So you’re getting married! Congratulations, what a wonderfully romantic time in recognizing the official start of your lives together. There are many exciting choices to be made prior to your big day: rings, church, hall, caterer, food selections, who to have as attendants, attendant’s gifts, tuxes, dresses, photographer, limo, decorations, flowers, clergy, table and seating arrangements, hair styling, cake, runner, invitations, etc., etc.. Wow it can be a mind-boggling experience! As the Erie Region’s “People’s Choice Jeweler, we at Ralph Miller Jewelers & Gallery in association with CBS Channel 35, wish to offer some helpful suggestions to answer your questions concerning getting, “Your Wedding Plans – Down the Aisle.”
Fact: (survey taken by Bride’s Magazine 2001)
“The average bridal couple spends approximately $ 4, 042 on the Engagement Ring
And Wedding Bands.”
Q - What is the most important thing to know when purchasing a diamond?
A – TRUST, we believe is the most important. At Ralph Miller Jewelers, the number one thing to know is the jeweler themselves. We believe that you need to have those many questions answered honestly and fairly by a knowledgeable jeweler to help in your selection by discussing the 4 C’s as well as assisting you in meeting those budgetary concerns. Are there jewelers on the premises that can custom design, repair, clean, check and advise you on a yearly plan of maintenance? At Ralph Miller Jewelers, a century old guild jewelry store, we have 4 master goldsmiths to custom design your wishes in fine gold or platinum.
Secondly STYLE, is indeed a concern of many couples. Remember that those mass merchandisers via chain stores, malls and department store counters have a hundred or so mass produced styles on display in the cases or catalogs, or available by special order. In purchasing at such an establishment you will end up like millions of other couples, wearing the exact same selections. Wouldn’t you rather have something very unique and different from all the rest? A jewelry store can make the rings to your exact specifications. This allows you to; “Get the rings you want, and as unique as you are.” At Ralph Miller Jeweler & Gallery, Erie’s only manufacturing jeweler, we can: “DESIGN WHAT YOU HAVE IN MIND !”
Q – What are the 4 C’s ?
A - See our “FAQ” (in this site) for a much greater in depth discussion on how to select your “sign of love,” by color, cut, clarity and carat weight. At Ralph Miller Jewelers & Gallery we also have a 5th “C.” It is Confidence, because at RMJ we pride ourselves on trust, honesty and integrity.
Q - What is the most important “C” ?
A - We have always supported the theory that Color, then Cut, and then Clarity, in this order, are the most important. One should select a diamond with good color (selected in natural sunlight), as the most important because color is the basic foundation to allow the stone the maximum refractive qualities of light (brilliance).
Q - Do you carry special cut diamonds?
A - Yes, we are very proud to offer to the discriminating buyer a most uniquely cut diamond. It is called the "RMJ Custom Cut.” It is sold only in VS Clarity and no lower than G in Color. It is an eight sided, exactly cut diamond using step cuts on both the top star cut area and the pavilion creating a very unusual and brilliant gem with polished girdle. It has been developed over the last few years and it was first offered to the general public in late November of 2001. In addition to our “RMJ Custom Cut Diamond,” we have connections for Canadian diamonds from the “Panda Pit,” near Yellow Knife, in the North West Territory. We are the area’s exclusive outlet for Polar Bear Certified Diamonds and Tundra NWT Diamonds. Both come with official government seals of origin, and are exciting options for those couples that wish to know the exact origins of their keepsake.
Q – Security, what do I need to know to make sure that the diamond will stay in the ring mounting?
A – Obviously the style of mounting is very important but even more important is the style of diamond “head,” the prongs, bezel or combination, sometimes referred to as the “crown.” It is designed as the support to your gem that allows for an active life style. It can be 6 or 4 prongs, sometimes 5 for heart shaped gems and 8 for emerald shaped or even 3 for trillions. Whatever the style, it is more important to have weight and strength as the keys to proper settings. Six prong heads are much more secure than 4 prong heads. Full bezel set mountings are much more secure than half bezel settings. Also at RMJ, we set all stones, 1 carat and above in platinum heads for additional strength and wear ability. In addition, the setting must have the diamond set so that it is evenly centered in each prong, with much needed shoulder support, and it must be set level. This is basic for all talented gem setters. True craftsmanship is the key to wearability.
Q – What is the most popular size and cut of Diamonds for an engagement ring?
A - In Europe the quarter carat is the most popular size because they are extremely cautious to make sure the gem has good color and clarity. In the USA however, it is the half carat that seems to be the most popular. Americans tend to care more about size (carat weight) than clarity and color. The round cut modern brilliant cut is the most popular of all diamond cuts.
See many more Question and answers in our FAQ section (in this site), as well as the history of the “Royal Gem.”
We invite you to stop in and visit the Ralph Miller Jewelers & Gallery large selection of diamonds. Click on our “Diamond Vault,” for daily updates of diamonds in stock and available for viewing. Select from over 2000 diamonds, by cut, carat weight, color or clarity. Let us help you select those attendant gifts, as well as suggestions for giving that perfect remembrance to that special newly wedded couple.