Posts Tagged ‘ Engagement Rings ’


Platinum Rings!

Written by
April 21st, 2010

You’ve just gotten engaged. Of course, your relationship is unique and you want an engagement as unique and valuable as your love. Why not use platinum?

Platinum has become the new standard of the highest quality. Credit card companies now tout their platinum cards. Where once a performer coveted receiving a gold record, platinum is now the mark to shoot for. Thus platinum engagement and wedding rings mark your relationship as the standard to shoot for too.

Most people think platinum is a newcomer among the precious metals. Actually it was known in ancient Egypt as early as 700 B.C., so it is an old metal. There are records of platinum/gold alloys in South Africa in 100 B.C. Scientifically, platinum was recognized as an element in 1700 A.D. but not really used much in jewelry until the early 20th century.

Platinum is used much more today but it is still rare and expensive, 30 times more rare than gold. In its natural state, it is grayish white. When used in jewelry, it is paired with iridium (in a ratio of 90 percent platinum to 10 percent iridium) to make it shine. Platinum is very malleable and more resistant to wear and oxidation than gold.

If you choose a platinum engagement ring, be careful: Platinum has been known to cause skin rashes. It also can tarnish easily. But keep in mind that more people are known to be allergic to gold than to platinum. As long as you try platinum rings on first to test your sensitivity, you should be safe. For the most part, platinum rings very little maintenance and will keep their brand-new appearance for a long time.

Budget conscious couples may be more attracted to titanium than platinum for their engagement rings. Titanium is certainly less expensive and is similar in color and durability to platinum. However titanium is difficult to cut and work with, so many jewelers don’t like working with it. That’s something to keep in mind if you want a custom-made ring.

When you go to select your ring, take your time. There are many beautiful styles available. One of them is bound to be just right for you. Or, you may consider having a ring custom made. Jewelers have custom-ring design software packages so they can make your ring exactly how you want it. Look online and in magazines for ideas of what you want and bring those ideas in.

While platinum is still very rare and expensive, it is a wonderfully durable metal, one that will make that all-important engagement ring a piece that is valued in more ways than one. By choosing platinum, you will have an heirloom that will last as long as your love for each other.

Written by
March 22nd, 2010

Engagement rings symbolize an emotional commitment and intention to get married. They are intended to be worn for a lifetime. So naturally you want to buy the best engagement ring you can. And that generally means buying the best diamond you can. So which diamond cut is the best for an engagement ring?

This really is like asking, “How long is a piece of string?” The answer depends on so many variables that it is impossible to answer simply.

In essence, the “best” cut depends upon what you mean by the term best.

The Best Cut in Absolute Terms
The cut of a diamond actually refers to how well a diamond has been facetted. Some diamonds are cut more precisely than others. A GIA Diamond Grading Report authenticates the quality of the cut of the diamond and grades it as Ideal or Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor. Diamonds with a cut graded as Ideal or Excellent are the most valuable diamonds and are therefore the best cuts, irrespective of diamond shape.

The Best Cut For Maximum Sparkle
If you consider the best diamond to be the one with the best sparkle, then you should buy a brilliant round cut white diamond with the best clarity and cut grading you can afford and prong set it into a solitaire.

Once you move away from a round cut brilliant, the amount of sparkle reduces. This is because of the different faceting for the different shapes of diamonds. A well cut marquise for example may well look like it has a shadow in the center in the shape of a bow tie! However, if you are looking for best sparkle, avoid Emerald cut diamonds because their faceting gives them the least amount of sparkle.

The Best Cut For Individuality
Brilliant round cut white diamonds account for a massive percentage of the engagement ring diamond cuts. Some estimate it as high as 75% of all gem grade diamonds sold. So if you want something that will show off your personality, the round brilliant cut would be the worst cut for you! In this case a fancier cut such as a marquise, heart, trillion or even an Emerald will be the best cut.

Best Cut For You
You are the only one who can decide what is the best diamond cut for your engagement ring. Buying diamonds is all about personal appreciation of the gemstone. After all, engagement rings are never bought solely for their investment value! So find the best clarity, best color diamond with the highest cut grade you can afford. After that, just pick a shape you think she will like. You will have the best cut diamond engagement ring

Vintage Diamond Rings

Written by
January 25th, 2010
When you start looking for the perfect engagement ring, choosing the perfect setting may prove to be equally important as finding the right diamond. The ring setting adds style, character, and design to the overall look of the ring. Whether or not you want the ring to be a surprise, it’s important to get an idea of your fiance’s personal taste.  Vintage diamond rings can outlast the trends, and be a piece that travels through the family as an heirloom.A pave set diamond ring are the most delicate settings since they feature small diamonds inset directly into the metal band with only small beads holding the stones in place. However, the pavé setting has become quite popular recently with the growing interest in vintage diamond jewelry.

Pave set diamonds are found in many antique diamond rings, as large stones were not very popular or affordable to attain by the average consumer.  this classic and beautiful embellishment on a diamond rings can make it sparkle from all angles without breaking the bank on a large diamond center stone .

Remember, a diamond engagement ring is a very important purchase. Don’t feel like its taboo to involve her in some of the decision-making. Whether you choose to involve her or not, it’s important to get a good feel for her taste, lifestyle, and to know her ring size.  If you do it right, you’ll be ready for this big decision and you’ll know right away when you’ve found the perfect vintage diamond ring.

C. Sparkles

Relish the Joy of Love

Written by
January 19th, 2010

Love and Diamonds

Women and diamonds are made for each other. They’re a girl’s best friend!  Diamonds portrays love, and each and every girl loves diamonds and if it is bigger, then it’s even better. The diamond has always given an air to love. If you are one of the romantic people deeply engrossed in love or going to get married, relish in the joy of love by giving her a glittering diamond engagement ring.

An Engagement is a Special Time

An engagement ceremony is a special time in a couple’s life and the engagement ring you choose plays an important part in the exciting moment. Choosing the right diamond engagement ring is an important task. With so many available by various designers, it isn’t always easy to pick out the ring that you want to symbolize your love for the rest of your married life. The best way to show your love and thoughtfulness is to choose a unique diamond engagement ring for the woman of your life.

Engagement Rings have Special Charm

Engagement rings have special charm in the lives of prospective brides and grooms. Engagement rings truly emote love. There is a saying that love is meant to be shared, and the best way to celebrate love is with diamonds. Engagement rings bond new couples and create precious memories which last forever. In all cultures, engagement rings have special importance, as it is slipped on, the couple promises that they will keep on multiplying their love.

Best Way to Choose your Favorite Diamond Engagement Ring

There are many principles that go into choosing the right engagement ring style. The most important thing you should take care of is to find out the metal your partner prefers; the way she dresses during the day-to-day activities and finally the cost you can afford.  The most important thing that you should take care of is knowing the 4C’s before purchasing diamonds. You should evaluate the Cut, clarity, color and carat of your diamond engagement ring.  Remember 4C’s decides the price of your diamond.

So, make your engagement day memorable with unique diamond engagement rings.  Being an informed consumer will make this experience much easier.  Then the only thing you will have to worry about it Popping the Question and making it a memorable event.  Good Luck!!

C. Sparkles
Special bonds need unique presents to be reckoned with.  If the person is going to be your better half, the specialty of the gift not only needs exclusivity but also a redefined elegance. The time you both spent, the hurdles you overcame together and the road blocks you cleared hand in hand had not gone in vain. Your commitment and love trounced all odds. So, in this auspicious occasion of your wedding she deserves the best gift for being with you at all odds and obstacles.   If you are looking for a present that symbolizes timeless beauty and elegance, designer engagement rings fit the league in the perfect manner.

There are several reasons behind presenting designer wedding  and engagement rings  to your better half.  Most important of them is the look of the jewelry that has contemporary style and modern techniques while still maintaining the old-world craftsmanship that ensures the quality of the piece.  Made up of different metals, they are famous worldwide for their elegance and keen eye for elegance.  If it is a not an exaggeration of fact, every groom wants his bride to look like a princess.  Designer engagement rings rings and wedding bands can empower you to add a dazzling and glamorous effect for your engagement and on your wedding.

Quality and genuineness

While buying designer jewelry, make sure that you are buying it from a genuine dealer.  Be more cautious if you are buying it online.  Read reviews and customer feedbacks regarding the web store from where you are going to make the purchase. Friends who have purchased earlier can also be consulted. The rings you are going to buy needs to be qualitative and must have a unique look and feel.

Choice of your better half

You are buying the perfect gift for your better half. Hence, never forget to take her views before purchasing. Her choice, wearing habits and preference for stones also need to be given importance. That makes the right present for the right person of your life.

C. Sparkles

Carrie Underwood, sported a HUGE diamond engagement ring recently at an Ottawa Senators game.   Senators forward Mike Fisher proposed to Carrie Underwood and apparently her ring became the talk of the jewelry industry.  There are not many photos of the ring around and no official information has been released about it.

There have been some people in the industry that believe based on the photos that the ring is anywhere between 5 to 12 carats.   The cost of the ring has also varied by experts between $150,000 to $1,000,000. That is a pretty big discrpetancy.

A representative at New York’s Diamond Information Center said the five-carat round diamond engagement ring with diamond sidestones cost more than $150,000.   On the upper scale, a diamond expert and chief executive of myjewelrybox.com determined that, based on website photos, the engagement ring had about 12 carats and estimated it was worth more than $1 million.

Mo Charania, a gemologist and owner of Jubilee Jewellers at Bayshore Researching Centre, said it appeared the ring was at least 3 carats, maybe more, and was definitely price six figures.   Mo Charania is also a high ranking official in the Canadian Jewellers Association and the Official Jeweller of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club.

“It’s a centre round diamond and one row of diamonds around it called micro pave,” Charania said after viewing photos of the ring on Underwood’s finger that were taken by a Citizen photographer at Monday’s game.   Micro pave settings are intricate and use the smallest possible diamonds to achieve a uniform glitter on the ring’s surface. Sometimes, the tiny claws on the outside can hold 30 or more stones.

“I’d say the ring is worth well into six figures, but it depends on the quality of the stone,” he said. the exact size, color and clarity play a significant role in the overall value of the engagement ring.

There’s no evidence to suggest that Senators forward Mike Fisher bought the ring for his new fiancée at a local jewelry store. The engagement ring could have either been purchased through a private jeweller or at a U.S. jewelry store that specializes in high end, fine-quality jewelry, Charania said. He says Fisher didn’t purchase the ring at his shop, although other Senators players, including Jason Spezza, have purchased some jewelry there.

Fisher and Underwood were engaged Sunday after a year-long relationship and the Senators forward finally confirmed the news to reporters after Monday’s morning skate at Scotiabank Place.

Underwood flashed the ring for the first time at that night’s game against the Boston Bruins. Charania said Underwood’s ring could be compared to rings by RITANI, a world-renowned maker of diamond engagement rings and other jewelry.   We would have to beleive that as the Official Jeweller of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, Charania would have to know more information about the ring.

Is it in fact a RITANI enagement ring or at least inspired by the world renowned RITANI designs? One would have to wonder? Either way, this diamond is definitely Carrie’s best friend and an expensive friend at that!

From a recent photo showing Elin Nordegren pumping gas it was painstakingly obvious that she was not wearing her diamond engagement ring. Sources speculate that this was a decisive move on Nordegren’s part to show that things are breaking down in the Tiger camp.

Word has that Elin and Tiger are heading for a divorce but nothing is confirmed yet. One thing we know for certain is that Tiger is not thinking about engagement rings or any of that but rather what to do about his seemingly troubled future as a professional golfer and a dad.

We hope the best for Elin and the kids, and in the end we just want Tiger to do the right thing by cleaning up his act and making things right with his family.

Twoheartedriver

Traditions in Engagement & Wedding Rings

Written by
December 8th, 2009
Everyday, couples exchange vows and rings as part of their wedding ceremony.  Surprisingly though, most people are unfamiliar with the historic meaning of wearing a wedding ring.
Some early engagement rings were a symbol of the sale of the bride that occurred from the father to the groom.  Also, since Roman times it has been believed that the ring finger contains a vein that is directly connected to the heart.
There are actually quite a few reasons for this age-old tradition.  The circular shape was a sign of never-ending love between the couple, with no beginning or end.  Today we call these rings eternity bands and are traditionally given as wedding bands or anniversary gifts.

In early days rings were used to seal the deal of an engagement only. Thanks to Pope Innocent III in the 13th century, women get two rings: an engagement ring and wedding ring.  He instituted a waiting period between the engagement and the actual marriage and also required that a ring be used in the wedding ceremony.

These days more and more couples are choosing to spice up their wedding rings and go beyond the traditional band.  Diamonds can be found encircling the band of men’s and woman’s rings alike.  Colored stones and even pearls are gracing the tops of wedding bands, as more couples move away from tradition.  Engraved wedding bands are also very popular in the U.S. today.

So whether or not you think about the tradition behind wearing wedding rings, know that you can’t go wrong with your ring selection be it traditional or nontraditional.  Just buy beutiful wedding jewelry you will admire for a lifetime!

C. Sparkles

Choosing the right engagement ring

Written by
December 3rd, 2009

While shopping for diamond engagement or eternity rings, many buyers are surprised by the large number of diamond ring options available.  Whether you are purchasing a ring from a retailer or designing a ring to be crafted by a jeweler, a number of decisions must be made in selecting the perfect diamond ring.  Besides being familiar with the 4 Cs which affect the value and appearance of a diamond—cut, color, clarity and carat weight—the following considerations may also help you in your search for the perfect diamond ring:

-What diamond shape do I prefer?

Perhaps the first decision in selecting a diamond ring is which diamond shape you are seeking.  Diamond cutters craft diamonds in several shapes for diamond rings, some of which are round, princess, marquise, pear, and oval.  The shape of a diamond determines its outward appearance, and you will likely realize a natural preference for a particular shape as you shop.  Some rings have one central diamond, as in the traditional engagement ring, while others have several diamonds that may be the same or different shapes.

-What type of metal should I choose?

Yellow gold, white gold, platinum—there are a number of metals that are common for diamond rings.  Platinum is a popular option for engagement rings and eternity rings because of its resilience, though it comes with a higher price tag than other metals.  Silver, on the other hand, is prone to corrosion and thus is not the best choice for frequently worn rings such as wedding bands and eternity rings.  Discuss with your jeweler the metal that is right for you, taking into consideration its color, durability and resistance to corrosion.

-What setting style do I prefer?

Something you will quickly realize when shopping for diamond rings is that diamonds are affixed to rings in a variety of ways.  The way that a gem is set and held in place is referred to as its setting.  Several setting styles are common for diamond rings, some of which are the bezel setting, channel setting, and prong setting.  The shape and size of a diamond and the strength of the metal used may help determine the type of setting that is used in a particular ring.

Perhaps you already have in mind the type of diamond ring you are seeking, or maybe you prefer to explore all of the options until you simply discover the perfect ring.  With the multitude of diamond ring styles available, having an idea of the shape, type of metal and setting style you prefer can help you in your quest for the diamond ring that best suits your taste and personality.

C. Sparkles

Changing Trends Diamond Engagment Rings

Written by
November 25th, 2009
Ritani Engagement Rings

Ritani Engagement Rings

Among changing trends of engagement, one thing which is still persistent is engagement ring. If we explore the history of  engagement rings, then we can adequately get the idea what is the real importance of an engagement ring in couple’s life. It was, is and will remain the symbol of true and eternal love.

When going to be married couple exchanges

engagement rings to each other, they promise to each other that their love will sparkle the same way as the engagement ring is shining. Thus while selecting make sure your engagement ring should be beautiful, sparkling and show your sense of style. You know engagement ring has some special place in everybody’s life especially your partner’s life, because at the end of the day your partner will wear engagement ring that you have presented him/her. Any information you have about her taste in jewelry is priceless. For instance, do you have access to anything else she has bought, or does she have a friend you can trust to advise you?

Other thing is that select such as piece of engagement ring that your partner desires and loves it forever. By seeing the current trend in engagement ring, there is no dearth of choices of choices in engagement rings in other words there are endless choices available. Antique engagement rings, solitaire engagement rings, diamond engagement rings, and vintage engagement rings are one of favored rings; among all diamond engagement ring is most sought after. The reason for that is simple, diamond possess unique properties.

One important consideration to make is that this is a ring that you will wear for a long time to come. It therefore would be wise to go for classic designs that never go out of vogue. An example of this is the brilliant cut, solitaire diamond engagement ring sporting a round diamond. It’s needless to say that there are several contemporary trends to choose from for those who value sheer panache. At the time of selecting engagement ring, the most important thing is budget and it is up to you how costly engagement ring you want to buy.

Once you’ve settled on a budget, the next stage is to make sure you get the best ring for your money. This is where things can begin to get tricky. What style should you go for? Most modern engagement rings are made with a solitaire diamond. But would she prefer something more old-fashioned, with several smaller diamonds, or even a cluster? And what metal should you choose?

Most engagement rings are made from white metals like platinum or eighteen carat white gold, yellow gold or silver but perhaps she might want yellow gold or even rose gold. Besides that if you are buying a diamond engagement ring then also keep an eye on 4Cs (color, cut, carat and clarity) of diamond.