Ten things you should know before you go shopping for that
special ring
Rings symbolize lasting love, but there are so many choices to
navigate - gold or platinum? An original design or an antique? -
that it's difficult to know how to pick the best ring. Learn the
criteria for purchasing a top-notch ring, and like your
relationship, if it is a quality ring, it should grow richer and
more beautiful with age.
If you don't know the product, know your jeweler. What you don't
want is a pretty face in a pin-striped suit. Ask questions, and
if you don't like the answers, move on. If you are shopping for
gems, seek out a Graduate Gemologist with a diploma from the
Gemological Institute of America.
Today's wedding rings are available in a variety of finishes:
polished, buff and sandblasted. Will they last? In a word, no.
Precious metals are relatively soft. If you buy polished and she
wants buff, they will both look about the same in a couple of
years.
Gold or platinum?
Manufacturers are required to label gold according to its
purity. Karat is an old standard that divides into 24 parts; 10k
is 39% pure, 14k is 58% pure, 18k is 75% pure, 22k is 90% pure
and 24k is 100% pure gold. 18k is the aristocrat of gold. Some
U. S. jewelers will often tell you it is too soft. Though an 18k
ring is a tad softer than 14k, over the years it will develop a
rich, buttery patina.
Platinum is not labeled in Karats but by percentage of purity.
In the United States the percentage of metal must be at least
90% before a ring can be legally labeled platinum.
A platinum ring costs at least twice the price of the same ring
in 14k gold. Why? Platinum has greater density; a one-inch cube
of platinum weighs 40% more than an identical cube of pure gold.
Platinum is currently priced at about twice the gold price
because it is used 90% pure and it is more difficult to work
with.
Gold is the most plastic of metals, but platinum is the more
durable. However, a heavy, high-quality ring made of either
metal should last for many years.
Gem set, unique design or antique?
Be careful when buying gem set rings. Many of this type are
manufactured offshore. They are cast all in one piece and the
prongs that hold the stones are soft. Ask your jeweler about the
manufacturing process. A yellow gold ring with yellow prongs set
with white diamonds should be viewed with suspicion.
High-quality rings are made in two parts with tempered
die-struck prongs soldered in place. For diamonds, the prongs
should be white. Beware of deals that sound too good to be true.
After you replace a few stones, your great deal may turn into
your worst nightmare.
If you want a unique design to symbolize your unique
relationship, consider a handmade original design. Think they're
too expensive? Not necessarily. Most handmade rings are made by
a goldsmith and sold directly to the consumer. Most
commercially-made rings pass through several hands before
reaching yours, gathering mark-ups along the way. Therefore, a
handmade ring may be a better value for your money and often the
craftsman will do the design work for free.
Should you buy an antique ring? By definition, an antique has
been around a long time. Art-Deco period rings made in the
1920's are very popular today. When you buy an antique you
become its custodian. Jewelers will usually not warranty antique
pieces so be sure to check before purchasing an antique ring.
And these rings were made for women who lived a less active
lifestyle. Be practical! That delicate lacy design will not last
long on a woman whose hobby is rock climbing!
Most of all, these rings will be the single most enduring symbol
of your love. You will wear them for many years while the
wedding gown gathers mothballs in your closet. Whatever rings
you choose, make sure you love them!