besides diamonds that you may have a hard time picking a type of stone for your ring. Ruby, sapphire, jade, and similar hard stones are good choices since the stone will be worn constantly over a long period of time.

A color that goes well with the range of colors often worn is wise. But beyond that the entire world of fine stones is open. Would you like to choose a star sapphire or prefer a ruby like carborundum stone? Sure! It is a very elegant alternative to a standard faceted stone. Would you consider a carved jade jewel mounted in solid gold? It will last forever, and jade offers an infinite range of colors.

Engagement rings come in as many different styles as you can imagine. This ring is a symbol of the love you have. If either of you thinks “oh, blah, diamond” or “we could spend the money so much more wisely,” then it is time to start discussing the many choices open to you.

For more please see pear shaped diamond solitaire engagement ring and three stone princess engagement rings.