Breathtaking Beauty of Memorial Diamond Rings
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People are continuously thinking of creative ways to commemorate the lives of departed loved ones. There are bizarre ways such as mixing the cremains of your loved ones with tattoo ink or turning the ashes into a fireworks display, while there are families who prefer traditional ways such as burying the ashes or keeping it in a memorial urn.
However, one emerging way of honoring our departed loved ones is through having their ashes transformed into memorial rings. This gives people the option to have their loved ones close whenever they please.
WHAT ARE RINGS?
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Rings are a type of jewellery often worn on the fingers (although some are worn on toes). These objects are characterized by a round band and can be made from a variety of materials. There are also different types of designs, ranging from the most elaborate with a number of gemstones to the simplest with only a small piece of gemstone or barely any decorative design at all.
Rings are worn for many reasons, and can be traced back to the ancient times. Let us take a look at the origin of rings.
HISTORY OF RINGS
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The earliest finger rings were found in Ur, a Sumerian city-state. These rings date back to approximately 2500 BC. The Hittites, comprised mainly of people from ancient Anatolia, also produced rings such as signet rings. Egyptians often wore different types of rings, but the most popular are the ones with scarab designs. As time went on, they made rings from various materials especially metal, but some were made from Egyptian faience, a type of ceramic which improves the luster of colours.
The ring designs of anachronistic Greeks were inspired by Egyptian designs although they tend to use silver and bronze since gold is not widely available in the area. Their rings were made of simpler designs, but engraving options became available during the Greek classical period.
The rise of Roman rings started from 100 AD to 200 AD. Their rings are often made of thick bands with wide bezel settings. Oval gemstones are often set on these Roman rings. They are called Henig II and III/Guiraud 2 in academic circles, but can be simply referred to as Roman rings. During 300 AD up to 400 AD, Roman ring designs became more complex and decorative.
Multiple rings on each hand were more common during the late middle ages in Europe. They are mostly made from silver, gold, and copper-based alloys. After the year 1150, gemstones in rings became fashionable since they also believe that there are certain stones that can protect the wearer. Devotional and romantic inscriptions were included as well, with Gothic designs becoming more prominent in the 1350s.
Signet rings were popular during the 13th century onwards, because more people used documents that required formal seals.
HISTORY OF MEMORIAL RINGS
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Memorial rings are just one of the many types of memorial jewellery. These were also called mourning rings and include remains from a deceased loved one. These memorial rings or mourning rings can hold cremated human ashes, and hair, to something morbid such as teeth, blood, nails, or even skin. Memorial rings or mourning rings were done during the 1600s but are mostly associated with Queen Victoria.
This mourning ring from Erie Basin’s blog was estimated to be made during the late 1700s. Collectors say that the ship symbolizes the passage to the afterlife, and that the anchor signifies hope for the bereaved family members. The design of this mourning ring is elaborate because the golden parts of the ship are made of the deceased’s hair.
This design is not common because weeping willows and memorial urns are often seen in mourning jewellery like keepsake rings. However, it takes a lot of effort to make this kind of mourning ring concerning its small size. This shows how much bereaved family members are willing to go through just to show that they will always remember their departed loved one. They want to make their keepsake rings more beautiful.
This special mourning diamond ring is from Erica Weiner’s collection. She said in an interview with Gizmodo that it was rare to find diamonds in memorial jewellery or mourning jewellery. This is also a way of showing that the deceased person was wealthy or powerful. The type of mourning jewellery or memorial jewellery may divide people from affluent families to those who are less fortunate.
SYMBOLISM OF RINGS ON EACH FINGER
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We have five fingers per hand – the thumb, pointer finger, middle finger, ring finger, and the pinky. Little do most people know that there are certain meanings depending on which finger you put your ring in.
Thumb – This finger is closely linked to aggressiveness. Wearing a ring on the left thumb (passive hand) may mean conflict while wearing a ring on the right thumb (active hand) will show ambitious hesitation.
Pointer finger – This finger is associated with leadership and authority. Wearing a ring on the active hand of a pointer finger means active leadership skills, confidence, and assertion. On the other hand, wearing a ring on the passive hand of a pointer finger means that you are accepting of the leadership of other people.
Middle finger – It is quite rare to see people wearing rings on their middle fingers. You can make your own meaning when you decide to wear a ring on your middle finger.
Ring finger – This finger is closely related to love, relationships, and creativity. Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the left hand of the ring finger because of the belief that this finger is connected to a vein directly linked to the heart. This is called the vena amoris or the vein of love.
Pinky – This finger is associated with communication, intuition, and intelligence. This can mean that the person is a good negotiator. Wearing a ring on the right hand is related to professional status. Most people also wear their signet rings on the pinky finger.
TYPES OF RING SETTINGS
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Prong setting
Halo setting
Pave setting
Bezel setting
Tension setting
PRONG SETTING
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This is the most common design in diamond rings. Another term for the prong setting is the claw setting and is known for its minimalist characteristics. This has three or more prongs/claws that are bent over to keep the diamond in place. The prong setting for a diamond ring allows more light to shine through, and will result to improved brilliance.
The prong setting does not take up so much space, so this is a nice way to show of your diamond since more of it is visible. They are also quicker to create compared to other types of settings, which make them cheaper. Diamond rings in the prong setting are also easier to clean.However, the prong setting is more prone to scratches because a larger portion of the diamond is visible. Prong settings with longer claws are more easily bent than shorter claws.
HALO SETTING
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Diamond rings in the halo setting often grab attention because it is made up of a central diamond with smaller gemstones surrounding it. The halo setting gives the illusion that the diamond is bigger than it actually is. This flashy ring setting will make your diamonds sparkle even more.
The halo setting started in the 1920s during the Art Deco era. Most of the time, the central diamond and the smaller gemstones that encircle it are of the same colour. However, there are modern designs wherein the colour of the central diamond is different from the colour of the smaller gemstones. Some may go for colourless diamonds while others prefer more vibrant colours.
PAVE SETTING
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The pave setting for rings is when there are a collection of gemstones set closely together. There are small beads in the setting’s metal that keeps the gemstones separated and held in place. The continual surface of gemstones looks as if there are little to no spaces in between each gemstone.
This is the preferred setting if you would like your diamond ring to have a vintage touch. Pave settings are not prone to damage compared to prong settings since their prongs are smaller and not easily bent. Diamond rings with a good pave setting have smooth surfaces, no overlapping gemstones, and no chipped or loose stones.
BEZEL SETTING
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The bezel setting for diamond rings is most suitable for people with active lifestyles because of the snug fit. In this case, the metal rim will completely surround the diamond and extends slightly above it. The rim will mirror the shape of the diamond. The protective rim in the bezel setting ensures that the diamond is kept in place. The diamond ring also becomes less prone to scratches, dislodgement, or other damages.
Apart from the protection the metal rim brings to the diamond ring, another advantage of the bezel setting in a ring is that the chip in gemstones can be hidden or covered more easily.
TENSION SETTING
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The tension setting for diamond rings is one of the more modern-looking designs in the selection of ring settings. This design gives the illusion of a floating diamond because the diamond is held in place through the compression of the metal band instead of prongs or bezels. There are tiny grooves included in the metal band so that the diamond will be held more securely.
The tension setting allows for more viewing angles and sparkle. Since there is no metal present underneath the diamond, it can be cleaned more easily.However, diamond rings in the tension setting are more prone to dirt and scratches since a larger part of the diamond is exposed. This may result to dull-looking diamond rings. There is also the risk of the diamond being dislodged when subjected to high impact.
DIAMOND RING CARE
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Have your diamond ring insured.
Keep your diamond ring clean and avoid using harsh chemicals.
Don’t remove your diamond ring in public.
Avoid subjecting your diamond ring to wear and tear.
Take your diamond ring off sometimes.
Make maintenance appointments.
Keep your diamond ring in a safe place.
Have your diamond ring insured.
Insurance is important because this brings security in case your diamond ring gets lost, damaged, or stolen. Having your diamond ring appraised properly every five years will be beneficial as well since the value of these gemstones and metals increase. Make sure to look for an insurance company that offer more benefits so that you make the most out of your diamond ring’s value.
Keep your diamond ring clean and avoid using harsh chemicals.
Regularly cleaning your diamond ring is a great way to maintain its sparkle. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has some tips on how to clean your diamond rings properly.
Clean your diamond ring by soaking it in water mixed with a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid once or twice a week. After removing your diamond ring from the solution, use a soft, clean toothbrush (reserved for the cleaning of jewellery) to remove remaining dirt.
Be gentle when cleaning your diamond rings, especially the antique ones. Avoid vigorously scrubbing the diamond ring with a toothbrush to avoid being prone to damage. Use water and a soft cloth when rinsing your diamond ring.
Avoid using harmful solutions such as chlorine bleach and abrasives. These harsh chemicals will damage and scratch certain metals and may even make your diamond rings look dull.
Be cautious in using ultrasonic cleaners for your diamond rings. This cleaner is capable of removing encrusted dirt on diamonds, but this ca also shake loose stones in your diamond rings. Consult with a jewellery expert to determine whether your diamond ring has to be repaired first before cleaning it. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners if your diamond ring has been treated with fracture filling.
Don’t remove your diamond ring in public.
You may be inclined to remove your diamond ring when you are washing your hands in a public restroom, but avoid this as much as possible. Chances are you might leave your diamond ring near the sink (and may be stolen by someone else) or drop it down the drain.
Avoid subjecting your diamond ring to wear and tear.
Even though diamonds are known as the hardest material on Earth (with a perfect score of ten in the Mohs scale of hardness), it is best to take proper care of them. There is still the possibility of chipping diamonds if you are not careful.
Take your diamond ring off sometimes.
Doing certain activities such as cleaning the house, washing the dishes, carrying heavy objects, or exercising will put stress on your ring. This will stretch the band and loosen the jewellery setting of your diamond ring. Take it off from time to time to keep it in good condition.
Make maintenance appointments.
This is important to determine whether the diamond is loose or not, if the settings are still in place, and if there are scratches which may affect the brilliance of the diamond and quality of the ring band. These maintenance appointments will help your diamond rings last longer.
Keep your diamond ring in a safe place.
Clean, dry places are the best when storing diamond rings. Examples would be fabric-lined jewellery cases and a jewellery box with compartments so that the jewels will be prevented from scratching each other.
EVERDEAR & CO. MAKES DIAMOND RINGS FROM MEMORIAL ASHES.
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There are pieces of mourning jewellery with primitive designs, while some are more artistic in nature. Technological advancements in the modern times have allowed us to think of new ideas when it comes to memorializing our departed loved ones.
EverDear & Co. is a company in the USA known for making diamonds out of memorial ashes. We are able to do this by extracting carbon from the cremains of your loved ones (ashes and hair) and by simulating the environment in which natural diamonds are created. In this way, your memorial diamonds are unique because each person has a different chemical composition. No two people have exactly the same chemical composition (even twins).
THE COLOURS OF EVERDEAR & CO.’S MEMORIAL DIAMOND RINGS
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We can manipulate the colour of your memorial diamonds in three types: yellow, blue, or colourless. This will depend on the chemicals present in your loved one’s cremains. Yellow is the most common colour for our memorial diamonds but it can be purified of nitrogen to produce blue diamonds from cremated ashes. Still, it can be purified further which will result to our colourless diamonds made of cremated ashes.
THE CARAT WEIGHT OF EVERDEAR & CO.’S MEMORIAL DIAMOND RINGS
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The carat weight is a unit of measurement that determines the weight of gemstones. The larger the carat weight, the more valuable the gemstone is. Our memorial diamonds from ashes have a carat weight range of 0.03 carats up to 0.69 carats. EverDear & Co. has more information on carat weight with the corresponding memorial diamond price offerings.
THE ROUND CUT FOR EVERDEAR & CO.’S MEMORIAL DIAMOND RINGS
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Our experts aim to bring out the best facets of our memorial diamonds from ashes, and this is most possible through the round cut. This type of cut for our diamonds from cremated ashes has 58 facets and is capable of reflecting the most light. As a result, your memorial diamond possesses brilliance and fire.
THE CLARITY OF EVERDEAR & CO.’S MEMORIAL DIAMOND RINGS
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Most of our diamonds from memorial ashes have a grade of VS (Very Slightly Included) and VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) in the diamond grading scale. This means that EverDear & Co.’s memorial diamonds only have small inclusions or blemishes. These inclusions can only be viewed through magnification.
To assure you that our memorial diamonds from ashes are real, EverDear & Co. issues a certificate of authenticity to ensure the following:
The source of carbon for the memorial diamond
The 4Cs grading of our memorial diamonds (colour, carat weight, cut, clarity)
The setting material
TURN MEMORIAL ASHES INTO RINGS.
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Once these memorial diamonds are made, you have the choice to either have it loose or mount it on our pieces of memorial jewellery. We have memorial bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, but memorial jewellery rings are the most in demand.
EverDear & Co.’s memorial rings from ashes are made of high-quality materials to ensure their resilience. All of our memorial rings made from ashes are either made of platinum or gold. We have several designs for our memorial jewellery rings you can choose from for a personalized finish.
EVERDEAR & CO.’S CREMATED ASH RINGS WILL HELP YOU KEEP YOUR LOVED ONES CLOSE.
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Rings are often associated with eternal love because of their round bands. When turning your loved one’s ashes into memorial rings, you get to show how much that person means to you.
Our memorial rings made from ashes are not prone to breakage unlike other forms of memorial to your loved ones. The presence of the memorial diamond made from your loved one’s remains ensures you that this beautiful token will last forever. EverDear & Co. has included information on the different types of jewellery settings which can be applied to your own memorial rings from ashes. Following the tips we have discussed on how to care for diamond rings will make your diamond ring from memorial ashes maintain its brilliance and sparkle.
Memorial rings can be worn on any occasion, just like any other type of jewellery. The choice is up to you.
The first step in turning your loved one’s ashes into beautiful memorial diamonds that can be mounted onto memorial rings is to contact us for more information. We will help you in making the best decisions so that your memorial diamond rings will truly remind you of your departed loved one.
