Let's face it - when a man walks into a jewelry store to purchase an engagement ring, beads of sweat may form on his forehead within minutes. Most men can become easily overwhelmed if they have not been regularly peppered with engagement ring styles, diamond cuts, and favorite designs from their fiancée.
Here are some shopping tips for any guy looking to make the perfect engagement ring purchase sometime in the near future:
Listen Up
Almost all women will drop hints at some point on what type of engagement ring they want to wear on their perfect day, as well as the rest of their lives. Some hints are subtle and some are as obvious as the tattoo on Mike Tyson's face. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open when the hints start dropping. If you pay attention to your significant other at all, you'll know a hint when you see one.
Learn about Color, Cuts & Clarity
There are many different parts to a diamond engagement ring that determines its value and price. The diamond might look sparkly and beautiful, but until you completely understand the mechanics behind a diamond you can't be too sure what you're really getting. Let's talk about the famous four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat. Color is based on a specific grading system, which starts at D, which are clear, colorless stones, and goes all the way to Z, light yellow or brown stones. Diamond clarity is graded similarly to identify any blemishes and imperfections - the less inclusions are in a diamond, the rarer and more expensive it is. Grading ranges from flawless to included (I3).
There are many beautifully cut diamond shapes, from marquis to emerald to round to princess to cushion - this decision can be difficult. Try to sneak a peek into your loved one's jewelry box. Is there a theme? This is another time when hints will come in handy. Additionally, some cuts by their nature (round, cushion) will cast a more sparkly glow.
Carat is simply the weight of your diamond. Of course the bigger you go, the more expensive the stone will get. However, remember that a smaller stone of great brilliance, clarity, color, and a finer cut will be more expensive than a larger diamond of less quality. Your jeweler will be able to show you any paperwork for the particular diamond you're shopping. If the shop refuses to, or doesn't know their diamonds' specs, shop elsewhere.
Many Metals
Don't forget to consider which precious metal you want securely holding that diamond. You can choose from yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, or even palladium, if you can find it. Platinum is the rarest, most expensive metal of the group, but you really do get what you pay for. When platinum scratches, it's simply displaced, not worn down or lost, like some other metals. It also feels nice and heavy. Palladium is in the platinum family of metals, but it's not as rare, and is a lot less dense of a metal, so it's lighter. It's a good metal if you like the look of white gold but don't like the price of platinum. White gold is very popular in engagement rings lately, but yellow gold is classic, and is making a strong comeback. Rose gold is more of an acquired taste, but as with everything, the metal you choose will depend on your fiancée's personal taste. Does she wear gold- or silver-tone jewelry more often? This should be obvious; if it's not, just ask.
Shop Around, Stay Organized
Don't run out and get the little blue box that's marketed so well, because all you will be doing is paying for a brand name. Take your time and make your rounds between your nearby jewelry stores so you can accurately compare diamonds. Map out a group of online and offline stores you want to visit and keep tabs on what you find. Most guys find it easier to compare prices online before making a purchase, whether it's from a brick and mortar store or an online jeweler. Keep a notebook or spreadsheet of all the pricing and technical specs of the engagement rings you like.
Get Online
There are a tremendous amount of websites, images, and charts to help you learn exactly what you need in order to purchase the right engagement ring. Some websites even allow you to build your perfect engagement ring and see what it looks like immediately.
Customize Your Own
If you have exhausted all your local jewelry stores, you might want to explore customizing a ring online. A customized engagement ring could allow you to get exactly what you want without having to guess. If you have a design or gemstone in mind, you can save lots of time by creating it online, then simply sit back and wait until it arrives in the mail. Reputable online companies will give you easy returns if you're not happy or if the ring wasn't what you were expecting.
Shopping around for an engagement ring doesn't have to be an immensely complicated process. With a little patience and planning, you'll find the perfect ring for your future wife with ease.
About the author: Eva Viane works at the extraordinary, customized jeweler Gemvara, located in Boston, MA. Gemvara offers high-end, fully customizable jewelry hand-crafted by some of the world's most talented jewelry designers. Each piece is customized to the client's choice of gems and metals. The stone and band possibilities are simply endless. For more information please visit our website.
Wedding Blog, Ideas, News for the Bride & Groom
Showing posts with label Jewelry Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jewelry Blog. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tips For Buying Your Wedding Rings
As Valentine's Day approaches, please keep these top 5 tips in mind...
1. Get the timing right.
You might have a year or more to buy your rings, depending on how long your engagement is. If you are buying a gold or platinum ring - and most couples do - then remember that the price of these rings can change quite a lot over the course of several months. This is because the price of gold and platinum rings is affected by the world markets in precious metals, and these markets have been particularly volatile lately. If you've got the time to do a bit of research, you can avoid buying at peak prices and save yourself some cash.
2. Know your carats.
Most gold jewellery comes in two types: 18 carat and 9 carat. 18 carat gold has a purity of 75%. 9 carat gold has a purity of only 38%, which makes it a lot cheaper. Most people prefer 18 carat for a wedding ring. Platinum does not come in different carats - any genuine platinum jewellery is almost completely pure. This is one of the reasons why platinum is more expensive than any type of gold.
3. Know your ring style.
Rings can be curved or flat on the inside. The shape of the inside affects the comfort of the ring. If you are not used to wearing rings, you will probably find that a ring which is curved on the inside is more comfortable than one which is flat. Rings can also be curved or flat on the outside. The shape of the outside affects the look of the ring. For a classic look, go for a ring which is curved on the outside. Rings which are flat on the outside look more modern.
4. Check your ring size.
Ring sizes are on a scale from A (smallest) to Z (largest). Larger rings cost more. Some jewellers have a different price for every size, whereas other jewellers have a price for men's sizes (bigger) and a price for women's sizes (smaller). If you are just looking for a plain band, remember that men with small enough fingers can sometimes fit a woman's size. This is often exactly the same style as the man's size ring, but cheaper.
5. Be prepared to haggle.
Some jewellers are prepared to haggle, especially if you are buying the bride's and groom's rings together. It never hurts to ask. If you're uncomfortable with this, start with a standard: "Can you give us a discount for two?" or "Is that the best price you can do?". You will soon know if the jeweller is prepared to play ball.
Submitted by Benjamin Parker, www.groompower.com
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The Valuable Stone
Diamonds are forever - so was stated by James Bond and accepted as truth by all women the world over. Mining for diamonds traces its roots to 800 B.C. in India. Smart mine owners of yesterday spread a myth that diamonds are poisonous; this prevented theft by miners through swallowing diamonds and taking them out of the mine. Initially, diamonds were seen as a talisman to ward off evil and also as a good luck charm.
The formation of a diamond, a transparent form of pure carbon, takes billions of years and takes place under great heat and pressure well below sea level. In fact, each diamond is around three billion years old. Because diamonds crystallize at such high pressures, they are created deep within the earth, up to 200 kilometers.
They come to the surface of the earth along with the hot magna shot out by volcanoes. The oldest part of the continent is the place where they are generally found. Diamonds may as well be found in areas where Red Garnets are found. This is because the Garnet also goes through a similar process to be formed.
Diamonds originate from other places too. Plate tectonics cause collisions between continents that bring pieces of earth's crust up to the surface and, as a result, diamonds. Also, meteor impacts create great pressure and diamonds. Diamonds are strong and unbreakable, the hardest mineral around, hence their name which derives from the Greek: "unconquerable".
A beautiful one-carat diamond comes from 250 tons of ore that has been mined and processed. Today, around 25 countries supply the world with diamonds, with the majority coming from Africa, Russia, Australia, and Canada. South Africa is a great source of luxury diamonds.
Mining for Diamonds
Diamonds may be found in different places and different forms. Some of the likely places where diamonds may be found are:
- Along traces of dried ancient waterways and present rivers (dry diggings)
- In sand and gravel (wet digging)
- Beach and marine deposits
- Open pit mining
Diamonds are extensively used in all walks of life and industry. While about 20 percent of mined diamonds are used in jewelry, the rest are used in the industry. Some industrial uses are as drill bits and cutting tools, in machinery, mineral services, stone and ceramic products, abrasives, construction, and transportation equipment. The diamond is truly a possession that lasts forever.
Submitted by Mandes Dosdia, www.reeds.com
The formation of a diamond, a transparent form of pure carbon, takes billions of years and takes place under great heat and pressure well below sea level. In fact, each diamond is around three billion years old. Because diamonds crystallize at such high pressures, they are created deep within the earth, up to 200 kilometers.
They come to the surface of the earth along with the hot magna shot out by volcanoes. The oldest part of the continent is the place where they are generally found. Diamonds may as well be found in areas where Red Garnets are found. This is because the Garnet also goes through a similar process to be formed.
Diamonds originate from other places too. Plate tectonics cause collisions between continents that bring pieces of earth's crust up to the surface and, as a result, diamonds. Also, meteor impacts create great pressure and diamonds. Diamonds are strong and unbreakable, the hardest mineral around, hence their name which derives from the Greek: "unconquerable".
A beautiful one-carat diamond comes from 250 tons of ore that has been mined and processed. Today, around 25 countries supply the world with diamonds, with the majority coming from Africa, Russia, Australia, and Canada. South Africa is a great source of luxury diamonds.
Mining for Diamonds
Diamonds may be found in different places and different forms. Some of the likely places where diamonds may be found are:
- Along traces of dried ancient waterways and present rivers (dry diggings)
- In sand and gravel (wet digging)
- Beach and marine deposits
- Open pit mining
Diamonds are extensively used in all walks of life and industry. While about 20 percent of mined diamonds are used in jewelry, the rest are used in the industry. Some industrial uses are as drill bits and cutting tools, in machinery, mineral services, stone and ceramic products, abrasives, construction, and transportation equipment. The diamond is truly a possession that lasts forever.
Submitted by Mandes Dosdia, www.reeds.com
Monday, December 27, 2010
8 Tips For Finding Cheap Wedding Jewelry
If you are like most brides you have unplanned wedding expenses and must somehow reduce the budget. Fortunately, you can find a variety of wedding jewelry for less than you thought possible. Here are eight tips for doing so:
1. Buy replicas. From a distance and to the undiscerning eye, cubic zirconia and crystal are indistinguishable from real stones. If you have fallen in love with a piece of fine jewelry you cannot afford, a similar piece made with these less expensive materials can look exquisite.
2. Opt for silver or gold-plated jewelry instead of solid gold or platinum. To a casual observer, the difference in quality is not obvious.
3. Consider inexpensive pearls (freshwater cultured pearls are generally cheaper than other types). Or, buy pearl-shaped crystals.
4. Ask for a discount if you plan to buy several pieces. Also, it cannot hurt to make an offer on a piece. Designers, online stores, and other independents have some latitude when pricing their goods.
5. Buy on eBay. There is always a wide variety of inexpensive pieces available through auction or eBay stores. Inventory changes constantly, so return often if you do not find the right piece on your first visit.
6. Rent jewelry for your wedding. If you must have fine jewelry but cannot afford it, rent pieces for the ceremony and reception.
7. Make your own jewelry. You will enjoy the added benefit of complete customization. Craft stores like Ben Franklin and Hobby Lobby have aisles dedicated to jewelry-making supplies. You can also purchase supplies on eBay.
8. Consider borrowing. Wearing a piece from Mom, Aunt Ellen, or a special friend can add sentimental value to the wedding while doing wonders for a strained budget.
There you have it! Eight ways to ease budget strain and still wear the perfect jewelry ensemble on your big day.
Bobette Kyle-Wagner is publisher at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com, a Website helping engaged couples get the most use from Internet wedding resources. The site includes online wedding tips, original articles, and tutorials. Read more about wedding jewelry (shopping tips, tradition, lengths, stones, etc.) at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com/jewelry
Submitted by Bobette Kyle-Wagner, www.myonlineweddinghelp.com
1. Buy replicas. From a distance and to the undiscerning eye, cubic zirconia and crystal are indistinguishable from real stones. If you have fallen in love with a piece of fine jewelry you cannot afford, a similar piece made with these less expensive materials can look exquisite.
2. Opt for silver or gold-plated jewelry instead of solid gold or platinum. To a casual observer, the difference in quality is not obvious.
3. Consider inexpensive pearls (freshwater cultured pearls are generally cheaper than other types). Or, buy pearl-shaped crystals.
4. Ask for a discount if you plan to buy several pieces. Also, it cannot hurt to make an offer on a piece. Designers, online stores, and other independents have some latitude when pricing their goods.
5. Buy on eBay. There is always a wide variety of inexpensive pieces available through auction or eBay stores. Inventory changes constantly, so return often if you do not find the right piece on your first visit.
6. Rent jewelry for your wedding. If you must have fine jewelry but cannot afford it, rent pieces for the ceremony and reception.
7. Make your own jewelry. You will enjoy the added benefit of complete customization. Craft stores like Ben Franklin and Hobby Lobby have aisles dedicated to jewelry-making supplies. You can also purchase supplies on eBay.
8. Consider borrowing. Wearing a piece from Mom, Aunt Ellen, or a special friend can add sentimental value to the wedding while doing wonders for a strained budget.
There you have it! Eight ways to ease budget strain and still wear the perfect jewelry ensemble on your big day.
Bobette Kyle-Wagner is publisher at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com, a Website helping engaged couples get the most use from Internet wedding resources. The site includes online wedding tips, original articles, and tutorials. Read more about wedding jewelry (shopping tips, tradition, lengths, stones, etc.) at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com/jewelry
Submitted by Bobette Kyle-Wagner, www.myonlineweddinghelp.com
Choosing Wedding Jewelry That's Right For You
Whether you are going for subdued glamour or sparkly pizzazz, the right jewelry can add magic to your wedding day. Here are several ideas for choosing an ensemble that will enhance your wedding day look.
Heritage
If you are proud of your cultural heritage, family history, or religion, then show it. Whether it's a simple cross, Star of David, your grandmother's locket, or other special piece of jewelry, it will symbolize what's important to you and help make a wedding uniquely your own.
Jewel size and shape
The shape and size of stones can drastically change the look of a piece. Large, faceted stones create a formal look when set in silver or gold. If you are going for a sparkly, fairy tale wedding consider smaller stones, which reflect more light. For a traditional look, you can rarely go wrong with white, ivory, or pastel pearls.
Color
Color scheme is another consideration. Pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystal, and cubic zirconia (CZ) are all available in a variety of colors.
* Most of us are aware of white, ivory, and pale pink pearls. Did you know you can also find pearls in lavender, coffee, black, gray, apricot, and other colors? Prices range from very inexpensive to exorbitant, depending on type, grade, and other factors.
* An elegant, formal wedding calls for diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires or other precious stones.
* Semi-precious stones are also appropriate. Peridot, turquoise, moonstone, topaz, aquamarine, opal, azurite, agate, amethyst, bloodstone, coral, jade, garnet, and others are options.
* Swarovski crystals are another alternative to precious stones. The faceted crystals are available in 80+ colors. Swarovski also makes round pearls in several hues.
* CZ can add sparkle to a wedding and are very economical for those on a less generous budget. If you haven't considered cubic zirconia, look at some pieces. You may be pleasantly surprised. Quality has improved in recent years, and you can find most any color online.
You can also show off your personality by mixing colors. Pearls combined with other jewelry are gaining popularity. Try twisting a gold or silver chain with a pearl strand. Or, create a pennant for your pearls by attaching a cameo, pin, or even a clip-on earring. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Metals
Platinum, white gold, silver, and yellow gold are all options. Platinum and white gold are nice, but if they are beyond your budget, silver is a wonderful alternative. Similarly, 10 karat or gold-plated jewelry looks very nice on a less-than-14-karat budget.
With so many options to choose from, you are sure to find exactly the right combination to make your dream wedding even dreamier!
Bobette Kyle-Wagner is publisher at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com, a Website helping engaged couples get the most use from Internet wedding resources. The site includes online wedding tips, original articles, and tutorials. Read more about wedding jewelry (shopping tips, tradition, lengths, stones, etc.) at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com/jewelry
Submitted by Bobette Kyle-Wagner, www.myonlineweddinghelp.com
Heritage
If you are proud of your cultural heritage, family history, or religion, then show it. Whether it's a simple cross, Star of David, your grandmother's locket, or other special piece of jewelry, it will symbolize what's important to you and help make a wedding uniquely your own.
Jewel size and shape
The shape and size of stones can drastically change the look of a piece. Large, faceted stones create a formal look when set in silver or gold. If you are going for a sparkly, fairy tale wedding consider smaller stones, which reflect more light. For a traditional look, you can rarely go wrong with white, ivory, or pastel pearls.
Color
Color scheme is another consideration. Pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystal, and cubic zirconia (CZ) are all available in a variety of colors.
* Most of us are aware of white, ivory, and pale pink pearls. Did you know you can also find pearls in lavender, coffee, black, gray, apricot, and other colors? Prices range from very inexpensive to exorbitant, depending on type, grade, and other factors.
* An elegant, formal wedding calls for diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires or other precious stones.
* Semi-precious stones are also appropriate. Peridot, turquoise, moonstone, topaz, aquamarine, opal, azurite, agate, amethyst, bloodstone, coral, jade, garnet, and others are options.
* Swarovski crystals are another alternative to precious stones. The faceted crystals are available in 80+ colors. Swarovski also makes round pearls in several hues.
* CZ can add sparkle to a wedding and are very economical for those on a less generous budget. If you haven't considered cubic zirconia, look at some pieces. You may be pleasantly surprised. Quality has improved in recent years, and you can find most any color online.
You can also show off your personality by mixing colors. Pearls combined with other jewelry are gaining popularity. Try twisting a gold or silver chain with a pearl strand. Or, create a pennant for your pearls by attaching a cameo, pin, or even a clip-on earring. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Metals
Platinum, white gold, silver, and yellow gold are all options. Platinum and white gold are nice, but if they are beyond your budget, silver is a wonderful alternative. Similarly, 10 karat or gold-plated jewelry looks very nice on a less-than-14-karat budget.
With so many options to choose from, you are sure to find exactly the right combination to make your dream wedding even dreamier!
Bobette Kyle-Wagner is publisher at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com, a Website helping engaged couples get the most use from Internet wedding resources. The site includes online wedding tips, original articles, and tutorials. Read more about wedding jewelry (shopping tips, tradition, lengths, stones, etc.) at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com/jewelry
Submitted by Bobette Kyle-Wagner, www.myonlineweddinghelp.com
Which Wedding Jewelry Pieces Should You Wear?
As a bride, you want the elements of your wedding ensemble to complement and enhance your natural beauty, not compete for attention. That is why most experts recommend wearing simple wedding jewelry sets. What should your jewelry ensemble consist of? That depends on your hair and dress. Here are some tips to help you pull it all together.
Earrings
Keep your dress and hairstyle in mind when you choose earrings. Chandelier or dangly earrings can look wonderful with an up do, but can become tangled if you wear your hair down. If your dress is elaborate, keep the earrings simple. Popular choices for a formal wedding include pearl studs, diamonds, and crystal solitaire earrings.
Hair Jewelry
Tiaras, hairpins, combs, and decorated headbands can all add interest and glamour to your wedding hair. If you choose an eye-catching piece, such as a crown-like tiara, let this be the central element in your jewelry ensemble. A subtle piece, like a pearl comb, can complement more elaborate jewelry.
Back jewelry
You can enhance the look of a backless or low-cut gown by wearing a back drop, backwards strands of opera-length pearls, or lariat. This also adds more interest for the guests during the ceremony.
Necklace or pearls
The necklace can be bold (to complement a simple wedding dress) or delicate (to balance the look of an elaborate gown). If your gown has an interesting neckline, you may want to go without. Keep in mind that different lengths work best with different necklines. Generally, leave a gap between the neckline and necklace. Alternately, you can wear long pearls or a necklace below the neckline if your dress is unadorned.
Wrist wear
Unless your dress is strapless, the general rule is to keep hands and wrists unadorned (except for the wedding ring set, of course). Or, wear a delicate bracelet as an accent piece. Too much "going on" around your wrists or hands will distract attention away from you and the gown, and fragment the look. The strapless gown is the exception. A cuff or other substantial bracelet can enhance bared shoulders and arms.
Earrings, necklace, hair jewelry, back jewelry, and bracelet. Wear all, some, or none. But keep in mind that together they should create a balanced look. Most importantly, the jewelry ensemble should reflect you and your personal style.
Bobette Kyle-Wagner is publisher at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com, a Website helping engaged couples get the most use from Internet wedding resources. The site includes online wedding tips, original articles, and tutorials. Read more about wedding jewelry (shopping tips, tradition, lengths, stones, etc.) at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com/jewelry
Submitted by Bobette Kyle-Wagner, www.myonlineweddinghelp.com
Earrings
Keep your dress and hairstyle in mind when you choose earrings. Chandelier or dangly earrings can look wonderful with an up do, but can become tangled if you wear your hair down. If your dress is elaborate, keep the earrings simple. Popular choices for a formal wedding include pearl studs, diamonds, and crystal solitaire earrings.
Hair Jewelry
Tiaras, hairpins, combs, and decorated headbands can all add interest and glamour to your wedding hair. If you choose an eye-catching piece, such as a crown-like tiara, let this be the central element in your jewelry ensemble. A subtle piece, like a pearl comb, can complement more elaborate jewelry.
Back jewelry
You can enhance the look of a backless or low-cut gown by wearing a back drop, backwards strands of opera-length pearls, or lariat. This also adds more interest for the guests during the ceremony.
Necklace or pearls
The necklace can be bold (to complement a simple wedding dress) or delicate (to balance the look of an elaborate gown). If your gown has an interesting neckline, you may want to go without. Keep in mind that different lengths work best with different necklines. Generally, leave a gap between the neckline and necklace. Alternately, you can wear long pearls or a necklace below the neckline if your dress is unadorned.
Wrist wear
Unless your dress is strapless, the general rule is to keep hands and wrists unadorned (except for the wedding ring set, of course). Or, wear a delicate bracelet as an accent piece. Too much "going on" around your wrists or hands will distract attention away from you and the gown, and fragment the look. The strapless gown is the exception. A cuff or other substantial bracelet can enhance bared shoulders and arms.
Earrings, necklace, hair jewelry, back jewelry, and bracelet. Wear all, some, or none. But keep in mind that together they should create a balanced look. Most importantly, the jewelry ensemble should reflect you and your personal style.
Bobette Kyle-Wagner is publisher at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com, a Website helping engaged couples get the most use from Internet wedding resources. The site includes online wedding tips, original articles, and tutorials. Read more about wedding jewelry (shopping tips, tradition, lengths, stones, etc.) at www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com/jewelry
Submitted by Bobette Kyle-Wagner, www.myonlineweddinghelp.com
Sunday, December 12, 2010
“Heart Shaped Diamonds” - The Expression Of Love
Heart shaped diamonds are known as fancy cut diamonds. They are not graded by the same grading system as the round brilliant cut diamond.
Heart cut diamonds are high quality diamonds cut into the shape of your expression of love.
The Heart shape diamond may be hard to find, but it is considered the most sentimental of all the diamond shapes. It is important to find a Heart diamond with even lobes and a well-defined outline.
Category: Vendors 2010
Submitted by www.b2cjewels.com
Heart cut diamonds are high quality diamonds cut into the shape of your expression of love.
The Heart shape diamond may be hard to find, but it is considered the most sentimental of all the diamond shapes. It is important to find a Heart diamond with even lobes and a well-defined outline.
Category: Vendors 2010
Submitted by www.b2cjewels.com
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