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Buying the Bling With seemingly limitless options today's couples can pick the one ring that rules them all 
Chances are an engagement ring accompanied your proposal. If not, you don’t want to wait too long before getting your engagement ring and wedding bands. But don’t rush into it, either; you’re going to be wearing these rings for the rest of your life, so take the time to find rings you’ll love as much today as you will years from now. Today, it’s quite common for couples to shop for engagement rings together, says Amanda Gizzi, public relations manager for the Jewelry Information Center, New York. “It’s becoming more socially acceptable for couples to know they’re going to be getting engaged,” she says, adding that couples may narrow down the choice together, but at the end of the day the man is going into the store alone to make the final choice. Men also are stepping up in the wedding-ring department. Brides often go for a band that will match her engagement ring, says Gizzi, but men are looking for something that fits their unique sense of style. Whether it’s wide bands, carved or hammered textures or even diamonds that go around the band, men are taking more of an interest. The one thing that helps with ring shopping is having a budget. You can have some leeway, says Gizzi, but if you know how much money you have to spend, you’ll be able to get the best ring for your money. As with all things wedding, it’s all about the couple. Whatever ring you choose, no matter how big or small, make sure your personal style is shining though. Metal Awareness Which setting is best for you? Amanda Gizzi of the Jewelry Information Center shares a little Metal 101 Yellow Gold 
Most rings are 14-18 karats – 24-kt gold is too soft for everyday wear. For yellow gold, the price comes down versus platinum. Fair-skinned people may not like how yellow gold looks on them, says Gizzi, but the colorful gold looks fantastic on olive- or darker-toned skin. Platinum Platinum is the heaviest of the precious metals – twice the weight of gold – and extremely pure; most platinum rings are 90 to 95 percent platinum. This, along with its rarity, also makes it the most expensive. Its icy-white color lends itself very well to diamonds and colored stones. Another plus: Platinum is hypoallergenic. White Gold White gold gets its color from alloys (nickel, silver) that are added for strength. It’s beautiful for every skin tone, says Gizzi, but the white can dull over time may need to be re-plated over time. There’s no difference in cost between white and yellow gold. In addition to yellow and white, rose gold is an increasingly popular color. “It’s a really gorgeous color,” says Gizzi. “Beautiful for every skin tone.” Macho Metals Some men are opting for metals that more often than not would be found in their golf bag, not on their finger. Here’s a look: Titanium A different look altogether. It’s dark and durable, but options are limited. Stainless Steel Durable and hypoallergenic, you’ll find more stainless steel options than you will titanium. It has a more industrial look and won’t scratch or dent, so it’s great for guys who work with their hands. Palladium A relative of titanium, palladium is a strong metal that is similar in appearance to platinum but lighter and more affordable. 
Dollars & Sense Paving the Price One carat is becoming the standard size for diamond engagement rings. For some, that means sacrificing elsewhere on the stone – cut, clarity, etc. – in order to plop a bigger piece of ice in the middle. However, adding pavé diamonds around the ring can eliminate the conundrum. The little diamonds help add a lot of sparkle to the ring, so even if your center stone isn’t colossal, it’s effect will be maximized. |
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