Engagement rings are not just about diamonds

Article by Kerry Jacobs, January 14, 2009.

When we think of engagement rings, we most often think of a diamond solitaire in a simple yellow gold setting. This is, without doubt, a classic, timeless design but what other options are there for the couple who wants to have something more contemporary or cutting-edge. How about the couple who just want something unique that no one else will be wearing? Nowadays, no one need limit themselves to a classic solitaire. The only limits are imagination and, unfortunately, the less romantic issue of budget. Often, by applying some creativity to the search for engagement rings , one can actually find more inexpensive, although equally stunning, options for your loved one. So what to do if not to go with the aforementioned design? Let's start with the choice of precious metal. Instead of yellow gold, what about timeless platinum, polished white gold or even the blush of rose gold? Take into consideration that some metals enhance certain coloured gemstones such as white metals with deep blue sapphires.

Explore these options and decide what looks best to you. Next, consider the vast assortment of alternate precious and semi-precious gemstones that are available to be placed into the settings of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and so on. Why not use a sapphire, ruby or emerald as your centre stone? For that matter, many women would be overjoyed to tell their friends that you specifically chose a ring set with her birthstone. Birthstones reflect a person's birth month and each is steeped in history and legendary benefits to the wearer. All of these details add to the romance of your ultimate proposal. While some jewellers limit themselves to diamond bridal lines, many supply an eclectic, original line of engagement rings. www.engagement-rings-of-london.co.uk is one company that will happily design and create a ring with any birthstone. They also have a ready-to-wear collection that includes such unique and beautiful choices as pink sapphires, amethysts, aquamarines and emeralds. They even have a selection devoted solely to 'unusual and unique' engagement rings so you need not feel limited to traditional styles.

Companies such as this also offer 'bespoke' or custom-made jewellery. Custom-made jewellery allows you to truly explore your creative side. A good jewellery company employs staff that can work with you to ensure that your vision comes to life without any concessions to quality. They can source special or rare gemstones for you and manufacture a setting that securely holds it in place for a lifetime. A company with on-staff jewellers means they can oversee all aspects of production and refer to you any questions or changes that may need to be made. If you find a company that can work with you to ensure a beautiful ring which attracts compliments, you may end up using them for a lifetime. The trust they earn may lead to you returning time and time again for necklaces, earrings or the wedding rings that you and your partner will wear. Your satisfaction is vital, and with so many online jewellers, or more traditional brick and mortar retailers, you are not obliged to tolerate unsatisfactory customer service. The best companies will stay in business with a long line of returning customers and, hopefully, you.