ENGAGEMENT
Congratulations! You and your fiancé already have, or are preparing to announce your love for one another to the world.
The coming months will be busy and exciting, filled with preparations and parties and, yes, a certain amount of stress that seems to inherently accompany wedding planning. You’ll need to take care of yourself and each other as you make hundreds of decisions concerning where you’ll get married, what type of ceremony you’ll have, who your attendants will be, where to hold your reception, what to wear – the list goes on and on!
CHOOSING AN ENGAGEMENT RING
Ever since the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the 4Cs and the GIA International Diamond Grading System in the 1940s and 50s, diamond buyers have been considering carat, clarity, color and cut when looking at engagement rings.
Choosing a ring for your fiancé or working as a couple to choose a ring, is an exciting experience. There are lots of resources available to help you get a beautiful ring that is within your budget. If you’re not sure about what your fiancé will like, seek advice from a trusted friend or family member. Take notice of the type of rings she admires on other people or when passing by a jewelry store. If the ring isn’t going to be a surprise, shop together to make sure she gets exactly what she likes. Brides-to-be can help their fiancés by pointing out or talking about the kinds of rings they like.
Your best resource, and one of the most readily available, is a reliable, reputable jeweler. Some, but not all jewelers and people who work in jewelry stores are members of the GIA or other associations such as the American Gem Trade Association, Jewelers of America, or the American Gem Society. Don’t be afraid to ask about a jeweler’s credentials if you’re considering buying a ring from him or her. Someone who is certified as a Diamond Graduate of the GIA, for instance, has received extensive training in all aspects of diamonds.
Some tips to keep in mind as you begin looking at diamonds include the following:
Price… determine how much you can spend on a ring, and then start checking selections in jewelry stores to get an idea of the engagement rings available in your price range.
Consider the four Cs… carat, clarity, color, and cut as you begin to look at diamonds. Find out more about the four Cs on the GIA’s website at www.gia.edu/index.html.
Settings… Ask a jeweler to explain different ring settings, such as solitaire, prong, channel, or setting. The shape of the diamond you choose, whether you buy a single stone or many, and other factors will help to determine the type of setting you choose.
Shapes… Diamonds come in various shapes, including princess cut, brilliant-cut, emerald, heart shaped, or pear shaped. Be sure to consider all the possibilities before choosing a diamond.
Metals… Consider different types of precious metals available for bands. Yellow gold in 14,18, or 24 karat is traditional and popular, but platinum is also widely used.
Stones… Engagement rings do not have to be diamonds. Some brides opt for other precious stones, such as rubies, sapphires or emeralds.
The coming months will be busy and exciting, filled with preparations and parties and, yes, a certain amount of stress that seems to inherently accompany wedding planning. You’ll need to take care of yourself and each other as you make hundreds of decisions concerning where you’ll get married, what type of ceremony you’ll have, who your attendants will be, where to hold your reception, what to wear – the list goes on and on!
CHOOSING AN ENGAGEMENT RING
Ever since the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the 4Cs and the GIA International Diamond Grading System in the 1940s and 50s, diamond buyers have been considering carat, clarity, color and cut when looking at engagement rings.
Choosing a ring for your fiancé or working as a couple to choose a ring, is an exciting experience. There are lots of resources available to help you get a beautiful ring that is within your budget. If you’re not sure about what your fiancé will like, seek advice from a trusted friend or family member. Take notice of the type of rings she admires on other people or when passing by a jewelry store. If the ring isn’t going to be a surprise, shop together to make sure she gets exactly what she likes. Brides-to-be can help their fiancés by pointing out or talking about the kinds of rings they like.
Your best resource, and one of the most readily available, is a reliable, reputable jeweler. Some, but not all jewelers and people who work in jewelry stores are members of the GIA or other associations such as the American Gem Trade Association, Jewelers of America, or the American Gem Society. Don’t be afraid to ask about a jeweler’s credentials if you’re considering buying a ring from him or her. Someone who is certified as a Diamond Graduate of the GIA, for instance, has received extensive training in all aspects of diamonds.
Some tips to keep in mind as you begin looking at diamonds include the following:
Price… determine how much you can spend on a ring, and then start checking selections in jewelry stores to get an idea of the engagement rings available in your price range.
Consider the four Cs… carat, clarity, color, and cut as you begin to look at diamonds. Find out more about the four Cs on the GIA’s website at www.gia.edu/index.html.
Settings… Ask a jeweler to explain different ring settings, such as solitaire, prong, channel, or setting. The shape of the diamond you choose, whether you buy a single stone or many, and other factors will help to determine the type of setting you choose.
Shapes… Diamonds come in various shapes, including princess cut, brilliant-cut, emerald, heart shaped, or pear shaped. Be sure to consider all the possibilities before choosing a diamond.
Metals… Consider different types of precious metals available for bands. Yellow gold in 14,18, or 24 karat is traditional and popular, but platinum is also widely used.
Stones… Engagement rings do not have to be diamonds. Some brides opt for other precious stones, such as rubies, sapphires or emeralds.
THE PROPOSAL
Proposals are as individual as the people offering them, and can be as traditional or non-traditional as you’d like. While it’s still traditional that a man proposes to a woman, those rules also are changing as we rethink the terms and definitions of marriage. If you’re getting ready to make a proposal, keep these tips in mind:
Make it a surprise… Even if she’s anticipating a proposal, she’ll want to be surprised at how and when it happens.
Pick a great location… The site of your first date, a beautiful beach, or a romantic, moonlit night is a good pick. Unless she’s a sports fanatic, a baseball or football game is not.
Know her preferences regarding an engagement ring… Sure, you know her well, but it doesn’t hurt to get input from her, a good friend, or family member about the type of ring she’ll love. Keep this in mind when considering the size and quality of the stone, as well as the style and design. And, don’t be tempted to propose first and shop later. She’ll want to show everyone her ring when she shares the good news.
Talk to her folks… Sure, she’s an independent 21st century woman, but most women report they’d like for their husband-to-be to consult with her parents before proposing.
Make sure your proposal is sincere and heartfelt… and whatever else you say, finish it with the words, “will you marry me.” Also, dropping to one knee before you begin can’t hurt.
ANOUNCING YOUR ENGAGEMENT
You’ve taken the plunge and want everyone to know. While it’s traditional to place an announcement in your local newspaper, more and more couples are using electronic options to share their news with family and friends. You might consider posting a video on YouTube or sending a video eCard, setting up a Facebook page, or sending an announcement out to your email list. Regardless of how you decide to share your news, be careful to include everyone who will want to know.
If you and your fiancé don’t live in the same community and you decide you’d like to have the engagement announced in your local paper, remember to send the notice to papers in both communities.
ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST ITEMS
Proposals are as individual as the people offering them, and can be as traditional or non-traditional as you’d like. While it’s still traditional that a man proposes to a woman, those rules also are changing as we rethink the terms and definitions of marriage. If you’re getting ready to make a proposal, keep these tips in mind:
Make it a surprise… Even if she’s anticipating a proposal, she’ll want to be surprised at how and when it happens.
Pick a great location… The site of your first date, a beautiful beach, or a romantic, moonlit night is a good pick. Unless she’s a sports fanatic, a baseball or football game is not.
Know her preferences regarding an engagement ring… Sure, you know her well, but it doesn’t hurt to get input from her, a good friend, or family member about the type of ring she’ll love. Keep this in mind when considering the size and quality of the stone, as well as the style and design. And, don’t be tempted to propose first and shop later. She’ll want to show everyone her ring when she shares the good news.
Talk to her folks… Sure, she’s an independent 21st century woman, but most women report they’d like for their husband-to-be to consult with her parents before proposing.
Make sure your proposal is sincere and heartfelt… and whatever else you say, finish it with the words, “will you marry me.” Also, dropping to one knee before you begin can’t hurt.
ANOUNCING YOUR ENGAGEMENT
You’ve taken the plunge and want everyone to know. While it’s traditional to place an announcement in your local newspaper, more and more couples are using electronic options to share their news with family and friends. You might consider posting a video on YouTube or sending a video eCard, setting up a Facebook page, or sending an announcement out to your email list. Regardless of how you decide to share your news, be careful to include everyone who will want to know.
If you and your fiancé don’t live in the same community and you decide you’d like to have the engagement announced in your local paper, remember to send the notice to papers in both communities.
ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST ITEMS
- Engagement Rings… Come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. Make sure you have it properly sized and don’t forget to have it appraised and insured.
- Tell the World… Consider announcing you engagement through video e-Cards, Facebook and traditional newspapers. You may wish to have engagement photos taken for this memorable time.
- Selecting Wedding Dates… It’s important to discuss dates and times with family, close friends and relatives before setting the actual wedding date. You might be disappointed if certain people were unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances. You’ll also need to confirm availability of officiants and facilities before locking in that special date.
- Wedding Bands… Reflect on that special bond between future husband and wife. Take time to review what it means to you before choosing.