You won't need your tape measure to find her ring size. However, you might need to use some of your spy skills.

By Jewelry & Style Expert, Michael O’Connor

There are certain things that a man has just got to do! When getting engaged, one of the most important things, besides surprising her with the ring of her dreams, is finding out her ring size. This small step can save a lot of time at the jeweler and help make the moment he pops the question even more special by giving her a ring that fits her perfectly. No newly engaged woman wants to leave her brand new engagement ring with a jeweler for sizing – even it that means only for a few hours. So how do you casually find out what type of ring she wants and is it considered sneaking around to secretly try to find out her finger size before you buy that ring?

L - Platinum engagement ring by Philip Press. R - Platinum and diamond engagement ring by Simon G. Jewelry

There are a couple of things you can do to ensure you get her a ring she loves. First, listen to her hints – and if you think she’s not hinting, you’re probably mistaken. Listen to how she talks about the rings of friends and relatives. If you have a friend or colleague who just got engaged, casually pass a comment on the style of her ring. That will open the door for her to tell you what she likes and does not like about the style. She will probably tell you her preferred gemstone shape and whether she wants a solitaire or other stones around it. You should already be prepared though by secretly doing your own research on the other elements. For example, learn about a diamond’s 4-C’s so that you understand how each will affect the price. Learn about why a platinum setting is important and the most desired setting.  Understand how platinum’s natural white color (as opposed to white gold’s naturally yellow color) will enhance the diamond’s sparkle and how platinum’s durability will hold the expensive diamond more securely without wearing down.

Platinum and diamond engagement ring by Hearts on Fire

Now comes the sneaky part. In order to get the right ring size you’ll need to learn what size her finger is. Here’s a tip: secretly borrow one of her rings in the morning and take it to a jeweler that day to have him measure the size. If you’re not in the position to actually take one of her rings for the day, try this idea:  Take one of her rings into the bathroom and press the profile (the round area showing the circumference of the ring) into a bar of soap. The soap will be marked by the edge of the ring and record the size. You can then have the indentation in the soap measured by a jeweler to get her size.

Making sure she gets a high quality diamond set into a durable platinum mounting will ensure a ring will last through a lifetime of daily wear and can be handed down to future generations. Getting the perfect ring style in exactly her correct finger size will give her an unforgettable moment when you pop the question. You see, sometimes sneaking around for a good reason like this can be perfectly acceptable. For more information on planning and budgeting for the ring, platinum’s qualities and a glossary of valuable jewelry terms visit http://www.preciousplatinum.com/en-US/hints-tips.aspx

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disclosure: platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

How are you planning on going about discovering your future bride’s ring size? Will you use any of the tactics in this blog post? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

By Jewelry and Style Expert, Michael O’Connor

We’ve all heard the term “high maintenance.” It may be used to refer to our car, our house, our friends, and yes, maybe even our girlfriend. The term implies that a high amount of care and attention must be provided to these things, and to some extent suggests that it should be evaluated. After all, wouldn’t we all prefer to have things and associate with people who require little, or a small amount of maintenance? And while the “benefits” of having some high maintenance people in your life might outweigh the deficits, when it comes objects, high maintenance is more difficult to justify.

Platinum and diamond engagement ring by Simon G. Jewelry

Such is the case with jewelry. When we choose a piece of jewelry we have to be aware of the amount of maintenance, particularly if it is going to be worn every day and is expected to last a lifetime. This is one of the reasons why you rarely see a fragile gemstone used in an engagement ring, which will be worn daily.  The most common engagement gemstone therefore, is the most durable, a diamond. Metals also require maintenance, which is why choosing the correct setting for your engagement ring and wedding bands is as important, if not more important, than choosing the right gem (or a low maintenance girlfriend for that matter). Hence, the popularity of the classic platinum and diamond engagement ring!

Platinum is one of the most durable of precious metals and the most appropriate setting for an engagement ring and wedding bands. Platinum’s durability ensures it will not wear down as quickly as other metals. Comparatively, gems will be held more securely, prongs will not wear away as quickly, and patterns and engravings will last longer in a platinum setting, requiring far less maintenance than some other settings.

Another great property of platinum, specifically when holding a diamond, is that it is naturally white and will never fade or tarnish over time. Coincidentally, since one pays a premium for the colorlessness of a diamond, platinum’s natural whiteness will never add any of its own color into the gem. White metals, like silver, will tarnish over time and require regular maintenance to remain consistently white. Gold is a naturally yellow metal, and is made white in color by being mixed with whiter metals to dilute the yellow color, and then usually plated on top with rhodium to give a bright white appearance. Because of this, white gold usually requires its whiteness to be maintained by trips to your jeweler to have the rhodium plating reapplied.

L - Platinum and diamond engagement ring by Kirk Kara. R - Ladies platinum and diamond band by Tacori

When it comes to the finish of your ring, you should know that all metals scratch over time. Should you decide that you’d like to maintain a shiny finish on your platinum ring, a quick polishing will keep it bright. In many cultures however, these small nicks and scratches (known as patina) are looked upon as the recording of moments in life and viewed as too valuable to polish away.

There are many “high maintenance” things in life that we must decide are worth putting up with, or unfortunately must put up with and have no choice. Jewelry should be something that one can wear and enjoy without constant maintenance, especially when worn daily. To learn more about caring for platinum jewelry and to see styles at a variety of price points, visit: www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery.

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What steps have you taken to care for jewelery in the past? Will you take added precaution when it comes to the engagement ring and wedding bands? Let us know in the comments section!

disclosure: platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Typically, when we think engagement rings, we immediately envision thin bands and jaw-dropping diamonds; the very image that has become so synonymous with love, getting down on one knee, forever-lasting vows and the tradition that pulls them all together into an engagement that can only be described as the pinnacle of perfection on every level. This is very much what we have seen portrayed through commercials, billboards and advertisements aplenty since diamond engagement rings were introduced and quickly accepted as one of the only proper and acceptable ways to propose to a woman.

Beginning that fateful search for the perfect engagement ring can often feel overwhelming and at times, downright confusing while you attempt to navigate through cuts, carats, color and clarity. The search may very well be new and uncharted territory for some men, but more women than you may realize have already begun their own search for the engagement ring of their dreams; some before they have even met their future-fiances.

What weighs on the minds of both men and women alike when it comes to choosing an engagement ring is that this one ring will be worn on a woman’s finger throughout the rest of her life. It symbolizes the love and the bond shared between you both and it signifies the relationship that you have cultivated together. This in itself is the exact sentiment behind traditional diamond rings and because this tradition is still going strong with no end in sight, these rings are likely to never go out of style. This can be evidenced by the fact that we are still seeing simple, phenomenal rings being made in the pure essence of vintage design.

When searching for a traditional diamond engagement ring, it is important to keep in mind that even if you’re going traditional, designers have really let their imaginations and creativity flow over the years and have created spin-offs of the traditional diamond ring. This makes it possible to find a traditional ring that also compliments your future-fiance’s personal and unique sense of style and will continue to do so for years to come.

While a diamond may be forever for some women, there are an increasing amount of superbly gorgeous engagement ring options for the woman who craves something different and does not necessarily want the traditional diamond engagement ring. Here are some standout ring options to use for inspiration when choosing the perfect engagement ring for your perfect, off-kilter future-fiance.

Sapphire Rings

Sapphire Engagement Ring

Sapphires are readily available in blue, pink and yellow stones, although they have been known to show up in an assortment of other colors, and they make for some impeccable and sophisticated engagement rings. With countless eyes and incredible attention being given to the Royal Wedding and particularly, the family heirloom piece that was passed down from Lady Diana Spencer to Prince William and now lies on Kate Middleton’s left ring finger, it is greatly anticipated that we will see a rise in blue sapphire rings being used to mark an engagement throughout the coming years.

Sapphires are also a great engagement ring choice if you are on a budget and would like to explore rings that are not as pricey, but still just as high quality and equally as timeless and elegant as traditional diamond rings.

Ruby Rings

Ruby Engagement Ring

Rubies just may be one of the most visually-striking stones out there. They make for great center stones within engagement rings, but are just as eye-catching when used as secondary, side stones that give the entire ring a little pizazz. Ruby rings just may be worth a look, especially if you are planning a Valentine’s Day; the color of the ruby fits in amazingly well with the theme of the holiday and is also the first color that comes to mind when we think of love and hearts. In fact, there are many ruby engagement ring options that feature rubies in the shape of a heart.

Emerald Rings

Emerald Engagement Ring

Emerald rings are not seen as engagement ring material as often as they should be, but that is precisely why they make for some of the best nontraditional, yet astoundingly interesting and beautiful engagement rings out there.

Just like with sapphires and rubies, emerald rings will typically cost less than a diamond engagement ring, making them worth considering if you’re on a budget without compromising beauty and elegance. Emerald engagement rings are also a perfect option if your bride-to-be was born in May since the emerald is her birthstone.

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What’s your take on rubies, sapphires and emeralds for engagement rings? Has your soon-to-be fiancee hinted at these as possibilities. Please share your thoughts in the comments section!

disclosure: sndgems.com is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Tacori platinum engagement ring with round solitaire center diamond

By Jewelery & Style Expert, Michael O’Connor

When it comes to buying an engagement ring, almost every guy is faced with the same issues. How is he going to find an engagement ring she will love, keep it a surprise until he pops the question and how can he buy the highest quality ring that she’ll love without breaking the bank. Well there are a few things that should be of comfort to every guy as he begins this quest. First, if you’re a good listener, you’ve already been picking up her clues so that you can make the correct style choice. Secondly, it’s not impossible to get the ring of her dreams and still be able to buy her dinner afterward.

Make no mistake about it. Women hint! Even before being asked the big question the majority of women have already begun to research the engagement ring and thanks to websites, retailers and jewelry brands they are armed with the advice and tools to make their hints heard. From wish list emails to iPhone apps to clever tricks like leaving magazines open on engagement ring pages, women know how to go about this task. In fact, according to a BRIDES Magazine 2011 study, 2 in 3 women say they gave direct input to the guy on their engagement ring and 19% even admit to personally selecting it. So if the guy listens and is sensitive to the hints he should be able to get the clues loud and clear, therefore allowing him to surprise her with the perfect ring of her dreams!

L - Hearts on Fire platinum engagement ring. R - Simon G. Jewelry platinum engagement ring with round solitaire center diamond

Here are some additional facts to help guys know what’s the most desired as he puts the clues together.  Today, most women want their setting to be white in color. Platinum is the best setting since, unlike white gold, which is naturally a yellow color, platinum is naturally white and will never fade or tarnish and will maximize the brilliance of the center stone. Platinum’s superior durability also makes it the best for holding a diamond securely during daily wear. That’s why the most important diamonds in the world are set into platinum.  Most women still prefer the classic round “brilliant-cut” diamond with a growing number starting to lean toward square “princess-cut” shapes. Whichever her choice, “Color” (one of the 4 C’s) will be important which is another great reason to choose platinum’s natural whiteness for the setting. The classic platinum and diamond “solitaire” (containing only one center diamond) is still the most popular style choice. Additionally, according to research, most women say that they would prefer a smaller, higher quality diamond instead of a larger diamond of lesser quality. Finally, and very importantly (and probably pleasantly surprising) for guys, a high quality platinum and diamond engagement ring starts at only about $1,000 so he doesn’t have to spend his entire savings to get quality. Websites like www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery can help find a local retailer, educate guys on the importance of a quality setting, and showcase a wide variety of styles from a number of designers to ensure that he finds the ring of her dreams.

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platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Has your significant other been dropping hints about the style of engagement ring she wants? Have you researched platinum bands and settings? Tell us where you stand in the purchasing process in the comments section below.

Celtic wedding bands for the bride and groom

By Azure Nelson, OneWed.com

2011, the year of the dapper groom, wouldn’t be complete without awesome wedding bling. In the past, stylish guys had very few options when selecting their wedding bands. But today, jewelry designers known for walking on the stylish side have reinvented the once-blah wedding bands marketplace.

Some of the coolest unique wedding bands I’ve seen are from Little King Ltd..  When a jeweler with 40 years experience partners with a Graduate Gemologist, you’ve got to expect great things.  And Little King most definitely delivers.

Just check out these rings. Some are funky, some are edgy, others are traditional, and all of them are gorgeous!  Which wedding bands are just your style?

*Savvy Scoop says- If you still need the rock so you can pop the question, check out Little King’s engagement rings collection. Oh, and the cufflinks are pretty rad too.

Which style of wedding band fits you best? Do you see any rings in the image below that you like? Let us know in the comments section.

Stylish groom wedding bands for 2011