Buying Women’s Rings

If you are looking for a woman’s ring for yourself, as a present, or for a special occasion, it is quite easy to feel confused when faced with all the options and styles available today. Gold, diamonds, platinum, rubies…the choices are overwhelming. However, choosing a woman’s ring is easy if you know more about your options.

What purpose will the ring serve?

There are numerous different styles and categories of woman’s rings. If the ring is for an engagement or wedding, you will most likely look for a diamond solitaire or wedding band. If the ring is for a birthday present or a gift for any special occasion, you may want to consider a diamond cocktail ring, a ring featuring a colored stone, or a ring that is has a more unique style. If you are shopping for a new ring for yourself, then you need to consider your usual styling choices before making your decision.

Diamond Solitaires

Choosing the right metal

When shopping for women’s rings, you will find that the modern jewelry world uses numerous different metals. Gold is still the most popular choice and is usually found in 10 kt, 14 kt, 18 kt, or 22 kt. Generally speaking, lower karats have lower gold content and are less expensive. White gold is also quite fashionable for women’s rings. Platinum has enjoyed a remarkable comeback in popularity in recent years; however, it is more expensive than gold. Sterling silver continues to be used and admired because of its beauty and low cost. Be aware that silver will tarnish and takes more effort to retain it’s shine and color.

Cocktail Rings

Diamonds are still a girl’s best friend

Diamonds remain the number one choice in women’s rings for a reason. Not only are they beautiful and timeless, diamonds are also known for their durability and hardness. Choosing a diamond can be confusing, so it may be helpful to remember the four c’s: carat, cut, color, and clarity. Carat refers to the actual diamond weight. Cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped, which plays a large part in the brilliance of a diamond. Color is the actual color of a diamond with colorless being the ideal. Clarity is a rating of how many inclusions or flaws a diamond contains. Understanding the diamond grading process can definitely make the shopping process easier. Diamond rings come in numerous different styles and shapes that suit anyone’s taste and style.

Emerald Rings

Types of colored stones

Colored stones certainly serve to brighten up the generally monotone metal colors in today’s jewelry. Most colored stones can be divided into two categories: precious and semi-precious. Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, and Aquamarines are the most popular types of precious stones. There are many stones in the semi-precious stone category, but the most recognizable ones include topaz, citrine, opal, turquoise, amethyst, and garnet. Colored stone rings are good choices for most birthdays because each month has its own birthstone.

Simulated stones

With today’s technology, jewelers are now able to manufacture simulated stones that often rival or surpass the beauty of natural diamonds and colored stones. Women’s rings featuring these stones are usually less expensive because the stones used to create the rings are much cheaper to create than to actually mine. However, the simulated stones are generally not as durable. Despite the tag of being “fake,” many women enjoy simulated stones because they allow them to have great looking jewelry at very reasonable prices. Cubic zirconias and simulated sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are all popular stones used in women’s jewelry today.

Cubic Zirconia Rings

Other materials in women’s rings

Today’s women’s rings often feature the use of non-traditional materials. Wood, stainless steel, clay, porcelain, and even glass are just some of the choices offered in women’s rings. These rings are usually contemporary in styling and may be unique, one of a kind creations. Durability obviously depends on the type of material used. If you want a ring that is different, consider one that utilizes a non-traditional material.

And then, price

The amount you spend on a ring for a woman depends on numerous factors. Diamonds and platinum are probably the most expensive options for women’s jewelry. However, a higher quality precious stone can cost more than a diamond of lesser quality. Semi-precious stones and sterling silver or usually less expensive depending on the style and quality you choose. Simulated stones are also less expensive, but are often mounted in expensive metals like gold that cause the price to be inflated. Luckily, beautiful rings are available in prices that suit any budget.

Where to shop

Many people think that traditional, brick and mortar stores are the only place to buy jewelry. However, a vast array of beautiful women’s rings can be found online. Larger jewelry stores like Zale’s, Kay’s, and Gordon’s all feature online offerings in many styles and price ranges. Etsy is a popular site where unique, custom pieces can be found. However, be careful when purchasing jewelry online. It can be difficult to see the details and quality of the jewelry you are buying.

Ring sizing

One common worry when choosing rings is the size. If you are ordering a ring for a gift, it may be hard to determine the size you need. However, almost all jewelers have the capability to size a ring after it is purchased. If you are buying from an online retailer, you can always bring the ring to a local jeweler to have it re-sized. The cost for such a service is usually quite low and can be done quickly. Remember to always keep in mind what type of ring you are looking for.