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How to Choose a Wedding Ring

How to Choose a Wedding Ring

Wedding rings have been a long-lasting symbol of love and commitment for centuries. It's a symbol of joint union between two people that's worn for the rest of their lives. Therefore picking the perfect wedding ring requires considerable thought!


So how do you choose a wedding ring? Where do you start? 


We have all heard about the “4 C’s in Diamonds”--Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. What about the actual ring itself? 


Luckily, we compiled a few tips on how to buy the perfect wedding ring that beautifully represents your commitment to one another.


Related: Engagement Ring Spotlight: The Strada (we mentioned this because it is a blog post. Do you prefer that we take it out?)

1. Don’t Shop Last Minute

 Take enough time to do the research online and in person for the perfect diamond engagement ring. Typically, any customization can delay the production of your diamond ring. About 80% of our orders at MICHAEL M are custom, therefore you can typically expect your bespoke piece to be ready in three to four weeks. For exact timelines, please consult an Authorized Retail Partner near you.


Begin the search for a wedding ring at least six months before the big proposal day. This gives you  plenty of time to pick a ring and customize it. 

2. Set a Budget

Despite what the internet might suggest on how much you should spend on a wedding ring, you should work with your own personal budget based on personal finances, your partner’s expectations, and the importance of the ring. We pride ourselves on creating custom creations--so whether you are thinking 1 carat, 2 carat or 3 carat center for a particular style, we can personalize any of our styles to suit your taste---and your budget. 


Related: Classic Beauties: Round Cut Engagement Rings

3. Pick a Setting

When talking about diamond settings, it can mean different things depending on who you are talking to. Jewelers tend to refer to the overall style of the ring. Here, we are talking about how your center stone is mounted to the ring. Your engagement ring mounting affects your ring’s design, so it’s important to know your options. 


From prong to channel set to U-set, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are several options we offer:


SHARED PRONG: A variation of the classic prong, shared prong settings consists of adjacent diamonds sharing the same metal prongs. The prongs secure the diamond by hugging the crown of the stone. Shared prong settings are popular for bands because allows more of the coruscating diamond to shine through.


CHANNEL: Channel settings are often used with accent or side stone diamonds. It features a row of diamonds that sits flush along the band, suspended by individual seats cut into the band for each stone. The diamonds are kept secure by parallel walls of precious metal along the groove of the band.


PAVÉ / MICRO-PAVÉ: Like its namesake, which in French means “to pave,” this setting style consists of small diamonds lining the band. The diamonds are held in place by barely-visible beads or prongs from surrounding metal. Designs using diamonds smaller than 0.01-0.02 carats are considered micro-pavé. The seamless appearance of the diamonds give it a continuous sparkle with minimal metal.


PRONG: The most popular diamond engagement ring setting, prong settings feature small claws that rise up to grasp the diamond. Although they can typically hold any size stone, the setting can vary based on the shape of the center stone. Four or six prongs are common with round brilliant diamonds, while V-shaped prongs are used with Princess-cut diamonds to protect the corners.


FRENCH-CUT: The elegant French cut is a pavé setting that refers to the small V shaped cut-outs that secure the side stones, making them appear as split prongs. Like the U-setting, it’s designed to show less metal, making the diamonds appear larger.


U-SET: The sophisticated U-setting is a prime example of MICHAEL M’s master craftsmanship. A modern twist on the classic four-prong, a U-shape is scooped with four prongs supporting the diamond, elevating the gem without the extra metal. The U-setting’s elegant curve form a beautiful design element, giving way to the diamond’s scintillating clarity.

5. What’s the Metal? 

Our MICHAEL M bridal collection is available in 18K Gold and Platinum. Using only reclaimed metals, MICHAEL M utilizes state-of-the-art technology to re-alloy our own bar and casting stock. This results in the richest possible presentation of Rose and Yellow Gold, as well as a near-hypoallergenic White Gold. All gold is guaranteed plum for European distribution. Platinum is alloyed at 950 parts per 1000 with ruthenium, ensuring the silkiest texture and an illuminating, soft white radiance unlike any other material.

White Gold

White gold engagement rings are the most popular choice for its durability, strength and appearance. Its affordability compared to Platinum has made it a stylish alternative amongst couples. However, the rhodium plating that gives it the white sheen can wear off over time. Luckily, MICHAEL M offers a Lifetime Warranty on all our designs, meaning for as long as you have the piece, we are happy to offer these complimentary services: refurbishing, cleaning and engraving touch-up (if applicable).

 

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is also a common choice for wedding rings. Its resistance against rust, long-lasting color, and traditional appeal are just some of the reasons it remains popular. 


Rose Gold

With its pinkish hue, Rose Gold Diamond Rings have been growing in popularity with women since its inception during the 1920s. The addition of 25% copper with 75% gold gives it that soft blush appearance, naturally complementing all skin tones. Because it’s mixed with copper, Rose Gold is also more durable than Yellow Gold and does not tarnish.

 

Platinum

White in nature, Platinum is more expensive than Gold because it’s much rarer--about 30x rarer.  However, this naturally occurring chemical element is also a lot more durable than gold and won’t lose its shine over time, which is why it tends to come with a heftier price tag.


6. Pick a Style - This should just include our styles

Halo Rings

DEFINED R740-2

Our MICHAEL M halo rings are classic and luxurious, with a center stone cushioned by tiny, luminous diamonds. The surrounding diamonds illuminate the center stone for a refined and polished look. For an extra mark of brilliance, select MICHAEL M halo rings like the DEFINED R740-2 feature a double diamond band.

Solitaire Rings

LOVE R517-1

The MICHAEL M solitaire rings are simple and refined. The solitaire ring is handcrafted using an elegant, white gold shank (or band) with a sleek feature stone. With a simple setting and no side stones, this look radiates with minimalist couture.

Three Stone Rings

TRINITY R765-2.5

Three stone MICHAEL M rings are intricately detailed with a feature stone and two accompanying side stones at the crown. MICHAEL M three stone rings feature a glimmering shank studded with diamonds. This exquisite look is sure to turn heads.

Sidestone Rings

DEFINED R739-1.5

The MICHAEL M sidestone rings feature a radiant center diamond with beautiful side diamonds. These statement rings make for a vibrant flair. Some of our side stone rings feature a thin band of diamonds, while others are embellished with even more glittering stones.

Customizable Rings

Customizing rings is one of our specialties. Every single design can be customized to reflect your own personal taste. From design concept to CAD renderings--any size, shape or center stone--our in-house design team and diamantaires are here to assist you.  For more information, visit one of our Authorized Retailers to get started.

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