The A - Z Of Engagement Rings
What’s the meaning behind an engagement ring?
It symbolizes a proposal of marriage, and while any ring can be considered an engagement ring, the most popular choice contains a diamond that can be complemented by other precious stones.
What’s the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding band?
If the engagement ring represents a proposal of marriage, the wedding band stands for the marriage itself.
It’s also common for an engagement ring to be more decorated than a wedding band, but they usually complement each other.
Which metals can be used in an engagement ring?
In theory, any metal can be used, but the most common would be platinum or gold, which has the perk of coming in three different colors: yellow, white, and rose.
Each one of them has its own pros and cons, check them below.
Platinum
It's a very durable metal that is also easy to work with, which allows designers and manufacturers to create more complex settings.
Gold
Gold can come in different karats, so It’s important to understand what that means.
Karat is the term used to measure the purity of gold: the higher the karatage, the purer the gold.
Gold in its purest form is not hard enough to be crafted into a piece of jewelry, so it needs to be mixed with other metals to make it wearable.
The preferable options for jewelry, especially those that are encrusted with diamonds or other precious stones, are 14K and 18K gold..
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is a classic color for engagement rings. and it’s hypoallergenic. Maintenance wise, it is amongst the easiest of metals to clean.
White Gold
White gold is almost a match to platinum engagement rings. It looks similar to platinum, and although it’s not as hard-wearing, the metals in the alloy make it very durable.
Rose Gold
It provides a different appearance to engagement rings, a more romantic one even. And almost all colored stones look great in rose gold, particularly those that are more reddish, which are a perfect complement to the diamond of your choice.
How durable is an engagement ring?
All precious metals used in manufacturing an engagement ring are very durable, but eventually, they all need some special attention.If you want to avoid unnecessary maintenance, it’s best to remove your engagement ring when:
- Doing physical activities
- Using cosmetic or cleaning products
- Going to the beach or to the pool
- Taking a shower
- Cooking
Settings and styles
There are many different settings and styles, and choosing one is absolutely a matter of personal preference.While a solitaire engagement ring is more classic, a halo engagement ring is more versatile and allows for a more contemporary design.Ballantyne Jewelers settings include:
- 3-stone
- Criss-cross
- Freeform
- Halo
- Double halo
- Solitaire
- Split shank
- Straight
At Ballantyne’s, you also find bridal sets, which include two bands: an engagement ring and a single matching wedding band.
When should I buy an engagement ring?
It seems like an obvious thing to say, but sometimes looking for a ring might take more time than you think and you shouldn’t rush into choosing it. Aside from that, there are certain seasons and holidays that might be a bit more attractive for purchasing an engagement ring
.Another crucial point is to make sure you choose a trustworthy vendor. Ballantyne Jewelers is proud to offer top-quality customer service and the best value in the market.
We have over 50 years of experience in helping couples find the perfect engagement ring for them. Our pieces are unique and crafted to last a lifetime.
Choosing the right diamond for you
It’s likely that you have already heard of the 4 C’s, but in case you haven’t, they stand for: cut, color, clarity, and carat. It might seem overwhelming trying to completely understand every one of those principles, but that’s why our experts are ready to help you through a stress-free experience.
We also offer a thorough guide, in case you want to check it.
Just keep in mind that the aspects of the diamond also depend on the setting you choose. But, all in all, it’s important to keep an eye for the cut, because that’s what influences the sparkle.
Are you ready to choose?
Now that you have all the basic information you need before deciding on the perfect engagement ring, it’s time to start visiting stores.
Ballantyne Jewelers offers the best engagement rings in North Carolina. You can visit us at 12335 North Community House Road, Charlotte, NC, 28277, or give us a call at (704) 341-4242.
Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and we are ready to be a part of that special moment with you.
