Tuesday 17 May 2011

Cute and enchanting butterfly engagement rings

Many couples are going for butterfly engagement ring as it is charming romantic symbol for a couple's relationship. The figural engagement rings are getting more and more popularity and the butterfly rings are also in demand. We all know that there are many different species of butterflies throughout the world with tremendous variations in wing size, color patterns and overall appearance. However the butterflies are regarded as romantic symbol by many couples not because of their variety but it is because they blend perfectly with the romance and promise of a couple's commitment to one another.

Butterflies are known to symbolize a transformation or rebirth as they shed their cocoons to take flight as beautiful creatures in the world. In the same way the couple too undergoes a transformation as they enter the wedlock. This idea is behind the reason why many couples go for the butterfly engagement ring and butterfly wedding themes to take the advantage of the creatures’ beauty and elegance. Some others think that the butterflies are connotations for the delicacy and fragility of the wedding and the life afterwards. According to Chinese culture, two butterflies seen together are considered as a sign of love. Even though there are many reasons why people select the butterfly rings, the undeniable fact is that it symbolizes their relationship and love they share.

It is not a surprise to find that there are many different styles for butterfly rings just as there are many different species of butterflies. Some of the common designs of butterfly engagement rings include a single butterfly designed in any precious metal that would be centered on the ring’s band as a focal point. If the size of the butterfly is big, for better balance and proportion, it may have a split shank. Different pattern in which two smaller butterflies would be placed on the crown of the ring, surrounding a diamond or other gemstone. There is a stylized form that incorporates the setting's prongs in which the butterflies are set into the engagement ring mounting on the side of the ring. In a bypass ring design, the dual butterflies would be combined to create the focal point. Sometimes three or four butterflies would be made as the ring's prong to hold a central diamond or gemstone. Butterflies are also engraved into the ring's band or inlaid into a wide band.

In some rings the butterflies would be with wings and their body would be fashioned from gemstones or finely crafted with wire wrapped around gems. The wings are even crafted in heart shape from similar shaped stones or metals. Even pear shapes or marquise shapes are also used for getting different wing proportions. The filigree designed butterflies may or may not incorporate gemstones. The wings of the butterflies are sometimes slightly raised or flat against the ring’s band. Pave set diamonds are encrusted in the wings or body of the creatures in some rings.

Since the butterfly engagement rings are not traditional rings, it would be a bit difficult to find them at jewelry stores. However online jewelers offer the figural engagement rings in large variety.

Tuesday 3 May 2011

How to clean and preserve diamond engagement rings

Engagement rings are a treasure for the whole lifetime. If it is a diamond engagement ring, it would be a precious as well as expensive. So it is essential to know how to clean the diamonds in the engagement ring so that it would shine brilliantly for years. The main attraction of the diamond is its deep sparkle. But if oil, dirt and debris can fade off the sparkle from the diamond and makes its less stunning and valuable. However it is equally important to do the cleaning of the gemstones in the proper manner since any unintentional damage can happen by which the warranty would be nullified.

People easily think that the diamond engagement rings can be easily washed using regular soaps. This is not a desired method of cleaning because even the mildest soap would surely leave chemicals and residue on the surface of the gemstone. Even the smallest deposit of soapy remains would damage the sparkle of the stone since the refraction of light within the diamond is critical to its inner glint and beauty. So it is better advised to use specialized jewelry cleaners and detergents formulated to remove deposits and chemical debris on the diamond engagement rings and any other diamond jewelry.

You would surely want to get back the sparkle in the diamond after cleaning it. For properly cleaning a diamond in an engagement ring, earring or any other jewelry pieces, you can use certain accessories. Take a shallow dish which has enough volume to cover the jewelry. For cleaning you would need a soft bristle brush like a mild tooth brush. You would need mild detergent or suggested jewelry cleaning solution. Use rubber gloves if you are having sensitive skin. For wiping the jewelry you can use a lint free cloth similar to the one used to clean camera lenses. Use clean running water or fresh dish of clean water for rinsing the jewelry.

Steps in cleaning the diamond engagement ring

The ultimate aim in cleaning a diamond would be to get back gorgeous sparkle in the ring by completely removing any types of dirt and wastes from every nook and corner of the ring. It has been seen that it is relatively easy to clean simple solitaire rings compared to other elaborate pieces.

In some cases, you would be unsure about the type of the metal, accent stones or security of the setting. Then it is better to give the engagement ring for cleaning with a professional. The same thing is applicable to heirloom rings and antique ones. So before cleaning the ring yourself, it is better to determine the type of the ring and see if it can be cleaned at home.

One of the most common troubles is the flowing of jewelry through the open drains. When you are cleaning the ring, you must be always cautious around open drains. Make sure that you set up a cleaning space where there would be adequate light to see the clefts and all. Make use of tweezers to remove hairs or other fibers stuck in the prongs or setting. For removing loose dirt, you need to presoak or rinse the jewelry thoroughly. Place a firm grip on the engagement ring while rinsing it under running water.