Begin a Lifetime of Happiness by Choosing the Best in Women's Engagement Rings

1. June 30, 2017 Begin a Lifetime of Happiness by Choosing the Best in Women's Engagement Rings Long before you say, “I do,” make certain your first step toward the altar is flawless by selecting just the right women's engagement ring for your bride-to-be. After all, an engagement ring serves as the symbolic foundation to a lifetime of love and commitment. More than just a piece of jewelry, the engagement ring resonates with a tradition that spans the centuries. Ancient Romans presented brides-to-be with rings accoutered by small keys to symbolize a bond between the betrothed. Page | 1

2. Today, as a precursor to celebrating the union between man and woman, engagement rings are crafted from a variety of metals and with varying sizes of diamonds. Nothing can be more meaningful than selecting the perfect ring, one that reflects the personality of the blushing bride. Make Your Proposal Memorable While social media brings to light many very creative and rather unconventional proposals, a notable number of gentlemen still prefer the traditional path to asking for their beloved’s hand. In a 2015 survey by wedding authority The Knot, it was found that more than 77% of grooms requested permission from the bride’s parents before taking the leap. Of these figures, nearly 90% of these lucky fellows went down on one knee with a sparkling engagement ring in hand. Now, who can say no to that? Key Factors in Selecting a Diamond Your engagement ring is indeed an unparalleled investment; it should be chosen with utmost consideration. According to The Knot’s survey, a huge percentage of men prefer getting a smaller diamond of the finest quality, as compared to a larger stone with poor quality. As the experts from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) say, not all diamonds are created equal, and one can truly set them apart by understanding the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Only the most skilled craftsmen can cut a diamond to highlight its best facets. If not cut properly, the stone appears dull and won’t capture light as attractively as expected. In terms of color, the clear or colorless gems are popular for engagement rings, while some rarer stones have traces of other hues, including pink, blue, and green. Clarity and carat account for grading points used to determine which diamonds are best for setting into jewelry. Page | 2

3. Finding a Style for the Perfect Bride Vintage women's engagement rings were once adorned by solitaire diamonds, often in round cuts that shimmer from every angle. Modern styles of rings now include three-stones, halo settings, as well as several smaller, round, bead diamonds along the side. Engagement rings for today’s brides are also designed to match well with wedding bands. One can also find rings made from varying hues of gold, such as white gold and rose gold, or the more contemporary sheen of platinum. Indeed, engagement ring selection involves more than just looking at outward beauty. You can learn more about the finest qualities of the best diamonds and the ideal ring by consulting with trusted and reputable jewellers. About Mark Patterson: We truly believe in celebrations of love and a lifetime of commitment. Over the decades, our team has proudly crafted only the finest and most enthralling engagement rings that symbolize every union. Whatever your flair for style, we can surely match you with the perfect ring that you will happily cherish for life. Sources: Glossary of Engagement Ring Cuts, MarthaStewartWeddings.com Average Amount Spent on Engagement Ring, InStyle.com The Top 10 Trends for Proposals and Wedding Jewelry as Revealed by The Knot, PRNewsWire.com Page | 3