Since about the 13th century, diamond rings have been the gift of choice when a man seeks a lady's hand in marriage. The first recorded proposal accompanied by a diamond ring was in Vienna in 1477 when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria announced his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy.
While diamond rings remain popular for many of today's couples, diamonds are not exclusively used in wedding jewelry. Diamonds - available in a host of rich colors - are popular in fashion rings, men's rings, cocktail rings and bands. You no longer have to be engaged to enjoy a beautiful diamond on your finger.
Cocktail rings
Wear a cocktail styled diamond ring when you want to be seen. Nothing catches people's eye quicker than a multi-stone diamond ring - especially if that ring has at least a couple different colors of diamonds. Start with the 1.00ct black and white diamond zebra band ring set in polished rhodium-plated sterling silver. It features 30 round cut, 2.1mm black diamonds and 70 round cut 2.7 to 2.5mm white diamonds, all in pave settings. The result is an elegant zebra pattern created from diamonds. The total weight includes 0.63ct of white diamonds and 0.37 ct of black diamonds, for a total of 1.00 ct.
For a cool variation on this theme, check out Mocha Diamond Weave Band set in sterling silver with rhodium plating. It has almost a basket weave effect, created by 38 round cut, 1.3mm mocha diamonds set in prongs. The total approximate diamond weight is 0.37ct. The ring itself is almost an inch wide.
Fashion rings
Fashion rings can be every bit as valuable, beautiful and intricate as cocktail rings - sometimes, even more so. But what sets a fashion ring apart from others is its unique design. Sometimes the ring is a sculptured shape, a flower or even a creature. While they are not all whimsical, some fashion rings can be. But there is nothing whimsical about the precious metals and colorful diamonds used to create them.
Start with a sculptured ring set in black diamonds, yellow sapphires and red sapphires - all set in 14K yellow gold. Each color of diamonds forms a petal that overlaps the other two petals. One petal is black diamonds, the second is yellow sapphires and the third is red sapphires. Black rhodium plating adds to the contrast look. The total diamond weight is 0.65ct; total sapphire weight is 2.85ct.
For a more whimsical ring, try the green and red diamond frog ring set in polished rhodium plated sterling silver - complete with black rhodium accents. While some people would never wear a frog ring, there are others who would find this a fun, yet precious, piece of jewelry. The little frog is studded with 113 round single cut 0.9-1.1mm green diamonds in pave settings. His eyes are two round single cut 1.3mm red diamonds in bezel settings. The total diamond weight is approximately 0.65ct.
Bands
A stacker ring is a great way to enjoy a diamond band. This sterling silver band comes with 0.15ctw of colored diamonds. Wear it alone or in combination with other bands. That's why it's called a stacker ring. The diamonds are available in blue, cognac, white, mocha and yellow. Assign a color to each of the children and wear it like a mother's ring. Or pair one with your traditional wedding band to bring some color and sparkle to your hand. Each band, crafted of polished rhodium-plated sterling silver, holds nine round single-cut 1.5mm blue, white, yellow or mocha diamonds. The diamonds are in pave settings to help ensure the ring won't catch on clothing.
Men's rings
You will find a wonderful use of colored diamonds in rings for today's man, such as the square faced ring topped with black and white diamonds. Set in polished rhodium plated sterling silver, this is a manly ring that shows strength and balance. It features a round, full cut 3.3mm black diamond in the bottom left of the square. An angle of 12 round, single cut 1mm white diamonds surround the big stone and two more rows of round, single cut 1mm black diamonds are at the top of the ring's face. All diamonds are in prong settings. The total diamond weight is about 0.70ct. The ring measures ½-inch long by ¾-inch wide and 3/16-inch high.
Another manly ring, created in black and white diamonds and onyx, has an altogether different shape. The backdrop of the face is an octagon, lined with 18 round cut 1.35mm white diamonds. Atop that face is a six-sided plate set with 12 round cut 1.70 mm black diamonds. At the center of this face is one round cut, 3.50mm black diamond. Two pieces of onyx accent the side of the ring.
Care
Remember to treat your gemstones carefully. Periodically take your jewelry to a jeweler who can clean it properly, while also checking to ensure all stones are secure.
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