| Contrary to popular thought and memory, | | | | value. |
| engagement rings, especially diamond rings, are | | | | Gold, white gold, and silver are popular band |
| not an "age old" tradition; it is a fairly new | | | | settings for engagement rings. They are not only |
| preference that was propelled by some very | | | | beautiful, but hardy as well. Softer metals are not |
| clever marketing about 150 years ago. Fortunately | | | | recommended since an engagement ring can take |
| for the jewelry industry, the idea caught on in a | | | | a beating over time. Gold bands should be either |
| very big way. Today, we associate engagement | | | | 14 or 18 carats; 9-carat rings are not considered |
| rings with the ultimate symbol of love, a symbol | | | | sufficiently durable. Sterling silver bands should be |
| of the life-long commitment of two people. | | | | either 925 or 375 in quality. |
| The hottest trend in engagement rings today are | | | | When it comes to choosing a gemstone for your |
| those designed for men. Other trends involve | | | | ring, diamonds are not the only "proper" stone; |
| rings that are not diamond-based, but display a | | | | this concept is the clever invention of the |
| variety of gemstones like rubies, emeralds, pearls, | | | | diamond industry. All over the world, gemstones |
| sapphires, and blue topaz. Since engagement rings | | | | like sapphires, emeralds, rubies, chrysoberyl, white |
| are not only a Western or American tradition, | | | | or pink pearls, and spinel. In fact, these hard, |
| other countries such as Japan, Ireland, Germany | | | | durable gemstones were the engagement rings of |
| and Sweden have their own popular styles. | | | | European royalty in the 1700's and 1800's, with |
| What Should I Look for in an Engagement Ring? | | | | diamonds added only in the last century. |
| First, keep in mind that you will be wearing this | | | | Increasingly popular are engagement rings that |
| particular ring for a very long time. (Hopefully) You | | | | consist of several different types of precious |
| will probably be wearing it every day of your life. | | | | gemstones. You might choose a ring with a ruby |
| Thus, the ring needs to be sturdy in construction. | | | | in the middle, with diamonds on each side. |
| For the band, the most durable metal by far is | | | | Alternatively, you might like a diamond ring |
| platinum. It is virtually indestructible, but is also | | | | surrounded by sapphires. These rings are not only |
| very expensive. Recently titanium has begun to | | | | crafted by gemologists in bulk, but you can also |
| rival platinum as a band setting because it's | | | | order a custom-made ring that consists of the |
| extremely durable and much less expensive than | | | | birthstones of the bride and groom. |
| platinum. Even with these advantages, a platinum | | | | Choose the engagement ring that best suits your |
| setting in an engagement ring not only holds its | | | | taste. It's yours for life, so let your love and your |
| value over time, but the ring will even increase in | | | | creativity be your guide. |