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Selecting an engagement ring mounting is a decision you need to make together with your fiance and your jeweler who will have the expertise and knowledge to choose the right mounting (or metal) for the gemstone you have chosen. The engagement ring mounting you choose should be one that looks good, complements the stone you have chosen and thereby reflects your commitment to marriage.
It should also provide a secure base for a gemstone. Engagement rings and precious and semi-precious stones are expensive jewelry items as well as of sentimental value and you don’t want any chance of losing your investment due to inappropriate mounting. Make your first stop in choosing a ring a jewelers in order to discuss your options.
Types of engagement rings mountings
Selecting the perfect wedding, promise or engagement ring is not just about the three C’s – color, carat and cut – of the stone; engagement rings mountings are often overlooked. Engagement rings mounting options are varied depending on the setting you have chosen, the type of gemstone that needs to be mounted and your personal preferences. Traditionally gold was used for engagement rings, but with the wide variety of gems available and a trend towards stones other than diamonds for betrothal, engagement and promise rings - including colorful options like aquamarines, sapphires, opals, pearls and glamorous tourmalines – mounting trends have changed too.
The most precious of precious metals
Increasingly popular is the use of platinum, that most precious of precious metals. Platinum or white gold, the white metals, twin particularly well with cool-colored jewels, like sapphires, aquamarines and diamonds. Platinum is also a very strong, durable metal that is up to 95 percent pure. Ironically, when it comes to gold, the purer the gold, the softer and less durable it is, although it will be more expensive.
Yellow gold still works best for the classic solitaire ring, for the popular princess cut diamond and for mounting rings with diamonds of a lower color grade than bright white, i.e., that have yellowish tints. But you don’t have to stick to one metal – you could choose, for instance, a band of gold with a silver trim to show off a pave setting of multiple small stones.
Because the most suitable mounting for an engagement ring is dictated by the gemstones used and the design of the ring, it is usually a good idea to choose the gemstones before choosing the engagement ring mounting.
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