How to Choose an Emerald Ring?

An emerald ring is a royal trend in rings.  How do you choose the right one? Read More: As trends go, year after year, the popularity of emerald rings, and emerald and diamond rings are constantly soaring.  Across continents, it is a classic.  So, now that you have decided upon an emerald ring, here are some tips to help you choose the best ring, for yourself or that special person.

• Metal: First and foremost, yellow gold or white gold, 10k or 14k, platinum, if affordability is not an issue.  Your choice of metal will depend upon the preference of wearer.  Both yellow gold finish and white gold finish are equally popular.  If you know the person, observe what kind they usually wear.10k and 14k are gold standards, 10k being more affordable than 14k.
• Solitaire Emerald or Emerald and Diamond Ring: If going for a solitaire emerald, the cut and shape of emerald becomes most important.  Most popular are emerald cut emeralds, but other shapes also have their niche.  Deciding the shape not only depends upon preference, but also hand types.  Discussing on chat is a good idea.  Choose the best quality of emerald you can afford, even if it is slightly smaller in size.  It pays off in the long run.
• Three Stone and Five Stone Emerald Rings: Also known as past present and future rings, three stone emerald rings are very popular, symbolic of the past that a couple has shared, the present that they have, and the future they hope for.  Among these, some people prefer all three stones to be emeralds, while some prefer two smaller diamonds flanking the centre stone emerald.  Five stone emerald rings became very trendy with some of the best known names popularizing them.  These seldom have all the five stones to be emeralds, and variations of designs are often seen here.  It comes to maximum personal appeal.
• Design Your Own: This is the best that online buying offers you.  Be in the designer driving seat and put more of yourself in the ring by designing it yourself.  Choose the emerald, choose the diamonds, select the mount; and if you don't like what comes up, try again.  Great fun too.
• Eternity Rings: These are rings with gemstones, of the same cut and size, set in one row all around the ring.  The emeralds are usually round or square, and the setting is prongs or a channel.  When the stones do not continue around the entire ring, but stop halfway around the circle, it is called a half-eternity ring.
• Cluster Emerald Rings: These are rings with a group of emeralds in a cluster setting, forming the focal point of the ring.  The combined effect, from a slight distance, is that of a single large emerald.  The cluster setting usually consists of one larger stone (usually round or oval) in the center encircled by smaller stones.  Very popular these days.
• Shape of Emerald: Ring styles are further classified by the shape of the emerald.  Gemstones are cut to maintain maximum weight while exhibiting optimal color and brilliance.  A well cut emerald is able to handle the play of light.  The gem comes alive and sparkles as light waltzes across the facets.  Don't let anyone confuse you that cut refers to the shape.  Shape refers to the physical form of the stone.  And cut determines how well the shape has been executed.  Most common and popular cuts of gemstones in rings are as under:
  • Settings: Often, the ring description uses setting terminology to describe a ring.  Most popular settings are as under.
  • Bar: A piece of metal set between gemstones to hold them securely in place is called a bar.
  • Bezel: A bezel setting has a metal rim that fits around the gemstone at the circumference to securely hold it in place.
  • Half bezel: This setting has the bezel formed as a semi-circle.
  • Channel: The channel setting is a groove or valley in a metal band that holds a row of stones between two parallel bars.  The stones are next to each other without any metal bars between them.
  • Invisible: The invisible setting showcases several rows of stones without any metal which interrupts the pattern.  The gemstones are set with special grooves cut into them into a band.  The gemstones rest secure in the band, and the metal underneath them is invisible.
  • Pave: This setting has tiny balls (10, 14, 18 K or platinum) to secure many gemstones in a pattern.  Pave settings create the look of a path or field of gemstones.  It has a high sparkle factor.
  • Prong: A prong is a metal claw that protrudes from the band to clasp the gemstone and hold it secure.  It is the most widely used setting.  Prongs are best suited for showcasing large gemstones.  For solitaire rings, usually four to six prongs are used.  The number of prongs relates to the current style, security of the stone and ring design.  There is also a special prong called a "V" prong, often used for princess shape stones.
• Size: This is a good bouncer for many.  The best bet is to 'borrow' a ring and determine size with ring sizer.  A wider band can be worn more loosely.  Large knuckled hands ought to wear slightly loose rings, while slimmer knuckled hands will require a tighter ring.  It is so important to select the correct size in the beginning.  An excellent method for measurement is to find a ring that is a little smaller than the second knuckle of the finger.  This ensures that the fit is comfortable but will not slide off the finger.
  We recommend that fingers be measured for size at the end of the day, when they are at their largest diameters.  Factors affecting ring sizes include menstrual cycle, water-retention, exercise, and temperature in relation to weather.
• Emerald Engagement Ring: A classical multi-purpose ring is the eternity band.  It can be worn as either a wedding or anniversary ring.  A woman can wear just one or stack them as many Hollywood celebrities are currently doing.  Think ahead to the wedding band options.  Will she be wearing the engagement ring on the same hand as the wedding band?  Some women wear them on different hands.  If she wants to wear them on the same hand do you want them to fit tightly together?  Would you like a little space between the two rings?  It is all about personal preference.  It is best to order the wedding ring at the time you order the engagement ring.  They will perfectly fit together and can be your own creative creation.
• Premium Emerald Rings: In the mood for the best quality emerald? These premium emeralds put some of the larger diamonds to shame.  For their exclusive quality, premium emeralds are available at a premium.  Only for those who have the heart to afford these!
• Lab Created Emerald Rings: Want an emerald ring but the budget is daunting? Try a lab created emerald ring.  It takes an expert to tell the difference.

How to Select Natural Emerald Jewelry for Any Occasion?

There is nothing more beautiful than the blinding beauty of colored gemstones and the best part being each stands out for a sheer beauty and color that is unique and sets it apart from the rest in the family.  Emerald needless to say is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful gemstones that ever existed and the loveliness of this extraordinary gem has for centuries won the hearts of millions.  Even today emeralds and emerald jewelry continue to be extremely popular and highly sought after.

Most women across the globe are extremely fond of emerald jewelry but there are a few things that one needs to keep in mind before buying natural emerald jewelry especially if you want it to complement any occasion.  Before you buy the emerald jewelry get an idea about the four C’s that determine the quality of gemstones namely color, clarity, cut and carat.

The most basic thing about gemstones is the color they exude and their price is always directly proportional to their color.  In case of emeralds a medium green that is neither too dark nor too light is ideal.  However most natural colored gemstones mostly come along with inclusions or inherent marks that are present in the stone and while some have more inclusions others have fewer.

In case of emeralds the degree of inclusions is always more especially in case of natural colored emeralds.  Inclusions also at times affect the color of the stone and may make them appear dark at some places and light elsewhere.  One interesting thing about inclusions is that while some see them as imperfections in the stone others may find them beautiful as they add a definite character and look to a particular stone.

Needless to say clarity of emeralds also affects its price and the lesser the number of inclusions the more expensive the emerald which brings us back to one basic criterion or deciding factor that one needs to look into before buying natural emerald jewelry which is the budget.  So when you are selecting natural emerald jewelry always decide beforehand how much you would like to spend on it and once this is decided you should go ahead and choose the color and clarity of the stones accordingly.

One factor that works very well while deciding on colored gemstone jewelry especially emerald jewelry is to select the piece of jewelry that appeals to you the most.  So even if the quality of emerald does not really measure up high enough but it looks beautiful to you then simply go for it.