How to choose an engagement ring
With its circular shape representing something never-ending engagement rings have been used for centuries. Nowadays they are still a significant and meaningful symbol of commitment and a couples love for one another. While getting engaged can be a serious and important decision picking the right engagement ring can be even more difficult.
A long time ago engagement rings were fashioned out of locks of hair but with todays techniques in manufacturing they are made of much more expensive metals. You now have not only to choose the material and thickness of the band but there also various sizes and types for the stone available. Many metals are available to choose from but gold is the most popular choice and viewed as the most traditional one.
But gold is not always the best choice for an engagement ring. Silver colored bands are suited far better to som skin tones and even then silver is not the only metal with this appearance. For example if you like the quality of gold but not the yellow finish you could always try white gold.
Having a just slightly lighter appearance than silver an engagement ring made of white gold complements perfecly with diamonds. Looking for something more special and expensive? Look for a band made out of platinum. It is a popular choice for many couples but usually carries a hefty price tag and can easily get flaws because it is a quite soft an delicate material. If you are prone to jewelry breakages you should look at titanium which is the strongest material to choose and still provides a delicate appearance.
And then there is the stone to choose for sitting within the ring. Here you can choose from even more styles and materials. With their clear and elegant look being bound to look good with just any outfit diamonds are the classic choice. Depending on the size they are also the most expensive stones. Peoples birthstones are also a popular choice. Each month of the year has one stone assigned and it can also be related to your zodiac sign.
Here are the birthstones as listed on Wikipedia:
| Month | Modern Birthstone | Alternate | Traditional Birthstone |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Rose Quartz | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Onyx | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | Red Jasper, Bloodstone | Bloodstone, Jasper |
| April | Diamond | Rock Crystal (Quartz) | Diamond, Sapphire |
| May | Emerald | Chrysoprase | Emerald, Agate |
| June | Pearl, Moonstone | Alexandrite | Alexandrite, Emerald |
| July | Ruby | Jade or Carnelian | Ruby, Onyx |
| August | Peridot | Aventurine, Sardonyx, or Sapphire | Sardonyx, Carnelian |
| September | Sapphire | Lapis Lazuli | Sapphire, Peridot |
| October | Opal | Pink Tourmaline | Opal |
| November | Yellow Topaz | Citrine | Citrine, Topaz |
| December | Turquoise | Lapis Lazuli or Tanzanite | n/a |
If you are still unsure which stone you would like you can always pick one of your favorite color. For example emeralds have a strong shade of green and sapphires are known for their wonderful deep blue. With a colored stone you can make your engagement ring even more eye-catching.
But no matter what you choose, the engagement ring will be a special token of love and affection.
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