Showing posts with label engagement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label engagement. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Irish Wedding and Engagement Rings

Irish Wedding and Engagement Rings
Millions of couples throughout America have ties to an Irish heritage. With so many people representing the Irish culture, the demand for traditional style Irish rings has steadily been on the rise. Depending on whether you want an engagement ring or a wedding ring, there are two classic styles for the consumer. For engagement rings, the Claddagh is the historically accurate choice that most couples opt for buying. For wedding rings, the classic Celtic knot design is the overwhelming winner in popularity. Whichever way you go for your Irish ring design, there are benefits and drawbacks to each style just like any other style of ring that you might purchase.
The Claddagh Design
Usually designated for use as an engagement ring, the Claddagh is a traditional design that is specifically for women. Traditionally, the design depicts two hands holding a heart, but the design can vary depending on region and the artist’s particular style. The intent of the design is to symbolize the dedication and pledge that one takes when making their wedding vows and this has led to it being the most popular choice for Irish engagement rings. The design is one of the most traditional in Irish culture, and just by wearing it a woman can display her relationship status whether it is love, loyalty, or friendship. What the ring indicates precisely varies depending on how the ring is worn, and those are as follows:
  • If the ring is on her right hand with the point of the heart away from the body, it means she is single. The Claddagh is one of the most popular Irish wedding rings, but it can also be passed down from mother to daughter and can be worn by single women.
  • If the ring is on her right hand with the point of the heart towards her, she is in a relationship, but not yet engaged. Having the heart inwards, so it appear right side up from the wearer’s perspective, means the woman’s heart has been captured.
  • If the ring is on her left hand with the point of the heart away from her body, she is engaged.
  • If the ring is on her left hand with the point of the heart towards her, she is married.
The Celtic Knot
Undoubtedly the most recognized of all Irish wedding ring styles, there are countless variations on this classic style. While they all appear similar and are instantly recognized if seen alone, you can certainly see the variations if you compare a few rings next to each other. The most common design for an Irish wedding ring is the “infinite knot” which is a very old and traditional Christian symbol that stands for the intertwining lives of bride and groom that lasts for all of eternity. Most couples end up purchasing their Irish wedding rings with the “infinite knot” style of Celtic knot because they are the most common, most traditional, and offer the most variations from which to choose.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Going Green: Wooden Wedding Rings

Wooden Wedding Rings
With a growing number of couples becoming interested in reducing their carbon footprint, it is no wonder that engagement and wedding ring manufacturers would pounce on that demographic. On top of the ecological impact, the unethical way that many companies go about obtaining their diamonds and gold to make the traditional style of wedding rings is enough to promote some couples to look at alternatives. One of the most popular alternatives is to buy wooden rings which offer the rare benefit of being made right there in America. However, all types of wedding rings regardless of what they are made from have their own advantages and disadvantages, so the ultimate decision is up to the couple.

Renewable Sourcing

One of the biggest benefits of choosing a wooden wedding ring is that they are made from 100% renewable resources. Unlike gold, silver, or other heavy elements that are finite and growing more scarce, timber is one of the biggest exports in the United States and can be replenished in a fairly short timeframe. With that in mind, most jewelers who make wooden wedding rings actually reclaim their materials from old products such as broken guitars or old farm planks to recycle them into another purpose. Some manufacturers even go as far as fining downed trees and branches for their materials, which can actually lead to some pretty high quality woods being used without the larger price tag.

Durability and Longevity

Though gold or silver wedding rings are obviously going to be more durable than one made from wood, they are actually much more resilient than most people initially think. With the proper maintenance and care, a wooden wedding ring can last a very long time. However, they do require more care than metal wedding rings such as being cleaned with lemon seed oil or a similar product. Also, though they are often coated with some sort of waterproof layer, you want to avoid putting your handcrafted ring under water too often as well as exposing it to harsh chemicals.

With all the benefits both ethically and ecologically, wooden wedding rings are on the top of many young couples’ lists when looking for a way to go green. As a bonus, wooden wedding rings are also much cheaper than traditional wedding or engagement rings because they aren’t made from precious metals and don’t feature any rare stones. If you want to give your wooden ring that extra touch, you can have it custom engraved or burned with any choice of words or symbols to suit your personal taste. And as a final hidden benefit, wooden rings are the perfect choice for anyone who has a metal allergy or sensitivity that prevents them from wearing jewelry all together.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Halo Engagement Ring Sales on the Rise

Halo Engagement Ring Sales on the Rise
Halo engagement rings are a classic setting style, but their sales are recently starting to rise again after they fell off over the last decade. It’s unclear why the popularity of this style of ring setting lost popularity momentarily, but many experts attribute the small downturn to the “old school” look that they embody. However, as vintage engagement rings start to gain traction in the marketplace once again, halo engagement rings are once again surging which has spawned a whole slew of new styles and designs for the modern bride to sift through.

For some brides, the concept of a halo engagement ring is totally new. In fact, many couples have never seen or heard of this particular style; though many of them have a mother or grandmother with this very style of ring setting. A halo engagement ring usually consists of an oval center stone with a ring of smaller accent stones circling around it. These smaller stones are almost always diamonds, but the center stone can be any number of stone including a ruby, sapphire, or diamond.

Benefits of Choosing a Halo Engagement Ring

Choosing a halo engagement ring style is a great way to show off the stone that you have chosen. Regardless of whether you choose a diamond or another type of stone, the full circle of diamonds will highlight all the fine details that the stone has to offer. Also, with vintage ring styles drastically on the rise, your ring is certain to look timeless for generations to come. By opting to go with a halo setting for your ring, you can pass your engagement ring down to your children and grandchildren with the knowledge that it will be a cherished heirloom for centuries to come.

Colored Stones in a Halo Engagement Ring

Though many brides choose a diamond as their center stone for their engagement ring, colored stones are showcased beautifully when you place them in a halo setting. While some brides choose colored diamonds for this purpose, you can easily replace them with a ruby, sapphire, emerald, or garnet to achieve a stunning look for a lower price than a diamond will run you.

Furthermore, the halo style has seen resurgence with even royalty like Kate Middleton (the future Queen of England) sporting a halo engagement ring. The stunning blue diamond at the center of her ring has led to a huge amount of brides wanting the same spectacular look on their finger. Because that size of blue diamond is so expensive, many choose either dark blue tanzanite or a blue sapphire to replace the use of a diamond as the center stone.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Choosing a Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring

Yellow Diamond Ring
One of the most unique colors you could hope for in an engagement ring is vivid yellow; something only a yellow diamond can offer. In fact, yellow diamonds are actually rarer than any other color of diamond, which means you get all the value of a diamond with unforgettable color tone of yellow. While most brides opt for a traditional white diamond in their engagement ring, choosing a yellow diamond will make your ring unique, colorful, and stand out from the pack while still being a top grade stone.

Almost exclusively found in Africa and certain regions of Australia, yellow diamonds are found in areas that other diamonds are not. White diamonds are found in mines that stretch long expanses called “diamond veins”, but this is not the case with yellow diamonds. In fact, for every 10,000 traditional diamonds mined, only 1 yellow diamond is discovered; which sums up exactly how rare they are. This has also led to a massive amount of demand and a very large shortage in their supply, and it also means that that more rich the yellow hues are in the stone; the more valuable the diamond will be.

Unfortunately, their rarity and high demand has also spawned a tremendous amount of fakes on the market. As rare as yellow diamonds are compared to other genuine diamond colors, you are likely to see thousands of fake yellow diamonds before you ever lay eyes on an authentic stone. If you are interested in having a yellow diamond as the stone for your engagement ring, make sure you have it authenticated by a reputable jeweler before you shell out the high sticker price most authentic stones will have attached to the ring.

Common Cuts and Setting for Yellow Diamonds

Unlike regular diamonds, yellow diamonds are typically cut in a unique style to show off the color properly. While most people think about large quantities of facets leading to the most sparkly looking diamond engagement rings, yellow diamonds are often cut in asymmetrical shapes to allow the light to show off the color more than the clarity of the stone itself. As part of these cuts, you will usually see very long facets on yellow diamonds.

Of course, the cut of your yellow diamond is only half the battle; you will also need the perfect setting to accent that yellow deliciousness. As one might expect, yellow diamonds look fabulous in traditional settings such as gold or platinum; much like any other precious stone. Many people choose to have their yellow diamond placed in a solitaire setting to avoid creating too busy of a look and to add emphasis to the stone. Furthermore, many people choose either white gold or platinum instead of yellow gold so the yellow tones in the diamond really draw the eye. Regardless of how you set your yellow diamond, it is certain to look fantastic and unique for generations to come

Monday, October 21, 2013

Substitute Diamonds: Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia?

Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia as Substitute Diamonds
Though most people immediately think of diamonds when they think of engagement rings, there are several substitute options like Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia that are just as visually stunning but won’t break your bank. Though the word “fake” often carries along a stigma that leaves a bad taste in the mouth, buying fake engagement rings is becoming more common because it is only the stones that are not real and they look the same as real diamonds but only cost a fraction of the price. Most commonly, your substitute diamonds will be one of two man-made stones; Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia. There are a few differences between these stones and, if you’re in the market, it is important to understand that advantages and disadvantages of each one.

Moissanite as a Diamond Substitute

Though Moissanite is not actually a man-made stone, many people still place it in the “fake” stone category. In reality, it is a rare mineral and its uses date back to the early twentieth century. However, genuine Moissanite is so rare that it is almost exclusively lab-created to fulfill the demands the jewelry industry has placed on manufacturers. Discovered by Henri Moissan around 1900 AD, Moissanite is a mineral that is comprised of silicon carbide. Because of the durable structure containing crystalline polymorphs and it’s completely clear appearance, it is one of the most common synthetic stones produced today and shows up in jewelry designs of nearly every price level.

Furthermore, Moissanite has one of the most brilliant synthetic stones on the market, which makes it one of the most appropriate diamond substitutes available. Registering at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, it is one of the hardest stones available compared to diamonds (10 on the Mohs scale) eclipsing precious stones such as rubies, sapphires, and tanzanite which clock in at a mere 9.0 on the same scale. Some people also believe that Moissanite is a better choice over Cubic Zirconia because it has inclusions instead of being flawless; making it more like a genuine diamond.

Cubic Zirconia as a Diamond Substitute

Probably the best known diamond substitute in the world is Cubic Zirconia, and this is primarily because they are much cheaper than their Moissanite competition. Cubic Zirconia was first introduced in 1974 when manufacturers first started commercial production and they have become increasingly common ever since their inception. Like real diamonds, Cubic Zirconia stones are always cut by individually; but they are also 100% man-made and manufactured to be completely flawless which is virtually impossible in a naturally formed real diamond.

Additionally, Cubic Zirconia stones are not as hard as Moissanite stones and register at 9.0 on the Mohs scale. Also, because they are machine cut rather than cut by hand they tend to be more fragile and are susceptible to having cracks as part of the manufacturing process. However, if you are looking for the best looking ring for your money, many people opt for Cubic Zirconia versus Moissanite because it is much less expensive and there are more options in an affordable price range.

Though the two stones are very similar in appearance, the decision of which to buy comes down to the factors that are most important to you as a consumer. If you want a stone that will be closer in appearance and quality to a real diamond, then you want to go with Moissanite. If price is your primary factor, Cubic Zirconia is the better option because it is the most affordable. Regardless of which stone you choose to purchase, buying substitute diamonds is a great way to save money while still getting all the visual beauty of a genuine diamond.

Monday, October 14, 2013

The Dos and Don’ts of Engagement Proposals

Engagement Proposal
Without exception, engagement proposals are a huge deal and are the first step in the official union of a couple. Bending down on one knee and asking the women you love is an ambitious and exciting task, but it can be very stressful trying to make sure you get every detail right. Everyone has their own ideas and personal touch added to their proposal method, so the list of ways you can ask for their hand is virtually endless. However, there are a few dos and don’ts that apply to every engagement proposal regardless of how you go about it, and we will go over some of them to help relieve your stress and ensure a perfect proposal when the time is right.

Proposal Dos
  • Test the Water: Talking in advance about the idea of getting married is very important. Just making the decision and “shooting from the hip” out of the blue can lead to an embarrassing and depressing conclusion. This is especially important before you go out and spend a tremendous amount of money on an engagement ring. You don’t have to be obvious and completely telegraph your proposal, but knowing she’s at least mildly interested can be a huge plus.
  • Make it a Surprise: Though you already know she’s interested, you want to pick a moment that is both unexpected and romantic. The more thought you put into your proposal the better, so going to a favorite place or a fancy restaurant and surprising them can really go a long way.
  • Find the Right Ring: Choosing the perfect engagement ring is nearly as important as choosing the right time and place to make your proposal. Be vigilant of the styles of jewelry she wears, and make sure you get the ring the correct size. The last thing you want is for her to hate her engagement ring.
  • Get on One Knee: Yes, it may sound cliché; but it is an age old tradition that your potential spouse will love. By getting down on one knee, you not only demonstrate your faithfulness and love, but also make it incredibly hard for them to say “no”. When most women picture their proposal, they picture their soon-to-be husbands on one knee.
Proposal Don’ts
  • Don’t do it Publicly: Usually, you want your proposal to be an intimate affair between just you and your partner. With the exception of your partner enjoying over-the-top public displays or proposing in front of a large group of friends or family, most women would prefer a quiet candle-lit dinner to a public spectacle.
  • Don’t Put the Ring in Food: Though it may sound like a great way to surprise her in a much unexpected way, putting an engagement ring in her food is an altogether bad idea. Despite the glamorization in Hollywood movies, the risk that she may swallow the ring and require emergency surgery is way too risky. Your engagement should be spent in a romantic location, not a hospital. Plus, who wants their new engagement ring tarnished by spaghetti sauce or champagne before they have a chance to wear it?
Regardless of how you choose to propose to your partner, it’s a good idea to avoid being caught up in all the rules and traditions surrounding the right of passage. However, there are a few traditions that shouldn’t be overlooked, as well as some common sense ways to ensure you don’t embarrass yourself. If you speak from the heart and put all of your thought and love into this special moment, your partner should say “yes” and you can start your lifelong journey together on an unforgettable note.