The Choices Available for a Bridal Engagement Ring Set

When shopping for an engagement or wedding ring set, there a myriad of options available to the often confused groom. So if you're clueless and need some help, here's a guide that may be useful when deciding what types of rings are available.

Metal- This is often the first choice before picking the complementary options of the setting and the gems. The most popular metals are white gold, platinum, and titanium. White gold is by far the favorite because of its beauty and resourcefulness. Platinum is very durable and has a white luster, but it is rare and thus more expensive.

Setting- This is the way the metal is structured to hold the gem. Choosing the setting can enhance the gem you choose. The prong setting is the most commonly used setting. The gem is inserted into about three metal prongs that hold it in place like a basket. The prongs are usually rounded, but they be shaped into others such as v-shapes or ovals. Prongs can also be set close to the finger or tall and perched above the band. They are easy to make and clean so they are less expensive, plus they show off more of the gem. However, the gem is not covered so it is easier to lose the gem or snag the prongs on clothing. Another popular engagement setting is the channel setting, which places smaller diamonds or gems in a metal channel, or continuous row. The bezel setting holds the diamond securely by a metal rim so only the top of the gem can be seen. This is good for active lifestyles or to protect the edges of the gem. More settings include the pave, cluster, and flush settings.

Gem- Although the diamond is the universal diamond for engagement and wedding rings, colored diamonds and other gems such as rubies and sapphires are become more popular in engagement rings. If choosing a diamond consider the four C's: diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight. A diamond's color can be natural or it can be altered by treatments and is affected by fluorescence-a characteristic that makes diamonds shift color in different lights. Perfect clarity is rare, and most flaws can't be seen without a jeweler's magnifier. The diamond's cut refers to a gemstone's proportions and not its shape. The gemstone's proportions include its depth, width, and the uniformity of its facets--all characteristics that control brilliance, durability and other qualities to look for in a diamond. Carat weight affects a diamond's appearance and its price. Save money by considering fancy diamond shapes to appear larger, smaller side stones, or an illusion setting to make the diamond look more brilliant. There is also the choice of the diamond shape, such as brilliant round, oval, pear, emerald, marquise, square Princess, and heart. The brilliant round is the most popular, such as in the solitaire ring.

Now that you are knowledgeable about choosing a bridal ring engagement set, it's time to try shopping for the perfect ring for your better half.