CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF RING?
When you start to look at rings, whether they are engagement rings, wedding rings or fashion rings to revitalise your closet, there is a wide selection to choose from.
From the type of metal, the shape of setting, or the type of gems they are adorned with, it can be confusing to select just the right type of ring your significant other (or yourself) will love and cherish for the rest of the time.
So, how do you select the best ring for you or your loved one?
At GEM Pawnbrokers, we deal in all precious metals and will offer advice on the best ring for you or your loved one. To help we have created this guide on the most common metals used in making rings.
Are you looking to purchase a ring but are confused about how to go about it? Visit us at Gem Pawnbrokers so we can help you out!
Why should I get an expensive ring?
Because rings are such a big expense and a huge investment, you want to make sure that your ring will last a lifetime, right?
If you answered no to that question, let us change your mind.
Rings aren’t just for keeping up with the trend. Instead, rings can be investment pieces as well as being a statement piece.
Many people keep rings for decades, passing it down to the next generation, effectively making these rings a family heirloom. Most gems and settings also increase in value, especially if they are from a well-respected brand.
Here are some questions to consider when looking for a ring.
What materials are best for the setting of the ring?
Platinum
Platinum is a great choice for rings to be worn all the time and for a lifetime. It’s a very popular choice because it is designed to be hardy and retain its natural sheen, so they don’t fade or alter in colour. Platinum is also naturally hypoallergenic.
Palladium is a good choice for durability and lower maintenance. A form of platinum that is particularly hard-wearing, will not require re-plating and can’t be tarnished. It is a natural white colour like platinum, but is generally more affordable.
Gold
Gold offers a variety of choices and versatility.
White gold rings tend to be rhodium plated to protect the gold underneath and give a beautiful shine; however, this can be eroded over time and they can eventually need replating.
Yellow gold is a more traditional choice and, depending on the carat level, the colour and hardness of the ring will vary.
Rose gold offers distinction and can be used to offset other colours in combined rings. Like yellow gold, its hardness varies depending on the level of carats.
Titanium
Titanium is great for those needing a more hard-wearing ring or with metal sensitivities. It is an incredibly strong metal that is durable in comparison to many other metals and is hypoallergenic. Titanium is distinctive because it is slightly darker in colour and is lighter in weight than other metals.
Zirconium
Zirconium offers strength and is a lightweight metal. Very similar properties to titanium it provides a similar strength and is hypoallergenic. It has a grey to white colour and, if heat treated, it can be black which is scratch resistant.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten Carbide is good for those that need scratch-resistant rings. As a very strong metal it is resistant to scratches but, due to the brittleness of the metal, it can suffer from fractures if hit on a hard surface. It is a hypoallergenic metal and is heavier than other metals.
Silver
Silver is most suited to fashion or occasional use rings. One of the most common jewellery metals due to its versatility and malleability, as well as being fairly inexpensive to buy. It is less hard-wearing and is usually not the best suited to rings that are worn all the time.
Steel
Steel is good for those with a smaller budget or who prefer a fashion ring. It is not generally common for rings, because it is not a precious metal, but is becoming more and more popular as it offers durability, scratch resistance and is hypoallergenic, whilst accessible to those with a smaller budget.
Whatever material you opt for, be careful with fakes - not only will they wear faster, they will turn your skin green!
What type of gem should I get?
Depending on the occasion, the type of gem changes.
For a newborn
If you are planning to give a newborn baby a gemstone, birthstones, based on the month they were born, are a fantastic personal choice. Here is a quick list for reference:
- January Birthstone: Garnet
- February Birthstone: Amethyst
- March Birthstone: Aquamarine
- April Birthstone: Diamond
- May Birthstone: Emerald
- June Birthstone: Pearl or Alexandrite
- July Birthstone: Ruby
- August Birthstone: Peridot
- September Birthstone: Sapphire
- October Birthstone: Tourmaline or Opal
- November Birthstone: Topaz or Citrine
- December Birthstone: Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise
For an engagement
The media might tell us that soon-to-be-brides might expect to see a huge diamond on an engagement ring, but don’t let that stop you from getting something personal or unique to the wearer!
Although diamonds are typically clear and transparent, there are rarer and more interesting diamonds in the market today, which offer an alternative to the traditional engagement ring. Here are some you might want to consider:
- Steel grey
- White
- Blue
- Yellow
- Orange
- Red
- Green
- Pink to purple
- Brown
- Black
Diamonds also come in various cuts. The most common examples are:
- Princess
- Cushion
- Heart
- Pear
- Marquise
- Radiant
- Asscher
- Emerald
- Oval
As well as the colour and cut, you need to consider that diamonds also have a rating system called clarity. The fewer inclusions and blemishes, the better the diamond is, and therefore, the higher is its rating. The higher the rating, the heftier the price.
Here is the typical list:
- Flawless (FL): No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification
- Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
- Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification but can be characterized as minor
- Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
- Included (I1, I2, and I3): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance
Are you planning to pawn or purchase a ring? Visit Gem Pawnbrokers today!
If you are in the market to sell or purchase a ring, for whatever occasion, drop by one of Gem Pawnbroker's many locations in New York City.
We carry various one-of-a-kind rings that you are sure to love and not find anywhere else!
You can also sell your heirloom rings for a easy, speedy cash, or pawn them off for the time being.
Whatever the reason might be, rings are better with Gem Pawnbrokers! Visit us today.