Broken, Bent, Or Missing Prong

In the cold of winter, you pull your hand out of your mitten and you feel your ring catch on a thread. Snap! A prong breaks off. What do you do?

One of the most common repairs for engagement rings settings is for a broken, bent, or missing prong. Prongs are put in place to protect the diamond. As a rule of thumb, a diamond should have no less than four prongs to secure it in place. Six is more common and will help to give the diamond extra protection.

If you notice that your ring has an issue with one of the prongs, check the others. Run your finger over the setting to feel for other prongs that may be lifted or sharp.

The best thing to do is take the ring off and put it into a safe place until you can get it to a jeweler. Wearing a diamond with weak or missing prongs increases the likelihood that you will lose the diamond. A prong repair on engagement ring settings is relatively inexpensive, compared to the cost of replacing a diamond.

Crud In The Nooks And Cranies

You love your bi-weekly manicure. Usually, you remember to take off your rings, this time you didn’t and you got a parafin wax treatment. Now there is wax stuck in the filigree of your ring! What to do?

Engagement ring settings with filigree, engraving, or other fine details are highly susceptible to collecting all manner of dirt and crud. There are a number of cleaning solutions depending on your situation. For most jobs, a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water will do the trick.

Getting wax, ink, or sticky substances out of engagement ring settings can be a little harder. If you can’t get to a jeweler who can clean the ring with an ultrasonic or steam machine, you may need to get creative. Soaking the ring in warm soapy water may help to loosen sticky substances.

Never use abrasive cleaners on engagement ring settings, including toothpaste, or chemicals like bleach. Doing so can actually do more harm than good and cost you extra money at the jewelers.

Hitting The Gym

There is nothing like a good workout at the end of a hard day. Who thinks about taking off their ring? You look down and see your ring is all scratched and out of round. Now what?

One of the most common things a jeweler sees are engagement ring settings abused by gym goers. Contact with other metals such as free weights causes rings to scratch. Tight grips and weights can cause the ring to bend and flatten out. A professional jeweler can easily repair engagement ring settings that have this kind of damage.

If you need a quick fix until you can get to the jeweler, there are a few tricks you can use. Light scratches on engagement ring settings will often buff out using a polishing cloth. These cloths are specifically designed for jewelry and contain a very light abrasive material that will bring the jewelry back to a shine.

Sentimental Value

Some vintage cushion cut engagement rings can be very old and have a long and beautiful history. There is no competing with sentimental value. Beyond all reason, people will invest hundreds if not thousands of dollars into restoring their antique treasures for the sheer fact that the setting is sentimental.

If you aren’t sentimentally attached to the setting, there can be some strong arguments for resetting cushion cut engagement rings. The biggest reasons are durability, style, and value.

Til Death Do Us Part

If you’re in it for the long haul, you better make sure your ring is too. Antique cushion cut engagement rings require careful inspection to determine whether or not they are suitable for long term daily wear.

Common places for cushion cut engagement rings to show signs of wear are the prongs and the back of the shank. Obviously, the prongs serve an important purpose. If the prongs on your ring are worn, you can have them rebuilt or replaced. The shank is the part of the ring that slips over the finger. This takes wear usually from being worn against a wedding band. This part can also be rebuilt or replaced by a skilled jeweler.

Keeping In Style

Styles change, taste in fashion isn’t always the same between generations. It couldn’t be truer for cushion cut engagement rings. Cushion cut diamonds have been popular throughout the various periods of jewelry from Victorian to Art Deco to Retro. It’s possible that the style of setting isn’t what you hoped for.

Cushion cut engagement rings can easily be reset. Most modern engagement ring settings are well suited for the vintage charm of the cushion cut diamond. If you aren’t sentimentally attached to the old setting, most jewelers will take it in on trade towards your new setting. With gold prices high, the time is right to trade in on an old setting you don’t like.

If you are attached to the old setting or it was a family heirloom, consider setting a colored gemstone in place of the diamond. A birthstone either of the bride or groom is an excellent choice and a great way to repurpose an empty setting.

Losing Or Gaining Value

When considering their options, most couples worry about losing the value in their cushion cut engagement rings. Here’s the scoop. Unless your ring is signed by a well-known jewelry designer like Tiffany & Company or Cartier, you’re probably not going to lose any value.

The value of cushion cut engagement rings is in the diamond, rarely is it in the mounting. Resetting the diamond is a smart idea if you have a ring that has durability issues or is outdated.

To be sure, have your ring appraised by an independent jewelry appraiser. And be sure to ask their opinion. An independent appraiser will give you fair and unbiased advice to help you make the best decision.

If It Looks Like A Diamond

Cubic zirconia engagement rings are extremely popular because they are affordable and they look just like diamond engagement rings. A CZ is perhaps the most realistic diamond simulant on the market. Today, there are even diamond coated CZs, like the Asha diamond, that look even more like a real diamond.

Size Matters

Since they do look so much like a diamond, cubic zirconia engagement rings have the most credibility if they are similar in size to the average diamond ring. According to a recent poll by the Knot, the average center stone is one carat in size. Stick close to this size if you want people to believe it’s real.

A sure way to tip someone off that you got her a “fake diamond” is to get a whopping 5 carat CZ. Unless you drive a fancy car, have a private jet, or a rich Aunt who just passed away, no one will believe it’s a diamond.

Setting The Scene

Another way to make cubic zirconia engagement rings more believable is to choose the right kind of setting. Now, you don’t have to spring for platinum, but cubic zirconia engagement rings are much more realistic if they’re set in white gold than sterling silver. Overtime, sterling silver tarnishes and looks dull. Unless you want to spend time each day cleaning and polishing the silver setting, go for the gold.

When shopping for cubic zirconia engagement rings, make sure you also pay attention to how the diamond is set. Diamonds are often set in prong settings. You can give the impression that your CZ is the real deal by choosing a similar type of setting. Make sure you go with four or six prongs, though, just like you would if it were a diamond.

Choosing a quality setting is the most important thing. Some cubic zirconia settings try to cut corners by gluing stones in place. Make sure yours are secured by metal so they’ll stay put and you don’t have to constantly keep visiting the jeweler for repairs.

Keep It Clean

Cubic zirconia engagement rings tend to get much dirtier than diamond rings. Because of the physical properties, CZs tend to look duller faster, collect more dirt and oils, and also scratch easier. You can pass your CZ off as the real deal longer if you spend time to keep it clean.

Cubic zirconia engagement rings are best cared for using an old soft toothbrush and warm soapy water. When possible, take your ring off before applying lotions which will create a film on the stone, making it dull.

Luck Of The Irish

The biggest tip off that she’s into celtic engagement rings is her love of the Irish. Is St. Patrick’s Day bigger than Christmas for your gal? Does she dream of going to Ireland? Has she already been 15 times? Does she have other celtic jewelry?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, you’re on the right path with celtic engagement rings. Because of their origin, celtic rings naturally strike a chord with the Irish loving folk.

If you answered no, that doesn’t mean she won’t like a celtic design, there are many more reasons why celtic engagement rings are so popular.

An Eye For Design

Celtic engagement rings have a very intricate design to them. Most often, they are comprised of detailed knots that seemingly have no end and no beginning. These unique designs are appealing to so many couples – even those with no ties to the “Old Country”.

Each celtic knot has its own special meaning. For that reason, these engagement rings are considered very personal and very romantic. You can choose a design that has a sort of secret message or profession of love.

Nature Lovers

Celtic engagement rings are especially popular among nature lovers. Most celtic knots are inspired by nature and celtic designs often feature animals, plants, and flowers.

These rings have a very organic feel to them, another reason they appeal to nature lovers. The tree of life is a very popular celtic design, holding special meaning to the Celtic people.

Hopeless Romantic

Aside from the obvious motifs like the love knot, celtic engagement rings are perfect for the bride who can’t get enough romance in her life. A traditional Celtic design is the Claddagh ring. There may not be another engagement ring style that holds this much sentiment.

The Claddagh ring features a heart in the center of two hands with a crown on the top. This ring has been a staple in celtic engagement rings, used as both a symbol of love and friendship.

The way you know a claddagh ring is being worn as an engagement ring is the hand it is worn on and the direction it faces. If the ring is worn on the right hand, facing out, it shows you are available. Wearing the ring on the left hand with the heart facing towards oneself shows that heart has been taken.

Something Different

Maybe your gal doesn’t fit any of the above, but you’re still thinking about celtic engagement rings. If she’s into unique jewelry and appreciates having something that her friends don’t – you might be on to something.

While celtic engagement rings are very popular, they still aren’t mainstream, meaning it’s highly unlikely her best friend is going to be showing one off.

Dating American jewelry can be tricky, but European antique engagement rings are much easier. Prior to 1998, British jewelry was subject to four compulsory marks called hallmarks. These marks indicate the maker, the fineness of the metal, the Assay office or origin country, and the year it was marked.

Quality Marks

One of the most important marks to be able to identify on antique engagement rings is the quality mark. This will tell you about the metal type and metal purity. Depending on the age and origin of the ring, the quality marks can be very different from one another.

Antique engagement rings from the United States are typically stamped either 14k or 18k for gold and Plat for platinum. Instead of 14kt, you might see 585. This means that the gold is 58.5% pure gold. If you divide 14 by 24, you’ll get this percentage. Likewise, 18kt is sometimes marked 750 because it is 75% pure gold. For platinum, you’ll usually see 900 or 950 since platinum is much more pure than gold.

European antique engagement rings may use a symbol with or without the corresponding number mark. To decode these marks, you can look up the mark at the Assay office of the country of origin. Or click here for a list of common hallmarks.

Date Marks

When shopping for antique engagement rings, one of the most common curiosities is to know how old a piece is. Dating antique jewelry can be extremely difficult, even for experts. If the antique has marks on the inside, it could give a clue to the age of the piece.

European antique engagement rings have a mark for the date. This mark is a stylized letter in a special shape outline. A full list from 1773 through 2012 can be found at the Birmingham Assay Office. The mark from 1773 is a capital A in a shield shape, for 2012, a lowercase n in a square shape.

Country of Origin

Identifying the country of origin for antique engagement rings can be practically impossible. Unless the ring is marked with an identifying hallmark, there can be almost no way to know for certain. One of the most common hallmarks seen on antique engagement rings is an anchor on its side. This is a symbol of the Birmingham Assay Office.

There are many books on the subject as well as online resources. With a little research, you can almost certainly identify the country of origin if the antique has the appropriate mark.

Makers Mark

It can be very interesting to know the maker of antique engagement rings. Knowing the maker can also help to identify the country of origin and the date of manufacture. Common jewelry designers often sign their name. Tiffany & Company, for example, signs their pieces with their full name, or sometimes T & Co. Cartier is also another well known designer who signs their full name.

Lesser known designers may use their initials or special symbols. Again, with some patience and savvy research skills, you can identify the maker of antique engagement rings.

The diamond industry worldwide, the United States, and the United Nations stepped up and adopted resolution to prevent the sale of conflict diamonds. But are they as effective on real life as they are on the paper?

Diamonds Fueling Wars

Since their discovery, diamonds have been shrouded in deceit, murder, and thievery. Some of the most famous diamonds in history have terrible histories. The notion of conflict diamonds came to light in the movie Blood Diamond, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Following the movie, thousands of people swore off diamond engagement rings, saying they wanted nothing to do with such crimes. By the time the movie was released, the UN resolution and the Kimberly Process had already been established and put into practice.

What the movie did well was raise awareness to the public and make people stop and think where their diamond engagement rings came from and at what costs. Instead of focusing solely on the 4C’s, consumers were asking about the 5th C – Conflict Free Diamond Engagement Rings.

Certified Conflict Free

Even with all the regulations in place, consumers still wonder how they can tell if they’re looking at conflict free diamond engagement rings. Not to lessen the issue, blood diamonds, actually made up a very small percentage of diamonds on the market. Of that small percentage, a mere fraction may have found their way to US jewelry stores as diamond engagement rings for sale.

In 2003, the United States adopted the Clean Diamond Trace Act, a federal law which implemented the Kimberly Process. The Kimberly Process takes steps to certify conflict free diamond engagement rings through an import-export certification process.

Participating governments must issue a certificate of origin to diamond rough which is placed in a tamper-proof container. This forgery resistant conflict free certificate must accompany the shipment as it passes global borders.

Compliance In The Industry

The diamond industry collectively agreed that only certified conflict free diamond engagement rings were acceptable. Evidence must be shown to all purchasers along the chain from point of origin to final consumer a Kimberly Process certificate to ensure diamonds are indeed conflict free.

This zero tolerance policy is the benchmark for the diamond industry who does not benefit from the sale or negative publicity of conflict diamonds.

System Of Warranties

Even with the Kimberly Process and Clean Diamond Act, many people question the legitimacy of conflict free diamond engagement rings. If you want to purchase a diamond, but are concerned, ask the retailer. Visiting a local jeweler who can show you evidence and records in person may quell your fears.

US based online retailers of diamond engagement rings are held to the standards of any brick and mortar store. That means that these sellers are compelled to follow the same federal regulations and sell only certified conflict free diamond engagement rings.

Go West, Young Man

The traditional orientation for marquise engagement rings is North-South. However, East-West settings are gaining popularity and go a long way to refreshing a diamond shape considered to be outdated.

Horizontal marquise engagement rings tend to look more like a band than a traditional engagement ring, so they aren’t for everyone. Larger stones tend to look best in this style setting, because they sit up and stand out.

Setting a marquise shaped diamond sideways also gives you more flexibility in choosing a wedding band because you’re creating more of a flat edge or one with a slight curve, rather than one with a sharp corner.

Pick The Right Setting

Not every style setting works for horizontal marquise engagement rings. If the diamond is too small, you’ll lose the effect. While a diamond that is too big can be an obstruction, setting it sideways does make it somewhat easier to wear. Always be careful with large rings, though, they tend to knock into things and snag on clothing.

With all marquise engagement rings, no matter how they’re set, make sure the diamond has ample protection. If you’ve selected a prong setting, make sure you have at least 6 prongs with one prong covering each corner. Preferably, you should go for a V shaped prong that will give total protection to the delicate points.

A bezel setting is a great choice for marquise engagement rings, including those set horizontally. The bezel setting provides 360 degree protection for the diamond and accentuates the unique shape.

Celeb Style

Catherine Zeta Jones is one Hollywood A-Lister who chose the unconventional setting for her marquise diamond. Zeta Jones’ ring has inspired countless marquise engagement rings.

Her famous ring was given to her by hubby Michael Douglas on New Year’s Eve. The ring, designed by Fred Leighton, features a whopping 10-carat marquise shaped diamond in a 1920s mounting.

Even though Zeta Jones’ diamond is extremely large, the sideways mounting works. If it were set in the traditional manner, it would be constantly catching on things. Also, it could be hard for her to bend her knuckle if it was too big. With her active lifestyle and being a mother of young children, the horizontal mounting is a great fit.

Why It Works

Horizontal marquise engagement rings are practical for many couples. They stand out because they’re different, but they tend to be less ostentatious than vertical designs.

The understated sophistication is also ideal for the woman who enjoys an active lifestyle. Take it a step farther and put the diamond in a bezel setting and you have a ring that can go just about anywhere and do anything.

Marquise engagement rings are not only unique, but less expensive than their geometric counterparts. You’ll find marquise shaped diamonds are about 25% less than round diamonds, with just as much sparkle and brilliance.

Why there is such power on diamond engagement rings and how to harness it to make the most incredible day of your girlfriend’s life!

Origins Of Diamond Engagement Rings

Diamond engagement rings have evolved from being a contract to being a profession of love. In ancient Rome and Greece, most marriages were a contract between families. Rings were exchanged as a token of the contract for betrothal.

In Victorian times, diamond engagement rings meant more than just an agreement. They were a pact between lovers. A man had the opportunity to choose his wife on the basis of love and thus gave her a ring to ask her hand in marriage and show the world that she was his.

Dreaming Of The Big Day

A woman’s wedding day is one of the most important events in her life. Place that beside birthing a child and getting engaged. An engagement is such a meaningful event. One she will always remember.

Diamond engagement rings are tied to these events because they are a symbol of eternity. Most rings are in the shape of a circle which is an ancient symbol of infinity. Moreover, diamonds are the hardest mineral on earth, said to last forever.

Make It Special

When shopping diamond engagement rings, it is important to think about what she wants so that you can pick the perfect ring and make the day you propose one to remember.

Diamond engagement rings come in all styles and designs. Most bride-to-be hopefuls are good at dropping hints to let their beau know what they like. If your gal hasn’t been forthcoming, ask her friends, sister, or mother for ideas. They’re guaranteed to have an opinion and know her tastes.

A local jeweler can advise you on the latest trends in diamond engagement rings and help you pick a ring to match her personality and lifestyle. If you’re still stumped, consider a diamond solitaire. This allows you to invest in the diamond and she can pick out a mounting later that suits her style.

Shop Smart

Before you go shopping for diamond engagement rings, do your homework. Take a look at your finances and set a firm budget. Don’t overspend on the ring – neither of you will be happy in the long run.

You can get ideas about the prices of diamond engagement rings by doing some research ahead of time. Ask friends what they spent on their rings, check on the internet, looking at sites which has a huge selection of loose diamonds and diamond engagement rings.

Round diamonds are the most popular, but there are other diamond engagement rings that are more affordable. If you want the biggest bang for your buck, you might be better off with looking at pear or marquise shaped diamonds.

Silver Or Gold?

While there are diamond engagement rings available in sterling silver, this metal is not well suited to secure a diamond for daily wear. Instead, go for the gold: white, yellow, or rose. Or, consider platinum or palladium. These are super durable white metals that will stand the test of time.

Diamond Anatomy 101

Pear shaped engagement rings make a good use of the diamond’s original rough which is one reason they cost less than round diamonds. A diamond crystal is called an octahedral, an 8 sided shape. When a cutter cuts a diamond, he cleaves it, separating the shape into two pyramid like shapes.

Depending on the size and quality of the diamond rough, two or more diamonds could be fashioned from a single crystal. When cutting a round diamond, 50% of the original stone size – or more – is lost. This must be accounted for somehow, and so it gets factored into the price of the stone.

On the contrary, pear shaped engagement rings retain an impressive portion of the diamond rough. A skilled diamond cutter can retain as much as 60% to 75% of the original weight.

Keeping it Proportional

With pear shaped engagement rings, unlike other shapes, the proportions are more forgiving. What might seem elongated to one person is actually perfect for another, while a “squatty” stone, might actually be just the thing someone else had in mind.

Because the proportions are not as important as with other stones, it is possible to get an even greater deal on a diamond. What you want to look out for is that the diamonds doesn’t have a large “bow-tie “. The bow-tie effect is a dark spot across the width of the stone that is found in all fancy shaped diamonds.

Ask the jeweler to show you the pear shaped engagement rings you’re considering outside in the natural sunlight so that you can see how they will really sparkle. All pear shaped diamonds will have this bow-tie, but the goal is to find the one that has uses it as an attractive contrast rather than a distraction.

Hidden by Sparkle

Pear shaped engagement rings are also great because you can get a lower quality diamond without having any noticeable flaws. The pear shaped diamond is one of the fancy brilliant cuts, meaning it has tiny facets all over the stone which reflect light back, creating sparkle.

In a sparkly, well cut stone, inclusions can be strategically hidden. Especially if they are white in color, a diamond could be SI2 or I1 clarity without having eye-visible blemishes.

Look Out

One thing to look out for, though, is inclusions hidden in the point of the diamond. Pear shaped engagement rings are delicate, particularly in the region of the diamond’s point. Inclusions in this area can create a weakness meaning that the diamond could be more likely to break there if it were hit.

Even covering the point with a prong is risky if it has inclusions here because a great amount of pressure is needed to bend the metal prong over the diamond and secure it in place. If it doesn’t break during stone setting, that pressure combined with the weakness from the inclusion makes it all the more likely to break down the road.

The Krupp Diamond

One of the most famous and important Asscher cut diamonds is the Krupp diamond, a 33.19 carat beauty once part of the estate of Vera Krupp. In 1968, Richard Burton acquired this amazing stone for Elizabeth Taylor, having it set in a ring.

Many Asscher cut engagement rings have been inspired by Taylor’s ring, which she wore often.

Movie Star Favorite

Asscher cut engagement rings are very popular in Hollywood. While some stars have had the misfortune of becoming not so happily ever after, the rings have left lasting impressions.

Action starlet Jessica Alba received a five carat Asscher cut engagement ring from her husband Cash Warren whom she met while filming the Fantastic Four.

Like many popular Asscher cut engagement rings, Alba’s ring features an Asscher cut diamond in the center surrounded by tiny round brilliant cut diamonds which continue in the shank of the ring around the finger.

Rocking It

What is it with movie stars and rock stars falling in love? Asscher cut engagement rings dominate these couple’s choice.

Zooey Deschanel who recently split from Death Cab for Cutie husband, Ben Gibbard has a beautiful reminder of their relationship with a Neil Lane designed Asscher cut ring.

Kate Hudson also wore a Neil Lane Asscher cut design during her marriage to Black Crowes lead, Chris Robinson.

Chris Marin, frontman for Coldplay, presented Hollywood A-lister, Gwyneth Paltrow with a stunning rock that has inspired plenty of copy-cat Asscher cut engagement rings.

Sporting It

MLB baseball pitcher, Brad Penny, searched Asscher cut engagement rings before finding the perfect one to propose to Karina Smirnoff. Smirnoff is a world famous ball room dancer, recognizable from her time on Dancing With the Stars.

It is said that Penny popped the ring in a fortune cookie to pop the question. Though the delivery was romantic, the couple never made it down the aisle, separating 13 months after their engagement.

Refund Policy

Asscher cut engagement rings and celebrities don’t seem to have a strong track record. But then again, how many Hollywood relationships really do make it?

Beloved couple Ryan Phillippe and Resse Witherspoon didn’t make it until they were old and gray, but their 4.5 carat Asscher cut ring is sure to keep on sparkling.

Former Bachelorette, Ali Fedotowsky, decided to return her $50,000 Asscher cut Neil Lane ring from her engagement to Roberto Martinez. The split created a lot of attention. It was reported that she returned the ring within 24 hours of the breakup signaling that the trouble started much, much earlier.

Jewelers Favorite

Neil Lane is one of the most well-known designers, made famous by his creations for celebrities and other famous people. Asscher cut engagement rings are one of his signature pieces. An obvious favorite of his, many of his bridal and fashion pieces include this modern cut.

Harry Winston is another iconic jeweler who favors Asscher cut engagement rings. Perhaps it is the unique cutting style and rarity of these diamonds that make them so appealing to these larger than life figures.