Once upon a time, it was said that an engagement ring should cost at least three months’ salary. This is not as much of a tradition as it used to be because more and more couples are looking for ways to save money in these tough economic times. But this doesn’t mean you can’t get a beautiful engagement ring at an affordable price.

Now, we come to the question, is the engagement ring more expensive than the wedding ring? The simple answer is yes. Keep reading to learn why the engagement ring is more expensive than the wedding ring.

About Wedding Rings

First, we will talk a bit about wedding rings. The wedding ring has been a tradition since ancient times. The circle symbolizes eternal love in many cultures, such as ancient Egypt. The rings were generally made from reed or hemp and worn on the finger we associate the wedding rings to be worn on to this day.

In ancient Egypt, it was thought that the ring finger directly connected to the heart, and this is a thought that has been popular in many other cultures as well. For instance, in ancient Rome, the term “vena amoris,” which means “vein of love,” was used, and the Romans started using metals such as iron and, later on, gold to create wedding rings.

About Engagement Rings

The tradition of wearing an engagement ring began with Archduke Maximilian of Austria in 1477. He proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a ring. Shakespeare referenced engagement rings in the 1600s, and engagement and wedding rings were mentioned in one of his plays. In modern times, the engagement ring has become an important proposal symbol.

Why are Engagement Rings More Expensive than Wedding Rings?

There can be several reasons why an engagement ring will cost more than a wedding ring. First, most engagement rings have at least one diamond. The higher the carat weight of the diamond, the more expensive the ring will be.

Other factors determining the cost include the quality of the main stone, traditionally a diamond, and the type of metal used in the ring. If the ring is made from platinum or palladium, it will be more expensive than gold or silver.

Let’s discuss why the engagement ring is usually more expensive than the wedding ring.

Design

In most cases, an engagement ring will be much more intricately designed than a wedding ring. In fact, most wedding rings are generally plain gold bands that can be worn daily, while an expensive engagement ring may not be worn daily once the wedding ring is in place.

Engagement rings may have a fancy center design that makes them different from the wedding band; usually, it is simpler and doesn’t have stones (although some couples choose to have their names engraved inside the band or have a few small diamonds on the band).

The designs of engagement rings tend to be quite intricate, and the more intricate they are, the more they will cost. You will find many different styles of engagement rings, with cathedral mountings, pave accents, etc.

Impress Your Fiancée

An engagement ring should wow your fiancée, so you will want to get one with that wow factor. While this should not be the case, if the ring is not impressive enough, it could ruin the entire proposal. Remember, if you want to spend the rest of your life with this person, the engagement ring should represent your love for them.

The engagement ring should be a style your significant other likes and look great on her. This is where how well you know your fiancée can come into play. The more you know about her, the easier it will be to choose a ring she will love for the rest of her life. If she loves fancy things, the ring should be fancy, which will cost much more than the wedding ring.

Does it Always Have to Be a Diamond?

Traditionally, engagement rings have always had diamonds. Lately, however, trends are changing, and many couples are an option for rings that don’t have diamonds at all, or at least the main stone isn’t a diamond. Let’s look at engagement rings that are popular today.

Man-Made Diamonds

If your intended loves the look of diamonds, but you both decide that diamonds are too costly, a less expensive option is to choose a ring with man-made diamonds. The first thing that might come to mind is cubic zirconia, but there are many other options, such as moissanite. Both of these stones are considered to be diamond “simulants.” They may look like diamonds, but they have an entirely different composition.

You must ensure she is on board if you buy a ring with one of these diamond alternatives. If she expects a natural diamond, an alternative will undoubtedly disappoint her.

Another option is to go with a lab-created diamond. These are also referred to as cultured diamonds, and while they are technically synthetic, they are grown in a way that replicates the properties of diamonds that are mined naturally. You will be hard-pressed to distinguish between a lab-created and mined diamond. Technically, they are diamonds, but they are a lot less expensive than traditional diamonds.

Knot Rings

Maybe she likes simple jewelry. If this is the case, she will likely be thrilled with a lovers’ knot ring. This an excellent engagement ring that shows your love for one another and is much less expensive than a diamond ring. You can find knot rings with stones if she prefers a ring with a stone.

Other Gemstones

Maybe she prefers colored gemstones, such as her birthstone. Nothing says an engagement ring can’t have a colored stone. A perfect example is the ring Lady Diana Spencer received from Prince Charles (now King Charles) when he proposed to her. She picked out her ring, and her son, Prince William, gave the same ring to Catherine Middleton when he proposed to her.

Conclusion

Yes, the engagement ring is generally much more expensive than the wedding ring. But, with so many alternatives becoming increasingly popular, this is not always the case these days. There are many options to choose from.

Know what she likes, and look for a ring that suits her tastes and looks terrific on her hand. The ring should be special, and if you have a family heirloom ring, this may be better than anything you could go out and purchase because it has a more sentimental meaning.

Most people think the only significant wedding anniversaries are the big ones, like the 25-year and 50-year anniversaries. But the first wedding anniversary is pretty important as well. This is when you eat that top layer of your wedding cake to mark this important milestone.

Is your first wedding anniversary coming up soon? If so, are you looking for fun and romantic ways to surprise your spouse for this momentous occasion? Keep reading to learn how to surprise your spouse on your first wedding anniversary.

How to Surprise Your Spouse for Your First Wedding Anniversary

Eat the Cake in a Romantic Location

If you plan on eating the top layer of your wedding cake on your first anniversary, don’t just pull it out of the freezer and eat it at home. Instead, find a romantic location and enjoy this particular moment. You could set up a picnic at a park or a beach, or any place that is special to the two of you.

Bring some candles (battery-operated candles are best when outdoors). If you want to add to the romance, bring your wedding vows and repeat them to one another while sharing the cake.

Get Naked and Eat Cake

Speaking of eating the top layer of the wedding cake, if you prefer to stay home, have some fun and get naked before eating it. Grab the cake and any other treats you might like, and spread everything out on the bed. If you have a television in your bedroom, you can enjoy the wedding cake, a bit of Netflix, and chill.

Go on a Second Honeymoon

Even if you can’t afford the same type of trip you had for your honeymoon, there is no reason why you can’t have a second honeymoon that is closer to home. In fact, you don’t even need to leave town. Just rent a nice room for a few days, and make some new memories to start your next year of wedded bliss.

If you can afford it, book the honeymoon suite, or at least a room with a nice jacuzzi tub, get some candles and wine, and maybe order room service.

Enjoy an Awesome Night In

You don’t have to leave home to have a romantic date night for your first anniversary. You can turn your home into an awesome date location in many ways. For instance, you can hire someone to come in and give you and your spouse relaxing massages. Or you and your spouse can cook a favorite meal together. Light some candles, wear sexy lingerie, and make it an evening neither of you will ever forget.

Treat Yourselves to Cool Gifts

As we mentioned, the first wedding anniversary is a biggie and should be celebrated. Along with a fun and romantic date night, you could also treat each other to a gift.

A good example would be a piece of jewelry, such as a ring for the right hand. Or maybe you are both into tech and would like to gift each other the latest gadgets. These gifts should be purchased while you are together, so you turn the shopping experience into part of your first-anniversary celebration.

Enjoy a Two-Part Celebration

If your anniversary isn’t on the weekend, you should try to book the day off from work so you can spend the entire day together. For the first half of the day, participate in activities that relax you, such as sleeping in and having breakfast in bed. Then, later on, you can enjoy a lovely evening out, perhaps with dinner and dancing, or going to a movie.

Spend the Day in Bed

Another option is to spend the entire day in bed. The night before your anniversary, prepare a breakfast you can cook up the following morning, such as a delicious French toast casserole. You only have to get out of bed long enough to pop the casserole into the oven and then again to take it out and bring it back to the bedroom. This is a great way to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and get plenty of sleep (and other things you do in the bedroom).

Turn Off the Tech

This day is supposed to be all about you and your spouse. So, turn off the computers, cell phones, and other tech gadgets, and enjoy each other’s company without interruptions. You may want to let friends and family members know what you are doing ahead of time to ensure they don’t try to contact you and ruin the mood.

Set Up a Picnic on the Living Room Floor

What if you have planned a nice picnic for your first-anniversary celebration, and then it turns out that the weather sucks on the big day. Don’t worry; you have another option. You can set up a picnic spot right in your home.

Spread a blanket on the living room floor, in front of the fireplace or television (if you plan to watch a favorite movie). Set up some candles, pack a basket with your favorite foods, grab a bottle of wine, and enjoy an indoor picnic.

The best part is if you have a few drinks, you won’t have to worry about finding transportation back home because you’ll already be there.

Book a Couple’s Photo Session

Celebrating your special day by booking a couple’s photo session is a great way to make new memories. You can have photos that you can display around your home for all to see, or choose to have boudoir photos that are just for you and your spouse. Either way, you will make memories you will have for a lifetime.

Recreate Your First Date

Another fun way to celebrate your first anniversary as a married couple is to recreate your first date. Even if you have moved to a different area, you can keep the same theme and do the same things you did on that first date. For instance, if you went to a particular restaurant, return to that restaurant and order the same meal you had on your first date. Or, if your first date involved going to a movie, download or stream that same movie and watch it again.

Enjoy a Conversation

Today is the day you celebrate your first anniversary, and one way to celebrate could be to talk to each other about everything you have done together in the past year. Look back on the year and talk about everything, from the more challenging moments to the happiest times. This is a great way to connect and tune in to each other’s feelings and emotions.

Don’t Forget the Paper

The first wedding anniversary is the paper anniversary. Tradition dictates that the first-anniversary gift be made from paper. Why is paper the first-anniversary gift? Well, there are a couple of reasons. First of all, it is a great way to show the delicacy of that first year because paper is also fragile and delicate. Paper is also symbolic. For example, a blank sheet of paper could represent a new chapter as a married couple.

Here are ways to integrate paper into your first wedding anniversary celebration.

Learn Origami

You and your spouse can make each other gifts from paper using the Japanese art of origami, which involves delicately folding paper to make various animals and different shapes. You can find plenty of tutorials online and then enjoy the activity together.

Create an Anniversary Journal

The first anniversary is a great time to start a journal of your life together. You can buy anniversary journals with spaces to record special moments from your first through 60th wedding anniversaries. You can work on this together as a couple and have it to reflect on for many years. Turn it into an anniversary tradition to do each year.

Print Out Your Wedding Vows

Your wedding vows are very important and something to cherish. A great way to celebrate your first wedding anniversary is to have your vows printed, frame them, and hang this special artwork in your home so you can look at it daily.

Conclusion

These are just a few fun and romantic things you can do to celebrate your first wedding anniversary with your spouse. Make sure you give yourselves plenty of time to devise a plan to make this day as special as possible for the two of you and enjoy each other’s company while enjoying your favorite activities together.

Many think their wedding bands must match, but this has only been commonplace since the mid-20th century in North America. But this doesn’t mean that matching wedding bands haven’t been popular in other parts of the world throughout the centuries. In fact, they were pretty popular during the Renaissance, with puzzle rings used for couples who were “tying the knot.”

Symbolically, matching wedding bands highlight the unity between two married people. They show that each person in the couple is one half of the whole and that they have committed their lives to one another.

If you are getting married soon, choosing your wedding bands will be a significant decision and one not to be taken lightly. Do you want matching wedding bands, or do you want something that will indicate that you are a committed couple while still being able to show your individual personalities and tastes?

Today we will look at wedding rings throughout the centuries and discuss the newer tradition of wearing matching rings. Keep reading to learn more.

The Tradition of Dual Wedding Rings

During the Renaissance, puzzle rings were quite popular. Known as Gimmel rings, the two rings would be joined together during the wedding ceremony. But, following the wedding, only the bride wore the ring, while the groom did not. Puzzle rings are actually still quite popular today. Some couples choose to have complete puzzle rings for each person, while others prefer to each wear one half of the ring.

In North America, double-ring ceremonies became popular around the mid-20th century, particularly during World War II. When the soldiers were overseas, having a wedding ring was something they saw as comforting, knowing that they had someone special to return home to after the war was over.

Since then, the idea of dual wedding rings has become increasingly popular, and now you will find most married couples wearing rings, whether they match or not. Matching wedding rings are still quite popular, but nowadays, “matching” can have different meanings. While some couples choose identical rings, others prefer rings with similar designs that are not identical.

While this may sound strange, matching wedding bands don’t necessarily need to be identical. In fact, many couples like wedding bands with similar details and designs that complement one another but also indicate that each person has their own preferences.

Should Your Wedding Rings Match?

The type of wedding rings a couple chooses should be up to each couple. Some prefer simple bands that match and just showcase the fact that they are married. Matching bands are often chosen to represent the symbolic meaning of a couple being a matched pair or two becoming one.

One main reason many couples choose matching wedding bands is that it simplifies shopping for wedding rings. There are fewer choices when there is one design, and a purchase can be made quickly rather than taking months for both parties to decide what they want.

Some couples choose plain bands, while others may select matching bands that include a small diamond in each ring.

If you shop for wedding rings on a tight budget, you may opt for simple bands that match. These are much less expensive than those that have patterns, diamonds, or other gemstones.

On the other hand, if you have a larger budget, you may be more interested in choosing a wedding ring that matches your personality. Just because they don’t match, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t as meaningful as wedding rings that do match.

Traditional or Nontraditional?

If you are into tradition, chances are you and your spouse will end up with simple, matching wedding rings. But, these days, many couples tend to be nontraditional and opt for rings with different styles but still similar. For example, women may prefer rings made with precious metals, while men may opt for rings made from other metals, such as tungsten or stainless steel.

You and your partner may have different ideas about how your wedding rings should look, which is okay. When you come down to it, your wedding rings are personal and should reflect your individual personalities while telling the world that you are a committed couple.

There are so many options available that it should be no problem for couples to find wedding rings that show their partnership and individuality. This is fine if you prefer something fancy while your partner likes something simple.

Nowadays, wedding rings can be made from various materials. They can add colors to the band, such as red or blue; some even have inlays made with wood or meteorites.

Consider Having More than One Wedding Ring

No rule states someone can only have one wedding ring. In fact, many people choose to have several different wedding rings. That way, they can wear the simpler rings daily and save the fancier ones for special occasions. In fact, this may be the best way for anyone who does any type of work using their hands a lot, working with harsh chemical cleaners, etc.

While it would be very disappointing to damage a ring while working, it is less disappointing to damage one that isn’t expensive. You will always have the more expensive ring available when you need it, and it will look as awesome as it did the day you first bought it because it isn’t being worn daily.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when it comes to choosing wedding rings, it is up to you and your partner. If you want matching wedding rings and stick with tradition, go for it. If you want rings that symbolize your love for one another but don’t necessarily look the same, there is nothing wrong with that.

Remember, these rings symbolize your love for one another and show the world you are united. What they look like should matter only to you and your partner.

For many, their wedding band is one of the most important purchases they will ever make. A wedding band expresses your love and style, and is an investment in your future together. It’s no surprise that it needs to be perfect.

If you struggle to find the right wedding ring for your taste or want a unique ring entirely your own, you may want to design your own rose gold diamond wedding band. Designing your custom wedding ring is easier today than ever, so let’s look at how you can design your rose gold diamond wedding band.

Reasons to Design Your Own Rose Gold Diamond Wedding Band

The reasons to choose a custom wedding ring are as numerous and unique as each individual couple, but here are some of the most popular reasons people choose to design their own wedding band:

A More Comprehensive Range of Choices

Like everything else, wedding and engagement rings come and go with fashion. You may notice that most options in retail stores are very similar, reflecting the precious metals, diamond cuts, and settings that are most popular now. If that’s not your style, designing your custom ring allows you to take inspiration from any era.

Incorporate Existing Pieces

If you already have a family heirloom or vintage stone, it may have tremendous sentimental value, and you may want to showcase it in your wedding story. Incorporating antique or vintage jewelry into your wedding ring is a beautiful way to make it more personal and sentimental, but it requires designing your wedding band.

Manage Your Budget

Designing your wedding band is not as expensive as you might think but gives you complete control over your budget, allowing you to spend your ring budget where it counts the most. Choosing a custom ring may allow you to choose a less expensive alloy or more affordable melee diamonds while investing more in the central stone or the perfect setting.

Create Something More Personal and Unique

Every love story is unique. Designing your own rose gold diamond wedding band allows you to create a ring that is unlike any other, telling your story.

How to Design Your Rose Gold Diamond Wedding Band

Generally speaking, there are two ways to design your rose gold diamond wedding band: use an online ring designing tool, or work individually with a jeweler to design your wedding rings. Here is an overview of designing your diamond wedding ring using either process.

How to Design Your Wedding Band Online

When using a website to design your wedding ring, choose a site with an excellent reputation and great reviews. Look for a robust support section, online chat, or a phone number to answer your questions before making a final decision. The online wizard will typically guide you through your options, including:

Choosing a Setting

Naturally, many design elements of the setting depend on the stone, but here are some of the options available when choosing a setting for your custom wedding ring:

• Type of rose gold. For a rose gold diamond wedding band, you can choose either 14k or 18k rose gold. Because people who choose rose gold typically want to see more of that distinctive pinkish hue, 14k is the more popular choice.
• Ring style. Ring settings come in various styles, including 2- or 3-stone styles, halo or pave styles, and solitaire or side stone styles. Not all ring styles are engravable or have a matching band.

Choosing a Stone

Not all stones are compatible with all settings, so you will build your ring around the setting or the stone. When choosing a stone for your rose gold diamond wedding band, here are some of the options to consider:

Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are “real” diamonds, identical to natural diamonds in every way; however, modern technologies are used to professionally simulate the environments and processes that cause diamonds to form in the earth. This produces diamonds in a few months rather than millions of years without the unwanted social and environmental impacts.

Lab-grown diamonds are graded and certified just like natural diamonds. A lab-grown diamond is a great way to get a spectacular stone at a more affordable price, but the ring will have less resale value than a natural diamond.

Diamond Cut

Diamonds are available in a range of shapes. Each shape has advantages to highlight various features of the diamond and is optimized for different settings. Here are the most popular cuts today:

• Round brilliant cut diamonds have 58 facets to optimize light reflection and refraction, creating a fiery stone. Only diamonds with a near-perfect shape can be cut this way, and more than 50% of the total carat weight of the raw stone is lost during the cutting process, which is why it is an expensive choice. However, the brilliance of this cut can also be used to conceal and compensate for small inclusions and shadows in a slightly lower-grade diamond. Despite the cost, this cut is incredibly popular, capturing 75% of the market.
• The princess cut has a more modern shape, with bevels that make it the most brilliant of the square or rectangular diamonds. They cost less per carat than round brilliants, with excellent light dispersion that makes them the second most popular diamond cut.
• Cushion or pillow cut. These square or rectangular diamonds have gently rounded corners. Although less brilliant, they are known for their sparkle and are an excellent choice for side-by-side, channel, split-shank, and other settings.
• The emerald cut has a flat surface perfect for featuring and accentuating a large, spectacular diamond. This classic cut is more elegant than brilliant and an excellent choice for traditional, sophisticated styles. The emerald cut itself is more affordable to execute. Still, it requires a diamond free of inclusions, so it is often used to highlight a more expensive, high-quality diamond.
• Oval-cut diamonds began rising to prominence in the 1950s and 60s and continue to increase in popularity. Oval-cut diamonds are generally considered moderately priced, but the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction was the oval-cut Pink Star, fetching over $70 million. The oval cut is graceful and an excellent choice for a wide band.
• Accents. Depending on the stone and setting, you may customize your ring with melee diamonds and other enhancements to make it more personal and unique. These options largely depend on the online seller you choose.

How to Design Your Wedding Band in Person

Designing your wedding band takes longer than buying a ring at retail, and commissioning a handmade ring can take months or more, depending on how popular your jeweler is. Allow plenty of time for this process. When designing your custom ring with a jeweler, here are some key steps to follow.

Choose the Right Jeweler

Look for a ring designer with an excellent reputation and reviews, GIA credentials, and a style you like and want to be reflected in your ring. Review their portfolios carefully, and schedule preliminary meetings to ensure you communicate well.

Find Reference

Search online or use Pinterest to create a connection between the style of rings you like and want to reflect in your own ring. Clearly identify what you like about the rings.

Your Jeweler Will Draw or Sketch Your Ring

The jeweler will present one or more sketches or drawings of your potential ring or even make a model in 3D. Talk through the designs with them, giving feedback and reaching the perfect design before making the ring.

Conclusion

Designing your own rose gold diamond wedding band is a great way to create a ring that is all your own and is more affordable than you may think. Follow these steps to get a ring you will love for a lifetime.

If you have an engagement ring, you likely never want to take it off. But is it safe to always wear the ring, especially if you are in the shower and regularly exposing it to water and soap? The short answer is yes, you can wear your rings in the shower. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it suits your white gold jewelry.

Today we will look at the makeup of white gold, how plating can help protect it, and how to care for white gold rings. Let’s get started.

What is White Gold?

White gold is not something that is naturally mined. It is an alloy of gold mixed with another metal, such as manganese, palladium, or nickel. White gold is highly durable, and although valuable, it is less expensive than other high-end metals, such as platinum or rhodium. Many people choose white gold for their wedding and engagement rings.

While yellow gold is stunning, it is also very soft. On the other hand, because white gold is mixed with other metals, it tends to be more durable. Remember that unless it is plated, it will always have a bit of a yellowish hue since it is made from yellow gold. It must be plated with rhodium to get that natural white finish.

Does Rhodium Plating Wear Off?

Rhodium is a precious metal belonging to the platinum family. It is rare and very valuable, along with being highly durable. This reflective metal provides white gold jewelry with a brilliant shine. That being said, it does wear off over time.

White gold requires maintenance to retain its brilliance. The rhodium plating will prevent rings from scratching, whereas yellow gold jewelry is not scratch-resistant. Rhodium plating does stand up for a long time but wears off. Luckily, it can be reapplied. This will cost around $100, but keeping your rings looking beautiful in the long run is worth it.

Wearing White Gold in the Shower

While water alone won’t damage a white gold ring, removing your rings before showering is still recommended. There are several reasons for this.

First, there is the chance your ring may slip off your finger, and you could end up losing it down the drain. This would be heartbreaking, especially if the ring is sentimental, such as a wedding or engagement ring.

Also, it is pretty safe to say you will use soap while in the shower. Many soaps and body washes are made for exfoliating skin. So, they contain abrasive ingredients, which could cause your rings to become scratched or dull.

Caring for White Gold Rings

One of the great things about white gold is that it requires so little maintenance to look beautiful. You can wear it all the time, and it will retain its brilliance and shine for many years. But this doesn’t mean you can simply ignore your white gold rings and other jewelry because it will begin to dull over time.

As mentioned, removing your rings before taking a shower or bath is an excellent idea to ensure that the white gold remains shiny.

In addition, it is recommended that you never wear quality jewelry in a swimming pool or while using household cleaners, as bleach, ammonia, etc., can cause damage over time. If you want to keep your rings on while cleaning, wear rubber gloves to protect the white gold from harmful chemicals.

Get Into the Habit of Regularly Cleaning White Gold Rings

Getting into the habit of regularly cleaning your white gold rings is a good idea. You don’t need to use any special cleaners. In fact, many chemical jewelry cleaners can do more harm than good in the long run.

It isn’t recommended that you clean your rings daily or even weekly. Once every month will suffice. Put some mild dish detergent in a bowl with warm water.

Soak the rings for about half an hour or so. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean any dirt and residue from the tiny spaces throughout the setting. Dry the ring with a soft cloth (we recommend the cloth used for cleaning camera lenses, as they do not have any chemicals).

You can also clean your white gold rings with baking soda. This may sound odd, as baking soda is abrasive, but it is ideal for safely cleaning jewelry. Here are a few methods to clean your rings with baking soda.

Baking Soda Paste

The first method involves making a baking soda paste. You only need one tablespoon of baking soda and one cup of water. Make a paste with the baking soda and water, and apply it to your white gold (yellow gold, sterling silver, or silver-plated jewelry). Allow the jewelry to sit with the paste on it for a few minutes, then rinse clean with clear, running water. Buff the jewelry dry with a soft cloth.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Another method is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. However, do not use this method on jewelry with softer gemstones, such as pearls, opals, and emeralds. Make a paste with one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and one cup of water. Apply the paste to your jewelry and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Rinse clean with clear, running water, and buff dry with a soft cloth.

Baking Soda and Boiling Water

You can also clean jewelry with baking soda, boiling water, and aluminum foil. Line a glass baking dish with foil. Place the jewelry on top of the foil, and sprinkle enough baking soda on top to cover the jewelry. Next, pour boiling water over the jewelry.

You can soak the jewelry in this solution for up to five minutes, but in most cases, it will do the job nicely in under one minute. Rinse the jewelry with clear, running water, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean away any baking soda residue. Dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Conclusion

Can you wear a white gold ring in the shower? The answer is yes, but it is recommended that you do not if you want to keep your ring looking new for many years. The rhodium plating will wear off over time, and exposure to water will make this happen even faster.

So, it is better to be safe than sorry and take off your rings before showering or using any household cleaners. You will find that your rings retain their shine and do not need to be cleaned nearly as often when they aren’t regularly exposed to water and soap.

If you are planning on buying a diamond ring of any kind, there are many considerations that you need to keep in mind. Of course, the quality and shape of the main stone, as well as the setting, need to be considered.

However, another aspect of your diamond ring that you may want to think about is the accent, otherwise known as diamond accents.

So, what is diamond accent and what purpose does it serve? Today, we’re going to figure out exactly what diamond accent is, what purpose it serves, how to choose one, what the different types are, how much you can expect to pay, and more.

What is Diamond Accent?

Diamond accents are the small stones that are put beside the centerpiece or main stone in a jewelry set, such as in a diamond ring. In other words, they are small diamonds that are put beside the larger diamond placed in the center of the setting.

As you might be able to gather by the name, a diamond accent is used mainly to highlight the center stone or to accentuate it. Diamond accents are not necessarily about looking good on their own, but about making the centerpiece look much better.

A diamond accent is designed to add character, style, and elegance to any piece of jewelry, as well as to increase the sparkle. Although there are many diamond rings and other jewelry setting that do not come with accents, most people would agree that a diamond accent does make the centerpiece look much better.

Keep in mind that a diamond accent can be chosen based on a variety of factors, including quality, color, shape, and size. It is important to note, however, that a diamond accent is a real diamond. These are not fake diamonds or costume jewelry.

Although they are of course much smaller than the centerpiece, and therefore worth substantially less, they are real diamonds. Moreover, they have all the characteristics of real diamonds and are also evaluated based on the four Cs (clarity, cut, color, and carat) that all diamonds are evaluated on.

Now that we know what a diamond accent is, let’s move on and figure out what the different types of them are.

The Different Types of Diamond Accent

There are a few different types of diamond accent out there. There are three main kinds of diamond accents that are generally used, which include small round diamonds, trillion cuts, and baguettes.

In some cases, emerald cut or princess cut diamonds might also be used, particularly in a three stone diamond ring setting, although this is not nearly as common as the first three.

So, let’s take a look at exactly what a small round cut diamond, a trillion, and a baguette accent are.

Small Round Diamond Accents

The most common type of diamond accent used is the small round diamond, and this also tends to be quite classy. If we are talking about three-stone diamond ring settings, channel settings, or pave settings, this is the most commonly used type of diamond accent.

What is interesting to note is that when this type of diamond accent is used in the channel setting, small round diamonds are placed in long rows that helps to create a lot of sparkle. Small round diamonds work especially well for a thick setting.

This is also a popular choice to be used in many different types of diamond ring settings, bracelets, and diamond necklaces. What is important to note is that these small round diamonds have the exact same number of facets as a normal round brilliant diamond.

There are three main types of small round diamond accent stones that exist. You have the stars, which have a carat weight less than 0.02, full cuts that have a carried weight anywhere between 0.02 and 0.07, and nearly diamonds, that have a carat weight anywhere between 0.08 and 0.18.

Baguette Diamond Accents

We then have baguette diamond accents, which are generally considered the preferred type of diamond accent, as they have a very classic feel and look, and are usually placed next to other baguette diamond accents that helps to create a long row of diamonds.

These diamond accents feature great symmetry and a large table, which is one of the reasons why they are preferred. Baguette diamond accents generally have step cuts, which help to provide great contrast with the centerpiece, and therefore really make the centerpiece stand out.

With that being said, being aware that baguette accents shouldn’t have the same amount of brilliance as a small round diamond or trillion cut accents. What is also important to note is that there are two main types of baguette diamond accents, which include tapered baguettes and straight baguettes.

Tapered baguettes have the shape of a rectangle with a tapered edge, and these are generally used to create an accent of the curves of a jewelry setting. Tapered baguette diamond accents are mostly used as flank stones in a three-stone setting or as side stones. We then have the straight baguette, which is more or less 100% rectangular.

These are generally placed adjacent to each other in rows or can be placed beside the center stone. This is a type of diamond accent that is generally used to accentuate a variety of center stone types, including marquise, round brilliant, and Asscher cut diamonds.

Trillion-Cut Diamond Accents

Here we have a popular type of diamond accent to use as flank stones. The trillion-cut diamond accent is most often used in a three-stone setting. They feature a very unique shape that helps to bring the attention of the eye to the center stone. The trillion-cut diamond has the form of the triangle and is all about following the natural curve of the ring itself. Most people would choose to use these with radiant cut, cushion cut, round brilliant cut, or princess cut diamonds.

Matching Diamond Accents to the Center Stone

One of the most important things to consider is how you are going to match your diamond accents to the rest of the setting. After all, the main point of any diamond accent is to highlight the centerpiece and to accentuate the actual stone in the center of the setting. Therefore, choosing the right type of accent is very important or else it might not make the center stone look as good as it otherwise could.

One of the main things to consider here is the color grade of the diamond. You never want your diamond accents to have a much higher color grade than the actual center stone, or else it’s going to make the center stone look comparatively bad. Therefore, the color grade of the diamond accents should be at least two, or even three grades lower than that of your center stone.

The same rule also applies to the clarity of your diamond accents. The clarity of the diamond accents should be at least two or even three grades lower than that of the center diamond. Yes, you do want it to be relatively clear, but you never want it to be clearer than the center stone.

Pricing of Diamond Accents

Generally speaking, just like the center stone diamond in your setting, diamond accents are usually always priced according to carat weight. However, because diamond accents are much smaller than normal diamonds used in settings, they are much cheaper.

What also needs to be said is that you really can’t buy diamond accents separately. These are bought in wholesale quantities by jewelers and are then used in the various settings. What is also important to note is that accent diamonds are graded in the same way as regular diamonds.

That said, because they aren’t meant to be the star of the show, you can buy much lower grades of diamond accents, and therefore save a bit of money. In general, you can expect to spend up to $400 per carat for accent diamonds, or up to $1000 if you are going for premium grade and quality.

On that note, most diamond accents will feature a carat weight between 0.02 and 0.18. A good rule of thumb is that if you have a side stone setting or a three-stone setting, the diamond accents should be no more than half the size of the main stone. At the same time, the diameter of those side accent stones should be equal to the center stone’s table.

However, if you are using a pave setting, then the accent stones should be no more than 1/6 the size of the main stone. Smaller accent diamonds always look better with this type of setting.

Diamond Accents – Final Thoughts

When purchasing diamond accents, you always need to consider the specific type or setting that your piece of jewelry features. Always consider the color, grade, clarity, and shape of the accent diamonds, especially in comparison to the main stone. If you do this, choosing the right type of diamond accents should not be a problem.

Whether you are purchasing an engagement ring, a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or anything in between, a diamond is always one of the best options to consider. Diamonds are lustrous, they shine, and they are a symbol of unending love. That said, not all diamonds are made the same.

Diamonds come in very many different types quality levels, and yes, here we are talking about diamond clarity. Diamonds are generally graded on four different factors, otherwise known as the four Cs.

These are cut, color, carat, and clarity. Today, we are here to take a closer look at what diamond clarity is and we want to take a specific look at what the I2 clarity is. So, what is an I2 clarity diamond?

What is Diamond Clarity?

Clarity is one of the four main factors that diamonds are evaluated on. Clarity refers to the visual appearance and the existence of surface defects, which are called blemishes, and internal characteristics of a diamond, which are known as inclusions.

The more surface defects and internal inclusions a diamond has, the lower the clarity will be. The clearer a diamond is, the fewer inclusions and surface defects it has, therefore allowing more light to shine through. The more inclusions and surface defects, the worse it looks, and the less durable it is.

The Diamond Clarity Chart

To understand what an I2 clarity diamond is, you first need to understand the diamond clarity grading chart as a whole. Let’s take a quick look at the different diamond clarity grades that you can purchase.

1. FL (Flawless): This is the highest clarity grade of diamond and here you will not see any inclusions at all.
2. IF (Internally Flawless): This is the second highest clarity grade of diamond and this is generally nearly 100% free of any inclusions.
3. VVS (Very very slightly included): This category can be separated into VVS1 and VVS2, with VVS1 being an exceptionally clear diamond, with VVS2 being just a little less clear.
4. VS (Very slightly included): This category can be separated into two sections, including VS1 and VS2, with VS1 being the slightly clearer one. Here, you will see very small marks that are visible under 10 times magnification and may be seen by the naked eye.
5. SI (Slightly included): this category can be divided into two sections, SI2 and SI2. This is one of the lowest clarity grades available, with inclusions being visible to the naked eye.
6. I (Included): This category can be divided into three sections, I1, I2, and I3. These diamonds features marks that are visible to the naked eye, with I3 being the lowest clarity grade of all.

What is an I2 Clarity Diamond?

As you can tell from the clarity chart as described above, I2 clarity diamonds are the second lowest on the scale of clarity. I2 clarity diamonds have a whole lot of visible marks, both on the inside and the outside. In other words, they have plenty of surface defects and visible inclusions.

I2 Clarity Diamonds: Cost

I2 clarity diamonds won’t cost you all that much money when compared to some of the other grades. Generally speaking, these are some of the lowest-costing diamonds out there, with a 1-carat diamond that is in the G1 color range costing anywhere between $1900 and $2800. This might still sound quite expensive, but when compared to much higher clarity grades, it is rather affordable.

What You Need to Know About I2 Clarity Diamonds

Let’s go over some quick facts about I2 clarity diamonds that are important for you to know.

• While an I-1 clarity diamond might have imperfections that are not visible to the naked eye, an I2 diamond will generally always have visible imperfections that can be seen with the naked eye. You are going to see those imperfections every time you look at the diamond.
• Also consider the fact that this clarity grade of diamond has a huge impact on brilliance. Low clarity also results in low transparency, low luster, and low brilliance.
• Something else worth noting is that this type of diamond has extremely little, if not absolutely zero resale or trade-in value.
• The large inclusions and imperfections that are often in these diamonds means that they have very limited durability and may be prone to chipping.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line here is that I2 clarity diamonds are very low on the clarity scale, and most people would recommend that you completely avoid buying them at all.

Getting an engagement ring is a pretty big deal. After all, it is a sign that you plan on spending the rest of your life with one single person. Therefore, choosing the right engagement rings takes a whole lot of consideration.

You need to get an engagement ring that suits both you and your partner; something you will want to wear for years and years to come. That being said, traditional engagement rings, while they can definitely look nice, aren’t suitable for everybody. Some of us like more modern and trendy fashion choices, and this goes for engagement rings, just like for clothing and anything else.

The fact of the matter is that there are plenty of fashion trends, ones that have been popular for a couple years or are just becoming popular now, that you could go with for a modern engagement ring. Remember folks, and engagement ring doesn’t always have to be the same skinny white metal or sterling silver setting combined with a round cut diamond.

There are plenty of different options to go with. When it comes to the setting, there are dozens of materials and shapes to choose from, and this is also true for the stones. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular trends for modern engagement rings that are common around the world right now.

Some Popular Trends for Modern Engagement Rings

Let’s get right to it and take a look at some of the most popular trends for modern engagement rings that can be found around the world right now.

1. The Bezel Setting

One very popular and upcoming trend to consider is the bezel setting. This is an especially popular choice right now when it comes to many different Instagram jewelry brands. Yes, this is a very trendy type of setting to go with, and it means that the main stone features a metal rim that surrounds it, instead of the traditional prongs.

This allows for the gem to be protected on all sides, while also delivering quite a modern and sleek appearance. Many people really enjoy having that rim surrounding the stone, as it adds a certain aesthetic appeal to the equation. It really depends on how much you want the stone to stand out when compared to the setting.

2. Cluster Stone Rings

Something that has been popular for quite some time now, although it is still growing in popularity, is the cluster stone ring. For those of you who don’t know, cluster stone rings are very unique because each one is different from the last. Cluster stone rings generally feature a large center stone, but then also have clusters of other stones surrounding that center stone.

However, the defining feature here is that those clusters of stones are not organized in any specific manner and they are certainly not symmetrical. In fact, one of the defining features here is that cluster stone rings are not symmetrical, therefore making them really unique.

That said, if you are getting married to someone who is a stickler for symmetry, then this is probably not the best option to go with. However, if you are looking for something very unique and one-of-a-kind, then the cluster stone ring is definitely a good option to consider.

3. Wavy Engagement Bands

Another cool trend that is rising in popularity at this time are wedding bands that are curved or waived, combined with a traditional solitaire ring. This is starting to become extremely popular. Sure, going for a regular round ring or setting is still quite popular.

However, it’s also fairly old and it’s been done many times. If you want something that is truly unique, something that people are really going to ask about when they see it, getting an engagement band that is wavy or curved is always a good idea. It’s just something that helps make things a little more unique.

That said, be aware that for many of these uniquely shaped wedding bands, you are also going to have to get a stone that matches the setting, which means that getting something like a round or Marquis cut diamond is not always going to be an option.

4. Using Laboratory Grown Diamonds

One of the most popular trends that is going around the world right now as far as diamond engagement rings are concerned is using laboratory-grown diamonds as opposed to natural diamonds that are mined from the ground.

One of the biggest reasons as to why using laboratory-grown diamonds is a big deal right now is because they tend to be much more affordable than diamonds that are mined in the ground. The next reason why people like using lab-grown diamonds is due to ethics and sustainability.

Simply put, people feel much better when they know that their diamonds come from a lab where people get paid decent wages, as opposed to potentially having a blood diamond mined in a conflict zone.

At the same time, diamonds are finite in nature, which means that there is only a limited amount of them, a problem that doesn’t really occur when they are lab grown. However, beware that lab-grown diamonds are still real diamonds. Although they are man-made, there is nothing fake about them and they can look just as good as the real thing.

5. Using Emeralds

Sure, diamonds look really nice in any kind of arrangement, whether an engagement ring or otherwise. That said, not all people like diamonds, plus there are many to other types of precious gems out there to choose from. One of the most expensive and popular gems out there, even more expensive than your average diamond, is the emerald.

If you have that special somebody who really likes the color green, then getting an emerald engagement ring is always a great idea. For instance, if we are talking about celebrities, MGK recently proposed to Megan Fox with an emerald and diamond engagement ring. That bright green color that emerald features is really going to make any engagement ring pop.

6. Chunky Wedding Bands

One of the most popular trends that is emerging for engagement rings around the world is the chunky wedding band. Yes, traditionally, wedding bands, were fairly thin and slim. Most women said that they preferred it this way.

However, during the 1990s, very thick wedding bands, usually made out of 18-karat yellow gold, were extremely popular for a time. Now, this trend is starting to make a big comeback. Many people are choosing wedding bands that are just as thick as the diamond or stone in the center is. This does make for a unique look.

We do suppose that a chunky wedding band is going to look a little better on a larger finger, but this is really all a matter of personal preference. If you like having more precious metal compared to the amount of stone on the ring, then getting in engagement ring with a chunky band may be a good idea.

7. Pear-Shaped Rings

Although historically speaking, pear-shaped engagement rings have not been overly popular, they are making a bit of a comeback. Pear-shaped diamond engagement rings were also quite popular during the 1990s, just like the chunky wedding bands we looked at above, and both of these trends are now making a big comeback.

One of the reasons why pear-shaped diamond engagement rings are so popular is because they spread out really wide, which means that they actually look much larger than their size, even bigger than oval diamond rings look.

Therefore, if you want to get a diamond engagement ring that looks really large, and is definitely going to impress anybody who sees it, without having to spend a whole lot of money, then getting a pear-shaped diamond engagement ring is always an option for you.

8. Black Diamond Rings (and Colored Stones)

Although definitely one of the more unique trends on the list today, if you like having a whole lot of contrast in your diamond rings, then getting a diamond engagement ring that features both white and black diamonds is always a choice.

Black diamonds are definitely not for everybody, although some people do very much prefer them, and will definitely produce a very unique and edgy appearance. if you want something that is a little more uniform and conservative in nature, you can always go for something like a white gold wedding band combined with a black diamond.

However, some people will also choose to go for a yellow-gold wedding band, combined with both black and regular white diamonds. Once again, a whole lot of this does of course really come down to what your own personal preference is.

Now, the diamonds in question don’t have to be black, and they don’t have to be white either. There are plenty of colored diamonds out there, such as rose gold diamonds. You don’t even need to get a diamond but can use other colored gemstones. Yes, we did already touch on using emeralds, but there are plenty of other options as well. You have rubies, sapphires, and so much more.

9. Using Yellow Gold Engagement Bands

Historically speaking, sterling silver and white gold wedding bands have generally been the preferred option. However, things are slowly changing, with yellow gold being requested more and more. Yes, white gold and other white metals look really nice with diamonds, but so can yellow gold. Moreover, if you are using a stone other than a normal white diamond, using yellow gold may be very complementary.

10. Using Step Cut Diamonds

Get another trend that is becoming increasingly popular is using the step-cut diamond. The step-cut diamond features a rectangular or square-shaped diamond stone combined with parallel facets cut into it on all four sides, therefore creating what are effectively steps, such as on a set of stairs.

This is a trend that is slowly starting to emerge as far as diamond engagement rings are concerned. If your partner is a minimalist and doesn’t like things that are very flashy, but does like style, uniformity, and symmetry, then the step-cut diamond engagement ring is a good idea to consider.

11. Vintage Style Diamond Rings

Sometimes, being modern might mean being vintage. The simple fact is that many things that were popular 10, 20, or 100 years ago, are starting to become more popular once again. This theory of old meets new is something that is slowly becoming more popular in diamond engagement rings.

This could mean using old types of diamond ring settings, such as art deco, as well as older types of diamond cuts, including older European styles. Sometimes, the best new things come straight from the past.

Popular Engagement Ring Trends: Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of different popular engagement ring trends out there. There are ones that were popular decades ago that are now reemerging in popularity, as well as ones that were never popular, and are just being discovered now.

Whatever the case may be, remember that your partner’s engagement ring is going to be something they wear for life, so choose wisely.

If you are somebody who enjoys buying high quality jewelry, then keeping it safe is probably one of your biggest priorities. After all, crime is very real, and break and enters as well as burglaries occur every single day.

In fact, in the USA, the rate of home burglaries has increased drastically over the last few years. For example, in the USA, a home break-in generally occurs around every 26 seconds, for a whopping 2.5 million home burglaries every single year.

To put that in different terms, that is well over 3300 burglaries every single day, with over 50% of homes often suffering from repeat burglary attempts within the same month.

So, if you have thousands and thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry in your home, keeping it safe from the hands of thieves should be one of your top priorities. With that being said, you might not know how to keep jewelry safe at home.

However, there are many good ways to help secure your jewelry inside of your home, as well as to secure your home in general. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ways of how to keep your jewelry safe at home.

How to Keep Jewelry Safe at Home

Right now, we are going to go over the biggest tips that you need to follow in order to keep your jewelry safe at home. We’re going to cover everything from getting a full-fledged home security system, what something like a dog can do for the security of your home, as well as some great tips for storing, documenting, and hiding your most valuable jewelry.

1. Get a Home Security System

One of the best things that you can do to keep jewelry safe at home is to invest in a good home security system. As far as deterring burglaries and break-ins go, a home security system is the number one option at your disposal.

What is interesting to note is that roughly 60% of burglars will be deterred from entering a home if they see that there is a home security system in place.

Therefore, a pro tip here is to always have the signs and labels for your home security system clearly displayed in your yard and on your front door. This will ensure that any would-be burglars and thieves know that your home is being protected by a high-quality security system.

60% is a really big number, so if you can cut the chances of your home being broken into in half, or realistically more than in half, then investing in a good home security system is probably your best bet.

Of course, there are some decisions that you have to make, because there are video home security systems, audible alarms, motion sensor cameras and lights, door and window alarms, and so much more. Yes, the specific type of alarm or the various features that your alarm system comes with are important to consider.

However, it would seem that simply having an alarm system present, particularly one that is on display for people to see, is much more important than the actual components of the alarm.

If a would-be thief sees that you have an alarm, they probably aren’t going to stop to consider whether you have one type or another. The simple fact that you have a home security system is generally more than enough to scare most burglars away.

2. Consider Getting a Dog

Another simple recommendation that can help keep your jewelry safe in your home, or in other words to help secure your home, is if you get a dog, particularly a large dog.

There are plenty of studies out there that show that thieves and burglars will generally be deterred from homes that have loud and barking dogs, especially if those dogs are large breeds.

Of all of the studies out there, it is very clear that the vast majority of burglars will avoid homes that have barking dogs, and the larger those dogs are, the more likely burglars are to avoid those homes altogether.

One thing that does need to be said, however, is that burglars won’t be as deterred from homes that have quiet dogs as from homes that have loud dogs. Yes, burglars are fearful of getting bitten or injured by dogs, which is why they are generally afraid of large dogs; however, they might not be quite as fearful of smaller dogs, especially if those smaller dogs are quiet.

Yes, size does matter, but so does volume. It is shown that burglars are especially deterred from homes when those dogs are extremely loud and will audibly bark when there are intruders.

Simply put, a home invader does not want to alert the entire neighborhood that they have just broken into your home, which is what a barking dog will certainly do.

3. Use a Safe or Lock Box

Another good way to help keep your jewelry safe in your home is to get a lock box or a safe. Of course, here we are assuming that both the dog and the security system did not stop the burglars from getting into your home.

Therefore, the next line of defense is a secure safe or lock box that a burglar or thief cannot get into. With that being said, safes and lock boxes are of course not 100% secure, so there are a few different considerations that you do need to keep in mind.

First and foremost, the weight of the safe or lock box in question is going to make a difference. Generally speaking, burglars will only take what they can carry by hand. Therefore, if the safe is too large and heavy for a burglar to carry out of your home, chances are almost 100% that they will not try to take it.

Of course, there are burglars who may try anyway, in which case having a safe that is bolted down to the ground or to a wall is also a good choice. You should always get a safe or lock box that you can bolt to the ground or the wall, as this will add an extra layer of protection.

Even if a would-be burglar wanted to leave your home with your safe, if it’s securely attached to a wall or the floor, they just won’t be able to.

Assuming that the burglar is not able to walk out of your home with your safe, the other important aspect of the equation is that the safe itself is impermeable.

There are different grades of safes, such as ones that are rated to be impossible to break into with classic burglary tools for at least 10 or 15 minutes.

The more highly rated the safe in question is, the more time it will take a thief to break into it using normal tools. That said, the location of the safe is also important to consider, which brings us to our next point.

4. Choosing the Right Hiding Spots

Choosing the right location to hide your jewelry in is another important aspect of the equation. Now, if you choose not to use some kind of safe or lock box, then this is one of the most important points to consider.

The issue here is that this is somewhat of a double-edged sword. Some experts will recommend that you hide your jewelry in areas that criminals would never think to look, such as in the back of the freezer.

However, on the other hand, many criminals are quite smart, and they are wise to these tricks, so sometimes, the first place that criminals will check for your jewelry are the exact places that you would think that they would never check.

Whatever the case may be, the most important aspect is that the jewelry is kept out of view. If you aren’t using a lock box, some kind of secret panel, such as a hiding spot that a spy in a movie would use, is recommended. No, secret panels and compartments aren’t just for movie villains.

They are commonly used by people who have expensive jewelry. At the very least, just don’t leave your valuables and expensive jewelry in eyesight of your doors or windows. If a burglar comes up to a window and sees that you have a table full of expensive jewelry, chances are pretty big that they’ll try to go for it.

If you are using some kind of safe or lock box, keeping it hidden is also ideal, as it will add an extra layer of protection. With that being said, if you have an extremely high quality safe or lock box that is bolted down, it may not be necessary to hide it. If this is the case, you’re relying on the safe itself to do its job.

5. Don’t Leave Technicians and Repairmen Alone

If you plan on keeping your jewelry safe, a good idea is to never leave repairmen, technicians, contractors, and other such strangers in your home by themselves. Sure, you might be tempted to leave them a key or just leave the door open as the plumber fixes your toilet, so you can go to work or go get some groceries, but this really isn’t a good idea.

Although the vast majority of tradesmen that will come into your home are generally reliable and trustworthy people, there are always bad eggs. It wouldn’t be the first time that contractors, repairman, or other such people have stolen valuables from a home. Therefore, simply not leaving these people alone in your home is recommended.

6. Always Keep a Documented Inventory

To help keep your jewelry safe within your home, keeping a documented inventory, along with professional appraisals, is always a good idea. This way, at the very least, if you do lose something or something goes missing, you know exactly what it is, where it should be, and how much money it is worth. Being organized and knowing exactly what pieces of jewelry you have is the first step here.

7. Jewelry Insurance Makes a Difference

If all else fails, you should always have jewelry insurance, especially if you have very expensive pieces that are hard to replace. The simple fact is that all the tips we are providing you above, while very useful, are not 100% foolproof.

There are cases where if a criminal wants to get into a house and steal your belongings bad enough, they will do so no matter the security measures that you have taken. Therefore, if the worst-case scenario were to arise, and your jewelry does get stolen, at the very least you have it insured.

Conclusion

If you follow the seven tips as listed above, keeping your jewelry safe in your home should be doable.

When you are choosing an engagement ring for your significant other, there are a whole lot of factors to consider. You have to choose the setting, the stone, and so much more. Yes, choosing an engagement ring, or really any ring of any kind, can be extremely stressful. However, what many people don’t consider here is what happens if the ring gets lost.

Yes, engagement rings do get lost, they can get damaged, and yes, they can get stolen too. For this reason, you might want to consider getting some kind of protection for your ring, and here we are talking about insurance. Yes, there is such a thing as ring insurance, otherwise known as engagement ring insurance.

Now, this is a relatively new thing, as it has not been around for a very long time, although it is quickly growing in popularity. People are slowly recognizing that because engagement rings can be so valuable, that having an actual insurance plan for them may be beneficial in the event that they are lost or stolen.

After all, engagement rings can cost thousands of dollars, so it would seem to make sense that insuring them is a good idea. So, do you need ring insurance? Well, there are a few different things that you want to consider when choosing whether or not to get ring insurance for your engagement ring.

Let’s figure out whether getting ring insurance is a good idea for you or not. Right now, we are going to cover all of the most important aspects you need to be aware of when considering ring insurance for an engagement ring.

What is Engagement Ring Insurance?

So just to be clear, if you get engagement ring insurance, this is a type of insurance or contract that helps to protect you from any kind of financial repercussions in the event of damage, theft, or physical loss.

Insurance policies usually extend to all types of jewelry items that are submitted under the coverage scope of the insurance plan, and if damage, theft, or physical loss occurs, the piece of jewelry will be subject to cost reimbursement, replacement, or repair.

In other words, if you get engagement ring insurance, if you lose or damage the ring, you may be able to get the cost back, get it repaired, or get the full replacement.

Obviously, if you are afraid of damaging or losing the ring, or you are afraid of it getting stolen, then getting engagement ring insurance might be a good idea. With that being said, whether or not you want to get engagement ring insurance is going to depend on a variety of factors, such as the ones that we are going to discuss below.

How Much Does Ring Insurance Cost?

One thing that you probably want to know is how much engagement ring insurance is going to cost you. Well, for the most part, you can expect ring insurance to cost you around 2% of the ring’s total value in insurance premiums per year.

Therefore, if you have an engagement ring that is worth $10,000, you can expect to pay up to $200 every year in insurance premiums.

In terms of the overall cost, this is quite affordable. If you consider the fact that you might not be able to replace the engagement ring due to your own financial restrictions, paying just a few hundred dollars each year for insurance doesn’t seem all that expensive.

How Much is Your Engagement Ring Worth?

When deciding whether or not to get engagement ring insurance for your engagement ring, one of the main considerations that you always need to keep in mind is how much it is actually worth. Keep in mind an engagement brings a promise that you and somebody else have made with each other and is probably going to be one of the more expensive pieces of jewelry that you have in your possession.

That said, you always want to consider how much monetary value the ring has compared to the sentimental value of it. The simple reality is that engagement ring insurance is going to cover the dollar value of the ring, but of course, there is not any kind of insurance plan out there that is going to cover the sentimental value of it.

A ring can have a whole lot of sentimental meaning for you without actually having much monetary value. Therefore, you need to consider how sentimental the ring is to you, versus the monetary cost of it. The simple reality is that an insurance plan isn’t going to replace that emotion that you feel with a ring, especially if it is something like your great-grandmother’s engagement ring.

So, if the ring has a whole lot of monetary value and is worth thousands and thousands of dollars, then yes, getting it insured with engagement ring insurance is probably a good idea. However, if the engagement ring doesn’t have much financial value, and is more valuable on a sentimental front, than getting insurance is probably not the best idea, because insurance can’t cover that sentimental value. It might just not be worth it.

What About Your Homeowners’ Insurance?

The vast majority of renters’ and homeowners’ insurance policies do offer some kind of personal property coverage. This doesn’t just apply to the furniture and other belongings in your home, but also to items like jewelry, and this is the case even if you aren’t home.

So, related to the above point, if your ring is fairly inexpensive and has more sentimental value than it does monetary value, then the insurance coverage provided by either your renters’ insurance or homeowners’ insurance might be enough for you.

Here, you would just consider it as a deductible that you would apply to a personal property claim, because you don’t want it taking away from the replacement value.

With that being said, if that piece of jewelry you have is extremely valuable, then relying on homeowners’ insurance alone is probably not good enough. The reason for this is because you are usually always going to run into claim limits on high value items like jewelry.

This limit may be as low as a $1000, depending on the plan that you have. Therefore, for instance, if you have a ring that is worth $20,000, but only a $5000 limit on jewelry, then you will lose that $15,000 difference. Once again, it really all depends on how valuable that ring is.

One thing that you need to keep in mind is that if you file a jewelry claim on your homeowners’ insurance, it may very well affect the insurance plan as a whole. In other words, the premium for your homeowner insurance could drastically increase due to actual reclaim.

Think About Personal Property Insurance

If you are planning on getting some kind of insurance for your engagement ring, getting some regular personal property insurance can be a good idea. This is because personal property insurance tends to be cheaper than other types of insurance.

For instance, if you are wondering what the cost of an insurance plan for your engagement ring is going to be, on average, you can expect to spend up to 2% on the piece’s value per year.

Therefore, if you have an engagement ring that is worth $5000, you would likely end up paying somewhere around $100 per year in insurance premiums. However, there are certain factors to consider. If you live in an area that has very high crime and theft rates, you may be paying higher premiums.

With that being said, if you consider the fact that replacing your engagement ring could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, paying a few dollars every month for an insurance premium seems like a pretty good idea.

Can You Afford to Replace the Ring?

One of the most important considerations to keep in mind is if you can afford to replace the ring if it were stolen or lost. This is also something that you need to consider when you are considering whether or not to get the extended warranty or supplemental insurance. With that being said, the rule that most people follow is that you should ensure whatever you can’t afford to replace.

For instance, if your wedding ring costs $1000 and you can easily replace that, insuring it doesn’t really make much sense. However, if you have a $20,000 engagement ring, and you only make $40,000 per year, then getting insurance for it is probably a good idea. The bottom line here is that if you can’t afford to easily replace the engagement ring, then you should probably get it insured.

Getting Engagement Ring Insurance – Getting an Insurance Provider

Now that you have decided whether or not to get ring insurance for your engagement ring, it is time to cover the actual policy.

First and foremost, you want to get yourself a policy that is going to cover you on all fronts, whether your primary stone comes loose, you lose the ring, it slips off your hand, or it gets stolen. Then you also want to consider whether or not you want to get an insurance plan where the insurer imposes a deductible on.

When you are choosing an insurance plan for your engagement ring, there are plenty of questions that you need to ask yourself.

You need to consider if you can choose who repairs the ring if it is damaged, if you are going to get a cash payout or a replacement, if you can purchase a new ring, where you can purchase a new ring, what is going to happen if you can’t find a suitable replacement, and how you are going to have to prove that the ring is gone before you can make a claim.

You also need to consider if there are circumstances that aren’t covered, if you are going to be insured if this happens when you are out of the country, if you are insured for damage, or just theft and loss, if the policy will be adjusted accordingly due to inflation, and so on and so forth.

As you can see, there are plenty of considerations to keep in mind when choosing an insurance plan for your engagement ring. What you definitely want to do before choosing any kind of insurance plan for your engagement ring is to get the ring appraised. Then, the type of insurance plan that you get for your engagement ring is going to depend on how valuable it is.

If your ring has a higher value, for example, over $5000, an insurance provider is probably going to require you to get an appraisal. Just make sure that the person you get to appraise your ring has the proper credentials. For insurance purposes, you will want to reappraise the ring every few years.

Before you get it appraised, however, you want to get a grading report or diamond certificate. These are used to evaluate the carat weight, clarity, cut, and color of the diamond, important information that you will need for your insurance claim if the diamond or engagement ring is ever stolen.

Do You Need Ring Insurance – Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that if your engagement ring has great monetary value, you can’t easily replace it on your own, and its value is not covered by your other forms of insurance, then getting some kind of engagement ring insurance is a probably a good idea.