Tension Set Engagement Rings

Many people’s first reaction to seeing a tension set engagement ring for the first time is, “How does it stay like that?” It’s as mystifying as it is breathtaking – no prongs, no overlapping edges of a bezel setting, no…nothing! The diamond just seems to float. It doesn’t seem possible that a mounting whose job is to beautifully suspend a stone in the air could be secure, but rest assured that it’s as stable as any other mounting – as long as it’s created by an expert jeweler who specializes in tension settings.

These enchantingly different rings debuted in the 1960s, but tension set rings began their rise to fame in the 1990s when improved technology gave jewelers new metal alloys that made the settings stronger. They’re so strong, in fact, that only the hardest gems can be mounted in a tension set ring: diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to name a few.

If you’re looking for a delicate, thin engagement ring, the tension set isn’t for you. The reason? Since the ring itself is what holds the stone in place – kind of like a wound spring – it can’t be made of flimsy metal. High-quality tension set rings typically have twice or three times the metal of other rings, and that makes them strong, heavy, and tough enough to stand up to everyday wear and tear – all while perfectly showing off the diamond.

One of the biggest benefits of a tension set ring is the clear view you have of the stone. There’s no metal underneath or on top of the gem, which gives you unobstructed access to the entire stone. It also allows light to enter the stone from all angles, creating the kind of sparkle that’s hard to find in other settings.

So if a unique, dazzling ring that will draw “oohs” and “aahs” from complete strangers sounds like your kind of engagement ring, take a good look at tension set options.

High-End Body Jewelry

Style and Substance

It’s hard to believe that within the past two decades, acceptable body piercing sites have migrated from the ears (just one piercing, though; any more was considered weird) to nearly every body part imaginable. Nose and eyebrow piercings are popping up in white collar offices, while belly piercings are no longer considered risque, but sexy and even elegant.

With the rise in acceptability of piercings has come a correlating rise in the number of companies offering body jewelry; when you factor in online sites as well, the choice can be a bit overwhelming. Some people make the mistake of purchasing jewelry at the lowest price possible. A belly ring for $3? Who can resist?! In general, you should. Think about it: by definition, body jewelry is inserted into your body, coming into contact not only with the top layer of your skin, but with internal tissues as well. Why in the world would you want anything other than the highest quality materials you can find?

Not that low-cost body jewelry is harmful in every case, but companies simply can’t offer nickel-free gold and platinum – metals commonly accepted as best for body jewelry – for $3. Some metals, such as sterling silver, sound great, but they can actually irritate and/or permanently discolor your skin.

And when it comes to the gems in your body jewelry, cubic zirconias are certainly a bargain, but if you talk to someone who owns a lot of body jewelry, you’ll hear a couple of common complaints: the piece looks bad after a few months (or weeks) and that CZs tend to fall out. With high-end body jewelry, like the pieces presented by the professionals at alluringbody.com, only genuine diamonds and gemstones are used to create jewelry that not only lasts for years (and is guaranteed for life), but sparkles the way only real stones can. You’ll know that the “good stuff” was the right choice when you – and everyone around you – can’t stop staring at it.

The best part is that high-end sites like alluringbody.com have an incredible selection, so whatever your style or mood – classic, funky, sensual, or anywhere in between – you’ll find a top-quality body jewelry design to match it.