Engagement Ring Subject Index

1. White Gold vs. Yellow Gold
2. White Gold vs. Platinum
3. Gold Karat Ratings
4. Maintaining Your Engagement Ring
5. Professional Jewelry Maintenance
6. Keeping Diamonds Secure In A Ring Setting
7. Custom-Produced vs. Stock Diamond Settings
8. Tension Set Engagement Ring Styles
9. Fancy Cut (Non-Round) Diamond Shapes
10. Bridal Set Ring Styles And Jewelry Options
11. Choosing A Ring For An Heirloom Diamond
12. The 4 C's: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight

All engagement rings will require maintenance periodically, though there is a slight difference between gold and platinum rings.

Periodic Maintenance: Gold vs. platinum

Gold engagement rings, whether white gold or yellow, have to be polished every 1-1.5 years. White gold will also need to be replated with rhodium. Platinum engagement rings will scratch and tarnish slightly over time, and so they need to be polished every 1.5-2 years.

Do It Yourself: Make sure your diamonds are secure in their setting

1. Using a toothpick, gently push on each diamond in the ring to make sure there is no movement.
2. Hold the ring in your hand and gently shake it right next to your ear. It should not produce any noise.

If the diamonds in your ring are loose, or make a clicking noise when shaken, your setting needs immediate attention and should be tightened by a jeweler.