The setting refers to the arrangement of stones within the metal frame of the ring. A good setting is like the right picture frame: it needs to show off what is inside and be able to fit in with its surroundings. It is, therefore, important to find the perfect setting that goes with the stone and also looks good on the bride's hand.
Engagement rings are widely available in gold and white gold. Silver is rarely used because it tarnishes and therefore, is not a good representation for a marriage. Platinum, a metal used for rings prior to World War I, is popular again. In fact, platinum rings are worn by almost a third of today's engaged women. Fourteen karat gold and 24 karat gold are numbers which refer to the purity of the gold. Twenty-four karat is pure gold, while 14 karat is a blend with 14 parts gold and 10 parts of another metal.
Various Gemstones that can be incorporated in an engagement or wedding ring
Some brides choose their birthstone or favorite gemstone in a setting enhanced with diamonds. Here are some examples:
Garnet, the birthstone of January, is regarded to symbolize eternal friendship. The garnet is a semi-transparent, dark red gemstone. The stone was also traditionally thought to protect travelers. Be aware that this stone, as well as many other birth stones rates fairly low on the hardness scale.
According to biblical folklore, amethyst, a February birthstone, is a symbol of faithfulness and sincerity. This gem is a clear, purple or bluish violet quartz widely used in various types of jewelry.
Aquamarine, the March birthstone, is a transparent blue, blue-green, or green gemstone. It is said to symbolize intelligence and courage.
Diamonds, April’s birthstones, are believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits and represent innocence and matrimonial happiness. While most diamonds appear colorless, many offer a hint of color ranging from a soft blue to light yellow.
Emerald, the birthstone of May is a symbol of domestic harmony and success in love. This gem is a transparent green stone.
The pearl is said to reflect health and longevity, and is the birthstone of June. Be careful of using pearls in wedding and engagement rings as they do not stand up well to daily wear and tear.
The July birthstone, a red ruby, is the symbol of love and contentment. Legend suggests that a ruby engagement ring will darken in color if the course of true love is not running smoothly. Stones range from a poor quality light pink to a brilliant red.
The sardonyx, the birthstone of August, is a white-and-brown variety of the onyx.
The sapphire is said to bring its wearer good health and good fortune. The birthstone for September represents truth and faithfulness. This gemstone is from the same family as the ruby, but is rich blue in color. Both make excellent candidates for ring stones as they rate a 9 on the hardness scale.
The opal, an October birthstone, symbolizes hope. This gem is often marked with an iridescent mixture of colors against a soft, milky white ground or a vivid, fiery ground.
Fidelity is expressed in topaz a November birthstone, which is a yellow to yellow-brown transparent gemstone.
Turquoise, a blue, bluish-green, or green gem is the December birthstone. It is said to represent prosperity.
