When you are looking to buy a ring, the setting itself is mainly based on what you or the person you are buying the ring for likes. The stone, however, has some practical aspects to consider.  Let’s take a closer look at what to look for in a diamond ring.

The things to consider in buying a beautiful diamond ring are known as the four Cs – carat, color, clarity and cut. Follow these and you are well on your way to a beautiful ring.

The carat of your diamond refers to its weight – simply put, the larger the diamond, the more valuable it becomes. While larger diamonds can be impressive, certain settings suit smaller carats better. Choose a carat that appeals most to you – a large diamond may be valuable, but the most important factor is how valuable it is to you.

The color of a diamond also relates to its value – the clearer the stone, the more valuable your diamond ring. This applies to the traditional clear diamond as well as the newer ones in pink and blue.  You want to be able to look through your stone.

The third factor is clarity . Though few diamonds are perfect, the ones with less clouds or flaws are more rare, and thus more expensive to purchase.

The final factor is the diamond’s cut. The best cut will display the diamond’s brilliance to the best effect.

Your jeweler will be able to help you select a diamond that fits all these characteristics, but remember that each diamond is beautiful in its own right. Your diamond ring is special so choose the one that makes you feel happy.

Hopefully the above will help you make an informed choice when you purchase your next ring.

The Celts believed firmly in the interconnectedness of all life and produced the familiar Celtic Knots, which are interlaced patterns with no beginning and no end. Today, their artwork is popular on wedding bands.

The Claddagh is a traditional symbol of love and friendship.  The design of the Claddagh consists of a heart as a symbol of love, a crown as a symbol of fidelity or loyalty and hands depicting friendship. Tradition states that if you are spoken for you should wear the Claddagh on your left hand facing inward but if you are unattached it should be worn facing outward on the right hand.

Celtic crosses symbolize the four quarters of the Earth or the four elements water, earth, wind and fire . They are equal armed crosses, which are enclosed or backed by a circle Celtic crosses are often worn as jewelry such as rings or on chains around the neck.

Geometric designs have always feature largely in Celtic artwork with spirals, chevrons, scrolls and knot work. Many of these patterns can be seen decorating stone carvings or ancient manuscripts and religious books. The Celtic spirals are very symbolic with the single spiral generally thought to signify growth expansion and cosmic energy.

The dual centered spiral found often on stone carvings signifies duality and nature and is associated with motifs from other cultures such as the Ying Yang symbol. Celtic knot work designs remain popular today and can vary from single elegant knot patterns to complex intricate interlaced patterns.

The Celtic way of life and culture may be gone, but its artwork lives on.  Today’s society has quickly grasped the sheer beauty and meaning in their creations. Wearing a wedding ring with a design that has been around as long as the wedding itself, can only be a positive sign.

Here we continue with the traditional stones associated with your month of birth.  Our last article covered the first six months on January through June.  Below we cover the second half of the year, July through December.

July – Ruby – Its red color is related to sex, passion, strength, health, physical energy, courage, and protection. It is associated with blood, birth, and death

August – Peridot -It is thought to bring the wearer good luck, peace, and success. Its powers include health, protection, and sleep. It attracts love, calms anger, eases anxiety and negative emotions

September – Sapphire – Its powers include spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. It is said to aid in the healing of rheumatism, colic and mental illness

October -Opal – It has healing powers that aid inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight. It also aids in remembering past lives.

November – Yellow Topaz (Sanskrit for fire) – In the Middle Ages was thought to heal both physical and mental illnesses and prevent death. Citrine – also for November – Aids the kidneys, heart, digestive tract liver, and muscles. It promotes creativity, personal clarity and eliminates self-destructive tendencies.

December – Blue Topaz (Sanskrit for fire) – In the Middle Ages was thought to heal both physical and mental illnesses and prevent death. Turquoise – also for December – It attracts money, success, and love. It gives protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. It eases the mind and mental tension.

Birthstone rings make wonderful gifts.  The idea of having a ring with a stone associated solely with one’s month of birth can add value to it. People love having something that was picked out personally with them in mind and birthstone rings fit that description perfectly.  The ring is a gift that will be cherished for many years to come.