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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2006-02-15, Page 35v+e+�. �.,.i.:•.,rYgt-^.+s'tw...t-..c. ....ei i+s. w,'. Choosing the perfect engagement ring by Crystal Stewart Before the wedding plans begin, arguably the most important work has to be done - choosing the perfect engagement ring. Because long after the reception is over and the final gift unwrapped, the ring will remain, a reminder of the day and the vow of two people to spend their lives together. "Most girls know what they want," says Pat Higgins, manager of Anstett Jewellers in Goderich. "If a guy come in its usually him that doesn't know what to pur- chase." Higgins, who has been a registered gemologist for 27 years, has led many young couples through the ring buying process. He says the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to buying a ring is a decision based solely on price or rushing to quickly into it. "It's too important of a purchase I think, to not do it wisely," says Higgins. "Go into a jeweller and ask as many questions as you can." He says the internet is a good place to find initial information, but the purchase is one best made face to face, through a qualified professional, such as a certi- fied gemologist or registered jeweller. 'Just because you sell jewelry doesn't mean your a jeweller," adds Higgins. He suggests buyers find someone they are comfortable with and build trust. Finding someone with a good rep- utation is important. When Higgins hears of women who aren't satisfied with an engagement ring, he blames it on lack of knowledge on the part of the sales person and says it's likely they don't now about the product they're selling. The band Yellow gold mounts are the most sought after, fol- lowed by white gold and platinum. Although at the bottom of the three, platinum has gained in popularity in recent years. "You're seeing more and more of it and it's selling because it's...enduring and more pure," says Higgins. "It's a little bit more desirable right now." But he cautions against choosing a platinum band, which is significantly more expensive, above everything else. "Far too often a guy will sacrifice the quality of the diamond to get a platinum mount," says Higgins. Contributed Photo Bride Angie (Boylan) Hunt, surrounded clockwise by bridesmaids Crystal Stewart, Charleen Gibson, Kristie Stewart, Mary Hunt and maid of honour Lisa Moore. "Wouldn't you rather say I have a beautiful diamond." Another band that has gained some popularity due to it's strength is titanium, but it's limited style wise. "The look isn't as desir- able as white gold," says Higgins, adding for that reason he doesn't recom- mend it. He also has con- cerns with it being so solid that it can't even be cut off. "That's why we stopped carrying it because there was concern about people getting it stuck on their fin- gers," he says. If priority is on a match- ing ring and wedding band, a flush fit set is the best bet. The stone "Traditional is still the biggest," says Higgins, "...the most popular is the solitaire." According to Higgins the diamond should be the biggest portion of the ring price. "The mount or the setting of the diamond is just the frame of the picture," he says. Higgins is also adamant that when choosing a dia- mond quality should come before size. "Buy the best quality for what your money will get you," he says, adding it is best to buy a smaller dia- mond of better quality than a larger diamond with more flaws because the better diamond will hold it's value where the other may even decrease. Some alternatives to the traditional diamond are coloured gems such as the sapphire, ruby and emer- ald, although buyers should be aware that cer- tain stones, like the emer- ald, aren't meant for long term constant wear. There are also coloured diamonds of many forms, natural or artificially dyed, that can range dramatically in price. They are more often used as accent stones. Continued on next page 111.10sie Wednesday, February 15, 2006 Page 7 M.C.L. SOUND FULL D.J. SERVICE We have the perfect music to make your wedding even more memorable. 3ook Your Receptions, Suck & Does early! nor more info. call ohn McLeod 2-9984 8 Ede" 661fee PROFESSIONAL GROOMER Be part of a growing trend... include your dog in the wedding. Stylin Dogs can help make your special day special for your dog, too. Your dog can be groomed and accessorized to match any wedding. eda &le ( omelet at 4t2 --3f/7 17 Albert St., Clinton O.D.G.A. & C.K.C. Member Sof ffte Vitswee eosseAvied we cam 4404 vea. Veda u4 tot at 9.cie • ZsalA*Afmlleuoctm a nd $let0iowifeo, moral FIs$ MM Mlles kw 1135 air Irp)40 www.grovestv.com 10 Huron St., Clinton Now Offering BRIDAL REGISTRY We also suggest gift certificates for the Bride & Groom 482-0414 1