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Picking the Ring

Choosing the right ring is a matter of personal preference. Whether you go traditional or modern be sure you get a look that your fiancé will be happy with and enjoy for years to come. Town Square Jewelers has a large selection of ring settings and loose diamonds.

Budget

As with any important purchase, you should have a budget in mind for the purchase of your ring before you start shopping. There is no magic formula, even though some suggest the equivalent of 2 months salary, it needs to be an amount you are comfortable with spending. Bear in mind the rings are the most enduring symbol of the love you share. There are over 2 million weddings per year at an average cost of $30,000. The flowers, music, cake and wedding attire last for the day, but your rings will be worn everyday for the rest of your lives. Make it the best you can. To aid you in the purchase, Town Square Jewelers offers zero % financing, a 90-day no interest layaway and we accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Advice for the Guys

Many couples shop together but if you want to surprise her, she has probably dropped a few hints. Pay attention to comments she makes about other peoples rings, pictures in magazines and images online. Go "window shopping" together and point out several pieces of jewelry and have her tell you what you do and don't like about them. Send her shopping with a trusted friend or family member who will report back to you. Check her personal style. Does she dress and decorate her home in a more classic, vintage, modern, formal or casual style. Pay attention to the jewelry she already owns. Is it simple and classic or is it more bold and modern. Does she have a precious metal preference? Does she own two-tone jewelry (a combination of yellow and white gold), all yellow gold, white gold or platinum? By paying attention to hints and doing a little research you can show her you not only love her, but you understand her styles and tastes.

The 4 C's

Along with picking a ring style you will also need to choose a diamond. Educating yourself in the 4 C's of Diamond Grading before you start shopping will help you be more confident in your purchase. Click here to learn more about the 4C's

Wedding Bands

While you are shopping, don't forget the wedding bands. Some engagement rings come with a matching band. It is a good idea to purchase the band with the ring as designers tend to update designs and discontinue styles on a regular basis.

Size and Fit

You will want the ring to fit her properly, both for comfort and the security of the ring. If possible, bring her to the store for a ring fitting. We do not recommend having a jeweler size the ring unless you are 100% sure of her size. In some cases rings need to be ordered in the specific size due to the design of the ring and warranty issues with the company. If you want to surprise her, have a friend or family member help you get her to our store for a proper sizing. Other options, though not as accurate, include sizing a ring that she wears that fits the ring finger. You can bring us the ring to size or trace the inside of that ring. You can also put it on your finger and mark where it stops on your finger. You can purchase the ring and then bring he back to get it properly sized after the proposal and presentation of the ring.

The Latest Trends

Each year designers announce the new trends in jewelry styles. These are some of the trends for 2010.

	Pave'
	Pave' is a setting in which small stones are set as close as possible, so the piece literally looks "paved" with stones. It is a good way to maximize sparkle with out a hefty price. It is popular on engagement ring flanking either side of the setting.
	Art Deco Vintage
	Art Deco and Vintage styles is a delicate look, which can include details such as scroll like engraving; micro set diamonds, raised beaded edges and filigree. These setting often include a central stone with the popular square shaped diamonds.
	Color
	This style is made popular by the Hollywood stars- Diamonds are accented by colored stones such as sapphires and rubies or the center stone is actually a colored diamond.
	Stacking Bands
	Multiple bands to be stacked and worn on top of one another  These rings are worn with or without the engagement ring.

The Lingo

Here are a few basic terms that may help you in your search for her perfect ring:

• A classic setting that holds the stone high with 3 to 6 claws is a Prong Setting.
• A Solitaire is a ring containing a single diamond gemstone.
• A Tension Setting is a design in which pressure of the shank holds the stone firmly in place. It can give the impression that the stone is floating.
• A Bezel Setting is a metal rim with the edges fully or partially surrounding the stone to keep it secure.
• In a Cathedral Setting the stone is held high by raise shoulders.
• A Channel Setting sandwiches a row of stones with no metal between the stones.
• A Halo Setting has a circle of smaller stones around the larger center stone. The advantage is that it makes the center stone appear larger than it actually is.
• A Split Shank is when the band of the ring divides into two to three parts before rejoining at the top of the ring. The split shows the finger between the parts of the band.
• A Baguette is a gem cut in the form of a narrow rectangle. The delicate forms are often found on the sides accenting the center focal diamond.
• A Cluster Setting has several smaller stones grouped together to give the illusion of one large stone.
• A Trellis Setting looks like a prong setting from above, but when viewed from the side, the four interlaced prongs add elegance to the ring.
• A Semi Mount is a ring already decorated with diamonds and colored stones with a space for a central featured stone to be purchased separately.

Stone Shapes

Stone shapes are the general outward appearance of the stone and should not be confused with the cut which is one of the 4C's of diamonds.

Wedding Bands - Ring Engraving

Engraving is a way of carving words or symbols onto the interior of a ring's band. Typically the engraving is done after the rings have been appropriately sized. Engraving is a popular way for couple to personalize their wedding bands and there are many types of sentiments that can be inscribed on rings depending on whether the couple is interested in a simple romantic thought, a sentimental inscription or a funny engraving. When choosing your inscription remember that it needs to be timeless. A movie quote may be popular this year but forgotten next. Space is limited and determined by the width of the ring, so you will need to keep your inscription to a few words or symbols. Other considerations are the type of metal and the script. Very fine script may eventually wear down and be difficult to read. Certain metals, such as Tungsten Carbide, are also very hard and difficult to engrave. Our sales staff will be happy to assist you with your engraving needs.

Romantic and Sentimental Inscriptions Ideas include:

• I Love You
• I Do
• Together Forever
• Happily Ever After
• Reference to a favorite Bible Verse
• Past, Present, Future
• A significant date (wedding date/proposal date/first kiss date)
• Amor Vincit Omnia - Latin for love conquers all.
• Or another foreign saying

Humorous ideas include:

• Taken
• Your nicknames
• Mine
• XOXOXOXO

Proposal Ideas

There is no end to the possibilities when it comes to how you propose. Keep in mind the characteristic of your future bride- is she shy and easily embarrassed or is she very outgoing and loves attention. What ever you decide to do make it memorable. Here are a few of our favorite ideas~

Have a family member or friend set up a picnic in a special location. Take your girlfriend there where you will come across the surprise. Be sure you remember the champagne and roses. Take it one step further and engrave a pair of champagne flutes with the date you propose.

Send a text message scavenger hunt to your girlfriend asking her to meet you a set spot. When she arrives be there ready on one knee with the ring in a beautiful box.

Make her ring the surprise in a box of cracker jacks.

Order a dozen roses and write, "Will You Marry Me?" on the card. Present her the flowers at a romantic dinner and be ready with the ring when she looks up from reading the note.

Play a game of rock, paper, scissors but when she throws out her hand, you throw out your hand holding the ring. Guarantee the ring wins.

Deliver flowers with a note that is the first clue in a treasure hunt. At the end of the hunt she will find you on one knee with the ring.

Print out a marriage proposal and take it to your favorite restaurant. Take her to dinner and have it inserted in the dessert menu. When she opens the menu be ready with the ring.

Gifts for the Bridal Party

It is customary for the Bride and Groom to show their gratitude to the people who will make their wedding day special by presenting them with gifts. Thank you gifts should be something thoughtful and enduring- not a fad or gag gift. Start thinking about them early in the planning to allow time for ordering multiple items and personalizing them with engraving if desired.

Suggestions for the Brides maids and Maid of Honor include Debbie Brooks clutches and jewelry to wear during the wedding. Good choices include pearls, gold earrings, sterling silver and gemstones. Charm bracelets with wedding themed charms or Pandora bracelets are also a good choice.

Groomsmen's gifts could be watches, cuff links, key rings or money clips.

Jewelry for the Bride shouldn't be overlooked either. Depending on the style of the dress the bride might need diamond stud earrings, diamond necklaces or pearls. Dangling diamond and gold earrings or a diamond tennis bracelet or pearl bracelet may be another choice.

Wedding Cake Pulls

Another Bridal Tradition dating back to Victorian England is the Wedding Cake pulls. Tiny charms are hidden under the bottom layer of the Wedding Cake with only a ribbon and satin bow streaming delicately from underneath the cake. Before the Bride and Groom cut the cake all of the bridesmaids gather around the cake and pull a charm that holds the promise of her future. You can purchase charms at Town Square Jewelers in Sterling Silver, 14 K white or yellow gold. This idea plays well if you already presented the bridesmaids with a charm bracelet. Some suggestions are listed below.

• Heart~ True Love
• Ring~Next Engaged
• Wedding Bell~ Next Married
• Flower~ Blossoming Love
• Fleur de Lis- Flourishing Love
• 4 leaf Clover, Shamrock or Horseshoe ~ Good Luck
• Wishing Well~ A wish will come true
• High Chair, Baby Carriage- Blessed with Children
• Money Bag- Good Fortune
• Picture Frame- Happy Life
• Crown - Royal Life
• Cross- Peaceful life
• Wreath- Happy Home
• Rocking chair- Longevity
• Telephone- Good News
• Anchor/ airplane/ captain's wheel/sailboat
• Travel and Adventure
• Thimble- old maid

Wedding Anniversary Traditions

Tradition tells us that each wedding anniversary should be celebrated by giving your loved one a gift made from a different material. The origins of the traditional list are not known, however some of the traditions are believed to date back to medieval times. Paper symbolizes the first year of marriage, but with each passing year, the gifts become more precious or more rare. This progression is meant to symbolize the growth in a couple's relationship through the years. This tradition has been updated with a more modern list that often puts higher value on the earlier years. In addition, a list of jewelry and gemstone traditions offers recommendations for those who prefer to purchase jewelry each year.

Wedding Anniversary Gifts:

Become a Town Square Jewelers Bride

At Town Square Jewelers we understand that the bridal jewelry decisions are big and important. There are so many things happening at once that require decisions and money. To help you, we invite you to become a Town Square Jewelers (TSJ) Bride. With the purchase of an engagement ring and registration as a TSJ Bride, you will receive:

• 10% off the purchase of the grooms wedding band
• 10% off coupon to be used for the purchase for your first anniversary gift
• The bride will receive a gift of an 18"" strand of fresh water pearls
• We will be happy to assist you with the selection of jewelry and gifts for the bridal party
• Free ring cleaning and inspection for life
• Free appraisal of the engagement ring (one time)
• Receive a VIP Card which earns cash for future purchases. Earn 5% back on qualifying purchases until $150 has been accumulated at which time it can be spent. At registration you will receive $25 towards your $150 accumulation
• We invite your Brides and Grooms to share pictures of the engagement and wedding on our Facebook Page

Sign up here to become a TSJ bride: