Before The Proposal: Do You Ask For Her Parents' Blessing?

So, you've finally found 'the one.' She is the love of your life, and you have the perfect engagement ring as well. Are you ready to propose? Not so fast. Purchasing the right ring is not the only step you'll need to take.

While the tradition of asking a woman's father for her hand in marriage has been slowly disappearing from our society, it is still an important tradition for many families. In today's culture, with its diverse family situations, it is appropriate to ask both parents to bless your plans to propose. This shows respect for your future bride's parents and creates a unique bond between you and them.

Tips For Asking Her Father For Her Hand In Marriage

While asking for her hand in marriage is a rite of passage you should not avoid, it is no easy task. Any man in your position might tend to be nervous. The following tips can reduce your stress and help you enjoy the experience.

Talk to Her- Before you decide to visit her parents, set your girlfriend down and talk to her about marriage. See if she even wants to be married. She may not be ready for such a big commitment yet.Meet Him Prior to Asking- If you can, meet her parents several times before you ask for her hand. If you get to know them and develop a relationship, it will be easier and less stressful when you discuss the possibility of marriage.Sit Down With Them Alone-There are a few options for the setting of this important conversation. You can take your future in-laws for coffee or dinner. Talking about this subject over a meal can make it much more comfortable. You can also speak to them at their home. If they live far away, consider asking them on a planned trip home, such as when you visit during Christmas. If there is no other option, you can speak to them on the phone as well.Begin By Expressing How You Feel- Start the conversation by expressing your feelings about their daughter. Let them know how much you love her and how much she means to you. Be specific about what qualities you love and how you wish to take care of her.Talk About the Commitment- Explain that you want to marry their daughter. Let them know you understand what kind of commitment it is, and let them know you are serious about it. If you have already purchased her engagement ring, this would be a good time to bring it out.Promise To Always Take Care Of Her-Her parents have always been there for her. Since she was a baby in their arms, they have wanted the best for her. Assure them you will always take care of her, honour her, respect her, and love her.Ask For Their Blessing-At the end of the conversation, respectfully ask for their permission and blessing.

Asking for her hand in marriage is an important tradition you should always consider before you present her with an engagement ring. With these tips, this special event will be less stressful and much easier to do.

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Choosing The Diamond Engagement Ring

Diamonds are the foremost gemstone in the world. The tradition of the ring symbolizes love, purity, and power. Diamonds are nearly indestructible and therefore will also provide a long term investment. The saying, "A Diamond is Forever" has the luxury of not only being good advertising but also true. The statement that you would make regarding your future with your girlfriend would be that of a strong and lasting relationship.

The Choices Involved When Looking To Purchase

When buying a diamond engagement ring, it can be a stressful task. Researching before is a great method of relieving that stress. Read reviews of available dealers, talk to friends and family. A friendly and reputable dealer will take a great amount of stress out of the situation.

When choosing a diamond, remember that it is something you will have for the rest of your life. Therefore aim choice toward something that you would have liked in the past and will like in the future. Something that both partners will appreciate.

Things To Know To Evaluate The Diamond Quality

Carat weight, Color, Cut, Clarity are four categories of diamond that determine the value of the actual stone. Carat weight refers to the number of points a diamond has, the larger number of points the larger the cost. Color refers to the amount of pigment in the gem; the more "clear" or pigment free a stone is the higher the value. Cut which differs from shape means the quality in which it was done, mainly proportion. Clarity refers to the number of imperfections in the stone; the imperfections affect the ability of light to shine through the stone. These choices can also be made according to preference but normally they are based on price. They will be more effective in the value of your diamond ring.

Choosing The Setting

The setting could be made out of many metals including platinum, rose gold, yellow, gold, silver or titanium. Along with the diamond make sure you have done research on the band, also taking into account the color that will reflect the stone best. This should also be a preference choice of both partners because just as marriage should be both people should be able to state their preferences.

The choice of a diamond engagement ring is one that should be made with great care but also says a lot about the commitment that the two people have towards each other!

Click here to get to know more on latest tips and advices on engagements.

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What You Should Know About White Gold Engagement Rings

Getting engaged is one of the most memorable moments in any person's life. Many couples nowadays are choosing white gold engagement rings as traditional and tangible symbols of their commitment in the initial stage of a lifetime journey. White gold is symbolic of purity and unity and projects a touch of class, splendor and elegance. This is why it has become very popular and the trend these days. There are many important facts you should know about these precious rings.

They come in a variety of settings, designs and gemstones. The beauty of gold rings is that they blend and match well with any attire be it formal or casual. There are varied price ranges based on its quality, carat, design, settings and the kind of precious stones set on the ring. To give you a brief overview about gold, it is measured in carats and typically available in 18 and 14k. White gold is made by mixing pure gold with other metals like rhodium, palladium, nickel, etc. It requires proper maintenance to retain its sparkling white gold quality.

Expensive rings are usually mounted in 18 karat gold and have a diamond center with precious stones at the side. They are available in pre-set or made to order settings in modern or traditional classic styles. To give you an idea, an 18k white gold engagement ring with a Trellis Solitaire setting, Princess Cut diamond engagement ring with round Sapphire can cost up to $1,400. This beautiful Art Nouveau style setting securely holds the diamond with four interlaced prongs.

Another type of style setting is the Bezel-set Solitaire setting. It is available in 18k gold with round brilliant cut diamonds. This engagement ring offers maximum protection because the diamond is fully secured. This style is ideal for day to day wear. If you want to celebrate your past, present and future, you can do it with a pre-set three stone ring. Diamonds can come in round, emerald, princess, oval, cushion cuts. There are countless options when your plan is to purchase a pricey white gold engagement ring. You can choose a diamond solitaire setting, a diamond accent and pave settings or gemstone accent settings.

For inexpensive gold rings, you can choose from a wide array of exclusive collection of pre-set white gold rings and settings. An example is for a budget of $225, you can buy a pre-set classic engagement ring made of 14k white gold princess cut diamond ring. These engagement rings that are not the expensive type can be a practical and smart choice. There are a wide variety of styles and settings that look glamorous, simple and inexpensive.

If your resources are limited and it is not feasible to purchase an expensive engagement ring, you may opt for a diamond with lower carat value. The ring can be 14k instead of 18k. Or you can choose the 18k white gold ring without any diamond. Another option is to combine your gold ring with pearl or other gemstones. However, if you really want a diamond ring, you may opt for a Moissanite diamond which is also getting to be popular nowadays. Unless you are a trained jeweler, it is hard to distinguish a Moissanite from the real diamond.

If you take time to do a comprehensive research and canvassing, it is possible to locate jewelry stores which offer acceptable quality and affordable white gold engagement rings. Making an intelligent decision requires a well organized plan. There are many essentials and variables to consider. What is important is the principle that your special lady deserves the best white gold engagement ring that you can give her. So, treat the purchase as a lifetime investment and not an expense!

My name is Fem Mascenon and I thoroughly research and write about expensive 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

Searching for Vintage Engagement Rings

While often confused with antiques rings, vintage engagement rings are those rings that are designed to resemble antique rings but in fact are not. Vintage can also refer to items that are between twenty to one hundred years old. Once they become a hundred or older, they are considered antiques. Eventually all vintage pieces will become antiques with time. Vintage rings for engagement are a popular option because they have unique designs, including distinctive bands and stones.

The Inspirations
Vintage engagement rings may model themselves after the older style of past decades or even centuries. Popular eras include the Victorian era when pearls were popular in engagement rings; the Edwardian era when brilliant sapphires were popular; and the Art Deco period of the nineteen twenties and thirties when geometric designs that paid homage to Egyptian, Native American and Asian designs. Currently Art Deco style rings are the most popular with couples.

The Bands
During the past there have been many popular styles that enabled the ring to stand out, such as the pink gold, gold with a silver inlay, and yellow gold. They can have lacy and pieced shapes, scrollwork or filigreeing on the bands. Some may incorporate rows of smaller diamonds in the band itself.

The Stones
With vintage engagement rings it is not always a diamond. That is a recent phenomenon where one type of stone has monopolized the ring market. In the past exquisite stones like rubies, sapphires, opal and emeralds were used in rings for engagement. However, diamonds did become popular a few hundred years ago and so diamonds that have a distinct cut or chip may become the focus of the ring to give a unique shape.

Locating a Ring
Begin by consulting the internet or a local jeweler for further detail on who would be able to supply or create a vintage ring based on your preferences. Also, consult antique, second hand, and local classified ads in order to locate the vintage engagement ring just for you. A little thought of option is a pawn shop; they will tend to carry older jewelry, including vintage pieces. Wherever you shop from, it is important to inspect the ring for any flaws or defects that don't add character but impede form or quality.

Just like an antique, a vintage engagement ring offers uniqueness, beauty, and innovativeness from an old design. They may take a little searching, but once found; they make a statement like no other.

Click here to get to know more on latest tips and advices on engagements.

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Should You Give a Broken Engagement a Second Chance?

With all of the celebrities breaking up and getting back together lately, it seems like second chances are in the air. There is no question that sometimes couples break up for the wrong reasons, and that the second time around can be the charm. There are also times when a relationship ending is for the best. Learn how to decide when you should give a broken engagement a second chance.

Working in a bridal salon, I witnessed more than one broken engagement. Happily, I also saw a few reconciliations. The best wedding planning advice in those situations is that if the marriage is meant to be, you will work out your differences and re-kindle your romance. If that does not happen, just be glad that you broke up before tying the knot. Better a broken engagement than a divorce or a bad marriage.

The couples who renewed their engagements were typically those who broke up because one of them was not quite ready to commit to marriage. They were often younger people, perhaps engaged just out of college. It is easy enough to get swept up in the excitement of bridal jewelry, wedding gowns, and love and then start to get cold feet as the actual wedding day draws near. Sometimes it is very helpful to back off and gain some perspective on the situation. You might even realize that the relationship is indeed the right one for you, just that things needed to progress a little more slowly. That is a situation where giving a broken engagement a second chance can be a good idea after some time has passed.

Some couples call off an engagement because they are working through things from their past or current traumas. The man who proposes shortly after learning his girlfriend has a serious illness might find that she worries he proposed out of pity. The same is true when a couple becomes engaged shortly after losing a loved one. Those doubts can start to set in, and the person affected by the trauma pulls away. If the proposal was offered in the spirit of true love, not out of sympathy, this is a relationship that stands a decent chance of being saved. Time starts to soften the wounds, and the couple start to realize that they have always belonged together.

There are other relationships that should not be renewed. If you broke off your engagement because your fiance was cheating on you, it is best to make a clean break and move on. There is no point in taking back someone who is not trustworthy, and in doing so you might be sending the message that he can treat you badly and get away with it. Definitely not a good thing for a relationship! Other engagements are broken because the man starts to realize that his fiancee is more interested in the trappings of a wedding like fancy gowns and sparkly bridal jewelry than in being married to him. This again is a sign that the engagement should not be renewed.

Not everything is so clear cut when it comes to relationships. Sometimes a man and a woman are just very different people. They might love each other passionately, but also have a lot of conflict caused by their differences. If you broke up during an argument over something silly, there is a possibility that the relationship can be salvaged. The real thing to decide is if you are happier with the other person, despite your differences, or happier and more relaxed away from him or her. Distance and time will help you figure this out. Ultimately, only the pair of you can decide when it is right to give your broken engagement a second chance, and when it is best to go your separate ways.

Ask Bridget for wedding planning advice in areas of relationships, etiquette, or bridal jewelry. She writes numerous articles providing information for the customers of Silverland Jewelry.

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Getting Engaged - How You Can Make Sure You Get The Engagement Ring Of Your Dreams

You have been talking about getting married for month now and you are pretty sure that your future husband has started looking at rings because he keeps giving you little hints. So how can you make sure he picks out the ring you want? If you are worried that he might not pick exactly what you were hoping for we have come up with a couple ideas below of how you can give him a little help.

Not So Subtle Hints - Depending on your personality as well as your boyfriend's personality you can leave not so subtle hints for him around the house such as jewelry magazines opened with rings circled you like. So if you don't mind being a little bold you can even go as far a giving him pictures of your favorite solitaire.

Create A Ring Together - Some couples find it fun to create their own wedding ring design from scratch. You will need to spend the time to find a jeweler that you like and one that is easy to work with because the process can take a long time but once you do you and your soon to be fiancé can put your heads together to create a one of a kind masterpiece.

Shop Together - If you want to be surprised but also want to make sure you get what you want shopping together can be a great way of eliminating styles you don't like as well as pointing out styles you do like. Once you have narrowed it down to just a couple rings you really like or hey even just one you like you can let him surprise you with it when he is ready.

Send Your Sister With Him - For those of you that like surprises but want to make sure he finds something that you like you can send him with a sister or a trusted friend. If you trust your sister because you both have similar tastes you can nicely mention to your boyfriend that he might want to take your sister shopping when he goes. That way you can still be extremely surprised but have someone you trust and knows your tastes to make sure you will love the ring he chooses.

So no matter if you want to leave a subtle hint of what type of ring you would like or if are ok with using a little more obvious a tactic you should be able to find something that works for you. So sit back and relax and enjoy being in love and by using the tips from above you will make sure you love your ring.

Eric S Mortensen specializes in weddings, especially pocket wedding invitations. Find the perfect wedding invitation for your wedding.

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Top 10 Ways to Have a Perfect Budget Wedding

1. Use Local Resources

Our favorite resource is A Grand Wedding. The site "is the only wedding web site that features vendors who all have something to offer for a thousand dollars." The site also has a section where soon-to-be-wed couples can locate each other to Buy, Borrow, or Share items for the wedding.

2. Showcase Your Talented Friends and Family

If your friends and family offer to help, take them up on it!

3. Borrow or Buy Used Items for Your Decorations

Decorations don't have to be brand new. There are many web sites and stores connecting people who want to get more use out of their decorations.

4. Buy a Bridesmaid Dress for Your Gown

Moms, Maids and More has a great selection of classy gowns, most of which come in the traditional white or ivory.

5. Ask for Money Instead of Traditional Registry Items

The last way that you want to kick off your marriage is with debt from your wedding event. Asking for money can help you pay for some of the wedding costs after your big day. Unless your photographer can be paid with blenders.

6. Limit the Guest List

It's not easy, but limiting the guest list can save you a ton of money. Agree on some ground rules with your significant other to avoid common conflicts in this area.

7. Don't Have a Caterer do Everything

You can get a couple catered dishes and have the guests self-serve their food. Be prepared to have helpers set out, replenish, and clean up the mess afterwards. With this option you'll also be able to serve your own alcohol. If you do this, make sure to get a banquet permit at your local liquor store.

8. Do Your Own Flower Arrangements!

Picking your own flowers can save you a significant amount of money. Not only can you save money by picking the flowers, but also by assembling your own floral arrangements. Flower farms charge by the bucket, and in some cases allow picking for free. It's easy to find used vases at garage and estate sales, and they are really cheap. Ask the wedding party to help with the different floral arrangements.

9. Limit Yourself to "Must Have" Items, Instead of "Would Like to Have" Items

Party favors and extra embellishments for the table decorations can add up really quickly. Plus, your guests probably won't even notice.

10. Allow Sufficient Time to Plan

If you have plenty of time, it allows you to be innovative in your budget wedding planning. It's easy to spend extra money if you are rushing at the last-minute.

James Drinkwater is co-founder of http://www.usefulgiving.com/, the site for raising money online for fundraisers, weddings, parties, showers, graduations, and many other special events. Setting up an event on http://www.usefulgiving.com/ is free and provides an effective tool for reaching your audience and raising the money you need. Set up your event for free using Useful Giving and start generating money online in a quick and easy manner.

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Finding the Best Affordable Engagement Ring

The simple thought of the engagement ring brings with it the suggestion that it costs a lot and that finding the perfect one will be impossible. Wrong. Nowadays it`s easy to find the perfect affordable engagement ring even when the budget is low, the most important step is imagining it on the finger of your future bride and remembering that the engagement ring is the symbol of your love towards that special someone.

The first thing to do when looking for an affordable engagement ring is looking for it on the local market. The local jeweler should be able to provide you with more than enough information about the ring the prices and even some examples. If you decide to work with the jeweler he should be able to create any ring that you desire. And even under a low budget the jeweler will kindly explain to you the details about the ring in order to make it affordable to you. Details like, the possibility of a synthetic diamond instead of a real one or changing the metal from platinum to white gold in order to reduce the cost and still keep that silvery shine.

Other local places where you could find the ring you desire could be the pawnshop, although they don`t always present you with the best deal on the table you could find a ring that is good and affordable. If not in the pawnshop then local auctions always sell amazing merchandise at surprisingly low prices.

If the local market is not good enough for your expectations or if you are looking for a better offer, then the internet is the best candidate. With tons of pages and on-line stores selling affordable engagement rings, all you have to do is to sit down and search for the ring that you think its best. There are sites that even let you customize the ring and then generate an estimate price on it. With the shipment fees reduced to almost nothing and with a huge diversity of pre-made rings, shopping on-line has been embraced by lots of people. Once you find the ring that you like you can always search for it somewhere else on another site or shop just to compare prices, due to the high number of shops and e-stores there is always someone who is having a sale.

No matter where you look for it, you can always find the right and affordable engagement ring for your loved one, and never forget that the symbolic value of a ring is much greater than its monetary value.

JewelOcean is a jewelry manufacturing and retailing company, where all the jewelry sold on our website is handcrafted with care and precision at our manufacturing facilities. Visit the website to shop for affordable engagement rings, wedding sets and much more.

Original article

Your Perfect Moment With the Right Engagement Ring

 The most precious aspect of an engagement ring is its underlying meaning. It symbolizes your love and a long time commitment you are making to your bride-to-be. That is why it is so important to choose not only the right moment to propose, but also the right ring for your engagement.

When it comes to the choice of a suitable ring, there are many things to consider. First of all, you should pay attention to different types of metals this piece of jewelry is made of. Depending on your financial situation, you can choose among platinum and gold, or prefer less costly titanium, silver, and palladium.

Of course, the style is also very important. Solitaire engagement rings are a popular expression of the true feelings that you are planning to share for a lifetime. Their main feature is that it has only a band and one gemstone.

Such pieces of jewelry look simple and gorgeous at the same time. The unique luminousness of the diamond set on the ordinary band makes them popular among all women dreaming of a perfect engagement.

The variety of band's styles and sizes should also be considered. You should mind that a narrower band makes a smaller diamond look larger. Besides that, it appears more delicate on smaller fingers.

You should also pay attention to antique engagement rings that belong to the most unique pieces of jewelry. They are eye-catching and notable all by themselves. They are very rare and quite expensive. However, many jewelers create rings that mimic the look of an ordinary antique piece of jewelry. Usually, their setting is encrusted with sapphires, rubies or emeralds; but it is possible to find antique a diamond in their settings.

Today their antique style is not defined by era. It is up to you to decide which epoch suits your fiancée's taste. Some people prefer very antique style; others choose antique jewelry, which is only about several decades old. Often couples ask jewelers to recreate a definite setting with specific stones. It is the best option for those who cannot afford a genuine antique ring, but want to get the same look of uniqueness.

If your budget is limited, you should think of sets. These sets consist of an engagement ring and a wedding ring going together. They match perfectly and look very amazing. Of course, such sets cost less than both rings bought separately.

Every woman dreams of a fairy tale. She hopes to find her prince charming and be happy ever after. The engagement day is definitely a part of this dream. So, no matter what ring you choose, let it be really special.

Original article

How to Purchase an Engagement Ring

You have made that big step in your head and decided to ask you're beloved to be your wife, scary business. The second thing to do now is buy that engagement ring. This is where you need some inside knowledge.

The bottom line

You have decided to buy the special woman in your life a diamond engagement ring; this advice will guide you into making the right decision for you and your beloved. You don't want to get this wrong or you could pay a dear price. You are about to part with a considerable size of cash and get ready to waive goodbye to a month's salary minimum. But you need to put into your mind that you will be buying a symbol that will be the most iconic and important part of your life and symbol of your love for your partner.

There is a standard rule that is agreed and conformed to all over the world. Follow these rules and avoid disappointment.

Let me first give you a little lesson as to what diamonds are.

Diamonds are around 99.95% pure crystallised carbon and been in the earth for a considerable time, one or two billion years to be exact. These diamond substances are the hardest forming crystals occurring beneath the earth's surface, which are produced from volcano pipes. The volcanoes release diamonds from pipes and form layers of gravel which get mined by man. Diamonds are rare because of this process. Sites can only be found in a few areas thorough out the world. The natural diamond is in a rough state and is shipped to cutting centres where they are shaped, polished before being set into jewellery. When polished the brilliance and sheer beauty is revealed showing why the diamond is a girl's best friend.

You now know what you're buying and where it came from and have a good basic grounding on what diamonds are, now let's look at what kind of diamonds are available and what you should be looking out for. There are 4 C's that you should be watching out for clarity, carat, colour and cut. These must be thought about equally when looking for a diamond. What actually determines what a diamond looks like is decided by how its cut.

One thing to not focus on too much is the clarity of the diamond. If you were to look into a jewellers loupe which is a magnifying glass you would see a small what they call an inclusion, they are also known as nature fingerprints. These look like small white clouds and are invisible to the naked eye. These attributes make the diamond unique and should not be seen as a fault. Jewellers get hung up with clarity but why worry about something that you will never see. There are 3 grades SI1 slightly included, more expensive IF, and the worst of all I3 Imperfect.

The diamonds weight is measured by carat and a carat is 02gm, or 200mgm. Most diamonds in engagement rings are between 1 carat and half a carat.

The rarest colour for a diamond believe it or not is white which is colourless. These diamonds are graded absolutely colourless and get a D rating. Scale up to Z. Diamonds have a unique colour and positively rare and they are known as fancies.

How much your diamond cost? This is a where we start to panic. You might have heard through whispers that men should pay a minimum of 1 or 2 months wage is what should be spent on a diamond engagement ring. This could have been spread by the diamond industry. Whether it's a firm investment is to be seen.

One thing can be sure is if you do not buy the engagement ring that is the right type all could be lost. My advice is not to surprise her with a ring and not to buy something you think she might like, I emphasis the word might.

You could have a look yourself and have in mind what jewellery and style she currently wears in mind. Is she a fan of white or yellow gold? How does she react when she sees her friend's rings? Classic diamond solitaires are very popular and a high percentage of women love this type of ring.

My advice is to find the store and make sure the shop as a good reputation in the town. Make sure you will get a receipt that is detailed. Will the jeweller let you examine the ring through a loupe? If you decide to buy over the internet you might be saving a great deal of money but the big thing is you will not be able to see what you're buying before parting with your hard earned cash.

I will be posting another article to help you purchase the wedding bands for your wedding day.

Try wholesalers as they could offer fantastic discounts.

Whoever you decide to purchase your diamond ring from make sure you do the ground work and try your best to find out what she likes before you make that big purchase. Good luck guys.

Author - Zakee Muhammad
Director of a Wedding Photography Business in London
Photographing London is a company that provides its clients with first class service. Share this service with your friends and family.
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Original article

The Growing Popularity of Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

A special type of engagement ring is the cushion cut engagement ring. This cut actually refers to a diamond ring with a specialized cut popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This type of cut may also be known as a pillow cut as it resembles an overstuffed seat cushion. It can be either square or rectangular in shape of any size with rounded corners and a "puffy" appearance. They reason for their sudden popularity is because o f the ability for these to shine in part thanks to the "puffy" appearance. Candlelight diamond is another name for cushion cut because the cut was specifically made to enhance the diamond's brilliance in candlelight. Many old diamonds are cut in this style, including the famous Hope Diamond. They are a beautiful vintage style ring with a romantic flair.

The Style

Cushion cut diamonds have rounded corners and are available in a variety of rectangular shapes. They have larger facets to showcase the stone's clarity. Because of their definitive shape, this style of diamond is great as a solitaire. At least four prongs are needed to keep the stone secure and the larger the stone, the more prongs will need needed. While older cushion cuts are not as brilliant as modern diamonds, the new type of this cut have exceptional sparkle, mimicking the glitter of crushed ice. The true brilliance of the stone will still always depend on the skill of the cutter. It is an especially popular cut for colored diamonds because it displays color evenly.

Locating the Cushion Cut

The cushion cut engagement ring because of its rising popularity is fairly easy to find. Many celebrities have opted for this style of ring including Ashley Judd, Pink, and Brook Shields. There will be jewelers who will carry this style in both vintage pieces and in newer jewelry. Its revival has offered this type of ring in contemporary, futuristic and traditional styles. The internet is another great place to search for custom types and jewelers. Antique stores and estate sales might be locations for vintage or antique cushion cut engagement rings. It is also possible to have your this type of cut custom-made by just asking your jeweler.

A tasteful and elegant choice, your cushion cut engagement ring will be sure to please your wonderful fiancée. It is a ring that stands out in a crowd and will sparkle through romantic dinner for two.

Click here to get to know more on latest tips and advices on engagements.

Original article

How Important Are Engagement Ring Settings?

In planning to buy an engagement ring for your sweetheart, one very crucial element you have to consider is the setting. Engagement ring settings play the major role because they dictate the total appeal, beauty, splendor and sophistication of the ring. Ring settings come in different styles, metals and precious stones. The engagement ring for the lady of your life must look comfortably and elegantly perfect when she wears it in her finger.

Most classic, traditional and contemporary style engagement ring settings are crafted in yellow or white gold, palladium and platinum. You can purchase them in pre-set design or custom crafted with or without diamonds or a combination of diamonds and other precious stones. Reputable jewelry stores provide certified appraisal value of the ring. There are various engagement ring settings recognized by the jewelry industry. Among them are the Solitaire, Cathedral, Two Tapered Baguette, Antique, Vintage, Bezel and Channel. Other variations are the Three stones, Side stones, Bar, Invisible, Trellis, Pave, Prong, Custom, Flush and Tension settings. The most popular center stone is diamond. Diamond cut can be round, oval, marquise, pear, heart, lucida, emerald, princess, trilliant, radiant, Asscher and cushion cut. Many people used other gemstones as the center like South Sea Pearl with assorted small diamonds or other gemstones adorning the sides.

One popular engagement ring setting is the Classic Solitaire. It is much in demand because of its unique brilliance and the reflection of a sophisticated and illusionary look. Your round brilliant or princess cut diamond looks larger in this type of ring setting. It sets the diamond in a raised up position to allow full exposure to the light. Another variation of a solitaire setting is the Contour Solitaire. The ring band in this splendid setting is crafted upwards from both side of the center diamond to provide greater protection to the stones.

In the Cathedral setting, it is designed like a cathedral church with arches. The center diamond is secured in between bands of each side. The diamond cut can be whatever you prefer be it an old miners cut, European, Cushion, Asscher, Round or Princess Cut. You can have an 18k or 14k white gold, palladium or platinum. There are so many designs you can incorporate if your budget allows it. You can have a unique and masterfully crafted customized ring setting with romantic designs. A platinum head prong setting secures the center diamond stone. Cathedral setting type expresses true love and romance.

Engagement ring with side stones setting is also a popular setting style. The side diamond stones will perfectly enhance the radiance of your center diamond. If you want a channel setting, you can opt for a 14k or 18k white gold diamond bypass ring. It can be set with 6 or more brilliant round cut diamonds on each side of your stunning diamond center stone. You can have it crafted with the side shanks curving to secure the center diamond. You may also opt for an excellently designed three stone trellis ring setting to symbolize your past, present and future love commitment. Choose a 14k white gold ring set with two round cut diamonds on each side and a large center diamond within your price range.

The choice is endless when you are on a search for engagement ring settings. In dealing with online jewelry stores, compare and study their policies carefully before you decide. Many trustworthy jewelers are proud to offer you high quality, beautifully designed and fantastic looking engagement rings, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, a Full Lifetime Warranty, a 30 Day Return Policy, a Diamond Grading Report, Certificate of Authenticity, a gift box, free shipping with full insurance and wonderful discounted prices.

If your bride-to-be is the smart and practical type and would be amenable to the idea that she picks the engagement ring herself based on your price range, it will take a lot of burden from your shoulder.

My name is Fem Mascenon and I thoroughly research and write about moissanite 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!

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Important Tips in Choosing Cheap Engagement Rings

Engagements is an important occasion in a person's life and this is that time when the men who plan to marry pop that all-important question. Sure, there is reason to celebrate but not at the cost of spending much more than what you can afford. During difficult financial times, it is best to avoid the huge costs and cut down on expenses wherever it is possible.

Finding cheap engagement rings is one such measure. One might argue that this is the most important moment in a person's life. Sure it is, but it would not be worthwhile to kick start your new life with the burden of debts lingering at the back of your mind.

Plan your Expenses

Engagements and weddings are expensive affairs and it is important that you plan your expenses well in advance in order to avoid embarrassing situations later on. If you are careful with the planning and expenses then you will end up saving a huge sum of money by the end of the day. You just have to look in the right places to pick up the right things and that will help you save a considerable sum.

Affordable Rings

When we say cheap engagement rings, it need not necessarily mean a ring that is of poor quality. What it simply means is something that is more affordable or something that is bought at a discounted price. This is not such a bad idea after all and in fact, every sensible girl will learn to appreciate the fact that the man in her life is responsible and is being thrifty and this is a good thing.

Shop Online

You will be amazed at the choices that you have online. Some men might think that cheap engagement rings might be crafted shabbily and may not be up to the mark for such an important occasion. But that is far from the truth as you will see when you shop online. There are thousands of jewelers on the Internet and there are some local jewelers who will offer rings at a fractional cost than what is being charged everywhere.

Money Back Guarantee

When you shop for these rings, you must ensure that you only buy from a place that offers money-back guarantee. Don't compromise on the quality as there are thousands of jewelers who will offer good quality rings at a fractional cost.

Budget Considerations

When you decide on the budget, shopping becomes that much easier. This is a good way to narrow down the search and arrive at something quickly. When you have a fixed budget, there is no point in looking at other categories and you can straight away go for something that is well within your reach.

You can buy cheap engagement rings even in diamond but you will have to opt for a lower carat diamond. Opt for yellow or white gold, as this will also help in cutting costs. If you know where to look, finding these cheap rings is not really difficult.

My name is Fem Mascenon and I thoroughly research and write about tension 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!

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Will the Engagement Ring Match Your Love?

Do you think you could ever talk to your man about what kind of engagement ring you want, or do you think you should just wait until he is on bended knee to find out if he has taste in jewelry? Are you comfortable knowing you could either be delighted with his choice or have to fake your happiness with the ring? What is the right way to handle this? Let's follow the story of our heroin Jill, and how her engagement ring was chosen.

For the past year, Jack and Jill had been falling deeper and deeper in love. They had some conversations about their future together, so the idea of marriage was like a seed that had already been planted. Yet, there was still a lot to resolve because they hadn't discussed "everything", so Jill didn't have a very clear sense of when Jack would pop the question.

One day, Jill noticed that Jack was exhibiting more and more stress. Up until now, he had been the epitome of grace under pressure. Jill came to me for clarification, and since she had already shared many of their past interactions, it didn't take long for me to get to the crux of things. I asked if he had told her what he was stressed about, specifically. She told me he said it was money.

Jill had been confused by this conversation with him, but rather than reveal her concerns and uncertainty, she just kept quiet. (On a side note, if you can't have important conversations with your partner, what makes you think marriage is the right choice for your relationship? And if you can't be open and can't be yourself with him, either he's not right for you, or you need to empower yourself with the knowledge that the truest and deepest love can only be experienced when you are authentically you!

When Jill revealed that Jack was stressed about money, I knew right away that because he was in love with her, he wanted to give her everything she wanted! He wanted to give her the world, and I told her so. When men are in love, what they desire most is to provide you with everything they can to bring you happiness. The financial implications are where they usually face some serious challenges. After all, a guy can only give you as much as his paycheck allows, materially speaking. Highly motivated earners will often break their backs for you!

Jack was one of these men. He felt pressed by thoughts of college funds, combining households, whether to buy or rent a home, and of course the diamond ring! I asked Jill, "Have you ever had a conversation about the engagement ring?" Her answer was no.

This brings us to the question of the day: Should you bring up the engagement ring with your man? Is having the right ring very important to you?Would you be afraid to bring it up? Would you feel awkward? Are you afraid your man will overextend himself? Do you feel like it would be too presumptuous to bring it up? Do you fear it would ruin the romantic aspect of an engagement? Are you afraid of overstepping the man's territory by asking?

The answers are different for every woman. It all depends on "your" truth, so let me give you some guidelines to follow! Answer these questions:

1. Are you picky about what you wear? Or at the very least, do you find that others don't exactly get your taste? A=yes B=no

2. Are you uncomfortable when people give you presents, fearing they will spend money on something you won't like? A=yes B=no

3. Do you feel delighted with every gift you get, and know you will love whatever you get? A=no B=yes

4. Are you great at faking your reaction, so that the giver thinks you love it even if you don't? A=no B=yes

5. Do you worry that you won't know what to do if you don't like the ring he picks out? A=yes B=no

6. Would you feel uncomfortable if he bought a ring that was either too small or too large? A=yes B=no

7. Have you dragged him into jewelry stores and noticed that he pays close attention to what you like? A=no B=yes

8. Is your man good at picking out jewelry or has he nailed gifts for you in the past? A=no B=yes

If you answered "B" to most of these questions, then god bless you, because you are of the minority and have a special ability to just be happy with whatever you receive. I wish I could say I was like that, but I am not.

Now if you answered "A" to most of those questions, then my advice is that you shouldn't risk letting him pick out the ring.

Here are some suggestions on how make sure you are involved in the ring selection process:

Find a way to tell him in advance that while you don't want to rush things or ruin the romance of letting him plan the proposal, you just feel it's important he knows you are the kind of woman who would like to take part in the ring selection process. Let him know that for you, this would be fun, or at the very least, a special experience for you. Perhaps this is the time to be really truthful with him, and tell him that you worry about being presented with a ring you don't like, and how you would gracefully share your feelings about it with him. Whatever is your truth, have faith that you need to open up and share it.

If you don't feel comfortable describing or showing what kind of rings you like, then go with him to pick it out! DON'T let him buy you a ring on his own.

Now, on the flip side, if it's really important to you that "he" picks out the ring, or you don't care what he picks out and you will love it just because he chose it, then there is nothing to discuss! Unless of course, he asks you! If he asks you for clues, TELL him! Help him out! This will ease his mind. He does not want to guess. He wants to fulfill your dreams, and he can't do that by reading your mind!

Finally, if you tell him that it's important to you that you get to pick out your ring, and he still insists on surprising you because he has it all planned out, be more insistent. If he still ignores your needs, RUN! This a red flag that he is a controller, or he wants the relationship to play out according to whatever is in his mind, regardless of your thoughts and feelings. Ignoring flags like this can be hazardous to your health.

Jill found her voice and told Jack that the truth was that she worried that he might spend too much on a ring, or pick out something that was too large for her taste. She told him that when the date came, she still wanted him to plan the whole proposal event, that she still wanted to be surprised. But she leveled with him that she did not want a large diamond and in fact, wanted to go ring shopping with him after the proposal. Jack said, "Really? I thought it was important to have a ring when he proposed." "Not with me," she said.

Jill shared how amazed she was by the impact of that conversation. That conversation really brought them to a deeper level of intimacy and partnership. Having that conversation provided them both with some freedom. He lightened up soon after that. Imagine that! Turns out Jack was stressing out over the ring purchase, so it was a good thing for both of them that Jill broached the subject!

Now that we've discussed the ring, I'd like to encourage you to look at your relationship and think about whether there are other facets of yourself that you have been holding back from him. If you want to join your life with this person, you should feel free to communicate about the important things, and free to be yourself!

As the self proclaimed Simon Cowell of Dating and Relationships, Denise is extraordinary relationship coach. If you are looking for someone to who is kind, compassionate yet direct and right on the money, then you will love Denise. She coaches from the heart. She has a deep desire to awaken the power and awareness in women that they are the keepers of their hearts. She wants to teach women new skills, tools and understandings about men and relationships that will transform their lives..

Coach Denise is the founder and brain behind SoulMate Plan. She is the gifted developer of all the tools, worksheets, ebooks and tele-seminars offered on SoulMate Plan

Her ability to communicate her knowledge in different programs and tools are powerful, insightful and transformative. If you have ever had the opportunity to witness her in action at a seminar, then you experience her command for the material she is teaching, but more importantly how magical her ability to read people, and offer a life changing exercise, right on the spot! She has a talent that clearly makes her a leader in the field of "Relationship Education."

Denise's schedule is focused on developing new tools, to make it possible to reach more people than is possible by one-on one appointments. Therefore since she only accepts 4 clients per month, she has created a venue for asking her for coaching advice, called Ask Denise. If you really are convinced you need help with a complex relationship issue or want her special formula for coaching to permanently transform your approach to relationship, partnership and you dating patterns, then fill out the coaching request form, and when she has an opening, she will extend an complimentary interview to determine if coaching will produce the results you desire.

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Get Away From Tradition, Have a Destination Wedding

Congratulations! You got the ring! Now the fun part begins. Planning the best day of your life can be as fun as the day itself! These days' couples are breaking tradition and moving away from the big churches, large gatherings, and expensive receptions at their local venues. Escaping from the crowded cities, large groups of people, and having a wedding in another country has become the newest trend in weddings. Why the sudden break in tradition?

For one thing, destination weddings will typically cost less than your traditional wedding. At a destination wedding you are not paying for 500 guests, outrageous amounts of food, or even gaudy decorations. You select a small group of family and friends to come to your wedding and have a secluded and very romantic service. After all, the wedding is about the celebration of two people in love. Not about how many people you can cram into your local church or reception hall. Another nice aspect of destination weddings is that you can plan it all yourself. You pick the location, call the hotels, invite the guests, and even ship your own decorations to your destination. If you do not wish to plan your wedding yourself, you can still hire a wedding planner to help with the destination wedding. Many wedding planners now offer destination services and even pair up with local travel agencies to get it all done.

So where are couples typically retreating to? With so many exotic choices across the globe, there are a few locations that many couples find themselves using for their destination wedding:

* Hawaii

* Virgin Islands

* Caribbean

* Dominican Republic

* Riviera, Mexico

* Jamaica

* Bahamas

So why plan a destination wedding? They are essentially stress-free. You do not have to worry about how many people you can afford to invite, which caterer to hire, or even what floral arrangements you need. Many resorts world-wide now offer English speaking wedding coordinators that can do all of the work for you. You will not have to deal with the drama of family when it comes to planning your wedding. You are making the wedding about the two people in love, not about which uncle you should or should not invite.

The average wedding in the United States costs close to $22,000.00 for 150 guests. In some states, such as New York, the average wedding is closer to $55,000.00 for a similar guest count. This does not even include the cost of a honeymoon for the happy couple. Destination weddings can be more affordable because you are already at your honeymoon site. Many resorts will offer a wedding and honeymoon package so that you get an all-in-one service for the same price. The average destination wedding for Hawaii will cost a bride and groom $3,000.00. That will include airfare, food, wedding reception, and honeymoon costs. As you can see, the price will speak for itself on why so many brides and grooms are picking up and doing destination weddings.

If you are thinking of doing a destination wedding for your special day, do your research wisely. Call local resorts in the areas you are looking at and find out what they include in their destination wedding packages. Some may even include airfare for the bride and groom. Talk to family and friends and toy with different ideas for where to get married.

A wedding is about the celebration of two people in love that want to spend the rest of their lives together. You do not need a 500 guest count wedding to do that. A simple walk down the beach, a ring, and your closest family and friends can be the most romantic and memorable experience for the rest of your life.

Brianna Wheeler-Philippe

Original article

Making Sure to Do Your Homework Before Proposing Marriage

Assignment 1: Although part of the thrill of the marriage proposal is surprising the one you love, as well as the suspense of waiting to hear whether you'll receive the "yes" you're hoping for in response, consider whether or not you may need to first get a better feel for whether marriage is something that you and your beloved are mutually interested in and ready for. Asking outright what the other party's thoughts are is one option, but again, it is an option that might put a damper on the surprise element you want to achieve if you're planning to pop the question especially soon. At the very least, however, before planning to propose marriage, you must seriously consider whether or not the path of your relationship together - or anything in the history of your exchanges with one another - has suggested that you both wish to spend the rest of your lives together.

Assignment 2: Go ahead and come bearing the ring - it is a vital part of what makes the moment memorable and special for a woman. Do your homework - snooping through her things is okay, just this once. Based on the usual accessorizing choices she makes, is it fair to assume she'd prefer gold, white gold, or platinum? Solitaire diamond or a three-stone ring? Round, emerald, or princess cut? Bezel, flushed, or tension settings? And remember that presentation is everything - make sure that the chosen ring is as ready for the big day as you are by having it cleaned and ready to glisten when you extend it to your bride-to-be.

Assignment 3: One tradition you don't want to forgo in making sure that everything is perfect for your marriage proposal is that of courteously and respectfully seeking her father's permission before you pop the question. Though the days of bride prices and dowries are long behind us, this demonstration of respect will mean a lot to her family and will set the tone for your relationship in the future. Be earnest about your feelings and your intentions, as the moment you receive her father's blessing is symbolic of him acknowledging that he will be entrusting her to you and deems you worthy of one of the most amazing gifts he has to offer, agreeing to officially hand her over during your wedding ceremony for you to have and to hold thenceforth.

It is important for you to take this seriously and present yourself as the man you want him to respect you as in order to grant you such a blessing and such a gift. Also be sure to do your research and be mindful of any cultural differences or expectations you may need to be aware of when it comes to your beloved's family. Etiquette can vary from culture to culture, and you'll want to do your best to fulfill any expectations her family may have of you in order to avoid any hurt feelings, disappointment, or conflict that could create glitches this early in the stages of building a life together with your bride-to-be.

Original article

Wedding Ideas - Wedding Proposal Ideas

Everyone is looking for wedding ideas but imagine you are finally going to propose to the girl of your dreams so you will want to make the occasion special and do something that will be memorable. You can get the best ideas from the person you love and the things they love to do most. If they are into films, you could take them to a movie and then pop the big question right in the theater or if you want something private, you could just cook a nice dinner and pop the question at a warm cozy time.

Taking your loved one away for a nice vacation is a good way to make that proposal as well. If you want romantic destinations then Paris, Prague, or Venice are nice romantic destinations that can help you get the job done well. Why not take the climb up to Eiffel tower and ask the question or book a Gondola in Venice and pop that question just at the right time?

If you are into food then you can use a related approach for such an occasion. Book a restaurant that is known for its good food and great service. You could add a nice twist by making the chef hide the ring in the desert plate or you could ask the chef to write a note right on the edge of the plate in chocolate.

Many people are not that comfortable with great shows of public affection and if you are that kind of a person you could make that occasion private and be comfortable with it. You could prepare a dinner for your loved one and turn on the music. This could create the perfect ambiance for you to get in the mood.

There are also some other ways of proposing that might be funny. You could simply hide the proposal in a fortune cookie and give it to your loved. Or maybe if you are traveling by a plane and you could ask the captain to make the announcement over the loud speaker. Moreover, you could persuade the local cinema to play your proposal as an advertisement before the movie. Another interesting idea would be to write a song and ask the local radio station to play it for you. All these techniques would add a nice bit of fun to your proposals. Another way to add fun to your proposal would be to start a little treasure hunt in which clues would follow one after the other. The ending revelation of course would be the marriage proposal. After that, you can indulge all the wedding planning ideas since you have gotten through the original hurdle.

We hope you liked our marriage proposal ideas. After the proposal, you will need many wedding ideas or wedding planning ideas but sometimes you need wedding proposal ideas too!

Original article

5 Romantic Ways to Propose This Christmas

Christmas is the time of year for people to spend a bit of time with their loved ones, be appreciative for all the blessings bestowed upon them and to take the time to ponder on what they wish to accomplish and hold on to for the future. Of course, that's also one of the ideal moments for a guy to make a marriage proposal to a girl. Yet, there are few men out there who don't have the slightest hint on what to do for holiday proposals. If you're one of those few, then below are dependable holiday proposal pointers that will definitely capture her heart:

#1: One exceptionally cute way to propose to your girlfriend this Christmas is for you to drape the engagement ring on the Christmas tree, in a manner similar to an ornament. For a significantly better effect, have the ring be the only ornament she can see on the tree as she walks in, or you can even place the ring box on it as it dangles from the tree. She will be amazed with this, and in a good way.

#2: Something that may seem somewhat childish to others, but will certainly work to your favor is visiting Santa Claus at the mall. You don't exactly have to sit on his lap, but you can positively disclose to him that your only wish for Christmas is for her to get married to you. Then you go down on your knee and propose to her. It may maybe be cheesy but it's effective.

#3: Everyone participates in the Christmas tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, so maybe you would like to benefit from it this time and pop the question right after you have kissed her. This is surely romantic, intimate and in tune with the holiday spirit!

#4: We often drape socks around the chimney or on the walls for Santa to slip in a number of goodies. Be her own Santa and slip that engagement ring in, as she searches through all the candies and be taken aback with that shiny piece of jewelry that'll fit her finger perfectly.

#5: A marriage proposal that happens with you surrounded by your family members and peers will surely be something worth remembering. When there is this much love in the air, in the company of those you both adore and care for, go down on your knee as they simply raise the big question.

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.

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How Engagement Rings Became A Custom

Engagement rings are a traditional gift bestowed upon a woman when an offer of marriage is proposed. It can be presented to the intended bride during the proposal ceremony, or after the proposal has been offered and accepted. In some cultures, both the man and the woman wear a ring, whereas in North America and parts of Europe, it is typically only the woman who receives and wears the gift.

The Romans are credited with invoking the tradition of a betrothal band, which was known as a truth ring. The ancient Egyptians had a belief that the vein of love, vena amoris, travelled directly from the heart straight to the end of the third finger of the left hand. Therefore, this finger became the choice location to showcase the symbol of love and betrothal. This tradition continues today in many countries.

However, this is not the standard in all cultures. In Ukraine, the betrothal band is worn on the right hand, while in Germany, the symbol is worn on the left hand during the engagement period. The ring is then switched to the right hand upon marriage.

During the middle ages, a man would offer a woman a Gimmel ring, also known as a bond ring, when proposing marriage. It was during this time that the bands became more decorative. Individuals who could afford to do so added fashionable coloured gems such as sapphires or possibly rubies.

At one time, only the highest earning income class could afford to add diamonds to engagement rings. Others with lessor earnings offered a band which featured two clasped hands in lieu of precious stones. This was called a faith ring. The faith ring is the predecessor to the current pre-engagement rings, also known as promise rings. A promise ring is given as a token of commitment until an official proposal takes place.

In the late 1800's, offering a ring to signify upcoming nuptials became an expected practice. The circle is a symbol of fidelity and represents eternity, since it has no beginning and no end. In 1870, De Beers Consolidated Mines gained control of the diamond market when an abundant supply of the stones was uncovered in the Kimberly diamond region of South Africa. Using the unbreakable gem to decorate the betrothal band as a sign of eternal love was a marketing strategy to promote the retail sale of the stones.

By the 1930's, a diamond ring was the accepted standard to offer as a gift for a marriage proposal. Once again, clever marketing campaigns from diamond sellers instilled the belief that a man should spend at least three months salary on the engagement ring. While diamonds continue to be the popular choice, in the modern era, the stone is often an accent to a birthstone or other precious gem.

The tradition of offering engagement rings when proposing marriage is a continuing symbol of commitment and intended marriage. It remains a popular gift to bestow upon a future mate. It is considered a promise to wed and a token of endless love, loyalty and fidelity.

Looking for Diamond Rings Toronto? Toronto's jewellery store can help you find the right Engagement Ring Toronto for that special occasion. Visit us today.

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