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What alloys are in yellow and white gold?

November 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Gold can be alloyed with silver, copper, zinc, and nickel. Yellow gold is made by mixing pure gold with copper or zinc, rose gold is a mixture of pure gold and copper which creates the “reddish” color, and white gold is pure gold with a mixture of a white metal such as silver, nickel, or palladium. White gold rings are also often coated with Rhodium to make them look whiter.

Note - If you are shopping for someone that has a metal allergy you’ll want to stay with a Platinum setting.

Use our sorting filters to narrow down the options and find the perfect piece of jewelry or engagement ring setting.

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How to shop for an engagement ring

November 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment

In a previous post we gave some tips on things to know before you begin to look for engagements rings. Now that you’ve thought about budget, diamond shape, and a setting, we’ve broken down the buying process into 3 steps for you:

  1. We always recommend starting with the diamond first. Our diamond education section will provide you with all the information you need about the 4 c’s and various diamond shapes to get you started. Each diamond shape is unique in its own way and offers something a little different in terms of look.
  2. After you choose your diamond, the setting is next. The setting, regardless of metal type or style, should always enhance the stone. The diamond should “stand out” and be the focal point of the ring.
  3. Lastly, metal type – A majority of settings you’ll look at are available in 18kt white gold, yellow gold, and platinum. If you like the look of white metal, platinum would be the way to go. Platinum should also be your choice if your significant other has metal allergies.

Now that you’re prepared, shop for the perfect engagement ring using our Create Your Own Engagement Ring three-step process!

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What do I need to know before I begin shopping for an engagement ring?

October 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

#1 is always to establish a budget

Know how much you can spend.  Then you need to ask yourself:

What diamond shape does she like?

Some research has shown that diamond shape and personality are connected.  Here’s a brief example:

Round – home and family centered, dependable, easy to get along with, and security conscious

Oval – individualistic, creative, well-organized, dependable, and willing to take chances

Heart – sentimental, creative, feminine, sensitive, trusting, dramatic, and a dreamer

Rectangle/Square – organized, conservative, efficient, honest, and open

Pear – conforming, considerate, adaptable, and home & community centered

Marquise – extroverted, experimental, exciting, innovative, and career centered

What type of setting does she like – solitaire, traditional, modern, or antique?

Does she prefer a setting with diamonds or without? If with, what type?

Think about her lifestyle – is she athletic, what type of work does she do? This will help you decide on a setting (if she didn’t already give you pictures or tell you!) and we can recommend how the diamond should be set – prong or bezel.

What type of metal?

What color will match her other pieces – white gold, yellow gold, or platinum? Important to know – does she have a metal allergy? If yes, or you’re unsure and this is a surprise, platinum should be your choice.

Learn at least the basics about the 4 c’s – you can maximize your budget by looking at different combinations.

Once you’ve thought about the above you’re ready to start looking. I always recommend starting with the diamond first. Once you pick the shape, color, and weight you’ll be able to pick the perfect setting that will show off the stone you chose beautifully.

Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong type of engagement ring. Choose what you like and what will make you both happy.

Shop now using our Create Your Own Engagement Ring three-step process

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