Is your wedding anniversary around the corner? Would you like to surprise your partner by getting them a perfect anniversary ring to celebrate this occasion? As most marriages begin with engagement rings and wedding bands, it is natural for you to choose to celebrate your anniversary with a unique and the perfect anniversary ring.
According to the list of anniversary gifts, you would have to wait for your 50th anniversary to celebrate with gold jewelry. The modern list says that diamond anniversary rings are a choice for the tenth. Despite all this, many couples today throw those rules out and believe that an anniversary ring should be given at any time when it feels right, including on the first anniversary. Whether you choose to get anniversary rings on your 5th, 10th or 15th, it will undoubtedly be a welcome surprise to your partner.
Purchasing the perfect anniversary ring is not a simple task. There are many factors to consider. Here we have mentioned the essential characteristics you should think about to choose the perfect anniversary ring.
Select Ring Style and Design
One of the things you will need to consider when picking an anniversary ring is choosing the style and design. You would need to decide the number of stones to be placed on the ring, their arrangement as well as size.
In case you choose a model that features big diamonds, ensure that their quality is high enough, particularly when it comes to their clarity. Large stones are visible, and if they have any flaws, they will be noticeable to the naked eye quickly. You do not want people, including your spouse to know you got a low-quality ring.
Compared to larger diamonds, small stones cost less per carat. This means that a ring with smaller diamonds can be less costly as compared to one that has large stones even if the carat weight of the bands is same. Additionally, smaller diamonds with a weight not exceeding 0.2 carats are often cut with fewer facets. The simplicity of the cuts also contributes to their low prices.
Models with larger center diamonds and small side stones placed around them are standard as well. While choosing a band that has small stones in it, ensure that the small stones are not so small that they get overpowered by a large center stone. They should not be too big either since they would make the center stone appear less prominent. Make sure that the color quality grade of your side stone matches that of your center stone.
Quality of Diamonds
Pay close attention to the four main characteristics when choosing the quality of diamonds in your anniversary band:
a. Color
Color refers to whether your stone has a yellow tint (including how strong the tint is) or is colorless. It is better to go for stones that do not look visibly yellowish when placed in the band. Note that this does not mean you have to purchase the most expensive color; diamonds need to be colorless enough so that visible hues do not spoil their appearance.
b. Clarity
Clarity is the size and number of visible flaws inside the stone and on its surface. As you select your ring, ensure that the stones are not marred by inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye. The clarity needs to be high enough so that flaws are not readily visible. However, once the stone has attained that clarity level, you need not pay more just to get the premier clarity possible.
c. Cut
The cut is what determines how well a stone reflects light, including how brilliant it needs to be. The cut is not so essential for smaller stones because they usually have basic cuts. However, the cut is very critical for bigger stones (over 0.25 carats). Ensure that such diamonds are well cut. It is not recommended that you purchase diamonds with a cut grade that is lower than Good. This is because stones graded poor and fair on cut look plain and are less brilliant.
d. Carat
Carat is the weight of the stones, and it varies depending on the design. The weight you choose ultimately depends on you. Remember that bigger the stone, the more you pay. Bigger diamonds are rare and cost more per carat.
Picking the Setting for Band
The setting for the stones in your anniversary band comes down to settling on the metal and design of the mounting. The most recommended choice for anniversary rings is platinum since it is a durable metal. Another ideal option that is cheaper than platinum is white gold. Yellow gold wears out and bends easily since it is softer than most metals; it is not the metal you want if you are searching for durability.
When it comes to setting, prongs are a standard choice for holding diamonds. However, although a prong setting leaves a significant part of the diamond visible, this setting is not the safest. Bezel settings are a safer option, particularly for the center stone. However, this setting will hide a significant part of the stone.
a. Channel Setting
Channel settings are used in any unique diamond ring to place stones in the body of the ring, along with the circumference. Although this setting is safe, repairing and resizing such a band will not be easy since bending the band could deform the channels where diamonds are set.
b. Pave Setting
Pave settings are also common. In such rings, most of the small stones are held by tiny droplets of metal, resulting in a surface that is studded with diamonds. Ensure that the stones do not overlap, are well aligned, and that there are not unattached diamonds.
c. Invisible Setting
The invisible setting is another popular option. The diamonds in these rings are held using an invisible metal framework. There are no bezels or prongs to hide portions of the diamonds. However, this setting is not secure, with most people complaining that the stones fall off easily. This is why such bands cannot be worn when performing extensive work with the hands.
Consider all the points we have highlighted to make an informed decision when selecting anniversary bands to celebrate your life with your spouse.