Diamond, Engagement Ring, and Jewelry Buying Guides
Ring Guide
Choose the Right Engagement Ring
IcedTime offers a large selection of engagement settings, but no
matter which setting you choose, rest assured that our settings are
timeless and will stay in fashion for generations to come. Decisions to
make include the choice between various metal types and the style of
ring setting. These decisions are based on which setting complements
her lifestyle, matches her existing jewelry, and fits your budget.
Engagement Ring Guide
Select the Engagement Setting
Select the Right Diamond
Surprise Proposal Tips
Order from a Trusted Source
CHOOSE THE METAL
Yellow Gold
Gold is the most common metal used in engagement ring settings. Gold's
rich color best complements darker skin tones and provides a
complementary setting for rich colored stones, such as rubies and
emeralds. The reflection of yellow gold also can help mask the tint of
yellowish diamonds by making the diamond look brighter. Most engaged
couples choose 18K gold because it offers a good balance of gold color
and strength. Click here for more information about gold.
Yellow Gold Solitaire
Platinum
Platinum is naturally a white
metal with incredible density. It is the strongest precious metal used
in jewelry today. Platinum's density makes it much heavier than 14K
gold and gives it a unique, more substantial feeling. Another appealing
characteristic of platinum is its durability. A scratch in platinum may
leave a mark on the metal, but it will not wear away. Over time,
platinum will develop a natural patina or satin look that many people
prefer over the high polish, shinny appearance. Click here for more
information about platinum.
Platinum Solitaire
Platinum vs. White Gold
Platinum is naturally a white metal, but its higher cost makes white
gold an excellent alternative. White gold is a mixture of gold and
other metal alloys, which gives it a white color. Because white gold is
a mixed with other metals, its natural color has a slight yellowish
tone. In the final process of manufacturing, white gold is rhodium
plated to give it a brilliant white luster. Rhodium is an extremely
hard and shinny white metal. However, over time, rhodium may wear off,
depending on wear. To keep a white gold ring looking its best,
re-plating may be necessary every 12 to 18 months. Consider the
differences below when deciding between these two metal choices:
Platinum properties:
-Naturally a white metal;
-90-95% pure;
-Does not wear away;
-Almost twice as heavy as white gold;
-More expensive than gold.
White gold properties:
-Requires rhodium plating;
-18k is 75% pure, and 14k is 58.3% pure;
-Will wear away and require repair;
-Easy to repair and polish;
-Less expensive than platinum.
SELECT AN ENGAGEMENT SETTING STYLE
IcedTime offers a wide selection of engagement ring settings in the
finest quality platinum, white gold, and yellow gold. The styles range
from solitaires to accented settings. Below is a brief summary of the
various setting styles:
Solitaire Settings
The solitaire setting style is simple and elegant. It consists of the
head and the setting. A solitaire setting has a simplicity that
attracts more attention to the center diamond. Positioning of the
prongs allows the center diamond to catch the most light. With a round
diamond you are given a choice between a four-prong setting, which
shows a bit more diamond, and a six-prong setting which offers a
security advantage. View our solitaire settings.
Diamond Accent Settings A setting with side
stones is a nice complement to the center diamond. The various setting
styles include channel set, pave set, bezel set and prong set. Each of
these setting styles offers it’s own unique beauty to your engagement
ring. View our settings with side stones.
Gemstone Settings
Add some color to your engagement ring with a gemstone setting.
IcedTime carries a selection of settings with sapphires and ruby’s in
various shapes and sizes. If you are interested in pink or blue
sapphires, a white gold or platinum setting would be attractive where
as a ruby would present nicely in yellow gold. View our settings with
gemstones.
HOW TO KEEP IT A SURPRISE
If
you're planning on making the proposal a surprise, you want to make
sure you have the correct ring size, and more importantly that she’ll
love the ring! To pick out a ring she is sure to fall for, take into
consideration her taste and lifestyle. Read on to the next section
where we'll share with you a few tips on getting the information you
need without her suspecting.
