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