This week The Citizen will spotlight members of Cayuga County who help make residents' weddings a success. Today we feature jeweler Al Edmunds.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A. Seeing people happy with their jewelry.

Q. What is the most challenging part of your job?

A. There are always challenges with whatever you do.

Q. What do you like most about living and working in the Finger Lakes region?

A. The great countryside and the communities.

Q. What is the best advice you can give to a man looking for an engagement ring?

A. The diamond should be D to F in color or colorless for the best sparkle, and a well-cut stone for the best brilliance.

Q. What is the best way for a man to measure a women's finger size without her knowledge?

A. Stop with her at a jewelry store and look at men's rings. Get your finger sized and get her to see what her finger size is too.

Q. What are the four Cs of a diamond?

A. Cut, carat, clarity and color.

Q. Is it bad to put a ring in food or a glass of champagne when popping the question?

A. Yes. Why get the ring dirty or sticky?

Q. What do you think is the key to a long-lasting marriage?

A. Talking and understanding each other while doing things together.

Q. What is the most unusual request you've heard for an engagement or wedding ring?

A. A fairy holding a diamond. I made it for one man, and it was unique and attractive.

Q. How important is the right engagement ring to a marriage?

A. Most women treasure their engagement ring for years to come. Try to pick a style ring they like to wear from plain and simple to multi-stone rings, if that's what they like to wear. Look through jewelry advertisements to see what draws their attention or when you're in a store, see what ring style she likes.

Al Edmunds

Age: 48

Hometown: Auburn

Education: Auburn High School

Occupation: Goldsmith and jeweler, Edmunds Jewelry, 104 Main St., Elbridge

Hobbies: Photography, fireworks displays, camping and fishing