Diamond Rings and Loose Diamond Buyers Guide

Non-bridal fashion rings are the ultimate expression of a wearer's personality. There are so many styles acquirable, and a rainbow of gemstones to choose from, that you can easily eureka a ring that will perfectly express the wearer's style and individuality. Of course, bridal rings are the unsurpassable expression of everlasting love and commitment, and anniversary rings symbolize that the two of you would marry all over moreover.

COMMON RING SETTINGS

Ballerina - Center stone surrounded by baguettes (small rectangular stones) set side by side in a pattern suggesting a ballerina's tutu.

Bar - A line of stones are set together, separated by a thin bar between each adjoining stone that holds them in place.

Bezel - Top of the mounting has been pressed over the edge of the stone, completely surrounding it with a continuous metal rim.

Channel - A series of small stones are tightly nestled next to one another in a groove, or channel.

Cluster - Several smaller stones are set close together (sometimes surrounding a larger center stone) to create the illusion of one big stone.

Flush - The stone is sunk into a mounting until it is nearly level with the surface, to provide additional protection for larger stones.

Gypsy - Often used in men's rings. The band is one continuous piece that gets thicker at the top. The top is shaped like a dome, with no prongs and the stone is set in the middle.

Illusion - A narrow ring of metal surrounds the girdle (outer edge) of a stone, softening its outline and making the stone appear larger.

Invisible - A technique of setting stones close together, often in rows, with the metal that holds them in place hidden underneath. Gives heightened brilliance and a "floating" appearance.

Pavé - Many tiny stones set together as closely as possible, to provide a uniform, glittering surface.

Prong - Most popular setting for engagement rings and larger stones. Usually consists of four, five or six prongs, or claws, evenly spaced around a stone to secure it in the mounting.

Tension - Stone is held in place by pressure applied on both sides by the ring itself, creating the illusion that the stone is floating in space.

BUYING TIPS FOR DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Know the "Four C's" of diamond quality before shopping.

Know her ring size ahead of time.

Buy the best quality ring you can afford. Sometimes, a slightly smaller, higher quality diamond is a better value than a larger stone of lesser quality.

Don't skimp to save money – an engagement ring is for a lifetime, and isn't she worth it? If you go for a cheaper stone than you could've afforded, you'll be kicking yourself every time you look at it. On the other hand, sometimes it's worth it to go up a little over your budget to get the perfect ring. Many jewelers, including Diamonds International, offer a range of payment options, including credit cards and layaway plans.

BUYING TIPS FOR FASHION (NON-BRIDAL) RINGS

Know her ring size ahead of time.

Consider what she already owns – What are her favorite gemstones? What type of metal does she prefer (white or yellow gold, sterling silver, platinum)? What kind of jewelry does she already wear? Take note of the style she likes. Is there anything she doesn't have that she could use? A matching ring to go with a cherished set of earrings would make an ideal gift.

BODY TYPE CONSIDERATIONS

If you have long, slender hands and fingers, wider bands will look especially good on you.

Larger jewelry stones and styles always look better on bigger hands.

For short fingers and small hands, thinner bands and more petite styling works best. In terms of gem shapes, marquise, pear and other cuts that elongate the hand would be a good choice.

SKIN TYPE CONSIDERATIONS

Blue gemstone rings (such as sapphire) work particularly well with blonde hair.

Green gemstone rings (such as emerald) work particularly well with red hair.

"Warm" colors like yellow gold, pearls and earth tone gemstones, and sparkling gems like diamonds, work especially well with darker skin and hair.

White gold, sterling silver and platinum work well with lighter/fair skin tones, as do pink, red and purple gemstones.

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