The modern bridal shopper is sophisticated and smart — they want a ring that is both practical and beautiful, a design that suits their lifestyle and thrills their heart. But how can anyone find their perfect ring in a world with so many options? Step one is to determine what, exactly, you’re looking for — and it’s okay to ask for help! Let’s tackle some common dilemmas for engagement ring shoppers and see what solutions we can find. romanc e
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By Becky Stone
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Q: My boyfriend wants to propose to me with his grandmother’s ring, but I hate it! I feel awful, but it’s so busy and I like minimalist jewelry. A: A jeweler can take the center diamond out of the family ring and put it in a chic new solitaire setting for you, either before the proposal or after the wedding, if you’d like to keep grandma’s setting for the big day. You’ll still have the sentimentality of the heirloom diamond, but in a brand-new ring that feels true to you.
Q: Everyone I know has a round diamond in their engagement ring. I want something different! What should I ask for? A: If you like angles, consider an Asscher cut: a gorgeous square style famous for its “hall of mirrors” effect. If you prefer curves, soft elongated shapes like pear, marquise, and oval are glamorous and so flattering to the finger.
Q: Why do engagement rings always have diamonds? I like colorful gemstones!
A: Diamonds may be the traditional choice, but there’s no reason you can’t have a colored gemstone engagement ring! Kate Middleton did it, and so did Jackie Kennedy. Just remember that not all gems are strong enough to resist chipping or cracking with daily wear.
Q: I’m a vet tech, so I spend all day working with animals. I love my job, but it’s messy and chaotic. What’s an engagement ring I can wear safely at work?
Albert’s Collection Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold 11.07 Carat Cushion Cut Emerald & 1.12 Carat tw Half Moon Diamond Ring $54,900
A: You’re going to want a low-profile ring with a diamond that sits low on your finger so it won’t get caught on excited puppy paws! Consider a bezel setting: this sleek style has a low circle of gold that secures the center stone to the band, instead of dainty prongs, so it holds up better under physical stress.
Q: How can I make my engagement ring feel more meaningful than any other ring I own? A: What about a secret message? A jeweler can engrave your wedding date, your names or initials, or even an inside joke or meaningful phrase on your ring. You can even get half of a phrase on your ring and the other half on your partner’s ring to really tie things together.
Q: I want my engagement ring to feel special and unusual, but I’m not a big fan of elaborate styles, and I don’t want a dark ruby or sapphire either. A: Have you considered a yellow diamond? They work in any kind of setting and they look like wearable sunshine!
Q: I like the look of multiple bigger diamonds. Not a halo, but I still want my engagement ring to feel like an engagement ring. What should I look for? A: I think you’d love a toi et moi or a three-stone ring! A toi et moi has two large center stones rather than one, and it’s the perfect way to represent you and your partner being joined forever. A three-stone style has one big diamond with a slightly smaller stone on either side and is said to represent the past, present, and future of a relationship.
Ashley Lauren Collection 14k Yellow Gold 3.03 Carat Cushion & .41 Carat tw Baguette Diamond Ring $48,175
Ashley Lauren Collection 14k Yellow Gold 2.02 Carat Cushion & .19 Carat tw Round Diamond Hidden Halo Engagement Ring $29,500 Ashley Lauren Collection 14k Yellow Gold 1.23 Carat Trillion .55 Carat tw Baguette Diamond Ring $10,225 Ashley Lauren Collection 18k Yellow Gold .82 Carat tw Marquise & Round Diamond Ring $7,125 Ashley Lauren Collection 14k White & Yellow Gold 6.04 Carat Radiant Fancy Yellow & .56 Carat tw Trapezoid Diamond Engagement Ring $69,500
50 | ALBERT’S DIAMOND JEWELERS MAGAZINE
51 | ALBERT’S DIAMOND JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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