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How to choose the ideal solitaire ring? 2023 Market Guide
Choose the perfect single stone ring for your sweetheart!
What is a solitaire ring?
A marriage proposal, an engagement or a life "promise" is uniquely completed with the solitaire ring. It is the jewel that impresses and moves every woman to say the coveted "I do" to her lover. Of course, every woman has her own style and is unique... just like her single stone ring should be!
What is the history of the solitaire ring?
The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds came from the gods, while the Romans believed that they were pieces of stars from the sky. But the first diamond solitaire, which preceded wedding rings as a promise of marriage, was offered by Duke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 as a symbol of his love. Of course, single stones with precious stones, special techniques and diamond cutting designs in classic or modern designs followed, highlighting the elegance and elegance of women. To this day, solitaires and wedding rings are a staple of a wedding, with the most stunning solitaires having been bestowed upon queens, princesses and famous showbiz personalities.
What does the solitaire ring symbolize?
The single stone ring is the most important part of a unique wedding proposal. It is the jewel that symbolizes the love, romance and commitment of the man to the woman with the desire that their relationship will last forever. Usually, the single stone ring is a creation in a circular shape, that is, without a beginning, middle and end, just like "eternal love"!
On which hand do we wear the solitaire?
The single stone ring is usually worn by the woman on the ring finger of her left hand as a sign of engagement with her lover. Of course, this choice is not accidental, as the vein of the heart passes through there, thus giving yet another emotional symbolism to this special jewel. On the day of the wedding, according to tradition, the single stone ring is placed on the ring finger of the right hand. Usually, most women choose to wear the solitaire ring together with their wedding ring creating a harmonious combination, especially if the jewelry matches the color of the metal and the design. On the other hand, if it is about two different jewelry designs, many women choose to wear the wedding ring on the right hand and the single stone ring on the left. You can make any choice you want depending on your daily life or style needs!
Which stone should I choose?
A question that "tortures" most men before the coveted marriage proposal! After all, the stone of the solitaire ring plays a leading role in the jewelry, while it is a symbolism in itself. So, here's some useful information to make your search easier. Of course, at kountouratzis.gr we are always happy to help you and solve all your questions!
Diamond
The diamond is the most popular gemstone and arguably the most classic and elegant choice for a single stone ring. The word "adamas" means untamed, one that is not easily tamed, a characteristic that the diamond is widely known for. The hardness of this mineral stone, it was only in the last century that it became possible to process and emerge into the most brilliant gemstone with timeless value. It is useful, therefore, before making the purchase to know them 4C's of diamonds (Carat, Clarity, Color & Cut) and what role they play in quality and of course in its price!
1. Cut: The cut of the diamond
The cut of a diamond contributes decisively to its value, as it is the process that gives shape to the mineral stone. There are different types of cut: pear, baquette, emerald, princess, heart, oval, marquise, lozenge, asscher, radiant, cushion, with the round brilliant being the most popular and not without reason! Brilliant cutting requires maximum precision, care and skill on the part of the craftsman to get a dazzling result!
2. Carat: The carats of the diamond
The carat is the unit of measurement for the weight of a diamond and is equal to 0.2 grams. Of course, two diamonds of the same weight can have a different price, as the other three main factors are taken into account.
3. Color: The color of the diamond
The color of diamonds is affected by various chemical factors. Essentially, when we refer to the color of a white diamond, we are referring to the "absence" of color. So, the more transparent a white diamond is, the rarer and more unique it is, which of course affects its price. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) assessing color, tone and hue intensity introduced an international system of measurement using letters of the alphabet, which is as follows:
- D (Exceptional White+ = Exceptional White+)
- E (Exceptional White = Excellent White)
- F (Rare White+ = Rare White+)
- G (Rare White = Rare White)
- H (White = White)
- I/J (Slightly Tinted White = Lightly Dark White)
- K/L (Tinted White = Dark White)
- M (Tinted Color = Dark White)
The differences that an E color diamond can have with an F color diamond may not be visible to the naked eye, however the difference is noticeable in their value and price.
4. Clarity: The clarity of the diamond
The clarity of a diamond is related to the inclusions, internal imperfections and impurities that the mineral stone carries. Of course, inclusions are not the same for every diamond; they vary in number, size, position, color and naturalness. Their evaluation is done with a special magnifying lens or a 10X scale microscope. No diamond can be exactly the same as another, and the closer it gets to perfection, the greater its value and uniqueness. The rating scale is as follows:
- FL (Flawless – invisible inclusions)
- IF (Internally Flawless – invisible inclusions)
- VVS1/ VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included 1/ 2 – very small inclusions, very difficult to detect by experts)
- VS1/ VS2 (Very Slightly Included 1/ 2 – very small inclusions, difficult to detect by experts)
- SI1/ SI2 (Slightly Included 1/ 2 – small inclusions, easily detected by experts)
- I1/I2 (Inclusions 1/ 2 – inclusions that are easily detected and affect the clarity of the diamond)
Zircon
Zircon stone is a prominent choice for jewelry making and of course solitaire rings. The white-transparent zircon is particularly durable and shiny with its main advantage being its value. It is the major competitor of diamond due to its similarity to it and its affordable price.
Precious & Semi-precious stones
In the last decade, more and more couples are looking for alternative and original creations, wanting to escape from the traditional single stone ring. Gemstone options such as sapphire, emerald, ruby, aquamarine, amethyst, black diamond, topaz, morganite and tourmaline are the new trend in single stone rings and are often paired with women's birthstones. "Blue sapphire, emerald, and ruby are the three 'dominant' stones when it comes to gemstones in demand," said Shannon Delany-Ron, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at JamesAllen.com. Also, there are not a few who wish to differentiate themselves by choosing a beautiful pearl ring for their engagement. The creations with stones in impressive colors are countless and for every budget!
Which "binding" should I choose?
Your partner's style plays a decisive factor in the single stone ring you wish to give her. Impressive frames in classic, modern, simple, glamorous, minimal or traditional design will highlight your choice. Some of the most popular ring settings are solitaire, six prong & halo, while impressive types such as 3-stone ring, cluster, illusion, tension, vintage, pavé, bezel and channel are alternative and special options that will make the ring for your beloved to stand out!
Gold, white gold or rose gold single stone and how many carats?
First, regarding the color of the metal, a clarification should be made between white gold and platinum, as the external similarity in their color often leads to confusion. White gold and platinum are two different metals, with platinum being a harder and heavier metal, two factors that make it difficult to process (e.g. changing the ring size). White gold, on the other hand, is white gold that can be processed and with platinization we have its final form. It is the most popular choice for a single stone ring as it pairs beautifully with diamonds, zircons and most gemstones. Of course, the choice of a single stone ring in yellow or rose gold is also special, especially if it is worn in combination with your wedding ring. If you are still indecisive, you can choose a two-tone single stone ring, which ensures the possibility of more combinations with other jewelry.
The carats (karats) of gold are the unit of measurement of the content of pure gold in a piece of jewelry. The highest form of gold is 24K, i.e. 1000/1000 content, but it is not suitable for making jewelry, as the absence of other elements makes this type of gold soft and pliable. 22K has 22 parts pure gold and the remaining 2 other metals, similarly 18K, 14K, 9K etc. An ideal choice is an 18-carat single stone in which the stone or stones of your choice can be attached and you will have an impressive and at the same time safe result.
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Last but not least... for your choice!
Undoubtedly, the search for a solitaire ring comes with a cost… and! Gone are the days when they thought 'you have to spend 2-3 months salary on the engagement ring'. You don't have to spend a fortune to impress your partner! But consider that you want to wear this piece of jewelry for the rest of your life and that will only happen if it is of good quality. A useful tip, therefore, is to calculate the amount you want to set aside for this investment, before starting the "journey" of the search. There are countless options of solitaire rings for every budget. The decision is yours!
Kountouratzis Single Stone Rings
Our many years of experience in the jewelry field since 1960 will turn the search for a ring for your loved one into a unique and exciting experience. In the kountouratzis.gr you will find countless options in solitaire diamond rings, but also single stone rings with zircons the precious stones of excellent construction with a guarantee of their quality and characteristics. Our jewelry store has a unique collection of engagement rings in 14K or 18K yellow, white or rose gold for you to choose the perfect ring to seal your love! Of course, we are here to advise and guide you in this special choice that will complete the marriage proposal to the man of your life.
In the most important moment of your life kountouratzis.gr is always at your side to offer you the help and guidance you need for this unique purchase! If you wish to propose marriage or a special gift to your partner, visit our store or the kountouratzis.gr and you will surely find the ring of your dreams!
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