Wedding Jewelry
thing you have to consider. Including or excluding your partner’s input is also a very important decision. These days, engagement rings can be comprised of many different stones and metals other than the traditional white diamond wedding set, so you can find a combination of design, gemstones and metals which will work within your budget.
Valerie Jean Fairchild owner Fairchild and Co 505.984.2039 110 W. San Francisco St. Fairchildjewelry.com fairchildjewelry@aol.com
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ow that you have chosen to make a commitment to your significant other, and intend to exchange rings, you have some decisions to make. The first thing I recommend is to find a jeweler or jewelry designer with whom you can develop a good working relationship. There are several very talented jewelers and designers in Santa Fe. The qualities to look for in a jeweler are a good reputation, talent, experience, good listening skills, and diamond and gemstone knowledge and sourcing. Before you decide, make appointments with a few designers for a short conversation to get a feel of their skill level, design and manufacturing abilities. Determining your budget is the next
When choosing a gemstone engagement ring, and you are on a budget, I advise prioritizing the gemstone over the ring mounting. If you have chosen to make the ring a surprise, your beloved will be able to have input into the final design of the engagement/wedding ring. DIAMONDS Diamonds are the most widely given stones as engagement gems. White, natural colored and irradiated diamonds are all available. Work with your jeweler’s inventory to determine what size and cut will please you. If you decide to purchase online, buy only a GIA certified diamond, and pay a Graduate Gemologist to examine it to be sure it’s what’s represented. If you are using a family diamond, make sure your jeweler provides you with an accurate replacement value. Natural colored diamonds are available in several colors, the most popular being yellow, brown and pink. Champagne and cognac diamonds are a less expensive and a more understated choice in engagement stones as you can get a larger stone for your money. Fancy colored yellows and pinks have many color variations, but are rarer and more expensive than white diamonds.
If you’d like a colored diamond without the cost of a natural colored diamond, consider irradiated diamonds. They are not radioactive and the color is stable. Popular colors are green, blue, yellow, orange and brown. SAPPHIRES AND RUBIES The other gems I recommend for engagement rings are sapphires and rubies, the second hardest gemstones on earth and varieties of Corundum. They come in every color of the rainbow. Ruby is red Corundum. Sapphire is usually less expensive than diamond, has stunning color and good wear-ability. Ruby is rarer than sapphire and more costly than both diamond and sapphire. Other varieties of gemstones are too soft or need too much care to be suitable engagement stones. WEDDING RINGS Once you set the date for your celebration, it’s time to choose your wedding ring. Traditionally, many couples match their wedding rings to the engagement ring. These days, whatever you decide goes. There is such a wide array of gemstones, metals and combinations on the market today, that making a choice can be very difficult. Trust your jeweler to manifest your vision and help with your decision for the one ring most important in your life. Valerie Jean Fairchild has been designing and manufacturing jewelry in Santa Fe since 1976. She is the owner and main designer at Fairchild and Company on West San Francisco Street.