February 23, 2010

Antique Filigree Engagement Ring

This post will describe more about antique filigree engagement rings. For you that haven’t known yet about antique filigree engagement rings; this post will give you a brief of information on it. As I mentioned previously, an antique filigree engagement ring is a beautiful piece of jewelry artwork that can become a highly treasured, sentimental symbol of a couple’s enduring relationship.

Defining Filigree and Antique
A filigree engagement ring is one that uses delicate, elaborate metal scrollwork as a primary design element rather than multiple accent gems. Celtic engagement rings are one example of filigree designs, though many filigree patterns are simply beautiful constructs without any cultural significance.

These elaborate patterns often use geometric shapes, intertwined lines, or even floral or leaf designs that wrap not only around the ring’s setting and central diamond, but also extend onto the band for additional embellishment. Filigree designs may be woven, etched, or carved, and each type of design adds great texture and depth to the overall pattern.

Antique rings are generally greater than fifty years old. These rings often have more subtleties in their manufacturing and gemstones than contemporary engagement rings, and while the rings may be – strictly speaking – of lower quality because of less precise artistry and diamond cuts, they are actually quite valuable because of their age and the vintage appeal of older jewelry pieces.

An antique filigree engagement ring, then, is one that is both more than fifty years old and displays the fine, delicate artistry of filigree metalwork. Because filigree designs were very popular in the early 1900s and through the 1930s, there are many antique filigree rings available today. The style has recently been revitalized by a growing interested in these delicate designs, and many modern jewelers also offer antique-inspired designs with contemporary flair.

An antique filigree engagement ring is a lovely expression of romance, commitment, and history. Whether a couple is sharing in the culture passed down through generations or is starting their own history with the exchanging of this ring, it is sure to be a treasured icon for many years.

Source: here

February 19, 2010

How to Find Antique Engagement Rings?

You prefer to wear antique engagement rings but still don’t know where to find it? Don’t worry, this post might help you. Actually, you can find antique engagement rings in several ways. Check out these:
  • Antique & Vintage Stores
    Many high-end antique and vintage stores carry an extensive array of jewelry. Get a list of shops in your area and call to ask whether they currently have any diamond rings available. In addition, many shop owners frequently attend estate sales and will be glad to keep an eye out for something a customer has requested. Be prepared to describe the type of ring you prefer, including your idea of the period, setting or metal, carats, quality, and price range.
  • Antique Engagement Rings Online
    There are several sources for antique and vintage engagement rings available online. The internet is an excellent resource for determining the types and prices of available engagement rings, but precautions should be undertaken before purchasing from an online store. You should do a thorough background check on the seller through the Better Business Bureau and/or previous customers. An online jeweler should also offer clear photographs and accredited certifications for each ring. The same precautions apply to buying an engagement ring at an online auction.
  • Pawn shops
    Pawn shops are another alternative for finding antique engagement rings. Some people may be adverse to the idea of shopping in a pawn shop for such a special item, but these shops should not be overlooked in the search for unique engagement rings. Pawn shops are a good option for the buyer with a limited budget, but extensive knowledge about judging diamond jewelry is especially important to insure you are buying a quality piece.
  • Consignment shops
    Consignment shops are similar to pawn shops but often have stricter standards for the items they accept. Consignment shops are slightly more expensive than pawn shops, and buyers should still investigate any potential rings carefully before agreeing on a purchase.
After Buying an Antique Ring
After purchasing an antique ring, you should have the piece appraised immediately to ascertain its actual value and if necessary, you may be able to return the piece if it does not meet your expectations. Next, a certified jeweler should inspect the ring for weaknesses or damage and repair it before presenting it to your fiancé. Antique rings often need a thorough cleaning as well.

Source: here - Beverly

February 16, 2010

Antique Engagement Rings

As you may know, there are various styles of engagement rings. Don’t hesitate to express your style here because every one has their own styles and preferences, right?

I will make several posts about engagement rings styles. You will know any kind of styles and then you can decide your own choice.

The tradition of engagement rings began in the 1400s and many couples today prefer heirloom or antique engagement rings to mark their special occasion. A groom seeking an heirloom engagement ring should inquire both within his own family and his potential fiancé’s family for a ring with sentimental value and personal connections. If no heirloom ring is available, there are several sources from which to obtain antique engagement rings.

Not all antique engagement rings are the same. Different eras have distinctly different styles, including Victorian (1835-1900), Edwardian (1900-1920), and Art Deco (1930). If the bride-to-be has an artistic or historic hobby, a nice touch is to find a ring that matches what she is interested in.

Any ring over 50 years old is considered an antique. Newer rings are often called estate engagement rings, and while they are not yet antiques, they are on their way to becoming so. The label “vintage” has no definite meaning except to indicate that it resembles older pieces. A vintage engagement ring, then, could be an antique ring, an estate piece, or a newly made replica. These types of rings can be found in a variety of different places.

Antique rings can be very unique and eye-catching. With a bit of insistence, finding a suitable ring can be easy and worthwhile, knowing that you are treating your relationship with the consideration and care necessary to survive even longer than the ring.


Source: here - Beverly

February 12, 2010

Engagement Rings for Men: Diamonds and Gemstones Styles

Like women’s engagement rings, many modern engagement rings for men use diamonds. Men’s rings don’t, however, typically have a center stone embraced by smaller accent stones.

While a man’s ring may use one diamond – perhaps in the corner of a square ring or subtly set into a wide band– and thus be considered a “solitaire” diamond, if multiple stones are used one isn’t highlighted above the others. Instead, several diamonds may be channel set into a band or arranged along one edge of a square ring. Channel diamonds are less prone to damage and far more practical for men’s rings.


Engagement rings for men don’t need to focus exclusively on diamonds. Colored gemstones, particularly the bitrhstones of both the bride and groom, are popular choices and can easily be incorporated into an engagement band. They may be interspersed with small diamonds for greater clarity and visual interest.


One stone typically not used in a man’s engagement ring is a pearl. Pearls are difficult to channel set and are far more easily damaged than gemstones, and thus are not a wise choice for a man’s ring.


Many men’s engagement rings today are available in wedding sets. The wedding band is a similar, matching ring with complementary stones and features. However, men often prefer to wear a single band, and the two rings of the set may be soldered together to form one ring. Another option is for the engagement ring to be worn on the right hand after the wedding.


Rewrite source: google

February 09, 2010

Engagement Rings for Men: No-Gemstones Styles

Well, it assumes here that the future groom agree to wear an engagement ring. To know more about the styles of men’s engagement rings, I hope this post will help, at least, giving a little useful information to you.

Engagement rings for men don’t have a high diamond setting with prongs and other highlighted features. Minimalist rings are more practical for work, sport, and maintenance activities. Many engagement rings for men are simple bands, possibly with engraving or other minimal additions. Many women have the ring engraved with a loving phrase, date, or other symbolic note to add individuality and intimacy.


Some men, however, prefer more detailed engagement rings designs. Two-tones rings using different metals such as both yellow and white gold or tints of bronze add distinction to the ring without the use of gemstones. Textured rings are also popular with elaborate engraving to form lattices or other patterns along the surface of the ring. Mokume gane engagement rings use different metal alloys to create an intricate pattern within the band itself that is distinctive without being ostentatious. Titanium engagement rings are another popular choice because the metal can offer brilliant shades of blue, purple, and other colors.


Rewrite source: google

February 06, 2010

Engagement Rings for Men

In previous post, it was said that men’s engagement rings are becoming more common nowadays. More and more women are choosing to propose their men, rather than the more traditional male proposal.

While engagement rings for men are becoming more well-known, many men are still not aware of the trend and may primarily refuse to accept the idea of an engagement ring. It is best to approach the idea of his wearing an engagement ring as a couple and verify whether he is comfortable with the sentiment. If he does choose to wear an engagement ring, the couple can select it together after discussing pricing and style options.

If the men still reject the idea, for alternatives of engagement rings, the future bride still can give her fiancé a gift, as a symbol of their awaiting commitment. Dress watches, leather wallets, cuff links, and money clips are all alternate gifts that express her feelings and symbolize the couple’s commitment to one another.


Rewrite source: google

Traditional things on Engagement Rings

In Western tradition, an engagement ring is worn by a woman representing her engagement to be married. Traditionally, the ring is presented as a gift by a man to his future wife while he proposes marriage or directly after she accepts his marriage proposal. It indicates a formal agreement to future marriage.

In some countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, an engagement ring is worn on the left-hand ring finger, while in other countries, such as Poland and Ukraine, it is customary for the ring to be worn on the right-hand. Similar traditions supposedly date to classical times, dating back from an early usage seemingly referring to the fourth finger of the left hand as containing the “vein of love".

In the United States and Canada today it is becoming more common, but still rare, that a woman will also buy her partner an engagement ring at the time of the engagement. These may be called male engagement rings or man-gagement rings. This practice is more common in other countries.

The tradition in many cultures has been that the future groom privately selects and purchases a ring, to be presented to his desired bride when he proposes. More recently, some couples have chosen to select an engagement ring together. In countries where both partners wear engagement rings, the matching rings may be selected and purchased together.

Tradition generally holds that if the betrothal fails because the man himself breaks off the engagement, the woman is not obliged to return the ring. Legally, this condition can be subject to either a modified or a strict fault rule. Under the former, the fiancé can demand the return of the ring unless he breaks the engagement. Under the latter, the fiancé is entitled to the return unless his actions caused the breakup of the relationship, the same as the traditional approach.

In some countries (but not most of the Western world), both men and women wear engagement rings. Both rings are often in the form of a plain band of a precious metal, however, other metals such as stainless steel and titanium are now being widely used. Often, the engagement ring eventually serves as the wedding ring for the man. In other cultures, the future bride may prefer to buy a wristwatch for her future husband as an engagement present. This is more common if she proposed marriage to him.