Men’s Engagement Rings

We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend but,  what about the guys?  We’ve looked at customs of other countries when it comes to engagements and marriage.    In some countries, men and women wear wedding bands from the date of engagement and in other countries not only does the bride to be receive a ring the groom to be does as well.  Engagement gifts for men vary widely from wrist watches, cars to an actual engagement ring.

We, here in the US, tend to think of a diamond engagement ring as something solely to be given to the bride to be and that’s great but, again what about the guys?  Most men prefer not to wear jewelry for a whole host of reasons from finding it a bit effeminate, to their profession and/or they just find it uncomfortable.  I can relate to the latter as at times wearing a ring, a bracelet or necklace even gets on my nerves and I love it.   So, its no surprise that men would prefer not to wear jewelry.

So, what does one do?  Well, I would say let your man choose his perfect wedding band.  Men’s wedding bands can be custom made just like your diamond engagement ring.   And Dora Bands has a whole host of men’s diamond wedding bands or men’s gold, men’s titanium or men’s platinum wedding bands.  With Alexa Rose you have almost an endless supply of ideas from which to draw.

We’ll help you select an existing style from our showroom or we’ll help you create your groom’s wedding band.    As a side note, if you have a family diamond we’ll re-set it for you in either a new diamond engagement ring, new diamond pendant or your own custom design.  The hardest part will be finding the perfect ring or piece of jewelry.  So, do not be afraid to ask us about options or being a bit creative.  We’re glad to help.

When you think about it, one has almost as many options for a men’s wedding band as one does for a diamond engagement ring.  Call us today at 480.656.0652 or email us (Sales@alexarosejewelry.com).  We look forward to working with you.

The 4 C’s and affording your perfect diamond engagement ring

We can never stress enough the importance of ensuring quality when purchasing and diamond engagement ring.   Further, you need to remember to do your homework before and when you’re out shopping keep an open mind.  Shop around and work with people with whom you feel comfortable.  Jewelers are very much like your banker or financial adviser, you’re spending a great deal of money with them, you might as well work with someone you actually enjoy working with……

 

So, keep in mind the following tips. 

Style # YJS6501

One – Get to know your perfect diamond.

Before you go shopping for your diamond engagement ring be certain to have done some research.  Begin by researching the 4 C’s (Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat) and start to understand how this will affect the final price.  This will help you to develop your budget for your diamond engagement ring. 

Each one of the 4 C’s lends something special to your diamond for your engagement ring be certain to have a basic understanding before beginning your search.  When you’re sitting with your sales consultant, remember, ask questions and have them clarify anything you do not completely understand. 

If shopping for other pieces of fine jewelry, you can still loosely apply the 4 C’s, ask your sales consultant about the quality of the diamonds, the total carat weight and if it’s a large pendant, see if there is a smaller size available.  

Two – Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices. 

We shop around for the best prices on computers, televisions and cars why not diamonds?  I think its partially because usually diamond purchases are like doctors, lawyers, etc.  We ask our friends and they refer us to someone with whom they had a pleasant experience.   This adds to the level a comfort and trust.  While this is good to follow you may not be completely comfortable with their consultant, don’t be afraid to look around.     However, in the end make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company.  Even if you have to pay a little more,  in the long run its usually worth it. 

Three – Time to Upgrade?

During down turns in the market, larger diamonds (those defined as 2.0ct or greater) usually experience higher levels of inventory.  As a result the larger stones typically drop in price, so if you’ve been waiting to upgrade; this could be the best time for you to upgrade and receive a great price. 

Four –  Deal with a reputable company.

Ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable company.  Just like your mechanic, you need to be certain that you’re dealing with someone who has a good track record and who is honest.  Check with the Jewelers Board of Trade as this firm rates jewelers according to several different factors.   Also, checking with the local BBB is another great way to check on a business and its reputation. 

Be certain to also check the company’s return and exchange policy, this could affect you later so be certain that you have a complete understanding before you buy. 

Five – Look for jewelers who extend credit or offer payment terms. 

This dove tails with item four.  Most reputable jewelers will have financing options available for customers.  In today’s market, some jewelers are starting to offer layaway options for clients as well.  

Grandma's Ring

Six – Recycle a diamond!

Do you have a ring that was bequeathed to your or a tie tack, pair of earrings or even a pendant?  Consider using that stone for your diamond engagement ring.  You’ll be amazed at the new life a diamond will take on when placed in a new setting.  This will save you thousands and potentially allow you to purchase a more expensive diamond mount that you had originally planned.  

Seven – A final word – the 4 C’s

We’ll close this as we began.  We routinely are asked about the 4 C’s (Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat) and what one can successfully sacrifice in the interest of their budget.  This truly is a personal preference, let your sales consultant know your budget.  Do not be shy about it as they should be able to provide you with enough choices for you to make an informed decision.   In short, let your eye and your pocket book be your guide. 

An engagement ring is one of the single largest purchases that most couples will ever make – Alexa Rose Fine Jewels is here to help you, however, if you’re not in our area  we would like to be certain that you’re able to make an informed, smart and quality purchase.   We invite you to visit our showroom in North Scottsdale for your engagement ring consultation.   We look forward to working with you, please feel free to call us at 480.656.0652 or email us at sales@alexarosejewelry.com

Diamond Myths vs. Facts

The Premier Mine

It’s always fun to look at myths, urban legends and then uncover the truth behind it all.  I still think my favorite is the one with cell phones and pumping gas.   I watched Mythbusters and now feel a lot better that if I am chatting on the phone while pumping gas that I won’t blow myself up.  In fact, on this program they were trying to blow up all kinds of things.  It was definitely a different kind of  program but interesting. 

Well, in the world of diamonds and diamond jewelry their is quite a bit of confusion as to what is truth and what is myth.   Diamond’s have captured our imagination through film, poetry and song.  Each lending something wonderful to the mystique of diamond lore.   So for today’s post I thought it might be fun to explore some fun trivia pieces. 

So, did you know…

The world’s largest diamond was found in the Premier Diamond mine near Johannesburg, South Africa.   Actually both of the world’s 2 largest diamonds came from this diamond mine.  The Cullinan Diamond aka the Great Star of Africa,  which weighs a whopping 530.2 carats or 106.40 grams and then the Golden Jubilee Diamond which weighs in at  modest 545.37 carats or 109.13 grams.  Today, both of these diamonds form part of the British Crown Jewels and Thai Crown Jewels. 

The all time high price for a piece of diamond jewelry was in 1995 for 16.5 million dollars sold by Sotheby’s in Geneva.   To you a little perspective, most diamonds sold in the U.S. for engagement rings cost around $3,000.   

The most popular diamond cut is a round brilliant.   This cut is both mathematically and empirically perfect.  We have our computer age to thank for this modern marvel.   

Historical Diamond Cuts

The oldest diamond cut is the point cut and this dates to around the 14th century.  

Diamonds are roughly 3.4 billion years old! 

Diamonds were thought to have special powers.  Yup, in ancient times, they believed that the wearer would receive strength, invincibility and courage. 

Diamonds can be scratched but only by another diamond.

Diamonds do break so, choosing to hit them with a hammer or any other implement is not a good idea.

Diamonds do not like to work out, remember they are old ladies. 

Now, you know a little more about the diamond the sits in your diamond engagement ring, hopefully this was a bit informative and fun for you.   If you’d like more information regarding diamonds or engagement rings, do not hesitate to contact us (480-656-0652).