While we all will have times where we need to remove our ring to keep it from being damaged, some of us have experiences like that at a far higher rate. And none of us are perfect. There are climbers who keep their rings on all the time, surfers who trust their band enough to risk losing it in the ocean forever, and countless other daring souls who either simply don’t think to take it off or weigh the risk and decide not to be worried.
Truth be told, several jewelers do a very poor job of setting the diamond and many don’t even bother to inquire about you as a person at all. While we take great care of our customers and make sure their rings are exactly what they need, we realize that not every consumer can choose us, so below we’ve gathered some tips to make sure you get a ring that can bear the brunt of your lifestyle:
Bezel Settings Are Your Friend
Bezel Settings are where the metal rim is elevated over the gemstone and “wraps” itself around the gemstone or diamond. Essentially, for the gemstone to get out the setting itself would have to bend or warp, which is unlikely if you go through the right jeweler, though it can happen under extreme circumstances (yes, climbers, we’re looking at you).
While this covers more of the gemstone, the safety outweighs the downsides for many people which is why this is a fairly popular setting.
How Low Can You Go?
At our core we all love flashy rings. Large diamonds, gemstones that pop off the finger, dazzling reflections and sparkling brilliance. If you’re wedging your fingers into a mountainside repeatedly or diving for shots on a racquetball court (some people take racquetball very seriously), then you might not want a giant diamond attached to your finger.
There are plenty of gemstones that can be made to look beautiful but stay closer to the finger, preventing any catching of the ring of scratching of the stone itself. Some of the top designers in the world have made flat, emerald rings that look as magnificent as any ring you’ve ever seen, which brings us to our final point.
Small or Different Gemstones
We hate picking on mountain climbers so much, but there are few realistic activities that are as dangerous to have a ring on during as climbing a rocky mountain. However, if you love rock climbing, cross fit, or other extreme sports then you can still get the diamond or gemstone of your dreams. You just need to remember to take it off during these activities. Talk to your jeweler about what activities you should and shouldn’t do with it on. In general, just have common sense in mind and realize that even the most well-made rings will get scratched and can bend if not taken care of properly.
For those that like to keep it on, however, losing a large diamond during a climb can certainly kill the mood fast as well, which is why diamonds aren’t the only option. Many people have made engagement rings and wedding rings from rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Believe it or not, some people choose to make engagement rings out of Onyx, though we wouldn’t recommend that because Onyx chips very easily.
While a pitch black gemstone may be too different, you shouldn’t be afraid to stray from the norm if your ring will go through some expected turmoil. Of course, we’re here to help you decide and guide you to the best choice. Drop us a line or call us at (303) 385-8449 to schedule a free consultation!