Posted by Gretchen of mywedding.com August 4, 2008
When you're out shopping for wedding rings, jewelers will have that multiple ring contraption to measure your ring finger. But, if you decide to do your ring shopping online, which is a popular trend, it's very important to have the correct measurement.
Here's how to properly measure your ring finger with just a strip of paper.
Take a piece of paper no wider than 3/4"
Wrap it around the base of the finger your ring is going on
With a pen, mark where it overlaps
Take a ruler and measure from the starting point to the pen mark
Use this measurement and refer to a ring chart
A couple tips to remember to make sure your measurement is
as accurate as possible:
Don't
measure cold fingers, this is when they are their smallest.
for the most accurate measurement, measure at the end of
the day when your fingers are at their largest.
Make
sure the measuring paper slides off easily over the
knuckle.
ENGAGEMENT
RINGS
JLo’s 6.1 carat pink diamond engagement ring from Ben
Affleck was worth $1.2 million dollars. It made headlines,
but didn’t make her his wife. Soon thereafter, she weds
Marc Anthony whom doesn’t even give her a ring. Apparently,
“Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” A year later he does get her a
14.5 carat, brilliant cut diamond ring on a platinum band,
valued at more than 5 million dollars. So, I guess love
does cost a little…
The first rule of engagement ring shopping is: Set a
budget. Yes, spending “two-month’s salary” is the common
rule of thumb. But, accept your limitations. And let
quality and value be the basis for your decision making,
not the dollar amount.
Rule number two, consider the four C’s: clarity, color,
carat, and cut. The best value in clarity is a diamond with
no inclusions (which are other minerals stuck inside the
stone) visible to the naked eye. And a colorless or near
colorless diamond also adds value to your ring, unless of
course you’re going for another gemstone (like a sapphire)
or a colored diamond. The third “C” is for carat weight.
Although a larger stone is nice, bigger doesn’t necessarily
make it better. An inclusion-free, colorless, large carat
stone loses its brilliance and sparkle depending on the
cut. There are several cuts to choose from: princess,
emerald, round, and pear to name a few. Every woman will
have their preference.
Once you’ve chosen a rock, you’ll have to do a bit of
research. Study the current jewelry style she wears;
classic, fancy, antique, modern? Does she prefer white or
yellow gold or does she prefer platinum? She may need a
cathedral or contour setting (which means the diamond is
set into the band) if she’s more active with her hands. A
raised setting, works well for women that don’t have to
worry about snagging their clothing, etc. Ask her friends
if she’s mentioned a preference and make them promise not
to spill the beans! Or, just simply ask her. Today, many
couples are looking for rings together, which is an
enjoyable and error proof route for any guy. In any case,
stay within your budget, use the four C’s, consider her
personal style, and your ring will be perfect!
Honestly,
with the candlelight low, a bottle of bubbly, gazing into
each other’s eyes, as you get down on one knee—she’ll
probably say “Yes” before you bring out that little box.
And whether it’s a 1 carat or a 14.5-carat ring, I
guarantee, she’ll wear it like it’s worth a million
bucks