Celebrities and Their Diamond Engagement Rings

What better way to show the world that you are in love than by the act of giving and receiving a diamond engagement ring? With many actresses and other famous women sporting bigger and sparklier diamond rings, celebrity engagements have become a delight for the jewelry lover. The size of the diamond is not necessarily the key as to what makes some of these rings so famous and recognizable, rather it seems to be a combination of the engagement ring itself and the famous lady it is associated with.

The history of diamond engagement rings

Maximillan I of Austria gave the first diamond engagement ring on record to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. He had the ring commissioned to unite their two houses and make their marriage a unifying symbol to the country.

The smallest diamond engagement ring ever made was given to Princess Mary who was married by proxy to the Dauphin of France in the year 1518. Princess Mary was two years old at the time.

Throughout history diamond engagement rings have become larger, more elaborate, and have included a wide variety of other jewels and metals. Diamond engagement rings settings can be made of silver, platinum, white or yellow gold or a mixture of these elements.

Famous ladies and their engagement rings

Celebrities and other famous people influence the look and style of many aspects in fashion and also set trends. Diamond engagement rings are no exception to this rule. The following is a partial list of the famous ladies and their equally famous engagement rings:

Royalty:

• Queen Elizabeth II received an engagement ring from Prince Phillip that was made from diamonds from his mother's tiara.
• Grace Kelly was given a 12 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring from Prince Rainier.
• Lady Diana was engaged with a ring made of an 18 carat blue oval sapphire that was circled by fourteen diamonds.

Actresses:

• Elizabeth Taylor was engaged to her third husband, Michael Todd, with an emerald cut diamond that weighed almost 30 carats. However, she is more known for her other pieces of jewelry, one more striking than the other: the 39 carat Krupp diamond, the 69.42 carat pear-shaped Taylor-Burton diamond and the 17th century heart-shaped Taj Mahal diamond.
• Priscilla was engaged to Elvis with a 3.5 carat diamond engagement ring that was circled by another 21 smaller diamonds and diamond chips.
• Sharon Stone was given a three diamond, 3 1/2 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring by Phil Bronstien.
• Catherine Zeta-Jones' promise to Michael Douglas was finalized with a 10 carat antique marquise diamond estimated at amost $2 million.
• Joan Collins got a heart-shaped diamond ring in a nineteenth-century setting from husband Percy Gibson.

Pop stars:

• Madonna received from Guy Ritchie an antique Edwardian three-stone diamond ring with a decorative platinum band. The Neil Lane ring was supposed to represent their family: mother, father and son Rocco.
• In the case of Toni Braxton, drummer Keri Lewis designed a stunning 4.5 three-stone diamond ring with an oval-shaped center stone and 2 heart-shaped diamonds on the sides.
• Paris Hilton, even though not a pop star but a diva anyway, received 2 diamond engagement rings from billionaire Paris Latsis, a $5 million 24 carat canary diamond ring and a $2.1 million 15 carat white diamond ring.
• Britney Spears has two engagement rings also: one that she bought for herself before the wedding, a $40,000 4 carat cushion-cut diamond ring with a platinum pave setting, and one that she received 9 month after the marriage from husband Kevin Federline.
• Christina Aguilera became engaged to Jordan Bratman after he presented a $54,000 20-carat diamond engagement ring designed by jeweler Stephen Webster.
• Whitney Houston sports a stunning 4 carat oval-shaped center stone with trillions on the sides which she received from Bobby Brown.

Replica diamond engagement rings

Of course there is the very famous pink diamond ring that Ben Affleck gave to Jennifer Lopez. This 6 carat radiant shaped pink diamond quickly caught the attention of the public and has become a highly sought after replica. It is completed with a platinum band as well as three baguette white diamonds on each side. The pink diamond engagement ring is reported to have been purchased for $1.2 million in 2002. The ring, while easily identified is also very feminine and modern looking.

Replicas of the famous pink diamond ring are now available for a moderate price. The cost of the replicas depends on the quality of the stones and the materials used in reproducing the pink diamond engagement ring.

Some replicas are styled as more antique diamond engagement rings. These rings have an everlasting quality and symbolize tradition and heritage. The recent engagement of Camilla Parker Bowles in February of 2005 featured such an antique engagement ring. The platinum ring has an emerald-cut center diamond with three diamond baguettes on each side. This ring originally belonged to the Queen Mother and is believed to be valued at over $1 million.

Since few people can afford the original item, there will always be a market for replicas of these one of a kind diamond engagement rings. The quality of the replicas varies, as does the price. It is important to note that the styles of diamond engagement rings that are popular with celebrities will soon become the styles that are sought after by the not quite so rich and famous.

Tim Richardson

Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - Another One of A Kind Choice

How do people choose their engagement ring? In choosing an engagement ring, most partners choose something which is unique and fits the personality of the partner. That's why many choose diamond rings because they are all unique in their own ways and characteristics.

How does an Asscher diamond engagement ring look like? How is it different from the other diamond rings?

The Asscher stone has a very distinct shape; it is a square with deeply-trimmed corners that is similar to an octagon. Sometimes others refer to it as the square emerald cut. Because of its unique cut and elegance, an asscher diamond can be purchased as it is, without any other additional accessories.

However, it still depends on the buyer whether or not they want to add specifications. This type does not have any standard that's why each piece is one-of-a-kind.

And what adds more attraction to an asscher diamond engagement ring is the presence of these parallel lines which makes it more distinct. It is like creating an image of many mirrors which are reflecting different angles.

Asscher diamonds are also rare and very exclusive just like the other styles of diamond rings. This type is chosen by couples because it adds and gives a more personal touch and represents individuality and elegance. It is another fancy type of diamond which is starting to gain popularity to public. Normally, this type has a cut deeper than the other types. They also are smaller than the others.

But the size doesn't really change the value of this type, again, because of its uniqueness. But unlike other types, this is not always available to some jewelers. It would be better to inquire the availability from high-quality jewelers. And remember to always be careful in choosing and identifying genuine gems.

A perfect choice for a personalized engagement ring is this asscher diamond engagement ring which is truly sophisticated and shows individuality. You will never regret buying any type of engagement ring you want as long as you took very special consideration on the details.

Alice Sy

Diamond Engagement Ring Size - What Is The Average Carat Weight of a Diamond Engagement Ring in 2008

The diamond engagement ring is a symbolic gesture usually received by the bride to be from her future spouse. Diamond engagement rings come in a variety of styles and sizes these days and no matter what one may desire with regard to this type of ring they are sure to find one which perfectly suits their tastes. Some individuals who are shopping for an engagement ring may wonder what carat weight is the appropriate one to purchase and what most people buy when it comes to diamond size. The following will highlight some trends with regard to carat size and focus on what the average carat weight of a diamond engagement ring is in 2008.

Past Carat Weight Trends

In the early 20th century, diamond carat weights were quite generous. In 1939, the average carat weight of engagement ring diamonds was 1 carat. A couple of decades later in 1976, the average carat weight of diamond engagement rings actually decreased to a ¼ carat. The fluctuation in the average size amounts can be seen for a few different reasons such as the cost of the diamonds and the overall average income of the population at that time.

Current Carat Weight Average and Differences Seen in Various Areas

Today, the national average for the diamonds chosen for engagement rings with regard to carat weight is 0.38 carats. In general, the carat weight averages of engagement ring diamonds are increasing. However, in order to truly understand the average relating to diamond carat weight for engagement rings it is important to look at the specific regions in which the engagement rings are being purchased as trends can be seen throughout these areas as well.

Larger cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and New York City have an average of 1.6 carats as it relates to diamond engagement rings. When viewing diamond carat weight averages in some of the Southern states and "Bible Belt" regions, the carat averages are anywhere between 0.25 and 0.40 carats. The state of Alabama has an average of 0.50 carats when it comes to diamond carat weights for those who are about to be married. When considering the entire state of California, the diamond carat weight average has been seen as over 1.0 carats. Focusing in on a more specific region within California such as the La Jolla/Del Mar area, the carat size is quite generous and is stated to be around 2.75 carats. When looking at carat weights with respect to engagement rings outside of the United States, such as in Europe, the average there is 0.30 carats and the stone within the engagement ring is not always a diamond gemstone.

In general, the average size of one's diamond engagement ring is increasing. With regard to the cost of such a beautiful ring, the average price spent on a diamond engagement ring these days is somewhere between $2500 and $3000. Although many have heard the notion that a diamond engagement ring should be at least 1 carat in weight, this is a relatively new sentiment. The fact of the matter is that a diamond engagement ring should suit the individual it is being given to and should be affordable to the person buying it. The true purpose surrounding it is the thought and love with which it is given.

James Greene

Diamond Engagement Rings - The Choice is Yours!

Whatever the decision may be, it should not be taken lightly. The act of giving such a ring highlights the occasion on which it is given and therefore should match, or as close to as possible, the expectations of recipient. After all, this momentous gift is one that should, all things being well, last forever!

Diamond engagement rings are sold across the globe and therefore the choice for consumers is monumental. Diamonds are one of the prettiest and hardest substances in the world and therefore they can be extremely expensive. This expense is considered worthwhile by all those that choose to buy them as they are so beautiful and elegant in kind. Many high street retailers stock these rings in various shapes and sizes to cater for as many consumers as possible. A host of internet retailers have also come into their own by selling these rings too, and by selling them online this allows consumers to see what the rings look like and compare them on screen making the shopping experience much easier.

By making the shopping experience easier, the focus immediately translates towards the customers, and after all it is the customer who should be put first in any line of business...except B2B perhaps! Diamond rings are no exception and when trying to purchase such an item for such an important occasion, the customer experience must be at its best. The majority of the top high street stores do in fact get this right including Ernest Jones who have a great range of stock.

The notion of giving your loved one a diamond ring as a symbol for love and commitment originated in the 15th Century when Archduke Maximillian gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring for none other than their engagement. This was noted by many at the time and as the years went on it became a familiar act. As centuries progressed and times moved forward more and more people followed suit and now today, whether it be prince or pauper, this notion has continued.

David K Fox

Diamond Engagement Rings - How To Buy And Avoid Scams

When buying diamond rings, an educated consumer always gets the best deal. Too many people shop for new cars and diamond rings alike without doing any research at all, and the salesperson often takes advantage of them.

Once the jewelers see you're an informed diamond ring buyer, they cannot scam you into buying overpriced diamonds which are worth far less than the salesperson claims. When buying engagement ring diamonds and wedding rings, you should go into battle educated and prepared. You should use The Folder with your research of diamond pricing and sample printouts of similar competing diamonds in your size range from online sites. You should also have a good diamond buying book with lots of color photos to help you spot fakes, and worthless diamonds.

You should be as educated as the salespeople to play on a level playing field as you shop. You should always ask to view the diamond through a 10x viewing loupe. If the jeweler gives you any bogus excuse why you can’t, then leave immediately. Any legitimate jeweler would supply a loupe for you to inspect a diamond, which you the consumer have a right to do.

You should also ask to see the GIA certificate or AGS certificate for your diamond. If they make up excuses or cannot produce this important diamond grading document, then you should assume the worst and leave, as they probably have something to hide.

Avoid synthetic Moissanite diamonds unless that is specifically what you want. Some jewelers will try to rip you off by claiming they are real diamonds. To head this off, look through a 10x loupe and if you see double facets or a doubled diamond table reflection, then you most likely have a Moissanite synthetic diamond.

A good way to spot Cubic Zirconia fake diamonds is to view a newspaper placed behind the diamond. If you can read the print, then it’s a fake Cubic Zirconia diamond. A real diamond scatters the light so you should not be able to see the news print through the diamond.

Another trick jewelers can pull on you is to show you a yellow diamond and claim it’s a nice white diamond because they show it to you in front of a black background so you cannot easily see the color. You should also view your diamond in front of a white background to better detect any yellow coloring in the stone, and verify it against a color chart.

You also need to avoid jewelry store scams such as pricing codes. Some jewelers don’t post a price on their diamond rings, they post a cryptic code which they must decode for you. This opens up the doorway to deceit and lies. If you look dumb, they might quote you a much higher price than a buyer who they know is informed. You should walk out of any jewelry store that does not post the exact price on the tag.

To get the full story on buying diamond rings and avoiding scams, read the entire guide on BridalTips.com. The guide reviews online diamond jewelry sites, diamond buying books, how to shop local stores, all about diamond construction and viewing, and all the jeweler scams you are likely to encounter.

Jeff Ostroff

Diamond Ring

In Western tradition, an engagement ring is a ring worn by a woman indicating her engagement to be married. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, it is worn on the left-hand ring finger, while in other countries, such as Poland and Ukraine, it is customary for the ring to be worn on the right-hand.

By modern convention in countries such as the United States, the ring is usually presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective bride while or directly after she accepts his marriage proposal. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage. Similar traditions purportedly date to classical times, dating back from an early usage reportedly referring to the fourth finger of the left hand as containing the vena amoris or "vein of love".

In the United States and Canada today, it is becoming more common, but still quite rare, that a woman will also buy an engagement or promise ring for her partner at the time of the engagement. In Egypt, Brazil and many European countries, both the man and the woman usually wear engagement rings, most often in the form of matching plain bands of white, yellow, or red gold.[citation needed] In these countries the man's engagement ring often also eventually serves as the wedding ring. Some men wear two rings, but this is rarer. The woman's wedding ring can sometimes have a precious stone. In northern Germany, the tradition of engagement rings is not often followed and is often viewed as an American import. In Spain, the woman sometimes buys an engagement wristwatch for the man after accepting a marriage proposal.

Wikipedia