Engagement Rings

Two Stone Rings

2008-08-28T02:50:00.000-07:00

Two stone rings are one of the many multi stone diamond ring alternatives, but the arrangement of the diamonds is extremely important. The success of the twist or cross over style encourages many fresh vibrant designs for two stone rings, working with a variety of different diamond shapes. Each different shape creates a new and unusual look to the basic twist design. Seen below are pear shape and marquise shaped diamonds used for the two stone ring. As you can see, they both appear very similar in style, however the look of the ring is quite different. It is important that the diamonds are exact pairs, as a difference in the model of the stones can throw the ring out of balance. More information and product prices can be found by going to the informaiton page regarding two stone rings

Marquise Engagement Rings

2008-07-24T03:12:00.000-07:00

Royalty Amongst Diamonds

Have you ever tried to think of a diamond that would be both eye catching and a little bit different? Something elegant? Well, chances are, the Marquise Cut of diamond might be the stone for you. This particular cut of diamond has a familiar boat shaped model and takes its name from shape of the mouth of the Marquise of Pompadour. This particular shape of diamond has two points which need to be protected, very often set within engagement rings with small "V" claws at each end and sometimes for added stability, two more claws over each shoulder.

Rub-over or bezel settings provide protection all around the diamond, but do hide part of the outer edge and let less light into the stone. Another advantage however is that this type of setting emphasizes the outline and shape of the stone.

Engagement Ring Settings

2008-07-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

There are many different methods of setting a diamond within an engagement ring. Much has to do with preference, but on a more practical note, there needs to be certain consideration for the security of the diamond. Some settings crowd the diamond, providing great security for the stone, but doing little for appearences. Try to strike a balance between design and practicality. Maybe consider six claw settings offering a minimal modern look whilst safely holding the diamond. More information on the full range of available methods for setting can be found within the following section on engagement ring settings.

Simple Yet Secure

2008-06-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

Finding a simple setting for your diamond that offers security is something that might sound easier than it actually is. There are many factors involved in making sure the ring is right. Here we have a few suggestions that will help you find the perfect simple setting for your engagement ring.

Firstly, make sure you pay attention to the cut of the diamond you are selecting. There is no reason to spend so much time considering the ring design, if the most expensive part of the ring, the diamond, is going to be poorly cut. By choosing a diamond with a very good cut grade, you will gain the maximum amount of brilliance from the diamond. Also try to keep to a fairly good colour and clarity grade (above I colour and SI2 clarity)

Secondly, don't alway go for the cheapest option. Some rings will not always be finished to such a high standard. By ensuring the finish is of the highest standard, the overall appearance of the ring will be much better.

Finally, choose a design that will provide a degree of security to the diamond, whilst allowing in sufficient light to the diamond. A six claw setting will do just this, but ensure the claws are not too heavy as these can obscure the diamond if too much metal sits over the edge of the diamond.

The above design is a perfect example of the above advice. For more information, please see our section on simple engagement ring designs.

Know your diamonds.

2008-06-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

A key secret to buying successfully online is research. With the wealth of information on engagement rings and diamonds that is available, there is no excuse not to do your research before leaping in to purchase your perfect diamond ring. Whether it is an enormous diamond, or something more modest, there is a great deal of difference from one company to another. Standards vary, and a compromise must be struck between care, service, quality, and value for money. Many companies offer a good balance of all of these which is paramount to gaining a happy customer.

The British Jewellers Association - the jewellers trade association. Offers a list of jewellers on their websits. Visit the BJA website.

Diamond information is very important in self educating yourself about the expensive product you are buying. For example, are you aware of the 4C's of diamond value? Do you know the diameter of your preferred diamond weight? Just what colour grade, clarity grade and cut will be acceptable?

The answers to all these questions are worth finding before you purchase your diamond. Don't forget to ask if you need help. Many diamond specialists will gladly advise and explain what certain diamond terms actually mean. Just remember it is an expensive purchase and one worth doing your groundwork for.

Made to Order Engagement Rings

2008-06-10T04:31:00.000-07:00

One of the advantages with shop bought engagement rings is that the ring is there in front of you. To many people this offers them the reassurance of actually seing what they are buying. Others are turning more and more to online specialists to have their ring made to order from a range of engagement rings. And the advantage is? Well, there are many advantages. First of all, the price is often much more competitive than on the high street. Nor is there any loss in quality, depending on who you approach. To have the ring made perfectly to your chosen size, to your required diamond colour and clarity is as great an incentive as any for most people. All we would advise is to make sure the company offers a full money back guarantee in case you are not happy with the finished item.

The above image shows a princess cut engagement ring bordered on each side by triangular brilliant cut diamonds (trilliants.) This is one of the more unusual engagement rings which can be made to order to your requirements. This particular ring is being made in Platinum with an overall diamond weight of 1ct.

D Flawless Engagement Rings

2008-06-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

For those seeking the highest colour and clarity of diamond in engagement rings, there is nothing better than D-Flawless diamonds. D colour is the very best colour that can be achieved by a diamond. Generally diamonds need to be laboratory certified to be truly referred to as D colour. As the colours progress through the alphabet, the whiteness begins to lessen, until when we reach K colour, we start to see a feint trace of yellow creeping into the stone.

With a clarity of Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds graded as such are the best clarity that they can be. By choosing a diamond that is both D in colour and IF in clarity, you can expect a premium diamond. One important consideration with choosing such a diamond is to remember to insist on a very good cut. This will ensure the diamond reflects the light correctly for maximum brilliance. Engagement rings set with a very well cut D-IF diamond will have a significant amount of fire.

For more information on engagement rings set with D colour and Internally Flawless diamonds, please feel free to browse the links on the site.

Princess Cut Engagement Rings

2008-05-30T02:56:00.001-07:00

Princess cut engagement rings can be claw or bezel set. There are also tension settings. Here we are going to look at the claw setting. This can sometimes be a box claw, where the claw or prong surrounds each corner of the diamond. Straight claws secure the diamond by being pushed just over each corner to secure the stone.

Many designs exist with the latter of these styles of setting. One of the most attractive is the crossover "Lucida" style engagement rings that incorporate an elegant cross-over style into the ring setting. This was created by Tiffany & Co. and has been a source of inspiration for many princess engagement rings.

The above design incorporates the crossover style with four claws holding the diamond. Straight shoulders with a wider style band give this design its individuality. This particular ring tends to be produced in Platinum, or 18ct Gold.

For more information and alternative styles, please see the information pages on engagement rings.

How to Produce an Engagement Ring

2008-05-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

Intricate engagement rings undergo a series of very refined stages each one carried out by a specialist. At each stage of production, important steps are taken to ensure that your engagement ring is made to exacting standards. Not all companies operate this way, and if you are buying "off the shelf," then this may not apply to you. However, if you are one of many people who are buying a ring made to your exact requirements, you will no doubt have to wait a certain time as your ring is made.

The following links provide information on engagement rings and an insight into how engagement rings are made

Oval Engagement Rings

2008-05-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

Engagement rings featuring oval diamonds are becoming increasingly popular as people opt for more interesting fancy shapes. Many of us love the classic simplicity of the round brilliant cut, whereas others steer towards something a little different. Here's the twist though. How about combining both within one ring?

Provided you keep to a similar style of cut ie. brilliant cut or step cut, the diamonds should match up. Of course the diamonds do have to be also matched for colour and clarity, but within the ring, they should all work together. A perfect example is the above ring, set with an oval centre diamond and two round outer diamonds. Various size options are available making this affordable along a range of budgets. For those wishing for the best, this style is even available in Platinum.

Choices of diamond weights include 0.50cts, 0.70cts, 1cts, 1.75cts, 2cts and 3.80cts.

This featured ring design features a D-shaped profile and has slender tapering shoulders, open for that extra little bit of design detail. Simple yet fancy, feminine yet secure.

For more information on this and similar styles, please see our links to other engagement rings

Certified Engagement Rings

2008-04-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

It might seem like a simple enough question, but to those buying diamonds for the first time, there might be a certain amount of uncertainty about just what certified engagement rings are. Hopefully we can answer this particular question straight away.

A certified diamond engagement ring incorporates a diamond or diamonds that have been looked at in a laboratory, in order to produce a written report detailing many aspects that make that diamond unique. The details included can vary depending on the complexity of the report (certificate) but these will almost certainly include the dimensions of the diamond as a mm. measurement, along with the colour (whiteness) and clarity of the diamond (how many marks are in the stone.)

Such reports are very popular with consumers since they provide definite proof of the quality of diamond that is being purchased. It is always advisable to purchase diamonds certified by reputable laboratories. Such labs include AGS, GIA, EGL, HRD, IGI and Anchor Cert. For a more detailed explanation, please see our information on certified diamonds.

For products and prices feel free to browse our section on certified engagement rings

Engagement Rings - Simple Princess Settings

2008-04-10T01:38:00.000-07:00

Princess cuts work so well for engagement rings. With their sharp lines, this cut of diamond lends itself so well to stylish, straight edged designs. Many simple settings exist for princess cut engagement rings, but some of the most effective are the simple yet creative designs. The ring style we have chosen today is the tension style of setting shown in the above picture. It is important that the diamond is fairly square, so that is spans the width of the setting. Two straight bars hold the diamond into which the diamond is set. This produces a tension style of setting. The shoulders of the ring are both straight adding to the sleek straight lines. This particular design is available in a range of diamond sizes to meet most budgets.

Prices start at an amazing £390.00 for a 0.25cts diamond, but quite literally the sky is the limit. The photograph above shows a 0.50cts version, which measures 4.5mm in diameter.

For more information visit our pages on tension set engagement rings.

Looking for something a little different?

2008-03-31T08:01:00.000-07:00

I thought I would add this post to provide a little inspiration for those looking for something a little different for an engagement ring. There are so many categories for diamond rings and sometimes it is easy to forget what we like, and opt for what we think we should have for a particular occasion. This can apply to diamond jewellery too.

The other day I was fortunate enough to produce an engagement ring for a lady who chose her ring because plain and simply, she loved the design. Listed as a right hand ring, or cocktail ring it provides a stunning show featuring 0.80cts of diamond weight. The largest stone is a 4mm (0.25cts) diamond. This particular ring was produced in Platinum with G colour diamonds that were VS1 clarity.

This has to be one of the most beautiful designs of diamond ring. There is a perfect combination of Platinum and diamonds. It is very showy yet not too "in your face." This design will be sure to capture a great deal of attention.

This particular design is listed under the product code RLD002. For more information, visit the information pages on Right Hand Rings.

Princess Cuts with a Twist

2008-03-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

It really is amazing how different something can look when viewed from a different angle. This is certainly true of the princess cut solitaire set sideways on. With points oriented North-East-South-West, this princess cut set on its side is a very striking design. This is available in most diamond sizes from 0.40cts upwards. It has a beautiful simplicity and raises the stone in a prominent setting that demands attention. At the same time, a great deal of light is allowed into the stone producing a stunning amount of fire.

This example is a 0.50cts diamond, measuring 4.5mm. The most important thing with this style of ring is that a very square stone is used. If it is even slightly off square, the whole effect is lost.

For prices and more information on this and other designs, please see our pages on engagement rings.

Diamond Pendants

2008-02-26T06:07:00.000-08:00

The diamond solitaire is not only perfectly suited to the engagement ring. There is one piece of jewellery that is both elegant and simple. It can be worn with no need to alter the size and is subject to so little wear, it will remain in perfect condition for most of your lifetime.

Diamond pendants come in such a huge range that it is hard to know where to start. Prices vary enormously depending on the size, colour and clarity and whether or not it is a single stone pendant. A cluster made up of 1cts worth of diamonds will be less expensive than a solitaire ( a single diamond) of an equal quality.

Browsing through the large range of diamond pendants that are available, you will no doubt come across drop style pendants, 3 stone diamond pendants along with more modern styles such as the diamond slider pendant. Each one has its own distinct style and it is always personal preference that governs which to go for.

For something really different, why not opt for a fancy coloured diamonds. Enhanced treated colours are far more affordable than the natural counterparts and more readily available these days.

If not a fancy colour, why not try a fancy shape of diamond. So many different shapes are available, with some lending themselves perfectly to the diamond pendant style. Above is a typical pear shaped diamond pendant, with small bale for the chain, and secure claws to hold the stone safely.

For more information please see our page on diamond pendants

Dazzled With Style

2008-02-18T05:48:00.000-08:00

Diamonds have become one of the most luxurious of accessories available in a wide range of jewellery items from watches, to engagement rings, to diamond pendants. When you purchase a piece of diamond jewellery, try to select items that will ultimately match. If you already have a diamond engagement ring and are looking at diamond bracelets, choose the metal and design to complement the piece you already have. Try to buy diamonds that match at least in colour. This will lead to your jewellery becoming in effect, a matching suite of luxury jewellery rather than a mish mash of styles and colours. If you have yellow gold and want to introduce white gold, there are many types of jewellery that incorporate both white and yellow gold to fuse together both colours. Even platinum and yellow gold is incorporated in many pieces.

For more information please see the information pages on diamond jewellery. Always remember to buy from a reputable source and a member of a professional organisation such as the British Jewellers Association.

Size without Cost

2008-02-07T03:34:00.000-08:00

For those seeking show without the high price tag of diamond rings, many designs of engagement rings focus upon the show of a diamond ring, whilst incorporating features of a solitaire. Diamond clusters when arranged in specific designs can create the illusion of a single diamond, without the three figure price tag. We have chosen a few specific designs here that do just this. For that extra bit of detail we can also find styles incorporating diamonds set into the shoulders.

A Great Idea in Engagement Rings

2008-02-01T03:45:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered how wedding rings fit alongside engagement rings with large settings? This is always something to consider when looking at engagement rings. There are basically two ways that you will find wedding rings to fit engagement rings.

Firstly have a wedding ring custom made to fit the engagement ring. This can be done these days by making a wax model of a wedding ring to fit alongside. This is then cast in the metal of your choice thus producing a perfect fitting ring.

Secondly, why not pre empt the situation and go for one of the special designs that are made for a wedding ring to fit against. These can accommodate a large diamond because the setting is raised very slightly off the finger. This allows space for the wedding ring to fit against the band of the engagement ring. Above is an example of how this works.

For more information, please see the following pages on custom made wedding rings and wedding rings

Wedding Rings

2008-01-22T05:52:00.001-08:00

Wedding rings can be plain, patterned, shaped, or even diamond set depending on the personal taste of those buying them. A plain wedding ring is not necessarily devoid of style. There are a wealth of different profiles, all giving a very different look. From the more traditional court wedding rings, this profile is curved slightly on the inside and outside. We then venture to the more contemporary profiles such as the concave profile which curves outwards away from the finger. For more information, please see our section on wedding ring profiles.

Image courtesy of Serendipity Diamonds (Product Code) RWT029

Certified Diamonds

2008-01-11T05:42:00.000-08:00

Certified diamonds can vary enormously in price, as can loose uncertified diamonds. The difference is they come with a piece of paper, a report, with all the measurements and specifications on. The diamond has been studied in order to produce an individual report that is unique for that diamond. This offers the consumer some reassurance that they are getting what they have been told they are getting. This is not always necessary when buying from someone who is reputable. It must be noted, however, that if it seems to good a price to be true, then there is probably something not quite right. This said though, it is possible to find exceptional prices on the internet for certified diamonds. Accompanied by a reputable laboratory certificate, your purchase will come with the added reassurance that you have found a very competitively priced certified diamond.

For more information and prices see the following website for certified diamonds

3 Stone Diamond Rings

2008-01-02T04:03:00.000-08:00

3 stone diamond rings offer the perfect combination for one of the most important pieces of jewellery you will buy. The engagement ring. They are, however, equally popular for gifts. They do not need to be for an engagement ring. The versatile nature of the 3 stone diamond ring has made these rings extremely popular in recent times. They are often referred to as trilogy ring with the significance of the number 3. One of the best places to buy 3 stone diamond rings is online. Due to the lower overheads and smaller margins online retailers are working to, real value for money can be found with extremely high levels of workmanship. Please see our information page for more information on 3 stone diamond rings

Certified Engagement Rings

2007-12-11T01:49:00.000-08:00

Engagement rings are extremely important when it comes to diamond jewellery. There are so many designs, so many levels of quality, it is really hard for the consumer to know where to start. Reassurance is also essential along with value for money. Engagement rings are available online these days at fantastic prices, but beware of sites not specifying the colour and clarity of the diamonds they sell. There can be a great deal of difference between diamonds. Also, remember just because the engagement rings you are looking at have certificates, it does not mean that the diamonds are of a high quality. If you can afford to, try to go for H colour or better and SI2 clarity or better. At least by doing this you will have a white and clear diamond with no really visible marks. Try shopping around online and make some enquiries first.

3 Stone Diamond Rings

2007-12-03T06:48:00.000-08:00

Three's a crowd. So what. When it comes to diamonds that's a good thing. For many, the more there are the better. For those wishing to keep things simple though, the 3 stone diamond ring represents a versatile simple yet elegant ring, with the attraction of multiple diamonds. 3 stone diamond rings are in actual fact increasing significantly in popularity and are a popular choice now for engagement rings. Their significance is often marketed with the emphasis being on the trio of diamonds. These wonderful 3 stone diamond rings, or Trilogy rings as they are often referred to, are as individual as any classic solitaire diamond ring. They can be provided as a 3rd anniversary present, as an engagement ring, or for the birth of the first child ( diamonds representing mother, father and child) All in all, with the enormous variety of shapes and styles available, 3 stone diamond rings are set to become even more popular over the coming year.

All I want for Christmas

2007-11-23T03:49:00.000-08:00

The other day, I had a conversation with a young man buying an engagement ring for his girlfriend. He wanted the ring in time for Christmas. This seems like a very romantic time of the year to propose. What better present for a girl than having her man propose on Christmas morning. I had an in depth discussion where I advised him on engagement rings and suggested styles and options. During this conversation he explained that one of the motivations for buying the ring for Christmas was to kill two birds with one stone.

"If I get it for Christmas, I save the extra expense of buying another present!"

I have to admit, after spending a great deal of money on the engagement ring, buying other Christmas presents would not be an easy task.

Thinking of engagement rings for Christmas, why not have a look online at some of the great offers on engagement rings

Tiffany Engagement Rings

2007-11-15T02:08:00.000-08:00

The Tiffany setting in engagement rings has become one of the most popular types of engagement ring. But who really knows just what the Tiffany setting is? Well, today we are going to give you a quick insight into what the Tiffany setting is. It was originally first seen in the late 19th Century, a creation of Tiffany & Co. in New York. 6 prongs on the ring setting, held up the diamond in a way that presented the beauty of the diamond confined within the protection of the radial prongs that held the diamond at the most outer part of the stone. This set new standards for the engagement ring and as a result we now see many different styles all based on the original simple style.

Engagement Rings New and Exciting.

2007-11-07T03:13:00.000-08:00

Why not consider three stone engagement rings. With some fresh and innovative styles available, they offer a new contemporary look to the traditional diamond solitaire engagement rings. There are princess cut variations and also the round brilliant cut variations, but what is really intersting is the unique styling of many of these rings. Designers style the settings and how the claws are laid out and add fresh and interesting twists on some of the most beautiful arrangements of diamonds. The results? Well, they speak for themselves. Available in platinum, and gold, they represent the pinnacle of quality.

The three stone engagement rings can also be used for other occasions, so if you already have a diamond solitaire, then do not worry. Many of these rings are marketed as Trilogy, with the emphasis on the importance of three. Each diamond might represent a different person in your life. They can also represent past present and future. Whatever the meaning, they are one of the most attractively styled diamond engagement rings.

Diamond Engagement Rings

2007-10-31T04:04:00.000-07:00

Diamond Engagement Rings

Diamond engagement rings with a rubbed over setting are available in a number of styles. The beauty with this type of ring is that the diamond is held securely by the metal. Basically with a rubbed over setting or bezel setting as it is often called, the metal is rubbed over the edge of the stone. In the case of fancy cut diamond such as the heart shape, the metal actually emphasizes the outline of the stone and can define the shape. Diamond engagement rings that are set in this way offer enormous security and protection for the diamond. The edge of the stone is protected against knocks and although diamond is the hardest substance, it can be prone to damage and is brittle. It will break along any planes of weakness and is not invincible.

Rubbed over settings for diamond engagement rings are available for all different shapes of diamonds. From princess cut diamonds to oval cut diamonds, there is a style available for anyone. Certain diamonds need a great deal of protection at particular parts of the stone, such as the princess cut, the corners of which are normally covered even when claw settings are used.

Diamond engagement rings with a rubbed over setting can be repolished to bring them back to their original state in case of scratches or minor wear to them. A hard plating called Rhodium is usually added to white gold to produce a very white finish to the rings. A simple repolish and re-Rhodium plating will have any such diamond engagement rings looking like new again.

Any jeweller will be able to provide this service and it is often a good idea to have your rings repolished at the same time as you have your wedding rings made.

See an example of rubbed over set round engagement rings
See an example of rubbed over set princess engagement rings
See a whole series of diamond engagement rings

Engagement Rings

2007-10-23T02:08:00.001-07:00

Are you looking at engagement rings online? Well, if you are then it is time to really start thinking about the designs of engagement rings you might buy. You will certainly be able to find a much keener price online, but are you going to get engagement rings of a comparable quality to the high street. The answer is yes! Engagement rings purchased online offer the serious buyer a way of saving a great deal of money. Do make sure though that the seller has a comprehensive returns policy, since distance selling regulations ensure you have the right within a certain time to return such items. The reason for this is that unlike a shop, you have no way of being able to see before you buy. In my experience, most customers are happy with their engagement rings and as a result do not feel they have to return the rings, but the reassurance needs to be in place to allow shoppers to if they feel it necessary.

Delivery times are always a cause for concern with engagement rings. Men never seem to allow enough time to have their engagement rings made. Remember that this is something that will be worn for the rest of her life, so it is important to make sure there is enough time to make the proper ring. I use the word make, because why buy engagement rings off the shelf when you can have one made to your exact requirements. You choose the diamond colour, clarity and size, and the style and setting of the ring and the jeweller will make it.

At Serendipity Diamonds, we make engagement rings for the customer to their exact requirements and at prices that are highly competitive. You also have the reassurance of guaranteed workmanship on all engagement rings and jewellery. We can also make up a ring to your exact budget. You leave all the hard work to us and you take delivery of a perfect engagement ring.

Now go and think about what kind of engagement rings she might like. Think about the design. What type of jewellery does she normally wear?What sort of style is it? What colour metal does she like? When you are looking at engagement rings, these are all things you will have to think about.

There are various choices of metal, including white gold (very fashionable for engagement rings) yellow gold (very traditional and making a comeback) Platinum (white and very rare and expensive but deemed the highest quality) and even red gold. Our advice is to go for 18ct gold as this is harder wearing than 9ct gold. This is something worn for a lifetime and will need to withstand a certain amount of wear and tear.

In time, we will show more engagement rings and discuss different options and how to get the best quality and value for your money. Until then, please see the attached links to take you to engagement rings to find out more information and prices.