Today's post is all about engagement rings, and what better day than Valentines day to talk about pretty diamonds! No guy wants to go to the jewelry store without some knowledge about rings and what his future fiance likes. It's a big investment so you want to make sure its perfect and with so many options for cut, color, and styles it can be a bit overwhelming. My friend Aimee, owner of Aimee Reynolds Photography, and I took a day trip to Stowe's Jewelers in Fairhope, Alabama to get a little insight on finding the perfect ring that will have her saying “I Do.”
Budgeting for the Ring: First, its important to note everyone’s budget is different, so you need to set one that you are comfortable with. It may be helpful to ring shop well in advance of your ideal proposal date so you have time to save up. Also, keep in mind that most jewelers can work out a payment plan for you to pay off the ring over the course of several months. Beautiful rings come in all price ranges. Today while at Stowe's Jewelers we looked at rings that ranged from $1,500 up to $40,000.00.
The Four C’s: Cut, Clarity , Color and Carat. Every guy should brush up on the four c’s prior to ring shopping. This will help to ensure you know the product you are getting is worth the price tag. Here is a brief description of the four c’s;
Cut: We often think cut refers to round, oval, pear, cushion, but the cut of a diamond is really about how well a diamonds facets interact with light, aka its sparkle. Even if a diamond has a perfect clarity and color it can still apear dull if the cut is bad.
Clarity: The clarity of the diamond refers to its inclusions (blemishes) on the inside or outside of the diamond. The purer the diamond the more the value.
Color: The color evaluation of most diamonds is based on the absence of color. A perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of water. The clearer the diamond the higher the value.
Carat: Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. The higher the carat, the higher the price.
Popular Wedding Ring Shapes
Oval: Below the ring in the center of the display is an oval cut center stone. It is 2.71 ct accented with .61ct diamonds and .55ct of sapphires in a platinum setting.
Cushion Cut: The ring on the top left is .74 cushion cut diamond accented with .50ct of diamonds in a platinum setting.
Round: This is probably the most popular shape of all three. The top right corner is a 1.51ct round diamond accented with .45ct diamonds in the platinum setting.
Three of the more popular cuts, round, cushion and oval.
Popular Wedding Ring Styles
Antique Rings
Antique rings are usually easy to identify based on their ornate feel and ‘different’ settings. This one pictured below is a 14K Yellow Gold Setting and .68 ct diamonds.
Antique Engagement Ring
Oval Morganite
Morganite is a beautiful stone that will help those working within a tighter budget. This ring pictured below is 1.03 ct., .28 ct worth of diamonds accents and a 14k Rose Gold Setting. Rose Gold is also a very popular setting for 2018.
Morganite and Rose Gold Engagement
Halo Rings
Halo rings became very popular about five years ago and still remain a top seller. The halo ring below features 1.0 ct worth of diamonds in a 14kt white gold setting.
Halo ring and wedding band
Colored Diamonds
Colored stones are a big trend right now. We have seen pink, blue and yellow all make for beautiful and unique engagement rings. One of the most popular colored diamonds, and one of the most expensive, is the canary diamond. This ring features a 1.02ct canary diamond, accented by .46cts in a platinum band.
Canary Diamond Engagement Ring
Traditional
You can never go wrong with a traditional ring like the one featured below. This 4 prong ring features a 1ct diamond with a white gold setting.
Tradtional solitary diamond ring
Custom Rings
Stowe's also loves working with clients to design custom rings using all new diamonds and settings or turning family heirlooms into new one of a kind rings. The picture below is a custom ring designed and created at Stowe's Jewelers. It features at 2ct diamond with .25 carat baguettes flanking either side set in a platinum setting.
Custom Ring
Horice and Joyce Stowe opened Stowe’s Jewelers in 1959. Fifty-nine years later it continues to thrive under the ownership of their daughters Beth Fugard and Peggy Wiggins. Stowes specializes in fine jewelry with a wide range of prices, custom jewelry design, fine china, crystal, silver and many other serving pieces.
We hope everyone has a happy Valentines Day and best of luck to all the guys out there proposing to their favorite girls! We hope to hear from you in the coming day so we can help you plan your dream wedding.