- Something Old, New,
Borrowed and Blue [article] - Wedding Band
Engraving [q&a] - Saying "I Do" to a
Shoe [article] - Engagement Rings:
Custom Design 101 [article] - Shopping for Bridal
Accessories [article]
Buy Loose Stones
Unless you're buying an estate ring, chances are, you'll be looking at loose stones as opposed to stones in a setting. (The ones you see in the jeweler's case are often just samples to give you an idea of the finished product.) The stone accounts for the vast majority of a ring's cost, so wouldn't you want to get the most gorgeous one imaginable (or at least in your budget)? Be sure to inspect the stone with a loupe (a handheld magnifier that most jewelers have). A good jeweler (more on that later) will be able to guide you and tell you what to look for.
Work Your Budget Well
Throw out that old two-months salary myth; you should buy the best ring you can without going into major debt. If she's a size queen and your budget isn't supersized, go for a ring with a slightly larger table, or surface, area. You won't get as much sparkle, but a one-carat ring will look much larger if the stone isn't as deep. Don't want to sacrifice the look of your stone? Buying just shy of the next carat (1.8 instead of 2) can equal a savings of nearly 20%. And when it comes to clarity, buying shy gives you the most wiggle room without affecting sparkle (often defects are not visible to the naked eye).
