CHOOSE THE METAL

Yellow Gold

Gold is the most common metal used in engagement ring settings. Gold's rich color best complements darker skin tones and provides a complementary setting for rich colored stones, such as rubies and emeralds. The reflection of yellow gold also can help mask the tint of yellowish diamonds by making the diamond look brighter. Most engaged couples choose 18K gold because it offers a good balance of gold color and strength. Click here for more information about gold.

Yellow Gold Solitaire

Platinum

Platinum is naturally a white metal with incredible density. It is the strongest precious metal used in jewelry today. Platinum's density makes it much heavier than 14K gold and gives it a unique, more substantial feeling. Another appealing characteristic of platinum is its durability. A scratch in platinum may leave a mark on the metal, but it will not wear away. Over time, platinum will develop a natural patina or satin look that many people prefer over the high polish, shiny appearance. Click here for more information about platinum.

Platinum Solitaire

Platinum vs. White Gold

Platinum is naturally a white metal, but its higher cost makes white gold an excellent alternative. White gold is a mixture of gold and other metal alloys, which gives it a white color. Because white gold is mixed with other metals, its natural color has a slight yellowish tone. In the final process of manufacturing, white gold is rhodium plated to give it a brilliant white luster. Rhodium is an extremely hard and shiny white metal. However, over time, rhodium may wear off. To keep a white gold ring looking its best, re-plating may be necessary every 12 to 18 months. Consider the differences below when deciding between these two metal choices:

Platinum properties:		White gold properties:
	Naturally a white metal;		Requires rhodium plating;
	90-95% pure;		18k is 75% pure, and 14k is 58.3% pure;
	Does not wear away;		Will wear away and require repair;
	Almost twice as heavy as white gold;		Easy to repair and polish;
	More expensive than gold.		Less expensive than platinum.

SELECT AN ENGAGEMENT SETTING STYLE

Adiamor offers a wide selection of engagement ring settings in the finest quality platinum, white gold, and yellow gold. The styles range from solitaires to accented settings. Below is a brief summary of the various setting styles:

Solitaire Settings The solitaire setting is simple and elegant. It consists of the head and the setting. A solitaire setting has a simplicity that attracts more attention to the center diamond. Positioning of the prongs allows the center diamond to catch the most light. With a round diamond you are given a choice between a four-prong setting, which shows a bit more diamond, and a six-prong setting which offers a security advantage. View our solitaire settings. Diamond Accent Settings A setting with side stones is a nice complement to the center diamond. The various setting styles include channel set, pavé set, bezel set and prong set. Each of these setting styles offers its own unique beauty to your engagement ring. View our settings with side stones. Gemstone Settings Add some color to your engagement ring with a gemstone setting. Adiamor carries a selection of settings with sapphires and rubies in various shapes and sizes. If you are interested in pink or blue sapphires, a white gold or platinum setting would be attractive whereas a ruby would present nicely in yellow gold. View our settings with gemstones.

HOW TO KEEP IT A SURPRISE

If you're planning on making the proposal a surprise you want to make sure you have the correct ring size, and more importantly, that she'll love the ring! To pick out a ring she is sure to fall for, take into consideration her taste and lifestyle. Read on to the next section where we'll share with you a few tips on getting the information you need without her suspecting.