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Summary:
The Ring. The Circle. The symbol of unity, perfection and eternity. Like the
Sun and the full Moon. It has no beginning and no end. Ever wondered where the
tradition of the ring started from? I've heard many stories and this is the one
that is probably the closest to the truth. It is said that thousands of years
ago, the caveman used a woven cord of rushes, grass, reeds and leather to tie
the hands and feet of his potential mate so that she could not escape. After a
while, he tied it only around her hands. Finally, when he was certain that she
would stay with him, he would tie the cord only around her finger. Now, we do
it like our forefathers, and their forefathers, hence carrying on thousands of
years of tradition. The only difference is that we have a little more trouble
choosing our rushes and reeds.
I have a few tips for those on the brink of asking the 'big question', but
before we get down to the facts and figures, lets make one thing absolutely
clear- This ring is bought only once in your entire lifetime, so it must be as
unique as the woman you have chosen.
BASICS BEFORE FACTS
The element of surprise is one that you must never compromise on. So don't make
the mistake of asking your partner what she wants, no matter how unsure you
are. The average time taken to pick a ring is between one and two months. Don't
rush it. It never turns out right if u do. Conventionally, the two-month salary
is the yardstick, but in the end it is entirely up to you. Keep in mind that
you will end up spending a little more than you originally intended. The
Classic Engagement Ring is made up of three
parts- The Band, the Stone and the Setting.
If you make a decision on the type of metal you want, you are definitely onto a
good start.
THE BAND
'The true measure of value is rarity'. Platinum is rare, it is eternal and it
should be at the top of your list (if it is within your budget). Any design
that you see in a store can be duplicated in platinum. The hallmark of the ring
will reveal the metal that makes up the ring. Indications of platinum are:
Platinum, Plat, Pt, Pt950, 950Pt, 950Plat, Plat950, 900Pt, Pt900 and 900Plat.
Yellow gold is the next best option. It has been popular in jewelry-making
since the beginning of time as it bends easily. White gold is not a very good
choice as it turns yellow after a while, and has to be replated. Tip: Observe
the kind of metal your partner usually wears. Stick to what you think she is
most comfortable with.
THE STONE
The stone will account for the major cost of the ring (approximately 75-90%)
Here again, beauty, rarity and value are the criteria, hence the diamond has
become the choice of the masses over the years. When choosing your diamond,
keep in mind the four C's- Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat weight. The Solitaire
(single diamond) of 1.0 carat is most widely favored among the women, but there
is a wide variety of styles that makes the ring more individualized.
You may choose pear shaped or oval stones (though round diamonds are usually
preferred by the bride-to-be) For a more decorated ring, side stones and
baguettes can be added. This will add to the overall appeal and cost of the
ring. The in-thing is diamond laser inscription. You can inscribe a romantic
message, poem, symbol or just anything to personalize the diamond. If this is
not what you are looking for, remember that diamonds are not your only choice.
If you have a tight budget, or your partner is not a fan of diamonds, there are
other options. Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana received sapphire engagement
rings. So follow your heart, and some of my advice.
A Ruby, Red Garnet and Red Tourmaline are symbols of the heart. Red is a sign of
passion and zest for life. Green symbolizes faithfulness, loyalty and
continuity. Hence the Emerald, the Green Tourmaline and the Green Garnet are
favored stones. Similarly, the Sapphire, Spinel, Iolite, and Blue Tourmaline
are symbols of spirituality and purity. The gem that has been associated with
love and marriage the longest is the natural Pearl, which is a great choice if
the style of the ring is antique.
THE SETTING
This is what holds the stone in the band, and it is important that you choose
the appropriate setting (for aesthetics and practicality)).The most commonly
used settings that hold the stone securely are the 4 or 6 prongs(6 prongs are
recommended for the security of the stone) and the channel setting . Some
stones are held in place with pressure. Style is the next issue to tackle.
There are various styles such as contemporary, retro, antique reproductions and
classics, to name a few. This, too, can be chosen in accordance with the style
of your partner. Find something that will complement the kind of clothes she
wears, or take a look at her home dicor. Is it minimalist and sleek? Then go
with something simple, yet modern. If she has funky, chic furnishing (the flea
market look), then you should opt for something more Art Dicor. If her house is
draped with sheer fabrics, dripping with rose petals and smelling of scented
candles, then Art Nouveau is the ideal choice. BONUS TIPS Tip1: There are
different finger types, and the ring must be chosen to suit the hand of your
partner. Think proportional! Do not choose wide bands for short fingers, as
they make fingers appear shorter than they are.
Women with long fingers can carry off even a bold style, whereas an extremely
delicate ring can be lost on large hands. Tip2: Her lifestyle can determine the
kind of jewelry she wears. If her workplace can't handle fussy jewelry, then
make sure you choose something subtle. Tip3: If you can't get a hold of her
ring size, don't panic. Jewelers can easily resize the ring later. ........ And
after all this, if you still cant figure out the ideal combination of metal and
stone.... and whatever you do, the stone seems too big or too small for the
band... and the band ends up being the wrong color and the wrong size. If you
are still as lost as when you started your quest, and are at your wits end, buy
a loose stone, ask her the big question, and the both of you can shop together
for the perfect ring!
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Belly Button Piercing
The Egyptians, the Indians and many other cultures pierced this humble button to show the significance of the person sporting a pierced navel - Royalty, Warriors, exceptional Beauty. |
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