Ten Craziest Ways to Propose

For most people, a man going down on one knee and asking the question with his potential partner's hand in his is enough for a marriage proposal, although some people tend to go the extra mile and come up with all sorts of crazy ideas which may either be successful or botched. Below are 10 of the craziest examples on how a man can ever propose to a woman:

1. Via App - Everybody wants to be as hip and trendy as possible, making use of technology as a way to express one's feelings for another. In fact, a lot of people often think it's rather cute to make use of apps for proposing to a woman, although it surely doesn't replace the feeling of seeing your girlfriend's face light up when you ask the question.

2. Via Twitter - Twitter is considered to be one of the most popular social networking sites these days, and can be used as a way to propose to your girlfriend if you're not afraid of raising the question in front of a million people who may or may not know you.

3. Hiding the ring in your dinner - This is a classic method which, up to this very day, can be considered rather creative, especially when executed under the right conditions. Of course, you'd have to make sure she doesn't eat the ring.

4. Skydiving - the rush of adrenaline you receive when you and your girlfriend go skydiving millions of miles above the ground can be rather exciting, and if you decide to pop the question mid-air, you're definitely insane.

5. Courtside - When you and your partner are watching a game of baseball or any other sporting event, you're basically putting yourself up in a risky situation, especially when you don't know anyone in the building. It can be considered as a show of masochism, although it just may work out.

6. Live TV - Going live on national TV is just one of those perfect ways for you to make an embarrassment out of yourself, by being as uncomfortable as possible, although if you truly love each other, she just might find it endearing and will say "yes" to you.

7. Visit the Eiffel Tower - if you and your girlfriend happen to be on a trip to Paris, the Eiffel Tower should be one of your top destinations. The feeling of seeing the whole of the city atop plus the night wind blowing her hair just might be the perfect opportunity for you to propose to her. It's crazy but extremely romantic, as most would agree.

8. Via webcam - A fine example is the "Chat Roulette wedding proposal" video, wherein a guy proposes to a random woman, with the help of his buddies. It's creative and definitely unusual, although it will definitely work if you're doing it for an actual girlfriend.

9. Zero gravity proposal - This involves you getting in a zero gravity simulator and floating around weightless, and the risk of losing the wedding ring mid-air. It's risky, but it's definitely something you might want to consider if you're insane enough.

10. Umbrellas - This would involve the help of your family and friends, along with many umbrellas. Get them to line up, and when you and your girlfriend walk towards them, with her finding the concept of several people using umbrellas on a sunny day, have them pop the question with their umbrellas flipped up, each spelling the letters in the question, "will you marry me." Now that's a marriage proposal!

Bernard Y invites you to http://www.freedating411.com/, dedicated to sharing useful information on relationships and everything under the sun concerning one's dating and love life.

Original article

Why You Need Christian Premarital Counseling

Christian premarital counseling is overlooked by many couples. But how can this be? You ask. Consider this simple but common scenario: A couple meets and are physically attracted to each other. They begin to date and experience warm and fuzzy feelings whenever their in the same room. They discover they have a lot in common and enjoy each others company immensely. Before you know it, their engaged and planning their wedding.

There's no problem with any of that. Here's where the problem arises. That same couple is now in "wedding planning" mode and are inundated with decisions: wedding colors, dress styles, wedding participants, decorations, food, the DJ, the music, the reception, the honeymoon and the list goes on. Decisions, decisions, decisions all have to be made so that they can have the perfect wedding. Some couples even hire a consultant to help them make sure everything is picture perfect. And again, there's nothing wrong with any of that but the question is, "Who's preparing them for life beyond the wedding?"

Many couples don't understand the importance of Christian premarital counseling. They ask, will it really make a difference in our marriage? Is it really necessary for us to sit in someone's office or in session after session discussing things we already know about? Is premarital counseling just a waste of time? These are all legitimate questions that are perhaps wrought out of not having a clear understanding or Christian premarital counseling in the first place.

So, why don't we begin by defining Christian premarital counseling? First of all, it is obviously based upon Christian principles rather than psychology. The term "Pre marital" naturally means before marriage and counseling is defined as professional guidance in resolving personal or emotional conflict. Thus, Christian premarital counseling is professional or expert guidance which is biblically based. That means it will teach you how to have a godly marriage but it will also teach you how to resolve future marital conflicts in a godly manner.

In other words, Christian premarital counseling will not only help you understand what God has to say about marriage, it will equip you to fight the enemy when he comes to destroy your marriage. Remember, this is not about your relationship as it is now. Everything between you and your intended spouse might be peaches and cream at the moment but rest assured, problems are coming. That may sound negative but the truth is, every married couple experiences problems of some sort during their marriage journey. Therefore, it is simply not wise on your part to skip premarital counseling based on how the two of you feel at this moment.

As I already stated, the wedding process intoxicates many brides and grooms. Don't spend months, or even years, planning the perfect wedding and then wake up one day and realize you married the wrong person. Pre marital counseling will help you find out if the person you are about to marry is the right one for you. Wouldn't you rather know now, before your wedding day?

If it helps, look at premarital counseling as one of the key ingredients of wedding planning. In fact, when you create your wedding checklist, place Christian pre marriage counseling at the top. Don't become so overwhelmed with planning the perfect wedding that you fail to get the tools you'll need to build a solid foundation.

Satan is real and he will be looking for any cracks you may have in the foundation of your marriage. All he needs is one and when he finds it he will cleverly enter in and begin to make his way to the very core. Your job is to make sure he doesn't find any cracks in the foundation of your marriage. Christian premarital counseling will equip you to stop Satan in his tracks by exposing his tactics to you in advance.

Wanda J. Collins encourages you to seek the heart of God concerning your Christian marriage. When you seek the Lord with all of your heart, you will find Him. When you submit yourself to Him, He will direct your path. He will provide the answers you need to transform your relationship. I invite you to visit Christian Marriage Today where you can receive free marriage advice and the answers to your marital questions.

Original article

Greek Engagement and Wedding Culture and Traditions

Greek weddings feature a combination of ceremonies representing an unforgettable part of Greek culture. The Greek wedding ceremony is heavily immersed in tradition, joy, excitement, and profound symbolism. The Greeks believe a lot in traditions and superstitions, and these phenomena are flamboyantly showcased on the occasions of engagement and wedding.

History
According to Greek mythology, Cecrops, the legendary ruler of Athens, who was half-human and half snake, established the institution of marriage in Greece. Before his reign the Athenians lived promiscuously. The storming motives for marriage were the political coalition between the royal families that marriage would demonstrate and creation of children for next generation.

Pre-engagement
In Greek society, engagement is a cause of great celebration. The potential husband will visit the bride's father and ask for his daughter's hand in marriage. Upon the approval of bride-to-be's family, the date of engagement is fixed. The relatives and close friends of both the families are invited to attend the engagement.

Engagement
Traditionally, the couple gets engaged by exchanging rings in the presence of family and close friends. The priest blesses the engagement rings for the couple. The bride and the groom then place the blessed rings on the left ring fingers. The guests present wish them many blessings.

This is followed by a large feast. The engagement is believed to be as binding as wedding. According to Greek Orthodoxy, it is mandatory for the newly engaged couple to visit the priest thrice before he will give his consent to perform the marriage ceremony. The couples are forbidden to perform wedding during certain days of the year. This includes the first half of August, forty days prior to Ester and forty days prior to Christmas. The Greek Orthodox Church considers these dates to be unsuited.

Pre-wedding Ceremonies
After the engagement, the first thing done is to pick the Koumbaros. He is the witness to the marriage ceremony and has many spiritual and financial responsibilities. It is important for Koumbaros to be a man in good standing of the Greek Orthodoxy.

Greek weddings usually take place on Sunday. On the Wednesday before wedding, the ritual of 'Starting the Leaven' takes places. The couple sieves flour and relatives observe this in silence. Once there is enough flour, all the guests throw coins into the sieve and wish the bride and groom good luck. On Friday before the wedding, there is another ceremony 'Filling the Sack.' It's an occasion when the bride fills in the sacks all her possessions and the guests throw coins into them. Bride's mother is the first one to place the collections she had piled up over the years into her daughter's sacks. In the meantime, the groom meets his friends and relatives, offers them drinks and formal invitation to attend the wedding feast.

The household goods given by girl's mother are used, in a custom called Nyphostoli, by local woman volunteers to furnish the first home of newlyweds.

The Wedding Ceremony
The commencement of wedding procession takes place at the groom's house where the wedding flag is raised. The flag-bearer leads the priest, the groom and the guests to the bride's home. The bride's mother offers him wine, and when he has drunk it, the Koumbaro leads the wedding party to the Church.

The bride wears red veils that symbolizes fire in order to protect her from evil. She also has a lump of sugar with her that ensures a sweet future.

Betrothal ceremony begins with the priest blessing the rings and reciting Bible passages. Then the Koumbaro exchanges the rings three times between the couple's fingers. It signifies that the weaknesses of one shall be compensated by the other. The bride and groom are given a pair of lit candles which symbolize the eternal light of Jesus Christ.

Crowing is the most iconic part of the Greek wedding. The priest takes two crowns or Stefana and adorns the couple by placing them on their heads. Koumbaro then invites the couple to take their first step together by walking three times around the altar upon which rest the Holy Bible and cross.

At the end of the ceremony, the priest offers his blessings to the newly married couple. The couple then goes to the groom's house where the flag is raised again and the bride throws on the roof a small piece of iron as a symbol of strength of her new life. Traditionally, the bride's parents plan and pay for the reception.

Attire
The Greek wedding attire is traditional, the bride is usually in a white gown with long train and a traditional black suit with a bow tie for the groom. The Greek wedding dresses are an image of elegance, simplicity and high class. These dresses can easily be identified by the unique cut of the wedding gown that preserves the femininity of a woman.

Original article

The Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Season Proposals

The period of time between Thanksgiving and New Year's is the most popular time for couples to get engaged. In fact, it is often referred to as engagement season. If you are thinking of popping the question to your girlfriend this holiday season, check out these dos and don'ts first.

Do: Think Carefully About the Best Time and Place to Propose. There are some women who would love it if you popped the question over the pumpkin pie at a huge family Thanksgiving celebration so all of her loved ones could be there to witness the special moment. There are other women who would be absolutely mortified by such a public proposal, so think about your girlfriend's personality and relationship with her family before deciding when and where to whip out that diamond bridal jewelry and drop to one knee.

Don't: Propose in Front of Others if There is Any Doubt About Her Answer. Most proposals are met with a resounding, "Yes!", but there are other occasions when she may need to think about it a little. If you have never discussed marriage with your girlfriend, you have a complicated relationship, or she is just the contemplative type, it is best to propose to her in private. Otherwise, she may feel terribly pressured about having to make such an important life decision with a room full of people watching her.

Do: Tie Your Proposal in With Her Favorite Holiday. Is your girlfriend a sentimental type, who loves the warmth and coziness of Thanksgiving? Does she live for Christmas? Or maybe she is a party girl who adores the glitter and glamor of New Year's Eve. Pick her favorite holiday as the occasion to pop the question to make the moment even more memorable.

Don't: Make Her Wait. If you know darn well that your girlfriend is expecting a Christmas proposal under the tree, don't decide to wait until December 26 just to keep the element of surprise going. Trust me, she would rather be less surprised but not have to wait! She might try to put a brave face on it, but she is going to be crushed if the special day comes and goes with no sign of the bridal jewelry engagement ring.

Do: Come Up With a Fun Way to Propose. There is a reason that men like to tie the engagement ring to the Christmas tree or drop it in a glass of Champagne on New Year's Eve: it's fun. Even if your idea is not totally original, your girlfriend will love the special presentation. Besides, it will make for a delightful engagement story to tell when she is asked how you proposed. And people will definitely be asking her!

Don't: Think You Have to Have a Ring. While every woman certainly enjoys getting a big sparkly diamond ring when she gets engaged, all you really need is a commitment to spend the rest of your lives together. So if you are ready to pop the question but don't have money for an engagement ring yet, don't let that stand in the way. By the same token, if you wish to propose but are afraid to pick a ring without your girlfriend's input, go ahead and pop the question. Frankly, if she won't say yes without a diamond, she is not the girl for you anyway. But most women will not care a fig about the ring, because they know that true love is the best gift of all.

Guy has been writing about society and weddings for a long time. If you have a topic you would like to know about, let us know at Silverland Jewelry. Sign up for our free newsletter today to receive special offers on our unique collection of bridal jewelry and bridesmaid gifts.

Original article

Helpful Tips on How To Make an Engagement Party Invitation

Invitations are very important in parties or special events. Writing an invitation for an engagement party allows you to inform guests about the special day for a newly engaged couple who are preparing to marry. You should keep in mind that it is important to keep an accurate guest list because people who are invited to these kinds of occasions also receive wedding invitations. When guests call to RSVP, you have to let them know where the couple is registered for gifts, but remember that you do not have to include these details on the engagement party invitation because doing so is not proper etiquette.

Invitations for an engagement party serve as a fitting place to show up the personalities of the newly engaged couple and their love for one another. Instead of buying engagement party invitations, you can make your own by simply using the basic paper-crafting supplies such as stickers, card, photos as well as quotations that the couple enjoys.

Another great idea is to start the engagement invitation with a quote about love and marriage. You should choose wording that reflects the newly engaged couple's relationship. It may reflect on how they met and became close friends. Do not forget to include the name of the author who said or wrote the engagement quotes on the invitation.

Moreover, it is very important to inform the guests the important details such as the names of the newly engaged couple. You may write something like the "Let us celebrate the engagement of Mario Thomas and Rebecca Simmons." You should inform the guests about the theme of the party if there is any so they can dress appropriately. Lastly, you must let them know the important details about the date, time and location of the engagement party, including the city and state of the reception.

How To Finish the Invitation

When it comes to closing the engagement invitation, you should state who is hosting the engagement party, give his name and contact details. You must write "Hosted By" and list the name of the host near the bottom of the invitation. On the other hand, you can also include these details into the beginning of the invitation especially if one of the couple is hosting his or her own engagement party. It is best to create an engagement invitation with RSVP that has a phone number or an email address.

Get more information about engagement quotes and find more tips on congratulating a couple.

Original article

5 Unique Ways To Propose

You have just purchased the perfect engagement ring. You know she will absolutely love it and you can't wait to hear her say the one word in response to the question you have been dreaming of asking for months. Yes.

But you don't want your proposal to be ordinary. You want it to be unique, exciting, and a moment neither of you will forget for the rest of your life.

5 Special WaysTo Pop The Question

If you are looking for a special way to pop the question, here are a couple of suggestions you may love.
A Calendar- While a calendar may not seem like much, it can be a unique and memorable way to propose. Purchase a calendar, then mark the day you are going to propose and mark the day you want to get married. Fill the calendar with pictures of you and your soon-to-be fiancée and memories from special days, like the day you first got together, your first date, and even the day you both said I love you for the first time. When she finally says yes, mark that as the calendar as well.
Keyboard-Does your girlfriend own a computer with a keyboard? If so, get a couple of used old keyboards and take the letters off of them. You can then rearrange the letters on the old keyboard so they spell "Will You Marry Me?" Hide your girlfriend's good keyboard and replace it with the old one. Just make sure you are nearby when she finds it.
Holidays- While many individuals propose on special holidays like Valentine 's Day, Christmas, or New Years, other holidays are typically not thought of. For instance, you could propose on Halloween and place her engagement ring inside of a carved pumpkin. You could even dress up as a groom or a frog prince. For an Easter proposal, you could place the ring in a plastic egg and hide in somewhere in the house for her to find.
Ancestral Places- One of the most romantic and unique ways to propose is to find out where her parents or grandparents became engaged or were married. Not only will you proposing to her in a special way, but you will be creating a tradition that can be passed down from generation to generation.
In a Book- What book has she been dying to read? Find out and buy it. Then, hollow out the inside of the book and place the ring inside. If it is a thick enough book, you can easily place the ring box inside. If the book is small, simply place the ring in by itself. Wrap up the book like a present and give it to her "just because." When she opens it up, she will be impressed with how well you have paid attention to what she is reading, but as soon as she opens it up, she will be even more surprised!

If you want to present your girlfriend with an engagement ring, don't settle for a hum drum proposal. Make it a time both of you will remember for the rest of your lives.

Global Diamonds is your source for the finest in jewellery. Whether you are looking for engagement rings, diamond rings, precious gems, or a specially designed piece of jewellery that you helped create, Global Diamonds has exactly what you are looking for. With skilled jewellers on staff, Global Diamonds creates timeless designs for your special occasion, made to last a lifetime. Visit our web site for more information on your next diamond or fine jewellery purchase.

Original article

Cues To Choose The Right Engagement Ring

Choosing an engagement ring is an extremely significant decision in a relationship. It marks the next step in a marriage. Hence, first and foremost try estimating your budget and the quality of the engagement ring that you want for your beloved. Note that 'bigger' is not necessarily the better. Factors such as tradition, price range, lifestyle and individual taste count immensely while choosing a ring.

Be careful about the metal that you choose

A beautiful and dazzling engagement ring can not only act as a symbol of union, but also brings in a spark, both literally and metaphorically. If you are trying to go for something softer yet malleable, it is best that you go for a gold engagement ring. It mixes with various metals of different colors. It is less costly than a platinum ring. Gold is much easier to scratch or tarnish as compared to other metals.

What's topping in the popularity charts?

What is gaining popularity amongst people nowadays is solitaire. It is available with a pure band of platinum or gold to the 'head' of the ring, often crowned by diamond. The gemstone piece, in this case, a diamond, is often referred as 'rock.'

Research before you invest

Sometimes, you might feel that hunting for an engagement ring can be quite daunting; however, the trick would be to learn certain engagement ring vocabularies. Especially if you are trying to shop for a diamond ring, you need to do slight research on the four C's such as the:

• cut
• color
• clarity
• carat

There is a fifth 'C' as well called Cubic Zirconia. It is a highly precious gemstone. Usually an expert or a practiced jeweler can distinguish this gem from other diamonds. However, it is slightly softer than regular diamonds so it might get dull over the years. You can also go for Lab diamonds which are good alternatives for traditional diamonds mainly costing 5-10% of what a normal diamond would cost.
Factors which count

• It is important for you to get a reliable jeweler for your engagement ring. Do not go for shops or retailers who pressurize you towards buying their products.

• Think about the usage or the practicality of the ring. If it is for regular wear, buy a ring which can overcome the wear and tear of daily lives.

• The higher the position of the gem on the ring, the greater is the probability of it being stuck in clothes, hair or even gear. Hence, accordingly make your purchase.

With some of the best Titanium and Gold rings flooded in the market, it can be quite tough for you to make a decision. Rhodium-plated white gold or a silver ring is also topping the charts nowadays.

Keep note of the longevity

Checking the durability of the ring is highly important. In this case, platinum tops the rank. Steel and Titanium are considerably resistant as well. Nonetheless, the purer the gold, the more prone it is towards wear and tear. Make sure you collect the insurance of the ring from the jewel store. Also collect a certificate of warranty and authenticity for the ring.

You can do a thorough market research about all of the above factors and judge yourself which engagement ring suits your partner best. After undergoing an iterative process, make sure you bag exactly the one you had long aspired and make that special day a truly memorable one with your invaluable gift.

Mark West invites you to find the perfect engagement ring at Wedding Ring Guru. The most affordable wedding ring dealer in the universe!

Original article

Variety of Engagement Ring Designs

Looking for a beautiful and unique ring from the endless engagement ring designs available today might seem like a nerve-racking experience, especially when there are so many different options that the average person might not understand. One of the biggest problems that people have when it comes to choosing an engagement ring is the setting type. There are quite a few common setting types that offer a different look and secure hold for those precious gems.

To get a better idea about the variety of ring settings available, consider the following styles:

Bar

A bar setting uses vertical metal bars on the sides of precious stones to keep them securely in place on an engagement ring band. This setting shows off more of the precious metal than a prong setting but also doesn't overpower the stone.

Bezel

Bezel settings are metal rims that wrap around or partially secure the edges of the precious stone. They are among the most secure settings to choose for a ring and while it does cover more of the stone than a prong setting, it can also highlight the beauty and radiance of it.

Although more expensive than certain other settings, the bezel setting is a safe choice for women's engagement rings and usually ideal for more masculine rings with larger stones.

Channel

A channel setting, as the name suggests, has a channel that precious stones sit in with narrow metal strips along the sides to secure them. This setting is ideal for ring designs without a focal stone, so it's usually the number one choice for accent stones and ring designs that have rows of symmetrical gems.

Also a wonderful choice for simple engagement ring designs, the channel setting does not have metal bars or prongs between stones, which enhances a simplistic beauty and class.

Cluster

A cluster setting is similar to a pavé setting but is mainly used to group different stones in artistic designs like flowers, hearts and butterflies. They are ideal for decorative engagement ring designs that may have multiple stone shapes, types and sizes. Although very beautiful with the intricate designs and secure setting, it does tend to cost more than other setting styles.

Flush/ Gypsy

Similar to a bezel setting, a flush or gypsy setting does not have metal rims covering parts of the stone but instead sit within the band and level with the whole surface of the ring. A small tapered opening is created in the band and the stone is placed securely inside.

The simple and sleek design of a flush setting makes it a very popular choice for minimalistic and modern engagement ring designs, though it's important to get a trusted professional to do it, to ensure the stones will not loosen.

Pavé

The pave setting is a wonderful choice for anyone who doesn't want or can't afford those large precious stones but would like to increase the sparkle and wow factor of a ring. This setting tightly groups a number of smaller stones within gaps in the band, much like cobblestones and gives them the illusion of being one large brilliant stone.

This is the chosen setting for many ring styles that have multiple accent stones or to create a large brilliant surface resembling a large center stone.

Prong

A prong setting is one of the most popular choices for engagement ring designs since it allows for the most light to enter precious stones like diamonds, which makes the overall effect more brilliant in the light.
With a prong setting, the precious stone is placed in a basket like setting and secured with an arrangement of thin metal bars that is placed strategically around it. It's a wonderful choice for medium and large solitaires since it shows off most of the gem in a secure way.

Tension

A tension setting is among the most difficult and expensive choices for an engagement ring because it can only be done for strong stones like diamonds and it will cause difficulty to resize the ring. The basic idea of a tension setting is to use the force of the metal to keep a stone in place and give it the illusion of floating in the ring.

Learn more about custom jewelry design Unusual Engagement Rings

View pictures of custom engagement rings Engagement Ring Designs

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4 Unique Engagement Ring Designs

There are thousands of different engagement ring designs that vary in cut and design, with classic and modern pieces being the most popular. Even with so many available choices, there are people who would like to find something truly different and unique to represent the love they have for their significant other.
If you're looking for something truly uncommon and special from all of the engagement ring designs, consider some of the beautiful options that will make your ring stand out from the rest.

Mokume

One of the most unique ring band styles available today, the Mokume gane style is one that combines luxury and class all in one. This process involves mixing precious metals together in a finish that shows off a unique and beautiful pattern that swirls throughout the ring band almost like marble. This technique was common in ancient Japan among the upper class and offers an absolutely stunning finish to any engagement ring design.

Combine the Mokume gane base with any matching stone or symbolic engraving to offer your one and only a ring that's truly one of a kind.

Tribal

Tribal themed engagement ring designs combine ancient symbols of native tribes from all around the globe with the artistic beauty of specially designed rings for a loving couple. There is a wide variety of tribes that have different symbols and design styles to choose from. Each symbol has great meaning to all native tribes and the importance lies with the way the symbol is shown.

If you would like to include native roots with a symbol of love and companionship, tribal designs are the best choice. Depending on the style and design, they are ideal for engagement rings that suit both men and women, while also providing flexible patterns that are perfect for incorporating precious stones for a more luxurious look.

Interlocking

A fun and unique style for engagement rings is a puzzle or interlocking design. These rings can either have an interlocking design with different mixed precious metals or have a combination of two rings that fit perfectly together. The symbolism alone is the most romantic part of the rings but also the ability to customize shapes, stones and styles for something made only for one loving couple.

There are two choices when it comes to interlocking engagement rings: two interlocking rings for one person or two separate rings for the couple that can join together to form one.

Having two interlocking rings for one person can symbolize the couple joined or to simply join the engagement and wedding bands together to form one. The other style is to have individual rings that have an interlocking design to show the couple fits perfectly together.

Symbols

Choosing a special engagement ring can be difficult when considering the many subtle and not so subtle symbols that can be incorporated into the design and style of the ring. It's possible to create a custom ring shaped into a desired symbol or to have symbols etched into the band itself.

One of the more popular choices is the infinity symbol that can have stones placed in the loops along the band for a beautiful unique look. Other designs can include family crests, special symbols that only the couple shares or a concept to represent the relationship between two loving people.

Learn more about custom jewelry design Unusual Engagement Rings

View pictures of custom engagement rings Engagement Ring Designs

Original article

Learning Through A Pre-Marriage Counseling Support Group

A pre-marriage counseling support group can be an effective way to ensure success in flourishing a relationship and further build a stronger bond between couples. In this setting, a group of couples are engaged in various pre-marital counseling activities. Partners of different cultures, way of living and views but seemingly having the same qualms and apprehensions will be able to help each other in getting ready for a married life.

The truth is, it is easy to create a set of standards on how to build a good marriage. Moreover, it is also facile to ponder on the general rules of being a good husband or a good wife. However, living a life that abides by those standards and rules requires not just thinking but a total understanding of how the whole marriage system works. And understanding is not just thinking, it is thinking together with sacrifice. There is no better way to prepare those to-be-married couples for this huge responsibility but to attend pre-marriage counseling sessions.

Attending a group session offers many benefits for couples. For one, the fee can be cheaper. Depending on the model though, there are group sessions that charges almost the same amount as with private sessions. In any case though, the target is to ensure that couples can discover their own formula to achieve a life of harmony for the rest of their lives.

Group activities can bring out a diverse pool of individual ideas from which each couple can relate and learn from. Through various sharing activities, these individuals become open to each other thereby creating a closer relationship. This bond makes them good friends who can turn to each other during times of marital problems. It becomes easy for them to trust one another brought by several weeks of meeting and personal sharing.

Others are maybe apprehensive in joining counseling in a group setting because of confidentiality issues. Even if members are compelled to sign a confidentiality pledge, it is hard to believe that a stranger can comply with this agreement. Although it is true that this is sometimes risky, institutions that are authorized to perform such counseling practice are skilled in designing helpful activities. It is part of the institution's obligation to assure positive enhancement to develop better relationship as well as get to know each partner deeper. Of course, this is a voluntary activity. This is an activity where both parties (the couple and the administrator) have mutually agreed to do. This counseling aims to efficiently and successfully facilitate in producing an environment that will allow each other to be free in expressing views and emotions.

Group counseling has been proven to be an effective way to enhance relationships. Plus the pre-marriage counseling support group activity elicits more good friends to the couple. This is not a bad idea after all, right? So go ahead and take time to attend counseling sessions.

Daniel Young is a reputable and trusted psychologist for over a decade. If marriage with your spouse is falling out or planning to get married, Marriage Counseling 4U can give you enlightenment and guidance in immensely deliberating matters. Whatever concern you want to clarify or need enlightenment from like pre-marriage counseling support group visit us today at http://www.marriagecounseling4u.com/ and happy.

Original article

Things to Consider When Buying an Engagement Ring

For many girls, getting engaged is all about one thing: the DIAMOND!!

However, choosing a diamond can be a very complicated process, with different advice being offered by jewellers, family, friends and neighbours. Here are a few simple tips to make sure that the process ends up with you buying a ring you love:

Enjoy the process! Over-thinking the science behind diamonds can mean that your head will over-rule your heart, and you may end up with a ring that you think is good value, despite your instinct telling you otherwise.
Learn about the 4Cs. It is useful to understand the lingo being used by jewellers. What is the difference between a G colour and a H colour, for example? To some people, there is no visible difference, to others, even a tiny variation in colour can be noticed. It is the same with cut, clarity and carat weight.
Don't get focused on size; carat is a measurement of weight, not of quality. A 1.99 carat diamond will appear to be the same size as a 2.00 carat diamond, but there will be a large difference in the price. But even more significantly, a 1.5 carat high quality diamond will look much, much better than a 2.0 carat diamond of low quality. See what grabs your eye, rather than worrying about technical specifications.
Decide on a general style of ring that suits you; three stone diamond rings suit some hands, whereas only a solitaire will look well on others. Take your time and try them all, you will quickly see what you like.
Find a jeweller you trust. You need to be sure that they will be happy to look after you and the ring after the purchase. Ask them about their post-sale service; is there a charge to clean and check the setting? How often can you call in to have the ring inspected?
Learn about certification. There are many certification bodies in the world. Even though they all use the same terms to describe colour and clarity, there can be differences in how they grade the same diamond. I have seen cases where a diamond was certificated as being E colour by one laboratory, and G colour be another laboratory. Insist that the diamond is certificated by a reputable laboratory. In Europe, the two best known, respected laboratories are the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and the HRD, (Hoge Raad voor DIamant)
Choose which metal you wish to go for. Some people strongly push gold, some strongly push platinum. This is in some ways a cultural matter, for example, in Belgium, most diamond rings are in white gold or yellow gold, while in Ireland, most are in platinum. Both are suitable for jewellery, but have different properties. Do some research on the differences, and make your own mind up.
Finally, decide a budget a stick to it. Your Dublin engagement ring is more than a piece of jewellery, it is the symbol of a union for life. There is no point starting a life together with a large debt. You can always get a bigger diamond at some point in the future!

Garret Weldon BSc GG (GIA)

Weldon Jewellers Dublin

Original article

Choosing an Engagement Ring - Advice for Men

Firstly, when looking at engagement rings, it is important to have at least an idea of what you are searching for before you go shopping, this is due to the immense variety of what is available. Engagement rings come in all different sizes, shapes and colours having a quick look online before venturing to the shops can help you have an idea of both style and price.

Engagement rings vary in style like everything else, when thinking about that perfect ring ask yourself about your loved one's style. Does she buy the latest fashions? If so looking at contemporary and funky rings may be the way forward. If she prefers more elegant and traditional items then try to carry this theme on when looking at engagement rings. Alternatively, there is also the vintage route to explore, never fear though, if you cannot find anything that you think is suitable bespoke jewellery is always an option, it could even be the first choice for that extra special ring.

When thinking about the specifics of engagement rings, you should consider the following; what type of metal should the ring be? Today especially there is vast choice when deciding which precious metal you should chose, rings can be bought in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, titanium, platinum and palladium to name a few. So, consider what other kinds of jewellery your partner wears in order to decide which precious metal will be right for her.

The next consideration when searching is the stone, the classic stone of choice being diamond. However, you could also consider birthstones and opals. Once again, if you are not sure look at her jewellery collection for an indication of the types of stones she may prefer. Bespoke jewellery could once again hold the key to the perfect choice if you do not find the right stone or mixture of stones that you may be looking for.

In regards to design there is one final deliberation, that of the cut of the stone. Once again, there is a lot of choice, such as the princess cut, radiant cut, a solitaire and cluster sets being a few examples. Therefore, try to do your homework before heading to the shops.

Finally, although this may seem unromantic, budget is also a key factor when looking at engagement rings. Knowing how much you can spend and what you can get for your money will allow you to be able to concentrate on the finer details and not worrying that you could be looking at something that may end up being way out of your price range or far less than you were looking to spend.

By Kirsty Brown, who works at Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design - who provide expertise in how to chose an engagement ring

Original article

Engagement Ring Designs for Every Budget

Having someone very special and loving in your life is a wonderful thing. Wanting to start a beautiful journey with them by offering a symbol of how you feel is one of the most important steps in many people's lives. Choosing one from all of the different engagement ring designs that can encompass those feelings may seem like a very difficult task, especially if you don't know exactly what's out there.

Whether you have a big budget or something more modest, there is sure to be an engagement ring that's perfect for the one you love. Before trying to find that special gem, learn about the engagement ring designs that are most commonly found today:

Classic

The classic engagement rings are perfect for anyone who would like to be more traditional. They are timeless designs that many believe symbolize the true spirit of everlasting love.

These designs are usually made with a simple band and one beautiful raised white diamond in the middle. Although the design seems simple enough, the variations in precious metals and diamond cuts certainly makes a different in look.

One other design that can be classified as classic would be a cathedral style ring. These rings look very much like the straight classic types but they also have the addition of an extra band to hold the ring in place. The diamonds are placed tapered and high up on the ring along with two curved bands. The cathedral style is also a flexible choice when it comes to customization.

Depending on the setting and carat of the diamond, the classic and cathedral style rings are a good choice for low to moderate budgets.

Artistic

Artistic engagement ring designs are a great choice for anyone who would love to have a unique ring. There are many different artistic rings designs to choose from since they are left to your imagination. Choose the band, precious metal, precious stone, cut and any other extra details.

Unique artistic rings are known to be different from the norm and have a special touch that only the couple can share together. If there are special meaningful symbols to represent love and connection, they can easily be incorporated into the ring design.

One example of the beauty and flexibility of artistic rings is a special flower themed ring that has flower shaped set of stones along with a band that has flower cut outs throughout. Certainly something that would appeal to those who love one of a kind of jewellery.

Depending on the design, stones, cuts and other artistic additions, these rings start at moderate prices and reach any price imaginable.

Majestic

The perfect choice for anyone with a limitless budget and a love for luxury, majestic engagement rings are show stoppers when it comes to sparkle and design. These ring styles will generally have large cut stones, elaborate designs and multiple settings paired with the top designer looks for rings.

Certainly far from minimalism, the luxury designs are made for show. The ring bands are usually wider than the more common engagement ring styles and offer the ability to combine different precious metals and precious stones for vibrant and unique look.

The luxury rings will commonly have pave stone settings paired along with several accent stones that will run along the top or even the sides of the band for that added sparkle.

The cost of majestic luxury rings start in the low thousands and can reach any limit imaginable.

Regardless of the cost of an engagement ring, it's important to remember the symbol it represents for a couple. While the ring will certainly make an impact when offered, it's the thought and love behind it that truly makes it beautiful.

Learn more about custom jewelry design Unusual Engagement Rings

View pictures of custom engagement rings Engagement Ring Designs

Original article

5 Steps for Designing the Best Custom Engagement Rings

Custom engagement rings are among the most beautiful choices for a special engagement surprise because they are custom made gifts from the heart that virtually no one else in the world would have. Rings are among the most versatile jewelry pieces that can be designed and customized to any look and style, which is ideal for anyone wanting to get something to match someone's personality. The custom engagement rings can also be designed perfectly for a specific theme that the couple can share together.

In order to give you a better idea how to design the best custom engagement rings and the options that are available to you, consider the following tips:

Size

First of all, it's very important to get the proper sized ring because nothing's more disappointing than a romantic engagement and the ring doesn't even fit on the finger. It may not be easy to get the best fit, it's always better to go bigger than smaller, since larger rings can easily be taken down a size or more.

One sneaky way that many people find out a ring size is simply checking existing rings that the person who will be surprised wears on a fairly regular basis. Simply fit it according to your own fingers or measure the contour with a slip of paper.

General Style

The next step is to decide the general style that you would like to get. This will provide a good base that you can then work with to create plans for custom engagement rings in several designs that you will then be able to choose from in the end. Think about the style and personality of the person you would like to purchase the ring for. Some people love vintage designs while others prefer modern or unique artistic styles.

Metals

There are many different types of metals and material that can be used for custom engagement rings, with each one offering a different look for each style. While some yellow gold rings are better suited for more traditional designs, there's also the opportunity to combine white gold or platinum to a traditional piece, just to give it a nice mix of modern and vintage mix.

Stones

There are also thousands of different stones and combinations of stones that can be incorporated into custom engagement rings. Traditional engagement pieces tend to have classic diamonds but there's nothing stopping you from choosing more significant stones like someone's birthstone or a stone that matches a favourite colour.

Colourful stones are especially versatile when it comes to custom designs that have a floral or very feminine design.

Extra Details

Finally, there are the final details that can make an engagement ring perfectly customized and unique. Adding engraved messages or an engraved design to the band is certainly a wonderful way to add a warm personalized message from the heart.

Another great touch that some people choose for their unique engagement ring is to shape the band in a decorative manner. A professional jeweller can beautifully shape a ring band in a swirl, floral, wave or even a geometric shape to add a more dramatic touch.

An engagement is something that will be cherished and remembered throughout time, which is why so many try to make the entire event as unique and personal as possible. By including a custom engagement ring that's created for your special someone, it truly shows how much love and consideration was placed on getting something that would be perfect for the occasion.

Original article

Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring: What Do People Really Spend?

"Two months' salary" is the most quoted answer given to men asking how much to spend on their fiancée's engagement ring. So is this what people are really spending? Well, exact information is very hard to find. But we can look at various statistics and see if they are consistent with the two month rule.

Searching for the average price paid for an engagement ring produces a wide range of results. Between 2007 and 2011, I have seen figures from various sources ranging from $2100 to $6000. So the answer to that seems to be, "it depends who you ask".

A recent survey from XO Group indicates that the average price was $5200 in 2010. That was a survey of 10000 brides and 1000 bridegrooms, so it represents what they say was spent. It seems higher than other estimates. The survey covered all income levels, but it doesn't say whether those levels are in the same proportions as they are in the population - if it isn't the figures will be unrepresentative. Furthermore, average price is not the same as typical price. A small number of purchasers may buy rings of $50k and much more. This will skew the average upwards. In any case, the average male salary in the USA is about $37000. Two months' salary would be $6166. None of the estimates approach this value, and most are a great deal less.

The minimum spent is another indicator. Typical minimum wage in the USA is $7.25. Assuming a 40 hour week, and a 4 week month, a minimum earner would make $2320 in two months. If the rule held, there would be very few, if any engagement rings sold below that price.

The evidence is otherwise. According to National Jeweler, the largest jewelry retailer in the USA is Wal-Mart with $2.8B of annual sales. The indications are that engagement rings selling at less than $1000 are doing very well. This is more evidence that people are not following the two month rule.

Finally, how practical is it? For a low earner, much of their income will be spent on housing, bills, food and clothing. Maybe 10% or less will be "disposable". That means that saving two month's salary will take two years or longer. Two years without any spending beyond the basic needs. An alternative to saving would be going into debt by putting it on a credit card, and with interest, taking even longer to pay for it. Not ideal with wedding and honeymoon expenses on the horizon.

The best solution is to spend what you can afford, right now without going into debt. If you plan to propose in the near future, start saving now. The engagement ring is a gift and a symbol of your love and commitment to a life together. There are both emotional and financial considerations and they are linked. What you spend shows your willingness to make an effort to demonstrate your commitment. But the amount you spend is relative. It would require as much effort for one man to raise $500 as it would for another to raise $5000. And it's the amount of effort that is important emotionally, not the cost in absolute terms.

If your intended believes that it needs to be a $5000 ring, or it's an insult, and your realistic price range with some effort, is $1000, then she needs to get a reality check. Is she is unwilling to then you probably need to question whether you want to be with her long term. Especially if she expects you to go into debt for this.

Many women will gladly accept the ring they are given as an expression of their man's love for them. They will be able to see that you made an effort for them, will appreciate that, and will treasure it for the rest of your lives together. There are many older, clearly affluent women who still wear with pride the modest engagement ring their husbands bought them when they were much younger and much poorer, alongside their more recently acquired stunning jewels. It proudly tells the world how far they have come together!

Michael J Fleming is a consumer advocate and writer with 15 years experience of researching and buying diamonds and fine jewelry. He does not sell diamonds, and prides himself on giving researched, impartial information to those planning to buy engagement rings or other fine jewelry.
If you are planning to buy an engagement ring, be sure to visit www.DiamondsforBeginners.com/ for other useful and impartial information to help you make the perfect choice.

Original article

10 Tips to Get You to the Proposal Without Losing the Ring

The stress of picking out the perfect engagement ring, purchasing it, and then mustering up the courage to propose can make most men a nervous wreck. It makes perfect sense why the proposal brings so much pressure. According to a survey conducted by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company and featured in USA Today, 35% of people spend between $2,500 and 7,499 on an engagement ring-often coming next in line after the house and car in terms of most valuable household assets. You have a lot to lose.

Proposals gone bad

We all heard the horror stories of proposals going horribly wrong. The guy who arranged for a hot air balloon ride and watched the ring plummet to the ground just has he was about to propose.... The guy who thought it would be romantic to ask for her hand while boating, only to have the ring sink to the bottom of the lake before she could say yes.... The guy who proposed at a clam bake on the beach who wound up digging, and digging, and digging for the diamond ring that would never be found.

If you're thinking about proposing soon, here are 10 tips to help you get from the store to the proposal with your ring intact.

DO insure the ring before it leaves the store. Even if something does happen to it, you'll be covered and it won't mean money down the drain.
DO keep the ring in the box and store it someplace safe in your home, like a fireproof lock box.
DO stay grounded. If you do happen to drop the ring, you can more easily recover it on dry land than from the air or water.
DO let your jeweler hold onto the ring until you are ready to propose.
DO use the hotel's front desk safe, never the in-room safe which can more easily get broken into.
DON'T put the ring in checked luggage, which can become lost or stolen, including all contents within it. Instead, place the ring in your carry-on bag.
DON'T propose on the beach - rings can too easily get lost in the sand.
DON'T propose anywhere you have unstable footing - boat, amusement park ride, parachuting, etc.
DON'T propose in overly crowded areas where the ring could get bumped out of your hand or snatched from a passerby.
DON'T put the ring in food. It could become lost, or worse yet, choked on. Nothing says "I love you" like a trip to the ER.

Following these tips will help assure that your proposal story has a happy ending and you'll share fond memories with your loved one for years to come. Here's to hoping your proposal goes off without a hitch!

Discover the benefits of protecting your jewelry! For helpful tips to keep your most cherished items safe, visit http://www.insureyourjewelry.com/. Jessica VandenHouten writes for Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, the nation's only insurer specializing exclusively in jewelry insurance. She stays current on the latest jewelry trends while covering such topics as bridal, fashion, travel and safety as they relate to the jewelry industry.

Original article

Hot Tips on Selecting the Ideal Engagement Ring Design

Engagement ring symbolizes a romantic lasting message of commitment and love for each other; that is why it is important to select an engagement ring design that truly imparts the depth of your love and affection to your loved ones. Bear in mind that engagement rings come in various styles and distinct designs. It is important to choose the ideal style based on the taste and preferences of the person whom you are planning to give the ring.

Take note that there are two main types of rings; occasional rings and permanent rings. Occasional rings largely differ with the latter type in terms of design. Rings for special occasions generally have fancy and intricate designs. They are also usually large in sizes especially if there is bigger stones on it that need to be emphasized for its elegant and luxurious beauty.

In most cases, such rings very expensive depending on the type and numbers of stones installed on it. They are perfect for formal gatherings and special affairs where elegance among the participants is common. Use of such rings during inappropriate events like casual affairs may cause the user to feel uncomfortable due to its size and luxurious looks.

Moreover, rings that are too expensive may also cause the owner to be very conscious of its safety due to the high amount involved in the event of loss. As a result, there is higher probability that the ring will only end up in the drawer or jewelry box most of the time for safekeeping purposes. Thus, expensive rings are only good for special occasions and not for everyday use which is the case for engagement rings.

It is therefore best to choose for the type of ring that will make the person feel very comfortable under any situation or event; be it formal and non-formal or casual affair. It should have a very simple design and yet still exudes a touch of elegance and exquisite splendour that truly reflects the beauty of love that exists between you and your special someone.

Aside from that, the ring should be very comfortable to wear, without causing scratches or injury to the user. Some rings have designs with numerous prongs holding the luxurious stones in place. Some prongs have sharp curves that can injure the person if not handled properly. They can also get easily snagged by clothes thereby causing the apparel to have loose threads. Hence, it is suggested to avoid sharp intricate designs on the ring, but rather go for smooth designs for safety purposes; as well as to avoid tearing of the clothes.

When it comes to engagement rings, they should have designs that are simple but beautiful. They are the typical ring designs that project beauty in simplicity while providing utmost comfort to the person during long-term use.

These tips on engagement ring designs are by no means the only factors that you should consider if you are going to buy a ring for your engagement; but they can greatly help in finding just the perfect type of ring that your fiance will truly appreciate and cherish for its beauty and usability.

My name is Fem Mascenon and I thoroughly research and write about art deco engagement rings. Please visit my site at http://www.pearl-engagement-rings.net/ to find the best engagement ring for your bride-to-be that fits your budget!

Original article

Thinking About the Best Marriage Proposal Ideas? Avoid These Mistakes

Your marriage proposal ideas may be innovative and thoughtful- but even a few simple mistakes can spoil the experience forever! Go through the tips below- and make sure your perfect idea is not doomed for failure!

The danger in ideas that have been done to death- Did you hear about the one where the guy popped the ring into a glass of wine in order to surprise his girlfriend? She had to land up in the ER- after inadvertently swallowing the stupid thing! Want to avoid such catastrophes? Think simple, but original! It's not as difficult as it sounds. It doesn't HAVE to be over the top. Sometimes the best ideas are the ones that are simple! Think about her likes and dislikes- her hobbies, favorite music and interests. You'll have your best clue there!

Marriage proposal ideas that are extravagant- how much is 'too much', you wonder? After all, what's a bit of money if it can give you a memorable proposal? Trouble is- most of the times the extravagance tends to shadow the proposal itself! You can't replace creativity with money! The focus needs to be on the emotions and feelings involved - not on something expensive you've arranged!

Ditto for too elaborate affairs- Some guys just don't know where to stop. If they like more than one marriage proposal idea- they'll combine everything into one! So you could land up with an elaborate dinner, receive a teddy with a ring on its collar- and then go treasure hunting before he proposes! Think she'll be impressed? Not so much! She'll probably be too tired to concentrate on you!

The sensible thing to do is to go for something that is special for both of you. It doesn't have to be something your favorite Hollywood star did for his fiancé! Make it a simple affair- the occasion itself will make it memorable!

Most ladies don't like making a spectacle of themselves- or their private emotions! If you absolutely must propose to her in front of friends and family (not the best of ideas for most couples), make sure she'll appreciate it. Of course- be prepared for a lack of privacy once the proposal is over! There won't be a lot of staring into to each other's eyes if your mother in law's got a hawk eye over you!

Being taken by surprise- no matter how extensively you plan out your proposal, even the best marriage proposal ideas could go horribly wrong! Always have a backup plan ready in case something doesn't quite go the way you planned it. Rehearse all ideas well- especially ones that seem a bit elaborate. Think about any possible way things could go wrong- and prepare for it! It's the least you could do!

No matter which marriage proposal ideas you are thinking of, try to avoid these gaffes! After all, you don't want your girlfriend to remember this proposal for the wrong reasons for the rest of your lives!

Mark West invites you to find the perfect engagement ring at Wedding Ring Guru. The most affordable wedding ring dealer in the universe!

Original article

Preparing for Marriage - Dealing With the In-Laws

Preparing for a wedding is fun, after all this is a party, a celebration of two lives coming together. Preparing for a marriage during your engagement is entirely another event; it is not fun, rather it is work. Any time you take two different view points, two different personalities, and two different backgrounds and merge them together, there is bound to be tension. One of the often overlooked areas of preparing for a marriage is dealing with the in-laws to be. They are likely to be involved in your lives going forward so setting the parameters now before marriage decreases the potential conflict.

The new "we". Before you walk down the aisle or go to the courthouse, you should begin the practice of changing your perspective from "me" to "we". More importantly, the "we" means you and your spouse to be, not "we" meaning you and your parents. For some this a hard adjustment as even the most simple of decisions were discussed with your parents, for others this is a no-brainer. Nevertheless, if you begin this process now, before the wedding, your parents are more likely to adjust to the new perspective as well. This is not a perspective that you want your in-laws to adjust to after the wedding as it may cause frustration and resentment. Rather, practice it now. When you say "we", it is only you and your spouse; no parents allowed.

Mine are mine, yours are yours. As a rule of thumb, communication is best received from you to your parents. Parents are more likely to receive good or bad information if given directly from you to them without any interference. You talking to your in-laws can create a question of whether or not their child, your spouse, really agrees with the decision. This question then lives in the minds of your in-laws for the duration of your marriage and will likely be brought up an inopportune time. When the two of you finally agree on an issue, you tell your parents and your spouse tells his/her parents.

Mark your calendars. One of the most common disagreements that an engaged couple find themselves addressing is where to spend the holidays. This may not have been an issue while dating, but when engaged each set of parents are basically staking out their claim on a particular holiday. They know that the plan you set the first year is going to be very close to the one you will follow every year including when you have their precious grandchildren. So plan carefully. Keep one holiday for yourselves, at your house, to begin your own tradition and then divide out the rest amongst everyone else. You don't have to communicate your plan ahead of time but if both of you agree now, there will be less tension later.

Keeping these tips in mind will reduce the in-law tension in your home. Remember, future decisions should involve you and your spouse; not you, your spouse, your parents, and your in-laws. The more people involved in a decision, the more difficult it is to come to an agreement, just look at congress.

Chris Hammond is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at LifeWorks Group w/ over 15 years of experience as a counselor, mentor & teacher for children, teenagers & adults.

Reprint Permission- If this article helps you, please share it with your own list at work or church, forward it to friends and family or post it on your own site or blog. Just leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. Any links must remain in the article. Please include the following paragraph in your reprint.

"Reprinted with permission from the LifeWorks Group weekly eNews, (Copyright, 2004-2011), To subscribe to this valuable counseling and coaching resource visit http://www.lifeworksgroup.org/ or call 407-647-7005"

Original article

10 Golden Ring Buying Rules

There has always been hundreds, if not thousands, of diamond ring choices available for customers walking into their local jewelers. If it was hard to choose which ring to buy then, nowadays it is even harder as jewelers advertise and sell rings via the Internet. With secure payment technology firmly in place, shopping online for high-priced, big-ticket items such as diamond jewelry has been embraced by consumers throughout the world. Shopping online certainly has its advantages over High Street or mall shopping: it is convenient, fast, (potentially) offers great value and a vast choice for consumers.

So, let's ask the question. With hundreds of thousands of websites and catalogues to choose from, how do you buy a diamond ring without going horribly and expensively wrong? Well, the secret of successful ring buying is actually a bit of no-brainer. You just have to BE PREPARED BEFORE you venture into cyberspace. By following these 10 ring-buying rules, you will be a successful shopper online.

How to Buy A Ring
Give yourself plenty of time to buy your diamond ring - a hasty decision can be costly and hard to reverse.Set a budget - it's easy to get carried away when you view the beautiful, rare and expensive diamonds in the market.Find out about diamonds before you buy them.

Where To Buy A Ring

Use people's recommendations to pick a jeweler.Go online and use search engines such as Google to find an online diamond ring store.If you want to create a custom-made ring, search for 'design your own diamond ring' to find jewelers who can manufacture a ring to your exact requirements.Make sure the jeweler you choose offers a comprehensive service including: knowledgeable advice about the ring you're choosingeasy-to-use communication - telephone calls, email and live chat (messaging)timely responsescertified (GIA) diamonds and jewelryreturns policy, secure shopping, insurance and guaranteesskills required to create or size the ring you want.
Jewelers who use CAD (computer aided design) technology create precise design plans for each diamond ring meaning that before any metal is cast or stone set, a 3-D wax model of the ring can be made ensuring perfect fit. You can view the ring before it's made allowing you to make any adjustments before it's too expensive.

What Ring To Buy
If the wearer of the ring has a favorite ring design, look for a close imitation or ask a jeweler to create something similar based on a picture you send.Decide what type of ring you like (solitaire diamond, three-stone ring, multi-stone ring), the ring metals you prefer (rose-gold, white-gold, platinum, palladium, titanium) and think about the style you like (traditional, contemporary, antique or ethnic).

The secret of successful ring buying is to be prepared. Follow our golden rules before you fork over your cash and you'll end up with the diamond ring you want.

A site like diamondrings.co aims to provide easy to understand information about buying diamonds and diamond rings for the 'Average Joe'.

Original article

Understanding the Basics of Diamond Engagement Rings

Is the big question about to be asked? While you as a consumer may think a diamond is a diamond, there is actually some basic information you should keep in mind when searching for diamond engagement rings. Some of the most beautiful diamond engagement rings meet a set of criteria making them as excellent and valuable as they are. These basics are known as the four Cs of diamonds.

The Carat is Not a Vegetable

Those unfamiliar with gems may thing that a carat is a reference to a root vegetable you can find in the garden. In fact, the carat of the diamond ring is one of the most important parts of the diamond description and quality you can find. Many consumers fall into the trap of labelling their diamond engagement rings as high in quality simply because they have a larger carat. The carat is a unit used to measure a diamond. Every 200 milligrams (0.2 grams) is considered to be one carat. Depending on the cut, which we will get to, the table of a diamond can actually cause it to appear larger than it is. Be sure you are aware of the carat weight of the diamond engagement rings you are considering.

Colour is Not Merely for Rainbows

Have you ever wondered how those diamond engagement rings sparkle so? This is a true sign of grade when it comes to a diamond. The more the diamond lacks in colour or the more purity or whiteness it contains the more desirable it is because it is able to refract light in such a perfect way as to cause great sparkle and shine. That is not to say that coloured diamonds are not beautiful to many, but as far as the value of that diamond is concerned lack of colour is vital.

Clarity is Key to Flawless Beauty

Blemishes and marks can make a persona special and their own person. For diamond engagement rings, blemishes and flaws are not something to be desired. For diamond quality you want diamond clarity and this means a grade level of FL which stands for flawless. Of course, FL diamonds are few and far between. Also considered excellent clarity are VVS and VS.

Understanding the Cut of Diamond Engagement Rings

When you sum up all the factors of carat, colour and clarity you are still left with a basic diamond that is pretty but doesn't really pop. It takes the right cut in order to put the diamond engagement rings in the light and draw a crowd. This is not to say the shape of the diamond is the factor here. Diamonds can be pear shaped, oval shaped, square, rectangular or even heart shaped. The cut of the diamond is the way in which a jeweller cuts into the diamond to use the refraction of the light to the diamonds advantage creating the deepest sparkle possible.

Regardless of your choice in diamond engagement rings you will likely have an easier time of picking just the right one for your someone special by understanding the process and the basics of diamonds. This will allow you to understand what you need to have accomplished in order to achieve the perfect diamond for your budget.

Global Diamonds is your source for the finest in jewellery. Whether you are looking for diamond rings, engagement rings, or a wedding ring, or a specially designed piece of jewellery that you helped create, Global Diamonds has exactly what you are looking for. With skilled jewellers on staff, Global Diamonds creates timeless designs for your special occasion, made to last a lifetime. Visit our website for more information on your next diamond or fine jewellery purchase.

Original article

Design Your Own Diamond Ring

If you are finally ready to pop the big question, you need to make sure the moment is absolutely perfect. This means planning everything down to the very last detail. A unique first step you may want to consider is designing your own diamond ring.

Can I Design a Diamond Ring?

Designing your own engagement ring is not as difficult of a process as it may seem. You can either start by choosing the setting and then selecting a complimentary centre stone and surrounding diamonds, or you can spark your creativity by looking through bridal magazines. You may find several looks you'd like to combine to create one perfectly unique diamond ring. Don't rule that thought out. Many of today's most beautiful engagement rings are created by master jewellers who used ideas or drawings to create a one-of-a-kind ring.

If you're thinking about designing a diamond ring from a setting, here are a few tips and jewellery terms so you'll know what to expect.

Setting - The setting you choose sets the stage for the diamonds and surrounding stones. Yellow gold, white gold, and platinum are the most common settings. Choose a design that will be eye-catching, but will compliment her finger with its size and shape. Sometimes with settings, simplicity is key.
Diamond Cut - Choosing a diamond involves selecting the cut you think she will love the most. A round diamond often has the most lustre and shine. This is simply because the cut is circular and reflects the light uniformly. The round diamond is the most common. Other cuts include marquis, square, oval, and heart shaped.
Diamond Side Stones - With some settings, you can also choose side stones. These are small diamonds that are placed in the band on either side of the main diamond. These stones may only appear once or twice or can circle the entire band, depending on the setting. Gemstones can also be used as side stones instead of diamonds.
Diamond Colour - While most diamonds are transparent and colourless, not all diamonds appear this way. You may be able to choose diamonds that are pink, blue, orange, red, or a variety of other colours. Some are artificially enhanced, while others are natural.
Diamond Carat Weight - The weight of the diamond you choose is important. Decide what's right for your budget as a starting point. Sometimes cost can be kept to a minimum by using an illusion head, which provides the appearance of one single centre stone, but is actually several (usually four) which are set closely together.

Once you have sorted out the small details of your diamond ring, you are set to design the perfect ring for the love of your life. If you are still confused and not sure where to turn, a consultation with a reputable jeweller will help finalize your decisions.

Above all else, remember, this is a gift of love. There are no mistakes. Choose the setting and stones you feel will look best on her and trust your judgment. When you see the appreciation on her face you'll know you made the right choice. Anyone can purchase a diamond ring, but not everyone chooses to design an original.

Global Diamonds is your source for the finest in jewellery. Whether you are looking for engagement rings, diamond rings, precious gems, or a specially designed piece of jewellery that you helped create, Global Diamonds has exactly what you are looking for. With skilled jewellers on staff, Global Diamonds creates timeless designs for your special occasion, made to last a lifetime. Visit our website for more information on your next diamond or fine jewellery purchase.

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How to Arrive At the Best Engagement Proposal Ideas

You can get the best engagement proposal ideas in the simplest of things. Think about it- your proposal needs to be simple and sensitive. It does not need to be elaborate or over the top in order to be effective. After all, a few years down the line- your partner will not really remember how elaborate you made it. She WILL remember the sentiments though! Here are a few marriage proposal ideas that are high on sentiments but low on the details....

• Few women can resist a man who knows his way around the house. Why not base your engagement proposal ideas on something like this? For once- take the burden off her. Clean the house, prepare a lavish dinner (all without her knowing of course!)- and then lay out cute signs that lead her to you! You should be waiting with a ring in your hand of course. If she's like most women- she won't be able to resist you!

• Go for walks often? A beautiful evening through the Central Park can give you just the setting you want for a formal proposal. If simplicity's your forte- this can be just the thing you need. Grab a few Starbucks lattes and go for a walk together- you'll have all the time (and room) in the world for a leisurely proposal! You could even wait for her to get hungry and then give her a walnut to crack. Just make sure you hollow it out beforehand and store the ring inside! It's simple, sensitive- and doesn't require you to invest a fortune!

• A holiday may give you just the chance you need for an engagement proposal. Whether it's New Years Eve, the 4th of July or even Christmas, you enjoy a few advantages already! Your partner's already relaxed, in all probability, and the whole world is celebrating! Why not make a Christmas present out of your ring box? Go for increasingly smaller boxes till the last one reveals your ring!

• Even simple engagement proposal ideas can be fun! Is your partner an incredible gossip? Few women can resist gossip (okay- that's sexist!). But you could get an advantage here. Why not 'leak' your plans to the biggest gossip in her family or circle of friends? Let word get around- till your partner catches a whiff! It's your job to be prepared with a ring at that moment.

Just make sure you're not proposing on someone else's special day. For instance, a wedding or someone else's baby shower is not the right occasion for you to propose marriage to your partner. After all, it is someone else's special day- and the focus should be firmly on that person.

The simple proposal ideas can be the best. Just remember to keep your sweetheart's likes and dislikes in mind when you're thinking about the one that works for you. After all, the best engagement proposal ideas are the ones that say- 'you are special'!

Mark West invites you to find the perfect engagement ring at Wedding Ring Guru. The most affordable wedding ring dealer in the universe!

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3 Myths About Caring for Diamond Engagement Rings

Caring for your engagement ring can be confusing, especially with some of the misinformation and silly myths surrounding this process. If you have a diamond engagement ring, here are a few things you should avoid if you want to keep it safe and as beautiful as the day you received it.

Common Myths About Diamond Engagement Rings

Many women are taught they can care for and clean their diamond engagement rings at home on their own. While these myths may seem as if they can save you both time and money, they can actually cost you more in the long run. Here are a few crazy things some people do to care for their diamond.

The Toothpaste Myth - One popular home cleaner is to use toothpaste to clean your engagement ring. This is supposedly done by using toothpaste and a soft bristled tooth brush to scrub the ring and diamond. However, this method can actually cause a lot of damage. Toothpaste is abrasive and may scratch the gold. Depending on what type of toothpaste is used, it can also leave a build up under and around prongs, leaving your beautiful diamond engagement ring looking dingy and lifeless.
The Myth About Household Cleaners - Some individuals recommend using regular household cleaners like bleach and ammonia to clean rings. While this too may seem harmless, it's not a good idea. Depending on the other metals in your gold, your ring could actually become pitted or damaged by harsh cleaners. Remember, cleaners contain toxic chemicals and chemicals react to metals.
The Boiling Water Myth - Another home remedy used sometimes is boiling water. Many believe if they place their jewellery in boiling water it will be cleaned easily and safely. This too is a myth and should be avoided.

Proper Care for Your Diamond Jewellery

Caring for your diamond rings is important. Any form of build up will cause your diamond to lose its natural sparkle. Don't worry though, it's just temporary. Cleaning and caring for your jewellery correctly will return the lustre to your diamond. Occasionally using jewellery cleaner or a polishing cloth can shine up your diamond between cleanings, but regular trips to your jeweller are advised. Your jeweller will not only clean your jewellery, but may polish the gold and check the prongs holding your diamond to make sure they are not worn or damaged. 

A Few More Mistakes to Avoid with Your Engagement Rings

When removing your rings, make sure you do not place them in harms way. Many women take off their rings while they are doing dishes, washing their hands in public places, or performing other tasks. While this may save them from soapy residue, they can easily be lost down a sink drain. If they are taken off in public, you may also lose them or they may be stolen.
Using ultrasonic cleaning devices is frowned upon by some jewellers. While their powerful vibrations work well for loosening tough dirt, they can also cause your stones to loosen, if they were not secure in the first place
Try not to wear your rings when you are performing exercises that involve weights, working with tools, or performing other tasks that could damage your ring.

Day to day wear can make your engagement rings worn down and dirty. Instead of relying on home remedies, which can often damage your rings, consider spending the time and money to have them cleaned and repaired at regular intervals.

Global Diamonds is your source for the finest in jewellery. Whether you are looking for diamond rings, engagement rings, or a wedding ring, or a specially designed piece of jewellery that you helped create, Global Diamonds has exactly what you are looking for. With skilled jewellers on staff, Global Diamonds creates timeless designs for your special occasion, made to last a lifetime. Visit our website for more information on your next diamond or fine jewellery purchase.

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Marriage Proposal Ideas On The Beach - A Dream Come True?

From a very young age girls are aware of the fact that marriage is the most important thing in their lives; they think about the dress, the cake, the food, jewelry, make up and of course the prince charming itself and of utmost importance is the proposal. The proposal for a woman has a lot more sentimental value as compared to a man; the proposal is a judge of the man she is going to marry. Women make predictions of their lives on the basis of the way they are asked into the sacred bond of marriage.

So, now that we have established the importance of the proposal we can look into ways by which men can woo the women of their dreams into marrying them. I believe the proposal should be romantic, simple and sweet; there is absolutely no need to go overboard and make a public display of affection. A gem of an idea would be to ask the love of your life to get married to you on the beach, I can bet most of the girls fell in love with this idea and went into imaginary worlds thinking about their perfect beach marriage proposal.

So what should you do first if you have a desire to propose on the beach? First of all, plan a romantic getaway weekend; choose a beach resort with a beautiful, peaceful and soothing view. I would say a place with maximum privacy would be a much preferable option than a crowded one. The time for the proposal should definitely be the sunset; the beauty of the sunset is so overwhelming and right at this time when a girl is asked into the commitment of marriage, believe me, it's a dream to come true. However, this special moment can be made a lot more cherish able if you have in hand the perfect ring.

For those of you who can't plan a romantic getaway these is no need to feel disappointed because there are various other marriage proposal ideas on the beach, for example, you could take your soul mate for a late night walk on the beach and when your lady love is least expecting pop the question and take her off guard. Something traditional and conventional would also be an excellent idea to propose, you can take her to a beach side restaurant and after a delicious and luxurious cuisine order wine that would contain the engagement ring for the woman of your dreams.

If you are a sporty and adventurous couple then here is one crazy idea I am throwing towards you, propose under water; plan a scuba diving trip and when your girlfriend is busy admiring the fish and nature under the sea, flash the ring at her and make that day the best day her life.

Mark West invites you to find the perfect engagement ring at Wedding Ring Guru. The most affordable wedding ring dealer in the universe!

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Going Beyond the Engagement Ring

It looks like this is the year of celebrity weddings, with Hollywood superstars getting hitched left and right. But has anyone noticed the headlines? It's all about how big the rock on the engagement ring was, how expensive the wedding gown was, how exclusive the invite was and who were on the guest list.

I know it's a special day and almost, if not all brides, would want it to be the best event in their lives, but from the outside looking in - meaning what's written on magazines and splashed all over the news - it gives the impression that weddings need to break the bank to be considered special. It's important to remember, no matter how trite, that it's always the little things that make the most impression in our memories. I mean have you ever heard old couples talk about how big their wedding were? They'd always talk about how nervous they were or how they cried when they saw their brides walk down the aisle.

It may be very hard to think of different ways to make your engagement or wedding special without spending or overspending as the case may be, but here are some suggestions to get you started.

Plant a Tree. Planting a tree is the perfect metaphor for marriage, with enough love you'll be able to take a small seedling and turn it into a big, strong tree. If you're moving in to your new place and you have a backyard, you can do this together as a sign of a new beginning. You can also adopt a tree in your local community and name it after yourselves and participate in tree planting events together.

It's not just about the ring. Granted that engagement or wedding rings take the cake for being the number one choice of jewelry when expressing commitment, but there are also other types of jewelry that you can do this with. The Dennis bracelet is just a simple one band bracelet with a ball lock at the end and has become a popular choice for engagement gifts. Maybe it's the exclusive production of the Cape Cod bracelet that makes it special for couples.

Get a Ceremonial Tattoo. Although it's not for everyone, the art of getting a tattoo as a sign of the readiness for marriage is very common in some cultures. In Ifugao in the Philippines, women are given tattoos as a sign of their readiness for marriage or as a sign of their maturity to take their place in the society. Explore your lineage and you'll find some form of rites performed during marriage that you may want to incorporate in your life. If you don't have one but still want to get a tattoo, get something that holds a special meaning for the both of you.

Accessories-i-Like is a blog dedicated to fabulous accessories, apparel, footwear and cosmetics. You can also view my fashion mixtapes over at Squidoo. I try to write humorously about glamorous things. And I think the word glamourpuss is silly.

Original article

Why The Diamond Engagement Ring Is A Guaranteed Success

Men face several difficult tasks when proposing; the first is the nerves, and the second is the choice of ring. Unfortunately I cannot help you with the nerves, but I can advise you on the engagement ring.

There are some brides to be who want something specific, so do look out for clues as to what they want. However, if you are left to make the decision on your own then don't panic; there are beautiful rings out there which are guaranteed to be a success.

I am a big fan of the 2 carat diamond engagement ring. There are several reasons for this. The first is the size. I think it is a really practical size for most women. It is all well and good having a huge great stone on your finger, but when you have kids you don't want to have to remove your ring every time you prepare food, change a diaper or feed. I think that big stones are for special rings which get worn on special occasions.

Your next decision is the cut of the diamond. The princess cut has recently grown in popularity. This is a 'squarer' cut which in some cases will make the diamond look bigger than it actually is. This is a very striking cut, but be warned that it doesn't suit all hands. The more traditional cut is the round cut diamond. This is a very pretty diamond and will always sparkle wonderfully.

The final design decision you have is the set for your 2 carat diamond engagement ring. Even if you are going for a simple solitaire on a plain band, you still need to choose the way that the diamond is attached to the ring. One of the earliest ways of attaching a stone to a ring is with a collar. This is still a very popular choice and has both modern and antique associations. The other popular choice is to have a 'claw' setting.

Both the collar and claw setting work well with single diamonds, but they also both lend themselves to having a smaller diamond set either side of the main stone.

The most important thing when you choose your ring, is that you like it. It may sound obvious, but I strongly believe that you will know the perfect ring when you see it. If you really can't find the perfect ring then there is always to option of buying a loose diamond and then getting a jeweller to build a ring specifically for it. You can compromise of the size of the diamond or other details, but never compromise on the impression that the rings gives; this is potentially the most important gift you give, so make sure you are proud of it.

Discover more about the best way to find looses diamonds for sale and other ideas for the perfect 2 carat diamond engagement ring

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4 Engagement Party Etiquette Tips

Engagement parties are great occasions, but people should keep certain etiquette considerations in mind. Here is a quick list of etiquette guidelines for attending an engagement party.

1. Pre-engagement party
The first thing you need to do before you even go to an engagement party is to make sure yourself and your party are dressed properly. Make sure your clothes are pressed, shoes are shined, and hair groomed properly. You should also bring a gift to the party. Appliances are usually great gifts. Things like waffle makers, rice cookers and punch bowl sets are always good. Gift cards are always good as well. If you do not have enough money for a gift make sure you bring a card congratulating the soon to be married couple.

2. Arrival at the party
When you arrive at the engagement party make sure you sign into the guest list if there is one. Make sure to do so in cursive. The next thing you want to do is give your gift and or card to whomever is getting married. They could be busy talking to other people so make sure you are polite and wait your turn. When you are able to talk to either of the hosts of the party, make sure your whole party says hello. After that, you should also say hello to the parents of the soon to be wed and congratulate them.

3. Eating at the party
When you go to eat and you can eat anywhere, sit with your family. If there is no room for you to sit, you can go to a table with other people at it already. Make sure to be polite and ask them if you can take the extra seats. When conversing with other people make sure to avoid talking about unsettling things, be polite despite the attitude of the people you may be talking to and do not use profanities!

If the style of eating is a buffet, make sure you are considerate and take small servings of food. That way, everybody is able to have some of everything. It is okay to come back for seconds after everybody has finished going through the line once. If the style of eating is where you are served a fixed plate, be sure to thank your server and eat everything on your plate. You can ask for seconds after you think everyone has been served. When eating makes sure you use the proper utensils and your napkin. Also, remember to always be polite and do not get drunk! You can enjoy your alcohol, but know your limit.

4. Dancing at the party
Make sure to always dance. If a man, make sure to ask women who are around the dance floor and are alone to dance. If a woman, make sure to always agree to dancing if asked to dance.

Now you know how to maintain proper etiquette when going to an engagement party. Make sure to have fun!

Ricky Dean writes about various topics. For more info on engagement party etiquette, visit Dinosauric.com content sharing site.

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Preparing for Marriage - The Joining of Your Money

One of the hardest areas for most engaged couples to agree is in the area of money and finances. In fact, most divorces are the result of disagreements over money that date back to the beginning of their marriage. Failing to plan for your finances to be joined together during your engagement is a recipe for disaster. There are many financial courses available to you such as Financial Peace University and Crown Ministries both of which lay a solid financial base and should be considered within the first year of your marriage. Until then, here are a couple of potential differences in your financial perspective to discuss and compare notes. By spending time now understanding each other's perspective, some of the tension involving money can be minimized.

Different socioeconomic backgrounds. You may not have grown up in the same zip code or come from the same financial background. Some families tend to be savers and some tend to be spenders, your family's financial background has already influenced your finances. And while your family's perspective on money may be different from you, imagine the tension that can be created if your spouse to be has an entirely different background experience. The discussion topic to have is what is your family's experience with money and how has that experience affected your financial decisions.

Different financial goals. Having financial goals like how much money do you want saved, when and where would you like to retire, and what annual salary are you striving to achieve are just a small sample of goals that you should be discussing. After all, each of you already has a financial goal which should become a shared goal between the two of you. Some financial goals may be more defined and specific than others; one of you is likely to be a bit more detailed. But if your spouse to be says that they don't have a financial goal then their goal is really to allow others, including the financial markets, to dictate their life. This is not a healthy goal upon which two people should be joined.

Different spending habits. More than likely, one of you will be a spender and the other a saver. Determine now who is which and who is going to be in charge of managing your finances. The saver is the best choice for managing the money as they are better at long-term planning then the spender. Both of you should begin now to put together a budget that you can agree on that is consistent with your financial goals. Discuss and agree now on how money will be spent from each paycheck and how much money will be saved. There are many guidelines out there for budgeting but the best one is the one that works for you and is easy to stick with every month.

Different checking accounts. Right now you have different checking accounts and different monthly expenses. Soon you will need to decide how and if the accounts will be joined together into one account or several different accounts. Whether or not the accounts are jointly held, both of you needs to have access to the accounts including the balances at all times. If not, one person may believe that the other is hiding money from them. This breeds distrust and disunity. Discuss now what accounts you will keep at which banks and how to give both of you access to the balances on a monthly if not daily basis.

While there are many more issues to address with joining your finances together, this list is a good place to start as you begin the merging process. It is likely that the above topics will cause some disagreement already but that is precisely what it is designed to do because if you agree on these topics now, it will greatly reduce the tension later.

Chris Hammond is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at LifeWorks Group w/ over 15 years of experience as a counselor, mentor & teacher for children, teenagers & adults.

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