Warning: Declaration of PublishPress\Future\Modules\Expirator\Tables\ScheduledActionsTable::column_hook(array $row) should be compatible with ActionScheduler_ListTable::column_hook($row) in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/post-expirator/src/Modules/Expirator/Tables/ScheduledActionsTable.php on line 365
Diamonds 101 - Diamonds & Me Diamonds 101 - Diamonds & Me

Diamond wedding rings 101

Essential Tips

To Help you Find Your Perfect Wedding Ring

We understand it’s difficult to know where to start, and who to trust, with such a major decision. There are many factors to consider. Yet, you can’t go wrong with conflict-free or lab-created stones for your diamond wedding ring.

Learning and knowing all about diamonds can help you make the right decision. And having this knowledge can help guarantee that you’ll have the perfect ring for your perfect day.

With more than 80% of American women wearing them on the happiest day of their lives, the diamond ring defines the very image of the bride. The ring of their dreams is inarguably what every woman wants on their finger.

Whether naturally mined or conscientiously created, the diamond is not just in style, but more popular than ever. Learn more about diamond wedding bands, their origins, and the factors you need to consider when choosing the best wedding ring for you.

Five Reasons to Choose Diamonds for Fine Jewelry

When it comes to diamonds, you have options. Some prefer the billion-year-old mined stones. Others feel that lab-created diamonds are the way to go. Regardless of the origins of your gems, buying fine jewelry is a big deal. Here are a few reasons why the diamond is not only a good choice, but the choice.

1. Durability

It is common knowledge that the diamond is one of the hardest substances on Earth. Knowing that your jewel is essentially indestructible gives you peace of mind to wear it as often as you like. The hardy nature of these stones also means that they need minimal maintenance. For general cleaning, they need nothing more than the occasional wipe of a soft cloth. As long as you’re careful not to lose it, your diamonds will be with you forever.

Since diamonds are everlasting, you can pass them down for generations. Some day your grandson may propose with the same diamond engagement ring you said “yes” to.

 

2. Variety

How many different designs and styles of diamond jewelry are there? Have you seen jewelry that combines diamonds with other gemstones?  The sky’s the limit when it comes to the design of fine jewelry. As with all stones, there are countless combinations of looks to match any style.

There are 10 popular cuts of diamonds:
  • • Round
  • • Oval
  • • Princess
  • • Cushion
  • • Emerald
  • • Pear
  • • Marquise
  • • Asscher
  • • Radiant
  • • Heart

Diamonds can be cut and crafted into any shape. Picture Mariah Carey’s jaw-dropping 35 carat emerald cut $10 million engagement ring. Now envision tiny tiaras and modest solitaire tennis bracelets, both studded with gems. Admire the oval cut diamond stud earrings you wear every day. Diamonds are so commonly used in fine jewelry because they go so well with any look.

Gemstones can be big or small. Diamonds come in an array of colors. Red, yellow and blue—even black. The diamond lighting up your ring may be a triangle, square or hexagon. Diamonds can mix in with rubies, sapphires, emeralds and amethysts. Your stone may be set into yellow gold, white gold, platinum, and other types of precious metals such as rose gold. No matter how you prefer it, a diamond is a certified stunner.

3. Monetary Value

The value of a diamond has much to do with its origins. Mined gemstones tend to be worth more and valued higher than a lab-created diamond. A natural diamond is more likely to hold a higher resale value.

That said, most diamonds purchased are a matter of the heart. There is so much emotion that goes into buying a diamond engagement ring. It is a piece of jewelry to have and to hold forever. 

Cost is a major factor when purchasing a diamond. But value means so much more than money.

4. Social Image

It is undeniable that the diamond is a social icon. Think of how many ring shots you see on Instagram each day.  How many bridal and engagement photoshoots have pictures featuring the rings? Your own selfie, focusing on your stunning engagement ring, is likely to gain you a lot of attention. The right diamond ring can make any girl feel like royalty.

These gems make amazing gifts, and can become vintage heirlooms with time. So often, diamonds come with a promise of forever love. To us, that deserves all of the likes.

5. Spiritual Worth

If you’re an April child, you probably know that the diamond is your birthstone. The stone is supposed to bring you luck. But the more spiritual among us will know that diamonds bring purity, healing, energy and happiness. They are also a symbol of commitment and fidelity. Thus, they make perfect sense set upon wedding bands.

Choosing Diamonds For Your Wedding:

The Heart and History of the Matter

A common question about weddings is: why do women’s wedding rings have diamonds? As the story goes, the first use of a diamond ring was in 1477 by the Austrian Archduke Maximilian. The Archduke proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a custom designed ring. This sparked the interest of the European aristocrats. The wealthy started giving diamond engagement rings as a sign of love and union. Despite early origins, diamond engagement rings did not become widespread until the 1940’s.

Diamond engagement rings may have started as an opulent token of affection. They have since evolved into a beloved social convention. A diamond ring and diamond studded wedding bands are almost expected in this day and age.

Diamond Engagement Rings

Like partners, engagement rings are meant to stay with us forever. In the case of diamond rings, this is often the reality, with the ring continuing to shine for decades to come. Picture that magical moment when he gets down on one knee. The ring he reveals should make your eyes glow and your heart grow. A perfect engagement ring should match you and your personality.

The search for the perfect engagement ring is far from easy. For what is a cornerstone of one of the most important parts of your life, getting it right is important. There are a vast number of options available, and you will likely search for the right collection. To find the right ring, you will pore over tiny details, or design your own ring before you make the big purchase.

The engagement ring may be the biggest expense as far as jewelry goes. But, you may consider opting for a wedding set instead of a standalone engagement ring. These wedding ring sets allow you to match together two stunning rings – just as your marriage matches you with your perfect partner.

Diamond Wedding Rings

An engagement ring announces to the world that you said “yes”. A wedding ring tells everyone that you said “I do”. Tradition states that the wedding ring should sit on the inside of your finger, where it is closer to your heart. But again—your wedding, your rules.

When you are the bride, you tend to make the rules. This applies to how you wear your rings. Some women choose to only wear their diamond wedding ring after the big day. But many choose to wear both their engagement ring and their wedding ring. And why not show off those gorgeous diamonds to the world? By design, these rings are made to be admired.

Diamond wedding rings can be eye-catching on their own. Or, they can complement your engagement ring. Either way, choosing the right diamond wedding ring for your big day is a journey worth taking.

Diamond Wedding Bands

A wedding band is a classic piece of jewelry. Sleek and shiny, it announces to the world that your heart is taken. Wedding bands can be simple. They may be solid gold. Perhaps a white gold band with a couple petite diamonds adding an extra bit of sparkle. Or your wedding band could have a whole row of stones, catching the light everywhere you go.

As with engagement rings, there are factors to consider when you pick out your wedding band. Generally, diamond wedding bands are lighter and easier to clean than the more luminary diamond engagement ring. Some women may want a more simplistic wedding band. Others want the diamond count of their wedding band to rival the stars in the sky. In the end, the right diamond ring speaks to who you are.

Wedding bands are available in many types of precious metals. Ring metals such as rose gold, titanium, and tungsten are growing in popularity. But platinum, white gold, and yellow gold provide a classic look.

The Cost of a Diamond Wedding Ring​

The cost of a ring depends on quite a few factors:

  • • type of metal
  • • the karat of the metal
  • • stone shape and cut
  • • stone’s carat size
  • • quality and clarity of the stones
  • • the design and settings of the stones
  • • a special collection or collaboration

Total cost of a diamond ring can range from a couple hundred dollars, to millions. How much you spend on your diamond engagement ring and wedding rings depends on your own budget.

You may have heard that an engagement ring should cost two to three month’s worth of salary. But this is not a hard and fast rule. An individual or a couple can find a comfortable amount to spend. It is possible to find balance between the perfect ring and the perfect price.

Recent studies have shown that the average amount spent on engagement rings in the US is a little under $4,000.  Most companies offer payment plans to help make the perfect ring more attainable.

The Cost of a Wedding Band

Compared to the cost of an engagement ring, wedding bands tend to be a lot less. Taking the factors into consideration again, the average woman’s band is a little over $1,000. A man’s wedding band is generally less. The average for a man’s wedding band is around $500. 

As with engagement rings, the wedding bands you choose should reflect your love and your style.

Getting the Size of Your Ring Right

Imagine a proposal, in public or maybe in front of family and friends. Imagine that proposal with a ring that is too small. Not ideal, right? Now, imagine the proposal goes fine, but then you lose your ring down the sink while washing your hands. Rings are not one size fits all, and it’s very important to know what size your ring should be. A ring that is too big or too small can be problematic. Getting a ring resized can be a hassle.   

Still not sure on how to figure out the proper size? A Diamonds & Me associate will be glad to walk you through the process.

Taking Care Of Your Ring​

Your ring is something you want to protect. A wedding ring or an engagement ring can feel like a physical part of you. Taking care of your ring isn’t limited to just making sure it doesn’t get stolen or lost. Keeping your ring clean and sparkling at its fullest is also important. If you need advice on getting your ring shining its best, reach out to us! A Diamonds & Me associate will be glad to offer some tips specifically for your ring.

Things To Consider When Buying a Diamond

There are four main things to take into account when purchasing a diamond. Some might even say that there is a fifth major consideration. The 4Cs of diamonds are well known. And we believe the fifth C is just as important as the others.

Here are the five C's to consider when purchasing diamonds:

Carat

Almost everyone has heard the word carat. Yet, very few know what it really means. The carat is a measurement of mass. One carat is about 200 mg – or 0.007 oz. It is only used when measuring a gemstone and indicates the overall weight of the diamond. As bigger diamonds are harder to find, a higher carat value means a bigger, rarer, more expensive stone.

Cut

The sparkle of a diamond is a major part of the stone’s identity. And that sparkle is a result of the diamonds cut. The cut determines the diamond’s proportions, symmetry and polish. Cuts result in facets, or each flat surface on the stone. The quality and quantity of those facets determines the brilliance, fire, and scintillation of the diamond.

Color

When you hear the word diamond, you immediately think of white, colorless stones. However, diamonds can come in many different colors. The exact hue and the intensity of the color greatly affects the price. Naturally occurring color is the result of impurities in the stone. Some colors and shades are more desirable than others.

For a classic look, the white diamond is a clear choice.

Clarity

No naturally-occurring gemstone is perfect, and the diamond is no exception. The clarity of a diamond is a measure of how pure it is. Any flaws and cloudiness (called ‘inclusions’ and ‘blemishes’) count against purity. The clarity of a diamond tends to matter more with larger carats.

Most of these flaws are not even distinguishable to the naked eye.  These minor imperfections give diamonds character and make each one unique.

Conflict-Free

The diamond trade has a troubled past. A lot of people have reservations against the stones as a result. However, the majority of diamond dealers nowadays focus on ethical sourcing. Strict safety measures and fair trade practices have become more widely adopted. This is to protect the people who mine for diamonds and those who live in mining communities. These laws also intend to  protect the environment, as mining can have harmful effects.

Considering the fifth C means being aware of the sourcing or creation of your diamonds. To ensure a conflict-free stone, buy from a reputable source. That way, you are getting a diamond that is both beautiful and ethical.

The Journey To Find

The Perfect Diamond Wedding Ring

A precious stone unlike any other, the diamond is almost hypnotic in its appeal. The love for a diamond’s fire transcends time, as does the love that a diamond wedding ring symbolizes.

Ask the Experts

By now you’re well on your way to being an expert in all things diamonds. If you are in the market for a diamond engagement ring or wedding band, you have a better idea of what you are looking for. 

If you still have lingering questions or need help while shopping for a diamond ring, please get in touch with our knowledgeable team. We’re happy to share our expertise on diamonds by answering any questions you may have.

FAQs

Do you still have questions? There’s a lot to consider when purchasing an anniversary ring. Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you through the process:

So, what’s the down-low on the cost difference between engagement rings and diamond wedding rings? It comes down to a few key factors and the traditional styles used for engagement rings vs. wedding rings.

Engagement rings tend to up the “wow” factor with larger, higher carat gems, and more intricate settings. As the star of the ring, you’ll usually see a gorgeous, glimmering stone or a set of three large gemstones. Some gorgeous rings also include a halo of smaller sparkling diamonds to adorn the centerpiece or embellish the shank.

On the other hand, diamond wedding bands tend to be simpler and include fewer, smaller carat diamonds in a simple pavé setting. Even an eternity ring, which features a never-ending circle of diamonds, is often less expensive than engagement rings.

Traditionally, the bride, sometimes with the help of her family, purchases the groom’s wedding ring. Following this tradition, the groom is in charge of paying for both the engagement ring and wedding band for the bride. Today, many couples view the set of wedding bands as a shared cost. It’s up to you and your fiancé to make the final decision on this important investment that will shine on as a symbol of your love, anniversary after anniversary.

Wedding sets or bridal sets, which feature an engagement ring and a wedding band that are designed to be worn together, can be a great choice for many couples. Not only can you get great value for your money when purchasing the rings all at once, there are other benefits, too.

Namely, you’ll be wearing these two gorgeous rings on your left-hand for the rest of your life. So, they should naturally complement each other in style, cut, and shape. Purchasing the rings as a set will achieve this goal. Plus, when the rings are designed to fit together, they’ll give you a more comfortable fit so you’ll never want to take them off!

There’s no minimum or maximum amount you should spend on a diamond wedding ring as there are many delightful rings that can fit any budget. Your wedding rings should serve as a gorgeous expression of your commitment and love for each other.

That said, if you’re looking for a data point, on average, Americans spent 3% of their wedding budget (the average budget being $44,0000) on wedding bands. If you err on spending less, remember that you can always upgrade your wedding band down the line if you want.

Financing Available

Looking for financing options. Call or email us today for more information.