Industry News
Custom Jewelry Miami
Welcome to the place where Miami makes their custom jewelry.
We are a family owned jewelry store that has been serving South Florida for over thirty years. We use this blog to share some of our custom and one-of-a-kind pieces we design. This is just a taste of what we can do. We look forward to serving you! Call today to make an appointment.
Coral Gables: 786.600.7040
Miami: 786.600.4610
Matching bands
We made these rings for a very special couple. 14k tri-colored matching wedding bands. The white gold center ring with diamonds rolls around.
Custom made men’s ring.
Do you want a special ring made just for you? We could help you, Pass by any of our two locations or call us today for a free estimate.
Call us today and make an appointment.
Do you want to give your wedding ring an upgrade? A low-cost way to give your wedding ring some big bling without breaking the band is to add a diamond halo to your diamond solitaire. That is exactly what we did to this diamond wedding set. Call us today to make an appointment and get a free estimate.
When the time comes to ask the big question, give your future bride a one-of-a-kind engagement ring from Santayana. At Santayana Jewelry, we specialize in custom bridal designs. The process begins with a simple idea that develops into a sketch, a 3d design, a 3d printed ring and finally the finished product. We made this one-of-a-kind 14k white gold ring with a 1.5ct center stone featuring a diamond basket and seven common prong set stones on either side. I know that when you hear “custom made” you always think it going to be very expensive. However, because we design and create in house, you will be surprised how inexpensive a custom made design will cost. Call us today for a free estimate.
Custom Cuff Design.
We are a Miami jewelry store specializing in fine jewelry, custom jewelry, jewelry repairs and more. Silver gold and diamonds
A Special Tribute to Alvarez Guedes
Santayana was a huge fan of Alvarez Guedes, the Cuban comedian famous for his signature, “Ño!”. Losing this great talent made us remember the many wonderful times spent listening to Alvarez Guedes’ records in the family room. One memory in particular stands out. A family tradition…
Every year our parents hosted a New Year’s Eve party where guests would celebrate into the late hours of the night. As Dick Clark counted down the New Year, Dad set up his special Alvarez Guedes track, “Me Cago en el Año Nuevo” and together we would ring in the New Year. It was the one and only time of the year all the kids could say a bad word, at the top of our lungs, without getting in trouble.
In remembrance of Alvarez Guedes, we will be offering a special discount on a limited number of our Ñ charm. For a limited time the Ñ charm will be offered at $25. This offer is exclusive to our online store and will run until Monday, August 5th, while supplies last.
Industry News
Basics of Gold Engagement Rings
With its luminous sheen and wide array of color and karat options, it’s no wonder that gold is a popular choice for engagement rings. If you’re considering this precious metal for your jewelry, it’s important to understand the basics about the characteristics, care, pricing, and styles of gold engagement rings.
Gold Is All About Options
While most precious metals, like platinum or sterling silver, come in a single color and have a specific set purity requirement for jewelry, gold is full of options. By mixing gold with various other metals, jewelers produce rings in a variety of colors and at several affordable price points.
Purity of Gold
On its own, gold is a very soft metal. In fact, according to the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, pure gold rates at about 2.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This makes it softer than every other precious metal, and it means that almost any object you encounter in your daily life could damage your pure gold jewelry.
Due to this softness, jewelers create alloys, or metal combinations, that make gold rings more durable. You may notice that gold rings are marked with a karat (k) value. This karat value tells you the purity of the gold, or how much actual gold is in the jewelry. Each karat is 1/24 of the gold item. It’s important to understand this as you consider pricing and durability.
Gold comes in many purity levels for jewelry, but some of the most popular include:
- 24k – This is 24/24 gold, or pure gold, and it’s the softest and most expensive option for a ring.
- 18k – This is 18/24 gold, or about 75% gold and 25% other metals. It’s more durable and less expensive than pure gold.
- 14k – This is 14/24 gold, or about 58% gold and 42% other metals. It’s more durable and less costly than 18k and 24k gold.
- 10k – This is 10/24 gold, or about 42% gold and 58% other metals. It’s one of the least expensive choices and is quite durable.
Colors of Gold
Since jewelers frequently mix gold with other metals to improve its durability and lower its cost, this means consumers have a wide variety of color choices. The other metals used in the alloy, such as copper, nickel, silver, and zinc, lend a bit of their color to the finished piece.
You’ll see gold jewelry, including engagement rings, in the following beautiful colors.
- Yellow gold – Pure gold, as well as gold alloys that contain copper and silver in set amounts, has this warm, classic hue. Yellow gold is a great choice for traditional diamond engagement rings, and it also looks lovely with yellow diamonds, sapphires, and other gems.
- White gold – White gold has a tone that is slightly warmer than platinum. It comes from combining gold with white metals like silver and nickel. Often, white gold engagement rings feature rhodium plating to enhance their silvery sheen. White gold looks great with almost every gem, including diamonds.
- Rose gold – Rose gold is a lovely and non-traditional choice. This type of gold gets its soft, rosy glow from the addition of copper. It’s a gorgeous choice for warm-tinted gems like rubies and pink sapphires, and it also looks lovely with diamonds.
Choosing Gold for Engagement Jewelry
Gold is a classic, luxurious choice for your engagement ring, and it has many benefits. However, there are also a few potential drawbacks to this precious metal. Understanding the pros and cons of gold jewelry can help you make an informed decision.
Benefits
There are several reasons you may want to choose gold for your engagement ring.
- Cost – Compared to platinum, most gold engagement rings are more affordable. The price difference depends on a number of factors, including the purity of the gold, the manufacturer or brand name, and the amount of metal used in the setting. However, gold is almost always more cost-effective.
- Stability – Gold does not react with many other chemicals, so it’s a great choice for jewelry you’ll wear every day. It won’t tarnish like silver or rust like iron.
- Design choices – Gold is extremely malleable, even as an alloy. This means that jewelers can work it into delicate designs with filigree, engraving, and other details. You’ll find that gold rings tend to be more detailed than rings crafted from sterling silver and some other metals.
- Availability – Due to gold’s long tradition as a jewelry metal, there are many gold engagement ring designs on the market. You’ll see gold rings at your local jewelry store and online jewelers.
- Options – Available in different colors and at different price points, gold offers more options than any other precious metal. You can choose a lower purity level to accommodate your budget or select a specific color to compliment your favorite gem.
Industry News
Anatomy of a Diamond
Many people believe that the most important characteristics of a diamond are the four Cs: color, carat weight, clarity, and cut. True savvy shoppers, however, recognize that inferior diamonds can have poor proportions or inadequate angles that detract from the stone’s beauty and lower its value no matter how it measures up to the four Cs. By being familiar with the anatomy of a diamond and how it affects quality, you can buy far better than an average quality stone.
Baroque Diamonds
The most basic way to polish a gemstone, whether it is a diamond, aquamarine, peridot, or other crystal is to tumble it – rounding and polishing the stone while leaving the general rough shape intact. By using abrasives and water to naturally cure the stone, tumbling simulates the natural process that forms smooth pebbles in rivers and streams. Stones finished in this fashion are called “baroque,” meaning “irregular,” and are often used for unique jewelry such as pendants and brooches.
The majority of gemstones, however, are meticulously cut and polished with exacting angles, proportions, and dimensions. The anatomy of a diamond or other gemstone is made up of these precise cuts, and the stone’s quality depends on the accuracy with each cut.
What Comprises Anatomy of a Diamond
Different diamond shapes have slightly different requirements for ideal proportions based on how light is reflected within the stone to maximize its brilliance. By understanding basic definitions, however, you can demonstrate to your jeweler that you are more than a casual observer or impulse buyer, and they will be more willing to explain the intricate details of each stone you examine.
Table
The table, or top of the diamond, is the largest facet on the stone. On a round stone, it will be octagonal, and it should be perfectly centered. The table size will vary depending on the shape and color of the stone in order to provide the most sparkle with reflected light.
Crown
The stone’s crown is the narrow upper area, above the girdle. In many settings, this part of the stone will be above the prongs or metal holding the stone in place, and it will be most visible. Because of this, it is the most prone to scratches.
Girdle
The girdle is a narrow band, parallel to the stone’s table, and is the widest part of the gem. Girdle thickness is critical to the diamond’s strength and must be sufficient to prevent accidental chips and cracks. At the same time, a girdle that is too thick will add worthless karat weight to the stone and increase the price tag, even though the stone’s brilliance will be diminished. By being familiar with the anatomy of a diamond, you can avoid this type of poor cut and unnecessary expense.
Pavilion
The stone’s pavilion is the area below the girdle that typically comprises the longest part of the stone except for emerald or other rectangular shapes. In many settings, the pavilion is obscured, but the prong or tiffany setting reveals the pavilion and increases the diamond’s brilliance by allowing light to enter at different parts of the stone.
Culet
The culet is the tiny facet at the bottom of the pavilion, parallel to the table, and is often used to even out the facets of the diamond and give it a more symmetrical appearance. Ideally, a stone will have no cult, but that perfection is rarely achieved. A large culet will often appear as a dark spot or hole through the stone when viewed through the table.
Facets
The stone’s facets are the smooth, polished planes that make up its surface. In a typical round shape, there are 58 facets, though fancy shapes and signature cuts often have a greater number. The fewer facets a stone has, the less reflection and brilliance it will exhibit, though a totally smooth stone without facets has its own unique appeal.
Finding Exceptional Quality Through the Anatomy of a Diamond
By understanding the anatomy of a diamond, you can assure that any stone you purchase is of exceptional quality and avoid common cutting flaws, such as a thicker girdle. Another consideration is the angle of the girdle between the crown and the pavilion: this affects the reflection and appearance of the stone. Every stone shape and cut requires different proportions for the best appearance: if you have already decided on a shape before shopping for your engagement ring, be sure to investigate the specific dimensions that are ideal for that shape. By being an educated shopper, you can easily purchase a quality stone that will not only wow your fiancée, but will be a brilliant investment for many years.
Industry News
From Mine To Market: The Diamond ‘Making’ Process
The diamond market is a lucrative one that specializes in obtaining those precious stones, sorting the best out from the worst and then transferring them to the skilled hands of jewelers who turn them into different types of diamond jewelry.
There has been plenty of controversy in the diamond market over the years, as the concept of blood diamonds was tackled in countries such as Africa where the stones were used to fund wars and children were exploited in the mines. These days this is a less common problem and those purchasing diamond jewelry should ask questions before purchasing to ensure they are buying ethical diamonds.
So, how do diamonds get from the mines and into that enormous engagement ring or dangle from your ears for that fancy night out?
First, the mining process
Any diamonds discovered now began their life 3.3 billion years ago, as intense heat and pressure were placed upon carbon crystals. Over time, this pressure created the stunning gems we know and love today but to extract them from the ore they are embedded in, they must go through a number of processes including x-rays, blasting and crushing.
The countries where most diamonds are commonly found include Australia, South Africa, Russia, Botswana, Namibia and Canada. Over 120 million karats of diamonds are mined every year but only a quarter will end up being used for jewelry and considered gem quality.
Once the diamonds are mined they are then classified and usually handed over to De Beers Central Selling Organisation and then sold to manufacturers.
Manufacturing the diamonds
Once the diamonds have been purchased, it’s time for them to be cut. The rough stones are shipped out to cutters around the world who then examine them and decide how they should be cut.
Once it is decided, the diamond is handed over to experts in different cuts before it is then ready for sale to jewelers and wholesalers who then take the stones and use them to create beautiful jewelry and ornamental pieces.
On sale
Once the diamonds have been set in their prongs or carefully embedded into a gold ring casing they are ready to be sold to the lucky jewelry buyer, who could be picking up a diamond ring to get down on one knee with or for a lucky lady on a milestone birthday.
Industry News
When to Take Off Your Engagement Ring: 7 Times to Remove It
Once he puts that engagement ring on your finger, chances are you never want to take it off. We totally get it!
However, if you want your bling to continue shining bright for a really long time, it’s important not to wear it while you’re busy doing these seven things. Here’s when taking off engagement rings if you want to keep them in mint condition!
1. Working Out
Before you break a sweat, it’s a good idea to take that pretty little ring off. “The materials used in diamond jewelry, platinum and gold, are, to a certain degree, soft,” explains David Watling of De Beers. So if you rock your ring while participating in certain activities that put pressure on these metals, you risk changing their shape. “If the shape of a ring is bent enough, you then risk bending the claws that hold the diamond and your diamond falling out.”
Same goes for sports. Any kind of hands-on physical activity (soccer, basketball, tennis, etc.) are other great examples of when to take off wedding rings and engagement rings. Do yourself a solid and keep your ring in a safe place, preferably at home, so you won’t accidentally damage it during competition.
2. Moisturizing
Lotions and moisturizers may be great for your skin, but not so much for your ring, as excess buildup can diminish the brilliance and dull your stone over time. To protect your rock and ensure a cloudy layer of a film doesn’t form on it, wait until your hands have completely dried before slipping your bling back on.
3. Primping
Did you know that cosmetics, hair sprays, perfumes, and other substances and chemicals commonly used by women could cause buildup of grime, weakening the natural sheen of your ring? According to Nadine Tacorian Arzerounian, president of operations and design for Tacori, it’s true! “I take off my rings the moment I walk into my house so I can seamlessly move through my nightly routine,” she says.
If you do get any grime buildup on your engagement ring, Watling recommends gently rinsing it with hot water and dishwashing liquid. “When doing this, don’t forget to first secure the sink or use a bowl,” he warns. “Then dry your jewelry with a cotton or linen towel before using a polishing cloth for a sparkling finish.”
4. Swimming
Never, ever, ever wear your expensive jewelry in the ocean or in the pool! For one, cold water “shrinks” your fingers, making it that much easier for an already loose engagement ring to disappear during a swim. The ocean should be off-limits for engagement rings.
You’re probably still wondering “Can I wear my engagement ring in the pool?” The answer is still no. Chlorine can damage and discolor the mounting of your ring and your platinum, gold, or white-gold wedding band.
5. Cleaning
Not only can you easily bang up your engagement ring on tough surfaces (think bathroom counters, kitchen floors, etc.) cleaning the house, but you can also do serious damage to the stone and setting. You can even potentially alter the color, thanks to harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia found in many common household cleaners.
6. Showering
If you’ve ever wondered “can I shower with my engagement ring,” you probably already had a feeling the answer was no — and you were right. The shower can be a dangerous place for engagement rings for two reasons. First, a ring can easily slip off when your fingers are all lathered up and slippery with soap—and if the ring slips off, it’s liable to fall down a drain and get lost forever. Second, oily soaps will dull the finish of your diamond and exfoliating soaps will scratch it.
7. Cooking
The final time when not to wear an engagement ring is during cooking and food prep. Germs and bacteria can easily get lodged into the ring setting. And, just like in the shower, you risk the ring slipping off when you rinse anything in the sink. If you can, it’s better to take it off while cooking.
Industry News
Engagement Ring History
Rings have been used as symbolic tokens for centuries, and understanding the history of engagement rings can help a couple realize just how significant these pieces of jewelry are. Furthermore, couples interested in antique rings may find a greater appreciation for the changing styles knowing how the jewelry’s history has evolved.
Engagement Ring Origins
The initial origins of engagement and wedding rings are the same. The earliest uses of symbolic rings are attributed to different peoples, including the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.
- Betrothal rings were meant to symbolize a woman’s connection to the man who would become her husband, though the arrangement was more of a business proposition than a romantic union.
- Romans used iron rings to symbolize strength and permanence, and the Greeks are credited with the initial idea to wear the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, where the “vena amoris” or vein of love was supposed to connect to the heart.
- During the ninth century, Pope Nicolas I endorsed the idea of engagement rings by making a gold ring a betrothal requirement to demonstrate the groom’s wealth and ability to care for a wife. In 1215, Pope Innocent III made a similar declaration through the rings could consist of different metals, including silver and iron, and the rings were meant to be worn during a longer engagement period.
Gemstone Rings
Established engagement ring history has theorized that the first rings may have been made from leather, plants, or other degradable material that served not only to symbolize a union between two people, but also their connection with the land that sustained them. As time passed, metal rings eventually became more elaborate, finally incorporating gemstones to add a measure of distinction and beauty. Symbolic patterns of birthstones were often used to illustrate the couple’s parents as well as the couple themselves. For centuries, however, diamonds were too rare and expensive to be widely available or affordable.
The First Diamond Engagement Ring
The first recorded diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy by her betrothed, Archduke Maximillian of Austria, in 1477. Few details are known about the ring itself, but diamonds were considered at the time to have magical powers relative to love, purity, and fidelity – the same characteristics they symbolize today.
In the late 19th century, extensive diamond deposits were discovered in Africa, effectively making the gems more widely available and cheaper for the general public to purchase. Because of the sudden abundance of diamonds, designs became more elaborate and intricate, and more brides-to-be began to receive diamond engagement rings.
History of Men’s Rings
The story of men’s engagement ring history is far shorter. For centuries, only women received either engagement or wedding rings, but today the vast majority of men wear wedding rings, and an increasing number also receive engagement rings.
This trend began during World War II, when many men were faced with years separated from their loved ones, and simple rings served as reminders about the people they’d left behind. It has taken still longer for diamonds to be incorporated into men’s rings, but many masculine diamond rings are available today.
U.S. Engagement Ring History
The Puritans who helped colonize the United States refused to wear most jewelry, including wedding and engagement rings, because such baubles were considered ostentatious and frivolous. Instead, a betrothed couple would exchange a thimble – a practical item a young woman could use as she sewed linens and clothing for her dowry. After the wedding, the thimble’s cup was often cut off (symbolizing that her dowry was complete), and the rim could be worn as a ring.
Non-diamond engagement rings have been popular throughout most of the United States’ history because of their lower expense and easier availability: this was especially critical during westward expansion and pioneer days when any ring was costly.
During the 1920s, art deco designs were particularly popular because of their modern symmetry and flashy color contrasts, while smaller rings and more elaborate filigree designs were popular during the Great Depression because of their affordability.
During World War II, at the same time many men began wearing wedding rings, platinum rings were prohibited (the metal being necessary for military uses), and many more gold and silver rings were designed.
The Future of Engagement and Wedding Rings
Despite the varied nature of wedding and engagement ring history, today’s trends are clear: custom rings unique to the couple are more popular than ever, as are contemporary styles that illustrate the promise of a future that is brighter than ever. Even as diamond jewelry continues to evolve, its ties to historical tradition remain intact, and couples continue to honor that history by exchanging rings as they form their own traditions.
Industry News
This is the Most Pinned Engagement Ring on Pinterest This Year
Can you imagine your life without Pinterest? It’s every bride’s go-to for all things wedding related, from wedding dress inspo to gorgeous reception themes to mega beauty tips for glowing skin. And although we love spending hours on the social media site crafting our own dream wedding boards, it’s always nice to see what other brides are pinning on their own page. Which brings us to the most popular engagement ring on Pinterest right now. Heads up: It’s a stunner.
The ring, a sparkling rose gold solitaire, has been pinned more than a whopping 103,900 times, according to the Daily Mail. Simplicity wins this year, that much is clear.
Sadly, the engagement ring isn’t mass produced for every bride-to-be around the world to sport on her finger. According to the Daily Mail, the bling belongs to Sylvia Billone and was custom-made just for her. She revealed online that the rose gold band boasts a 1.22 karat solitaire diamond. No word on the price of the ring yet, but we have a feeling it wasn’t exactly cheap.
This year’s most popular engagement ring is a far cry from the ring that stole girls’ hearts last year on Pinterest. Instead of opting for the minimalistic vibe of 2017, women went wild for an intricate white gold Verragio ring. The diamond twisted split shank paired with lace embellishments was the embodiment of opulence and grace.
Industry News
We Looked at 108 Jewelers in Miami and Picked the Top 8
Santayana
Santayana is a jewelry store specializing in unique styles and timeless designs for clients in the Miami and Coral Gables, FL metro area. Owner Rodolfo Santayana dreamed of opening his jewelry store, and with the help of his wife and children, his dream became a reality. Now with over three decades of experience, his children have taken over the shop and strive to deliver his same ready-to-wear coin, wooden, and bead jewelry. Customers speak highly of their Cuban designs and friendly staff.
Albert’s Fine Jewelers
Albert’s Fine Jewelers is a Miami-based jewelry center in the second largest jewelry building in the United States with over three decades of experience. Owner Albert Albaladejo strives to carry unique, high-quality engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond goods, colored stones, GIA certified loose diamonds, fashion jewelry, and custom creations. High-end watches and timepieces are also available. They currently hold a five-star rating on Yelp! where clients speak highly of Albert’s charming family, knowledge, reasonable pricing.
Barclays Jewelers
Barclays Jewelers is an independent jeweler specializing in diamonds and repairs for residents in the Miami, FL metro area for over there decades. They have served generations of families as their trusted jewelers for elegant watches, treasured gifts, and custom made jewelry. Barclays Jewelers strives to make every customer feel at home with their personalized service and integrity. Clients speak highly of their elegant products, customer service, and honesty.
Chantilly Jewels
Chantilly Jewels is a well-established and highly-rated jewelry store in Miami, FL with over two decades of experience. Trained staff members aim to help each customer find the perfect ring or bracelet, sell gold, or with watch repair. These local jewelers take pride in carrying only top quality jewelry at reasonable rates. Chantilly Jewels is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
CRM Jewelers
CRM Jewelers is a high-end boutique specializing in luxury watches at discounted prices for residents in the Miami, FL metro area. CRM Jewelers is located in downtown Miami’s jewelry district and carry brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philipe, Hublot, Cartier, Panerai, and more. Owner Carlos Marcelin Jr.’s experience began as a child at his father’s jewelry and watch business in Havana, Cuba. Now, he strives to become the globally recognized provider of luxury watches through loyal customers and high-quality service.
Diamond Club Miami
Diamond Club Miami is a jewelry company which specializes in antique and modern fine jewelry, located in the downtown Miami, FL area. This owner-operated business can provide secure and fast shipping, ring resizing services, and a selection of jewelry from all over the world. Also, a variety of watches and bracelets are available. Diamond Club Miami offers weekly eBay auctions where clients can bid on rare jewelry from the comfort of their home.
Dover Jewelry & Diamonds
Dover Jewelry & Diamonds is a Miami-based jeweler offering a unique and rare collection of fine antique and estate jewelry from around the world for over 25 years. Experienced staff members can help customers in search of rare jewels or who are hoping to replicate a treasured memory their grandmother once wore. They offer a wide selection of lacy, floral scrolls of the Edwardian period, to the geometric cuts that characterize Art Deco Baubles. Customers speak highly of their professionalism, support, and thoughtfulness.
Exquisite Jewelers
Exquisite Jewelers specializes in name brand jewelry and timepieces for clients in the Miami, FL metro area. They offer brands like Tous, Aaron Basha, A. Link, Fufoo, Cartier, Hublot, and much more. Exquisite Jewelers also make customized jewelry for a client’s particular taste in their on-site full design studio. Watch repair is also available. Customers speak highly of their friendly and helpful sales team.
Industry News
Different Types of Diamond Cuts
The cut of a diamond refers to the angles and proportions of the stone and has nothing to do with its shape. Diamond cuts are designed to ensure the proper reflection of light in the stone. This brilliance is known as the diamond’s “fire.” On the other hand, diamond cuts that are too deep or too shallow lose light through the sides and bottom, resulting in less brilliance and ultimately, a lower value.
What Is a Good Diamond Cut?
The safest way to determine good diamond cuts is by referring to the grading reports or certificates (jewelers call them ‘certs’) issued by reputable organizations. American Gemological Society (AGS), International Gemological Institute (IGI), and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) provide these grading reports.
A good table cut should be from 53% – 64% of the stone’s girdle and good depth should be from 58% – 64%. Beyond these ranges the diamond is either too shallow or too deep and will not be as valuable. The exact specifications for different stones vary according to the number of desired facets and the overall shape.
Types of Cuts
There are two general types of diamond cuts, and when combined, they can be manipulated into a number of shapes.
Step Cut
Step cuts are simple incisions into the stone that create a series of steps along its surface. The most common stone shape created with step cuts is the emerald, or rectangular, shape. These stones have an elegant simplicity reminiscent of vintage and antique rings, and while they do not sparkle as much as other shapes, the elongated surface of the stone presents a regal appearance.
Brilliant Cut
Brilliant cuts are intended to maximize the facets in the stone at the ideal angles for internal refraction, resulting in the brightest diamond fire. The standard shape for brilliant cut diamonds is the classic round which is the most common cut of diamond. Found in engagement rings, bridal sets, wedding bands, earrings, bracelets, and other pieces of jewelry, brilliant cut diamonds are versatile as well as popular.
Mixed Cut
Mixed-cut stones are any other shape that is formed from both step and brilliant cuts. For many stones, step cuts are easier to create, but flaws and other defects are more visible. Brilliant cuts are included to increase the sparkle and diminish the appearance of such defects, increasing the diamond’s appeal. Trillium, princess, and heart diamonds may all be mixed-cut stones depending on how the raw diamond is worked.
Industry News
11 Ways to Pick the Perfect Wedding Ring
Our ultimate ring buying guide will help you choose a wedding ring you love.
1. Narrow Down Your Wedding Ring Choices
Diamonds or gemstones, platinum or gold—narrowing down your ring options may seem overwhelming, but don’t panic. Just take it one step at a time. Start with style: Are you envisioning a simple band or one with embellishments? Do you want your wedding ring to be the same metal as your engagement ring? Do you think you and your partner’s rings should match? Work out these kinds of questions beforehand so you can zero in on exactly what you’re looking for, then start shopping around.
2. Consider Buying Your Ring and Your Bands Together
If you prefer to be surprised by the engagement ring, this may not work, but knowing what bands go with the engagement ring can help you make a decision. For example, if you have a unique engagement ring, you may want a simple, no-fuss band, whereas a simple engagement ring may call for the added sparkle of a diamond pavé band. Also think about how the rings fit together. If you’re planning on wearing your engagement and wedding ring side by side, 24/7, look for a contour or shadow band designed to interlock with the matching engagement ring. If you’re planning on wearing your wedding ring alone, you may want a more intricate style that will look great with or without your engagement ring. Talk to your jeweler about finding a band that works with your ring (some can even create both at the same time).
3. Start Your Ring Search Early
Once you have a basic idea of what kind of ring you’d like, it’s time for the fun part: trying them on! Give yourselves at least two to three months before the wedding date to ring shop. You’ll need this time to browse, research prices and revisit rings that catch your eye. If you have your heart set on a custom ring, you’ll probably need even more time. And keep in mind: Extras, like engraving, can take up to one month.
4. Mix It Up
Don’t fret if you like platinum and your partner likes yellow gold. There’s no rule that says you have to choose the same metal or even style. You could compromise with braided bands that blend the two metals together or just be totally different—the key to finding something you both love is choosing wedding bands that reflect your individual styles.
5. Set a Budget
Shop with the assumption that you’ll spend about 3 percent of your total wedding budget on the rings. Depending on the retailer, a plain, 14-karat gold or simple platinum band can cost around $1,000. Embellishments, like diamonds or engraving, will quickly add to the cost, so factor that into your budget if you plan to personalize your rings with any of these extras. The price of engraving is usually based on the number of characters, the font used and whether it’s engraved by hand or machine (hand is usually pricier).
6. Keep Your Lifestyle in Mind
Remember: You’re going to wear this band every day, so the goal is to choose something that seamlessly becomes a part of your life. If you play sports or an instrument, a slimmer ring with rounded edges (appropriately called the “comfort fit”) may make the most sense. If you work with your hands, you may want to search for a simple, solid metal ring and avoid gemstones that can come loose or carvings, which can trap dirt. If you’re super active, go for platinum, which is extra durable (when scratched, the metal is merely displaced and doesn’t actually wear away).
7. Try Something Different
You may love the idea of a braided rose gold ring or a diamond eternity band, but once you get to the store, try some rings that aren’t on your inspiration board. Chat with the jeweler, then let them make suggestions based on what you like and don’t rule anything out. Just like with wedding dresses, you may end up loving something you never thought you would. Wear it around the store for a few minutes and while you have it on, try writing and texting as a comfort test.
8. Think Long Term
While you shouldn’t be afraid of being trendy, make sure the style you choose is something you’ll want to wear for, say, the next 40 years. Just don’t stress too much: You’re not married to the ring and can always make changes to it (add diamonds or go from white gold to platinum) later on to mark a special anniversary.
9. Consider the Maintenance
To keep a wedding band with stones clean and sparkling, you’ll need to wash and soak it in warm sudsy water, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush or eyebrow brush (too much pressure can loosen the stones from their setting), rinse it and pat it dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Sound like too much upkeep? You may want to opt for a fuss-free gold or platinum ring—simply rub it with a soft, lint-free cloth (chamois works well) and you’re good to go.
10. Size It Right
Most people rarely take off their wedding bands; they wear them through summers, winters, exercise, pregnancies—all times when your fingers swell and contract from heat, cold, water retention or weight gain. To find the right size that will best weather all of those changes, schedule your final ring fitting at a time when you’re calm and your body temperature is normal. That means you should never finalize first thing in the morning (you retain water from the night before), right after you’ve exercised (fingers swell) or when you’re extremely hot or cold (which can cause your hands to expand and shrink).
11. Check for Quality
Quality control applies to all rings, not just your wedding bands. Make sure the ring has two marks inside the band: the manufacturer’s trademark (this proves they stand behind their work) and the quality mark, 24K or PLAT, for example (this proves the metal quality is what the retailer says it is).