While summer is generally considered “wedding season”, the fact is that autumn actually presents much friendlier conditions, especially for outdoor affairs.  Temperatures are generally milder.  Chances of rain are generally less.  And who in the world can argue the appeal of the natural backdrop of the magnificent autumn colors for wedding photos?  With all that in mind, autumn seems like a pretty ideal time to pop that big question you’ve been pondering for a while now, doesn’t it?  That gives you plenty of time to plan your fall wedding this time next year, but first… the engagement ring! [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="387"] It All Begins with a Perfect Solitaire[/caption] Classic diamond solitaire engagement rings are a time-honored trend in wedding jewelry, and chances are she’s been dreaming of that perfect engagement ring (and this moment) all her life.  But today’s modern brides are looking for more than just a diamond.  Today’s brides want elements of personal style and a customized quality that sets their wedding jewelry apart from all the other brides out there.  No pressure there, right?  Fortunately, with a little creativity and the help of an expert jeweler, creating an engagement ring she’s sure to “fall” for is not only easier and more affordable than you’re probably thinking, but an enjoyable experience, as well. Creating a custom engagement ring starts with selecting the center stone.  Diamond solitaires are still the most traditional choice, but colored gemstones are growing in popularity among modern brides, as well.  It’s important to note that, contrary to popular belief, bigger isn’t always better in this category.  It’s wiser to invest in quality over quantity (of carats) in selecting the best solitaire for your budget. The next step in creating a custom engagement ring is to select the setting.  Your jeweler can guide you toward the best ring settings to most effectively showcase your chosen solitaire, highlighting the stone’s natural brilliance and, in some cases, even making it appear bigger – especially if you’ve invested in a higher quality diamond or gemstone. Finally, select the accents.  This is the part where the real customization of your engagement ring happens.  You can add her favorite color with gemstone accents.  Similarly, if you’ve chosen a colored gemstone as the center stone, diamond accents will set it off brilliantly.  Ring wraps are also a great way to add custom style to solitaire engagement rings. Sure, there are plenty of “off-the-rack” engagement rings out there, but doesn’t your one-of-a-kind love deserve a one-of-a-kind ring? She thinks so, too. Save