Education Center
RING TYPES
One of the most important steps in buying an engagement ring is determining your ring type. iDo Jewellery offers a variety of engagement ring styles from classic solitaires to modern tension rings. Whether you are looking for a modest, traditional ring or something flashier, iDo Jewellery has a ring type just for you.
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Solitaire Engagement Ring A solitaire ring setting features a single stone, typically a diamond with a plain mounting (usually four or siz prongs). Solitaires are one of the most popular engagement ring settings. Their appeal is in their elgance, simplicity, and timelessness. Solitaire ring comes in a variety of sizes and styles. Some have narrower bands which have the effect of making a smaller diamond appear larger, and compliment small fingers. Others have thicker bands which allow for more options in the way the diamond is set. Many solitaire rings have ring guards (or ring wraps) which frame the center diamond, making it appear more prominent. |
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Channel Set Engagement Ring Channel set engagement ring feature side diamonds that are embedded into the channel groove of the ring. A thin strip of metal secures the diamonds in place - no prongs are used. The diamonds are flush with the band and as a result, channel set rings are sturdier than other designs and less likely to snag on clothing. Channel settings are available in gold and platinum, with a variety of diamond shapes and cuts. When it comes to picking the right channel stones for your channel ring, princess cut is a popular choice, as its square edges ensure no gaps between the stones. |
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Halo Engagement Ring Halo engagement ring settings feature a center gemstone surrounded by smaller, micro pave diamonds. The smaller diamonds give the appearance of size and volume to the center stone, adding to the ring’s overall sparkle. Traditional halo engagement rings are a more modern take on the classic solitaire ring, while vintage style halo rings focus on the micro pave and milgrain detailing along the band. Halo engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes of center stones. Some feature round stones, asscher-cut diamonds, pear-shaped and oval diamonds. Halo rings often feature colored gemstones, like blue sapphire or red rubies. |
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Pave Engagement Ring A pave engagement ring is encrusted with very small diamonds all along the band to give the appearance of a solid diamond surface. Pave set diamonds use only tiny beads or prongs to hold them in place, very little of the metal band shows through and the diamonds appear to be free-standing. Pave setting can either go around the whole band (full pave) or stop halfway around it (half pave). Micro pave rings are even more delicate and intricate than regular pave settings. The individual stones are so small that they appear to blend together and created extraordinary fire. Typically, round brilliant or princess cut diamonds are used as center stones in pave engagement rings. Most center stones are prong-set, basket-set or bezel-set. |
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Sidestone Engagement Ring Sidestone engagement ring setting provides a perfect complement to a center stone and typically consist of a center diamond flanked by two or more smaller-sized side diamonds. Because sidestones add size and brilliance to the center diamond, they make the overall appearance of the engagement ring more impressive and radiant. When it comes to selecting a center diamond for an engagement ring with side stones, round brilliant or princess cut diamonds are typically chosen, although most diamond shapes can be used. |
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Tension Set Engagement Ring Tension engagement rings are a modern engagement ring setting in which a diamond is held in place by the physical force of the setting, without any prongs. In a tension ring, the diamond appears to be floating in air. As the name suggests, tension rings use the force and tension is the ring to push against the diamond to hold it in place. Tension cut engagement rings are some of the most secure engageemnt rings around the whole ring works to hold the diamond in place even tighter than prongs settings. Since tension cut engagement rings show off the entire diamond, the shape and cut of the diamond is extremely important. Round, princess and emerald-cut diamonds are popular choices for tension set rings. |
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Three-Stone Engagement Ring Three stone engagement ring consist of a center diamond flanked by two side diamonds, which accentuate the size and brilliance of the center diamond. The center stone is usually set higher to complement the side stones and add depth to the ring. Round and priness cut diamonds are the most popular choices for center stones. Most center stones are prong-set, basket-set or bezel-set, as these settings effectivedly distinguish the center diamond from the setting. |
SETTING TYPES
An engagement ring should be a reflection of the person wearing it.
Here are a few tips to help begin:
A woman with simpler, more streamlined taste may prefer a beautifully-made solitaire setting with one fantastic diamond. For women who like a lot of sparkle, an intricate pave setting with rows of diamonds might be preferable. A vintage setting with delicate engraving might appeal to a woman who has a penchant for the classics. Beautiful baguette side stones give a more contemporary feel to a ring, and gemstone settings are great for a woman who loves color. Tension settings will likely appeal to a more modern woman. Consider the woman, and the right style will become clear. Remember that the wedding band that will follow will need to match the engagement ring in terms of style and metal. The width of the ring is also a factor, since it will soon have a wedding ring next to it. A woman with small hands will want a narrower band on her rings, while a woman with larger hands might prefer a wider band.
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Prongs |
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Bar As the name suggests, the bar setting is characterized by two metal bars that hold the diamond in place. The bar setting is a sleek and modern look that makes a bold statement. This setting is also showcases the center diamond beautifully, which allows more light to enter the diamond and increases the diamond’s brilliance. |
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Bezel |
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Channel |
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Tension |
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RING SIZE
Ring Sizing
Your engagement ring or wedding band should fit comfortably — not too tight, but not too loose either. The perfect ring fits loose enough to slide over your knuckle and tight enough so that it cannot fall off your finger. To find your ring size, you can use James Allen’s online ring sizer or request a free plastic ring sizer. Keep reading for tips on how to measure your finger size and make sure that you purchase a ring that fits just right.
Online Ring Sizing:
Sizing an engagement ring is easier than you think. James Allen offers a free online ring sizer to help you determine your ring size. The online ring sizer is easy to use and offers two options; you can find your ring size by using the ring sizer to measure your finger or you can measure a ring that you already have. Both are accurate and will give you your exact ring size. If for some reason, the ring you order does not fit comfortably, don't worry! James Allen will resize your ring once for free within the first year of your purchase, including free return shipping within the U.S. and Canada for the first resize.
*Some rings cannot be resized and will need to be remanufactured. There will be a fee for rings that need to be remanufactured outside the 30-day return policy.
Tips for Finding Your Ring Size:
- Measure your finger at the end of the day.
Your finger size changes depending on the weather and time of day. For best results, measure your finger size at the end of the day when your fingers are warm. (Early in the morning, your fingers are cold and therefore smaller.)
- Measure a few times.
Be sure to measure your finger size a few times to make sure your calculations are accurate.
Tips for Buying a Ring as a Surprise:
- If you don't know your girlfriend's (or boyfriend's) ring size, ask her/his close friends or family members. Tell them to keep it hush-hush so that they don't accidentialy ruin the surprise!
- Borrow his/her ring (from the correct finger!) and use James Allen's online or plastic ring sizer to determine the ring's size.
METAL
Metals
Choosing the right metal for an engagement ring is a crucial part of the ring-design process. Once you know a bit about the basics of ring metals, deciding on a metal is a rewarding and simple process. Choosing between white gold, yellow gold, or platinum is as much as matter of personal preference as it is of budget. Before you make a final decision, it is worth weighing the pros and cons of the various types of engagement ring metals.
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White Gold Engagement Rings White gold is an incredibly beautiful and popular choice for engagement ring settings, which is quickly becoming the number one choice in engagement ring metals. iDo Jewellery offers white gold in 9K and 18K. 9K gold contains 37.5% gold, while 18K white gold is made up of 75% gold and 25% other metals (Palladium & alloy, etc). White gold has the overall look of platinum, but is notably less expensive. White gold beautifully compliments diamonds that are rated D-I on the diamond color scale, as it enhances the brilliance and sparkle of the stone. White gold is typically alloyed with nickel, zinc, silver, and/or palladium to give it its white color and is often plated with rhodium—a shiny, white metal that is a member of the platinum family—to give it an even whiter appearance and protect it from color loss. Although white gold is not subject to tarnish, it may develop a slightly yellow color over time as a result of its 75% yellow gold content. If this happens, white gold’s original beauty can be restored by a simple re-plating. NOTE: IDO JEWELLERY DOES NOT USE NICKEL IN WHITE GOLD, WE USE PALLADIUM IN ALL OUR JEWELLERY.
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Caring For White Gold Jewelry Even though white gold is resilient, there are important measures you can take to keep you jewelry looking as good as new. To keep white gold shiny and scratch-free, store it in a soft cloth bag or fabric-lined jewelry box. White gold should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, using a non-metallic, soft brush (like a toothbrush). To retain white gold’s luster, make sure to keep it away from harmful and corrosive chemicals such as bleach, ammonia and chlorine. And always use a soft, lint-free cloth—never paper towels—to dry the jewelry.
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Yellow Gold Engagement Rings Yellow gold is the most common of the golds, partly because gold is yellow in its naturally occurring state. The yellow gold used in fine jewelry is typically alloyed with silver and copper; its color depends on the amount of pure gold in the alloy. The advantages of gold are that is does not corrode, tarnish or rust, so it can be counted on to provide lasting beauty. And even though it is strong, gold is more "flexible" than the other precious metals. Pure gold, graded 24 karats, is too soft for use in making jewelry—as a rule, the higher the karat count, the softer the gold. 18kt gold is composed of 75% gold alloyed with 25% other metals, and is used in the making of fine jewelry. 14kt gold, which is composed of 58.3% gold, is commonly used in jewelry in which strength and hardness are important factors. 10kt gold is made up of 41.7% gold, and 10 karats is the minimum amount of karats an items needs to be classified as real gold in the U.S. Authentic gold jewelry bears a "karat mark", which is a "k" stamp. According to U.S. law, every gold item must also be stamped with the manufacturer's trademark and country of origin to ensure the authenticity of the gold.
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Caring For Yellow Gold Jewelry Even though gold is resilient, there are important measures you can take to keep you jewelry looking as good as new. To keep gold shiny and scratch-free, store it in a soft cloth bag or fabric-lined jewelry box. Gold should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, using a non-metallic, soft brush (like a toothbrush). To retain gold’s luster, make sure to keep it away from harmful and corrosive chemicals such as bleach, ammonia and chlorine. And always use a soft, lint-free cloth—never paper towels—to dry the jewelry.
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Rose Gold Engagement Rings Rose gold is a gold and copper alloy commonly used for specialized jewelry and coveted for its warm, reddish color. Rose gold is also known as red gold and pink gold, and sometimes as Russian gold, as a result of its popularity in Russia in the early 19th century. The difference between red, rose and pink gold is their copper content. The higher the amount of copper in gold, the more pronounced the red color. Pure gold is a deep yellow color and pure copper is reddish. The color of rose gold is somewhere on the spectrum between the two, depending on its individual composition. A common alloy for Rose gold is composed of 75% gold and 25% copper by mass.
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Caring For Rose Gold Jewelry Even though gold is resilient, there are important measures you can take to keep you jewelry looking as good as new. To keep rose gold shiny and scratch-free, store it in a soft cloth bag or fabric-lined jewelry box. Rose gold should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, using a non-metallic, soft brush (like a toothbrush). To retain rose gold’s luster, make sure to keep it away from harmful and corrosive chemicals such as bleach, ammonia and chlorine. And always use a soft, lint-free cloth—never paper towels—to dry the jewelry.
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Platinum Engagement Rings Platinum is a rare and valuable metal that is only found in limited quantities in a few, select regions of the world. The annual worldwide production of platinum is approximately 160 tons, compared to 1,500 tons of gold. This is why platinum is more expensive than the other precious metals. Platinum has grown increasingly popular in recent years due to its beauty and durability. Platinum’s rich, even color and sheen makes it a popular choice for engagement ring settings, as these qualities magnify the sparkle and brilliance of diamonds that are set in the metal. An added bonus of platinum’s 90-95% purity grade is that it rarely causes any allergic reaction, and is therefore the ideal metal choice for people with metal or contact allergies. Platinum is strong and can withstand a lot of stress, more so than other precious metals. It is also a naturally white metal that naturally retains its brilliant white luster naturally— white gold, on the other hand, which is mixed with alloys to give it its white appearance, loses its white shade and begins to yellow over time; white gold jewelry needs to be re-plated during its lifetime in order to maintain its white color, whereas platinum naturally retains its color. Most fine platinum jewelry uses 95% platinum, with 5% alloys. The closely-related iridium, palladium, and ruthenium are alloys that lend additional strength to platinum. In the United States, every piece of platinum jewelry sold must carry a purity stamp. "950 Pt" indicates 95% purity and "900 Pt" indicates 90% purity. In the U.S., anything less than 90% pure platinum cannot be sold as "platinum" jewelry.
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Caring for Platinum Engagement Rings Maintaining the appearance of platinum is as simple as soaking the jewelry in a mild solution of soap and warm water and gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. To keep platinum shiny and scratch-free, store the jewelry in its original box, a soft cloth bag, or a fabric-lined jewelry box. If platinum is worn daily, it may develop a slight sheen. Although most people prefer this look, you can always have jeweler polish platinum jewelry restore it to its original shine.
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CHOOSE THE PERFECT RING
How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring
A diamond engagement ring represents love and commitment. It is an outward sign of the inward love you have for your bride-to-be. Before purchasing your diamond engagement ring, there are a few things to consider.
The 4Cs of Diamond Quality
Diamonds are priced according to the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Please read our diamond education, as well as "How to Choose the Perfect Diamond," to learn about each attribute in detail and what diamond grade offers the best value for your budget.
In addition to the 4 C’s, shape (e.g. round, pear, marquise, oval, heart, etc.), brilliance, dispersion and scintillation determine a diamond's value.
Select Your Metal First
Engagement rings are typically made from one of three metals: platinum, white gold, or yellow gold. Platinum is the most expensive metal as it resists tarnishing, but it is also the most expensive to repair if damaged.
Yellow gold rings are the most popular and are available in 14-karat or 18-karat gold. Although this type of ring can show scratches and other abrasions, repairs come easy.
White gold rings have a silver-like appearance which will eventually wear off and need to be replaced. The appeal of white gold is that it easily matches most other jewelry.
Choose Your Setting Wisely
Engagement ring styles are individual and should match the personality of the person who will be wearing it. There are endless options of standard and custom engagement ring settings from simple solitaire settings to contemporary tension settings. Prong settings are among the most popular settings as they make the center diamond appear as though it is hanging, which creates an attractive sparkle. To learn more about setting options, check out our education center.
Once you have chosen the setting and diamond, your work is done. James Allen will then prepare your perfect engagement ring and have it ready for you to present to your beloved as you ask for her hand in marriage.
Certificate of Appraisal
Upon purchasing your diamond and setting, you will receive a certificate of authenticity. This certificate will confirm the engagement ring's value and is what you will need if you choose to insure your purchase. Most certificates are issued by the American Gem Society (A.G.S.) or the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.), two of the most widely accepted certifying organizations for the diamond industry. All of James Allen’s diamonds come with certificates of appraisal. Do not purchase a diamond if it does not come with a certificate from a reputable.
A Guarantee or Warranty
Depending on the jeweler, some type of guarantee or warranty may be offered with your purchase. Many jewelers provide a limited time money back guarantee while others will give to you a lifetime warranty. Understand what you are buying and the policy before you make your purchase.