A Review of Gold Materials Used In Diamond Ring Settings
Shopping for an engagement ring can be a time-consuming process, particularly if you are looking for that "perfect" ring on your own as a surprise for your girlfriend! There are so many different varieties and styles to consider, it can often be overwhelming. If you're able to subtly probe for ideas to get a sense of her personal style when it comes to jewelry, that's a great starting point. And, don't underestimate the value of checking with her closest buddies to ask questions on this subject - they probably are more in tune with her personal fashion sense than you are, and chances are they've already gotten an earful from her on this topic. Regardless, the time will come when you'll need to sit down for some research to find out the options for diamond settings and engagement rings on your own. You should be focused on finding a quality setting paired with a unique diamond, both of which should fit within your budget. (Often it's suggested that your engagement ring budget should lie somewhere in the realm of 2-3 months' salary.) Purchasing your engagement ring from a design studio with experience and expertise is worth the money, as they can often offer guidance that will be invaluable in your search.
Some diamond settings are easily identifiable as representing the artistic culture of a particular era - for example: early-20th-century art deco, the 1980's, or vintage engagement rings. But, brides nowadays are really looking for timeless beauty that will remain appealing for generations. Your fiancee will want her ring to be long-lasting, and never to go out of style. Are you looking for a solitaire design featuring a large center diamond, with impressive dimensions and excellent ratings for its brilliance and depth? Or perhaps a design that uses multiple diamonds set around a center stone for a less-ostentatious, more intricate appearance? There are many options in either of these styles that you can consider, bearing in mind the unique desires of your bride-to-be and her typical choices in jewelry.
The most noticeable thing about a diamond setting (besides the diamond itself!) is the color of the metal chosen for the shank. The natural color of gold is yellow, and that has been the classic appearance of engagement rings and wedding bands for hundreds of years. Choosing yellow gold for the material of your own engagement ring will result in a slightly "antique"y appearance, which you may or may not be looking for.
However, more recently, jewelers have developed a rhodium plating system whereby natural gold is coated with a surface that causes it to appear white. This "white gold" has become popular in more recent years. A white gold engagement ring will also offer a subtle advantage, in that a color-less band will cause diamonds set in it to appear to possess a whiter color (much more desirable) than the same diamonds set in yellow gold. There are tradeoffs, though; the artificial nature of white gold demands that it be serviced regularly to keep up its appearance. After a period of time, the rhodium plating will begin to wear off, causing the ring to "yellow" with age. Some people appreciate this type of patina over their jewelry (as it tends to be much more appealing than a tarnished silver), but most prefer to keep their white gold looking white, and will find that the rhodium plating will need replacing. One choice to alleviate the high-maintenance nature of white gold is to purchase a platinum setting, but the advantages of the platinum metal come at significantly greater cost.
For a more eye-catching style, contemporary designers have included both white gold and yellow gold in the same engagement ring design. Combining different shades of gold in these two tone rings create an appearance that is quite unlike any other setting design.
There are a few points to keep in mind after you've found the ideal engagement ring for your future fiancee. First, make sure that the center stone dimensions of your setting matches exactly with the fit of your actual diamond. Every ring is truly custom-produced, and it's critical that the center stone measurements are correctly established in order to ensure that there will be no unsightly gaps and to reduce the risk of the diamond becoming dislodged that might be exacerbated by incorrectly-sized prongs. Many jewelry production processes can support making the ring in the exact size you need to fit the finger of your intended fiancee, which is much preferable to simply expecting to re-size it after it's already been made. After all these details are in order, the only detail remaining is figuring out how to execute your proposal!
