Frequently Asked Questions...
Engagement ring ideas: Metal band set with stone(s) versus a band made of just the stone.Which is better&why?
I like the idea of a faceted carnelian ring for my engagement band best, but am wondering whether it'd be more practical to just get a metal band with a carnelian [or perhaps sapphire or emerald] in it.
Any hints/tips? Pros/cons of each? No budget set yet but partner and I are both students right now so cheapish would be best.
Many thanks
Answer:
You would want to look into the strength and durability of carnelian and see if it's a good choice in those arenas.
I think it would be perfectly comfortable as a band or as a stone in a band.
Obviously, the stone in the metal band will give you more of an engagement ring look, but it's up to you.
I would suggest you try on lots of rings, even buy cheaper versions and wear them around and see how they feel. Consider your lifestyle and take into account how long you expect to wear these rings, will you upgrade in 5 years or do you expect to die in these rings or to be able to pass them down through your family? And try not to go too crazy and spend months debating with yourself over what you actually want (like me!).
If you're open to other ideas, tungsten is becoming a very popular metal for men's bands, and is quite cheap. For yourself, titanium is very cheap and there are more women's designs now than ever. Of course, there's gold, 10k or 14k will be your more affordable options. If you like platinum, palladium is its cheaper sister metal. I would avoid sterling silver which is a little too cheap for wedding jewelry and should be left to costume jewelry. Sterling silver might be fine if you're willing to upgrade after a short period.
As far as a stone, sapphires are a great choice, this includes rubies. They're very hard and can handle daily wear. Emerald isn't such a great choice as it is softer and more susceptible to damage. You could always get another stone in an emerald colour, however. I love moissanite and it's what I've chosen, more beautiful than a diamond and at a fraction of the price. If you're open to CZ make note there are different grades from A-AAAAA. Anything over AAA is excellent quality and will hopefully last your lifetime, though CZ is prone to clouding over time. A and AA CZ are very inexpensive, but may need to be traded out in a year or two. Maybe you might want to get a cheap CZ to start and then just upgrade the stone to whatever when you're in a better financial position. You might be interested in checking out the various gemstones, including carnelian, here: http://www.gemselect.com/group/gemselect.php?x_ByType=on
And a better choice might be waiting until you're done school and can afford a great ring to start with.
Good Luck!
 CARNELIAN AGATE SILVER RING size 7 3/4 US $.99 
|
 CARNELIAN, PERIDOT .925 SILVER SIGNATURE RING SIZE 8 US $11.99
|
 OVAL CARNELIAN RING SIZE 6 .925 STERLING SILVER JEWELRY Q701 US $14.99
|
 Handmade Carnelian Stone Brass Wire Wrap Free Size Ring US $17.99
|
 CARNELIAN .925 SILVER RING SIZE 4 3/4 US $7.99
|
 FLOWER GREEN CARNELIAN AGATE SILVER RING size 5 1/2 US $.99
|
 SZ 10 NATURAL RED CARNELIAN RING 925 STERLING SILVER PLATED OVER SOLID COPPER US $.99
|
 SR38472 CARNELIAN 925 STERLING SILVER RING JEWELRY s.8 US $7.99
|
 SR46205 CARNELIAN 925 STERLING SILVER RING JEWELRY s.8 US $14.99
|
 SR34692 FANCY CARNELIAN 925 STERLING SILVER RING JEWELRY s.7 US $7.99
|
 CARNELIAN .925 SILVER SIGNATURE RING SIZE 7 1/2 US $11.99
|
 6mm wide Carnelian Band Gemstone Ring Size 5 to 11 US $7.99
|
 CARNELIAN .925 SILVER SIGNATURE RING SIZE 9 US $11.99
|
 CARNELIAN RING 925 SILVER JEWELRY SIZE 8.75 IR2095 US $7.75
|
 STERLING SILVER CARNELIAN ROPE EDGE DESIGN RING SZ 6 US $48.49
|
 STERLING SILVER CARNELIAN ROPE EDGE DESIGN RING SZ 7 US $48.49
|
 STERLING SILVER CARNELIAN ROPE EDGE DESIGN RING SZ 8 US $49.99
|
 STERLING SILVER CARNELIAN ROPE EDGE DESIGN RING SZ 9 US $48.49
|
 STERLING SILVER CARNELIAN ROPE EDGE DESIGN RING SZ 10 US $49.99
|
 HIGH GRADE NATURAL GEM ROSE QUARTZ-TANZANITE-CARNELIAN 925 SILVER RING SIZE 7 NR US $16.50
|
 CARNELIAN MULTIGEM .925 STERLING SILVER RING SIZE 6 Q41 US $19.99
|
 14K LADIES VINTAGE CARNELIAN CABOCHON RING! 5-CT! LQQK! US $195.00
|
 RED CARNELIAN GEMSTONE .925 STERLING SILVER RING SZ 8 US $3.99
|
 Brown Carnelian Ring - CLICK 'BUY IT NOW" & GET FREE SHIPPING US $34.99
|
 SOLID COPPER NATURAL RED CARNELIAN GEMSTONE RING SZ 7.5 US $.99
|
 Wire Wrapped Carnelian Two Tone Silver / 14kt GF Ring US $72.00
|
 Carnelian 925 STERLING SILVER RING JEWELRY s.6.5 US $16.19
|
 RED Women Gemstone Carnelian Oval Cocktail Stone Ring US $3.74
|
 NATURAL RED CARNELIAN SZ 10 RING 925 STERLING SILVER PLATED OVER SOLID COPPER US $.99
|
 AMAZING CARNELIAN .925 STERLING SILVER RING SIZE 7 L990 US $19.99
|
 925 Sterling Silver Carnelian Ring Size 5,6,7,8,9 US $44.50
|
 925 Sterling Silver Carnelian Ring Sz 5,6,7,8,9 US $34.40
|
 925 Sterling Silver Brass Carnelian Ring Sz 5,6,7,8,9 US $30.40
|
 925 Sterling Silver Carnelian Smoky Ring Size 5,6,7,8,9 US $48.50
|
 Ring silver Marquisate with carnelian stone in excellent condition US $58.00
|
 NATURAL RED CARNELIAN GEMSTONE SOLID COPPER RING SZ 6.5 US $.99
|
 28.3 CT! QUALITY CARNELIAN RING 925 SILVER 5 3/4 US $15.49
|
 CARNELIAN AGATE SILVER RING size 6 1/2 US $.99
|
 Sterling Silver Flex Black ? Onyx ? Carnelian Stone Unique Design Size 5 ring US $9.99
|
 Sterling Silver ? Carnelian brown Stone Unique Design Size 7 ring US $9.99
|
 Large Sterling Silver and brown Carnelian Stone Unique Design Size 5 ring US $9.99
|
 CARNELIAN MIXED GEMS SEED BEADS ADJUSTABLE FASHION ring US $4.95
|
Carnelian Ring
Glow by Sheila Fajl Fresh Garden Red Carnelian Ring
Choosing the Right Sterling Silver Ring
Let's face it: We love rings. No, we adore rings - especially sterling silver rings. But not every ring looks good on every finger. When choose a sterling silver ring, it is important to consider the size and shape of your fingers and the size of your hands. While trying on gold and sterling silver rings is an excellent way to determine which ring suits, here are some general guidelines to help you find the most flattering sterling silver ring.
Sterling silver rings for long fingers: Sterling silver rings inlaid with round gemstones, such as pearls, are usually the most flattering to longer fingers. Marquise-shaped gemstones - which are oblong gemstones with pointed ends - can make long fingers look even longer. Similarly, pear-shaped or oval stones may not be flattering to long fingers. Alternatively, elongated sterling silver rings without gems can emphasize a finger's length.
Sterling silver rings for short fingers: Sterling silver rings with Marquise-shaped gemstones, with their tapered tips, can draw the eye along the length of the finger, making shorter fingers seem longer. Pear- and teardrop-shaped gemstones such as amethyst, tourmaline and citrine, may have the same effect. Round stones, such as pearls or round garnets, however, tend to have the opposite effect, and so do not usually flatter short fingers. Chunky, rectangular sterling silver rings are probably least flattering to shorter fingers.
Sterling silver rings for narrow fingers: Heart-shaped and round stones in a sterling silver ring add softness to the narrow finger and so flatter it. Sterling silver rings with thick bands emphasize the horizontal line of the finger and so make it look wider. Any small gemstone - whether peridot, smoky topaz, or carnelian - will give a narrow finger the illusion of width.
Sterling silver rings for wide fingers: Wide fingers look best when adorned with a sterling silver ring that has a gemstone wider than they are; the less skin showing on either side of the gemstone, the better. Thus, a wider marquise-shaped aventurine set in a sterling silver ring will flatter a short, wide finger, as would a bold round turquoise in a large setting. Sterling silver rings with a cluster of gemstones - garnets, say - can also be very flattering to wider fingers. When choosing the shape of a sterling silver ring, go for elongated gold or sterling silver rings or ones with a symmetrical design.
Sterling silver rings for large hands: Sterling silver rings with dominant, chunky gemstones, such as jade or onyx, can usually be carried off by women with large hands. Conversely, sterling silver rings with small gemstones, such as pearls or yellow zircon, may be less flattering. Similarly, a small sterling silver ring may "disappear", emphasizing the size of the hand. It is thus better for women with large hands to choose a large sterling silver ring, or to wear several sterling silver rings (even on the same finger).
Sterling silver rings for small hands: Small hands are flattered by delicate, smaller sterling silver rings, with gemstones of almost any shape: delicate heart-shaped, oval, round and square. However, marquise-shaped gemstones may be less flattering, unless the fingers are long.
Since we can't think of too many more idly pleasant pastimes than trying on sterling silver rings, we think that you'll agree with us that, in choosing the most flattering of all the many sterling silver rings available, a lady's motto should be: Seek and ye shall find…
About the Author
Here are a list of other products on Promise Rings For Girlfriend, come check these out:
