The Advantages of Cheap Engagement Rings

Weddings have always been associated with lots of expenses: the preparations, the food, the music, and most important the engagement rings. When in a hard financial situation people turned to cheap engagement rings with shame in their hearts, forgetting that the engagement ring is the most powerful symbol of love, no matter how cheap it may be.

Due to social standards the word "cheap" has brought embarrassment where ever it was used, and it could carry a social stigma when used on something that is known to carry a high value such as the engagement ring. Of course the cheap engagement rings can be as beautiful as any other ring if it is chosen carefully for that special someone.

Today it is easy to find a good and cheap engagement ring as long as even the smallest bit of effort is put in searching for the right offer. There are many new jewelers who could do a great job and at small price, just to enter the market with a good image. Searching online could bring up millions of results from which to choose from, there are tons of on-line businesses that deliver good merchandise all around the world at seemingly low prices.

When looking for the ideal ring that could also fit a tight budget it`s extremely important to keep in mind the essential details on what makes a cheap engagement ring a good one. The metal from which the ring is made is going to greatly influence the price. Platinum may be too expensive, so gold could be the best choice for a limited budget. Also the weight of the metal can greatly influence the price, choosing a thinner ring may save a great amount of money.

Choosing the right gem for the ring is not necessarily hard. A cheap ring can always have a diamond on it, even if the budget is low, even a small karat diamond or even a synthetic or an imitation will always make the ring more beautiful, and when it`s on the finger of that special someone, it can be perfect.

If working with a jeweler keep in mind that the more difficult the ring design, the more expensive it will be. Some simple engravings may be possible when under a low budget, but never forget that a simple design can be the best design.

Of course it will never matter how cheap the engagement ring is as long as it is on the finger of the right person and as long as it reflects the beauty of that special person.

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 cheap engagement rings, cheap wedding rings and much more.

Original article

What If You Hate Your Engagement Ring?

The day has finally come and the love of your life asks you to marry him. Unexpectedly he gets down on one knee and pulls out that famous small box. You are filled with so many emotions and carefully open it up, look at the ring and say to yourself " I don't like it at all? This is man of your dreams but the ring isn't. What are you going to do now...thank him and say it's beautiful or tell him the truth.

This is a very tough decision to make. If the ring was passed down as a family heirloom then you should probably accept it graciously or be very tactful in your approach as it will be attacking his family. Sometimes these vintage rings are stunning and one of a kind! If the ring was a style or color that you don't like and it does not complement your hand you should you say something as you will be wearing this for the rest of your life!!

Grooms really do their best when purchasing the ring and many will take the suggestions from the salesperson. They have good intentions and you must be grateful that they did this on their own. If you really are unhappy with his choice you must be honest and tell him. Sure his feelings will be hurt but in the end he wants to make sure you have what you want. Honesty is important in a relationship so why not start now with your ring. You can simply tell him that the ring he picked out was very thoughtful and beautiful but does not suit you personally. Perhaps it's just changing the ring to gold or platinum or adding something to it. You can always take the ring back to the jeweller to see what they can do make it a bit more to your liking.

This does not happen all the time. Some brides fall in love instantly with their engagement ring. If marriage has been discussed between the two of you most likely there has been some discussions about rings. In fear of getting something you hate most brides will show their fiance pictures or drop little hints of the style and type of wedding ring they like.

Always remember your ring can be upgraded down the road in your marriage. It is very common to hear a wife say that her engagement ring was a very small diamond due to her fiance's financial situation but then 5 years later he surprised her with the same wedding ring but with a larger diamond.

When you get that ring give it a couple days before saying anything. Maybe you will grow to love it and just need a nice band to compliment it. Your engagement ring is symbol of love right?

Wedding and event planner for over 18 years of experience, sharing all my ideas and tips with brides to be.

Original article

Tension Set Rings: A Great Choice for a Diamond Engagement Ring

Tension rings are otherwise known as "suspended" or "floating diamonds." They are called this name because they appear magically suspended or floating in their design. These types of rings are the recent favorite of most women because of their stunning beauty and extraordinary appearance.

Historically, tension rings were introduced by a German jeweler Friedrich Becker by employing a lateral pressure between a spring-hardened shank to hold precious stones. In the following years, improvised methods were used to create sturdier compressions. Since a shank of a tension set ring does not meet, only hard gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, zirconium and cubic can be mounted and tensed.

You might wonder if this ring would last long. Yes it would. Using the aforementioned methods used to clip the stone in between the shank's end, you can expect the ring to last more than hundreds of years before loss of pressure may be experienced. In purchasing a tension ring, look or ask for those rings that use special metals and heat treatments to ensure the longevity of a ring.

At first glance, you might think that tension rings are in a precarious situation. But you don't have to worry about it. A real tension set rings is safely and securely placed by experts. Notice that the restrains in between the shank are as wide as the gemstone in order to protect the stone from being chipped or snagged. Thus, it is important to choose a real and authentic tension set ring. Real tension set rings cannot be pulled apart using your hand because of the proper metallurgical techniques used in the process of making it.

One great thing about this kind of ring is that it allows greater visibility of the diamond which is perfect for a diamond engagement ring. Because of the position of the mounting, which is pressed in between, it allows more light to penetrate the diamond compared to any traditional ring. And since the stone looks suspended while flashing a brilliant light, tension set rings are simply irresistible.

Just one important consideration in choosing a tension ring for your engagement ring is that it is difficult to resize, though not impossible. Since the shank of this ring is hard to cut, it is best if you choose the ring that fits to your future wife's finger right away. You can bring a sample of your fiancée's ring to ensure that the ring you'll purchase will surely fit in her fingers.

Ralph Iser is a marketing executive from Malaysia. He shows great interest in dealing with diamond engagement rings and wedding rings malaysia.

Original article

Choose a Vintage Ring for Your Engagement Ring

Everybody has different inclinations when it comes to jewelries. There are people who love modern and classy-looking rings while others prefer the old and antique. If you come to know that your future bride falls into the latter category, you can choose a vintage diamond engagement ring in winning her big "yes." There are many reasons why traditional rings are great options in finding the perfect engagement ring.

Primarily, you have to be aware that classic rings neither look new nor old. It means that you need to have knowledge in distinguishing whether a ring is really vintage or not. You might be paying a hundred dollars for a fake jewelry. Thus, it is best to look for rings in a trustworthy jewelry shop so that you wouldn't end up tricked by any unscrupulous seller.

What gives value to a classic ring is the history attached to the ring. Usually, a ring is a form of treasure or heir passed down from one generation to the next. A vintage ring as an heirloom carries a sentimental value no modern rings can offer. Every ring has its own unique story that is carved in a piece of this type of ring. If your bride loves this idea, a traditional ring is the best ring to give to her.

In the world of jewelries, there are three eras which can qualify a piece of jewelry if it's really antique or not.

· The first era is the Victorian era which existed between 1837 until 1901. Those were the times when diamonds gained popularity to be used as engagement rings. Most rings during this era were either made of silver or yellow gold and usually do not have diamonds at all. Mostly, stones such as sapphires and rubies were used. Because of this, vintage rings coming from this era are quite rare to find.

· The second era is the Edwardian era. This period in history started in year 1901 and lasted until early 1920's. During this time, platinum replaced gold as the metal of choice for rings. Moreover, diamonds began to be used as side-stones being sapphire as the primary stone used.

· The last era of vintage rings is the Art Deco era. This period ranged from 1920 to 1930. This was the time when rings were oddly shaped and covered with diamonds. You can easily know a vintage ring from this period because of its unique geometric and boxy look. Aside from diamonds, other precious stones are used to decorate the ring.

Ralph Iser is a marketing executive from Malaysia. He shows great interest in dealing with diamond engagement rings and engagement rings Malaysia.

Original article

How to Choose Engagement Rings

If you think an engagement ring is a trivial accessory, think again. Many couples put a high value on their engagement rings for reasons that everyone should perfectly understand. A lot of people do not mind spending for designer engagement rings, which they consider as lifetime investments. However, it's easy to commit a mistake upon buying a ring for your partner. Here are some things to consider when making a purchase.

Price

Prices of engagement rings can escalate, depending on the type and amount of jewelry used. However, sellers would often lure you to buy items with a high price range, telling you that the price of the jewelry equates to the size of your love for your partner. Buyers should therefore consider their budget when making a purchase. A designer ring can be worth your one- or two-month salary. It is very expensive, but if you think it's worth the price, then by all means, go ahead and buy it.

Do not base your decision on price alone, though. You probably would not go for the cheapest, but there is no need to spend for something that costs an arm and a leg. When it comes to choosing a stone embellishment, for instance, you can go for one with more surface area or one that has a slightly lower carat. You may be too concerned about the appearance of the engagement ring, but people around you would not pay too much attention to it.

Style

Jewelry pieces do have themes. Some are classic, while others have a modern touch. The range of designs to choose from is immense, and that is why it is quite confusing to find the ideal engagement ring. Sterling silver, gold, and platinum rings are popular either in unadorned or embellished styles. The design and embellishments (gemstones or diamonds) affect the price of the ring. Some people say that you can save money by choosing the stones separately.

Seller

There are a lot of companies selling designer engagement rings, but you have to be careful because some of them are bogus sellers. It is even riskier to make online purchases, as there can be payment or credit card issues along the way. However, finding the right seller guarantees a great shopping experience. The question is how to find a reputable jewelry seller. It's not really difficult, considering that there are a lot of top sellers online, and they have websites, as a matter of fact. You just have to get a good read of reviews or testimonials from customers. Sellers with too many bad reviews should be scratched from your list.

Some More Tips

1. Have someone with you when buying a ring. Decision-making is often easier if you have someone with you. That person could either be your close friend or your partner.

2. Ask the opinion of the jeweler. Sometimes, it's really tough to make a decision, and you probably hate staying at the jewelry store for an hour or so, walking back and forth, checking every piece again and again. The jeweler probably could make brilliant suggestions based on your budget, preference and the personality of your partner.

3. Don't buy right away. You have the right to look at other options before making a purchase.

For more information about designer engagement rings and Tacori engagement rings, visit our website shopedc.com.

Original article

Why Are Diamonds Used As Engagement Rings?

The Diamond Ring

We are all looking to be happy, infinitely happy, content with the person we are with, secure in the knowing that he/she will always be there for us come what may. You may be thinking of proposing this year. Maybe they are expecting it or maybe it is completely out of the blue, either way it has the impact that lasts a lifetime. Being in love instantly attracts us to all the beautiful things around us, sunsets, walks along the beach, holding hands in the cinema, romancing and doing those little things for each other that lets us know we are loved. We also begin to appreciate giving, giving time, giving compliments, giving little gifts and giving big gifts.

Giving diamond jewellery is a perfect big gift.

The healing properties of diamonds

Diamonds, it is believed, have a particular effect on the wearer, bringing clarity, unity and fidelity hence chosen as the primary stone in engagement rings. But before you even go down that road you may want to know more about the perfect engagement ring and why we use diamonds. Part of our new found love for each other is the tradition of proposing with a luxury engagement ring. Giving a precious jewel on the day you propose adds more sparkle and magic than you know.

Diamonds represent faithfulness, love, purity, innocence, and relationships filled with love. They are believed to remove certain types of disturbances in the aura. Diamond jewellery inspires creativity, ingenuity, faith, endurance, and helps in manifesting abundance in all areas of life. As the hardest known mineral, (Moissanite being the second hardest) it is especially esteemed owing to its beauty, purity, and ability to reflect light depending on the cut used. Wearing a diamond encourages clarity, and clear positive resolution of all problems that bother us. Diamonds work together with other crystals in accentuating their vibratory healing properties.

In Hinduism diamonds are associated with the planet Venus, while some other ancient cultures believed that they are connected to the planet Mars. The latter is probably due to the warriors' custom of wearing diamond stones in battle for protection and strength. It was thought that diamonds make the warriors invincible and that they fortify their muscles. The Greek word for diamond - adamas - which means invincible may support this belief. According to Hindu astrology diamonds are considered auspicious if worn on a Friday and should be at least.59 carats in weight but preferably 1.5 carats. The back of the diamond needs to touch the skin of the wearer, and there are very in-depth processes for blessing the ring prior to wearing it. These include washing the ring in various liquids and reciting mantras.

When wearing diamonds for astrological benefits you need to have had it prescribed for you and if the diamond does not touch the skin it will not have any effect. It would be prescribed by a Hindu Pundit, if you choose to wear one without the confirmation you can risk negative effects occurring, such as health, wealth and relationship issues.

The most famous diamond in the world the Koh-I-Noor has a significant history and is believed to be a 5000 year old gem from India. With a colourful history it is thought to have destroyed those dynasties whose leaders were male.

The gem was presented to Queen Victoria by Dileep Singh in 1851 and ever since has been passed down to the wife of the male heir to the British throne. The British Royal family may well be aware of the Curse of the Kohinoor - 'He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity.' This may be the reason women are presented with a diamond ring when proposed to whereas men tend not to wear diamond rings but stick to gold wedding bands.

Choosing the Perfect Ring

For the most of us however the ring is not purchased for its healing properties and in the west the healing aspect is not even recognised so no need to worry about inauspicious occurrences.

There are many different styles of luxury engagement rings from your traditional solitaire to the more detailed split shank engagement ring with its vast design options. Celebrity style engagement rings, 3 stone, 5 stone or 7 stone/half eternity rings. The list goes on so if you are thinking of proposing this year find out exactly what she likes if you are not sure ask a few of her friends who may be able to give you an idea of what she likes.

Diamond jewellery or quality gemstone jewellery appeals to our senses during this heightened romantic engagement period. The sparkle of the gems, the beauty they exude and the happiness they bring when purchasing and presenting to your loved one, are second to none.

Also keep in mind your budget, suggested cost is about 1 month salary, remember this ring needs to last a lifetime.

The Diamond Jewellery Store

We are passionate about providing you with the best choice of luxury engagement rings, unique diamond jewellery, quality gemstone jewellery, branded watches and charms all in one place. No need to search multiple sites our unique comparison site does it all for you so all you need to do is choose. We have over 95,000 products online and growing, with the further option to customise your jewel size and cut giving you further unlimited choices in your unique diamond jewellery.

All this at one place http://www.thediamondjewellerystore.com/

Why go anywhere else.

Original article

Some Interesting Facts About Exchanging Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are a symbol of betrothal between two people. The pair are stating their intention to enter into a marriage together, in Christan ceremonies, till death do them part. A second ring is then placed on each of the couple during the wedding ceremony.

The metals cost - and if a stone is included, the entire cost - was in the past also a wealth symbol. Poorer people wore iron, where the elite sported gold or silver bands. Today couples are still most usually financially co-dependent. Though the feminist movement has given women the opportunities to work and make their own wages giving them a lot more independence in marriages.

Anthropologists point out the identity symbolism involved in present day marriage rites. Couples use the image of their rings to make a statement about or in concordance with their interaction with the rest of the social world, in addition to with one another. The ring's style can indicate their calm nature, their love of French culture, their extravagant life style or their simple love for one another. Either way, it is in contrast to other types of rings on other social beings fingers.

The circular nature of the ring is important. It symbolizes eternity because it has neither start nor end. It is also a symbol of renewal and wholeness.

The left ring finger is the traditional place for engagement rings to sit. The first to begin this were the Ancient Romans. Their rationale was that the vena amoris (the vein of love) goes directly from this finger to the heart. This romantic idea proves that the Romans were still romantic idealists despite their reputation for extra marital bi-sexual affairs.

To keep them feeling comfortable, some are specially designed to fit well with the wedding band. This can be a good idea. Especially so as the couple hope to wear them for a lifetime - and the age of mortality just keeps on rising.

Diamonds and other gems can be placed in or on the metal band. Diamonds are a recent tradition, and became so after a rigorous marketing campaign. Many couples nowadays forgo the diamond element, however, as two thirds of the diamonds in circulation are unethically sourced. They are mined, predominantly in Africa, and the profits fund weaponry and other resources used in conflict. This conflicts with the romantic symbolism of this gift, and so many choose other stones instead.

Many folk choose vintage as a cheaper more ethical option in the present day. Some see it as more romantic, because the rings have a story to them. Vintage items are greener, because they are a mode of recycling and thus mean that fuel is not burned in the production of new products.

Diamond rings are symbolic of love and life shared between two people. The above article has hopefully shared with you some of the interesting details about the symbolism of betrothal bands. Should you be embarking on this journey, the very best of luck to you.

Shop elegant vintage wedding dresses and other mother of the bride dresses online? Make sure you visit http://www.outerinner.com/. You will find what you want here.

Original article

White Gold Engagement Ring - Where and What to Buy

Shopping for a white gold engagement ring can be a daunting task. And that is why I wrote this article about getting a good deal on engagement rings. Just keep reading and I will tell you where to find them on sale.

White gold solitaire rings are an indication of engagement or marriage. Giving a bride-to-be a solitaire white gold engagement ring represents timeless love and simple beauty. These beautiful rings consist of just a single diamond which can be designed and shaped with your own influence and taste to create the ring you have been longing for: it can't get better than this!

Using the settings (a ring shell) of white gold, platinum, gold or silver engagement rings you have the freedom of expression. The cut, colour, clarity, size and price of the diamond all lie in the hands of yours truly.

Solitaire rings are a timeless classic which were originated in the 1830's and astonishingly still are one of the most worn engagement rings around the world; matched together with white gold, a perfect start to a new and glamorous married life.

Although, large iconic engagement rings can be a little out of reach for the everyday man - not to worry! White gold is a cheaper alternative to gold and looks just as good at a fraction of the price. White gold is an alloy of gold and silver and/or palladium which are white metals. These white metals are mixed with gold to bring down the purity, or in other words makes it cheaper for people to afford.

Wedding or engagement rings are measured using gold carats; 9ct, 14ct and 18ct are the most popular in most parts of the world. An 18ct white gold ring would be a little bit more in price because it contains 75% real gold compared to a 9ct white gold ring, which only contains 38% gold. So this gives you a little bit more of an option when it comes to pricing. But if it's the diamond you're worried about, that's a problem you'll surly forget about.

With diamonds ranging from as little as $160, you won't be burning your back pocket after leaving the store. Another alternative for the grooms-to-be is online shopping; it's less stressful and you don't have to leave the couch- often shopping online contributes to the price cut, so don't be afraid to take advantage of the wonderful world of web!

White gold shouldered solitaire engagement rings are another form of solitaire that is a little bit more complex in terms of design. These striking beauties use the original idea of a solitaire-the single large diamond in the centre-and flank that diamond either side with smaller sized diamonds in the band. This look obviously is more expensive but is a beautiful alternative to the original if you don't mind spending a little extra cash.

If the lady is a little more expressive when it comes to style, coloured diamonds or stones can complement your gold engagement ring to give it that little bit of oomph!

Because not every woman is the same, it wouldn't be fair to blend her in to the crowd. So giving her a plain old ring just wouldn't satisfy. Giving her a white gold solitaire ring that you have picked and designed on your own will blow her mind no matter what the occasion it may be for. This gives a whole new meaning to freedom of expression.

Do not spend hours going through all the online stores yourself. Just visit one website that finds these deals for you. Check out White Gold Engagement Ring. They always have great deals listed

Original article

Ever Evolving Engagement Traditions

Before the church bells ring, before you are pronounced "married," there is the minor affair of the proposal and engagement. Is it as simple as two people meet, fall in love, and one says "will you marry me?" Was it ever?

Depending on your culture there may have been some fairly massive hoops to jump through before you ever got to the aisle and in some cases before you even got the ring. As technology continues to shrink our world, most of today's youth are opting for what is considered "Western Engagements," a romantic location, a diamond ring and bended knee.

However, in the not so distant past things were much more complicated. Of course arranged marriages have been a part of the Chinese, Taiwanese, and Indian cultures for centuries. Let us not forget though, that whether it was labeled as "arranged" or not, certainly the European aristocracy and the elite of the Gilded Age in America made sure that the "right" families were joined by marriage.

For the most part arranged marriages in the Far East involved traditions that displayed reverence to parents and ancestors. An exchange of gifts in the Taiwanese engagement ceremony were meant to reflect the worth of the girl and her family. The Japanese engagement ceremony involved each family presenting each other with nine gifts of ancestral significance. The ceremony was completed when the intended groom presented the intended brides' family with one very large gift of significant value. While the ancient Chinese believed in a more practical dowry; which included strings of coins, fruit, poultry, sugar, wine, tobacco and a chamber pot. It may seem a bit unromantic until you consider that in Korean tradition an intended groom would present two large geese to his future in-laws. Although, all things considered, that is quite a bit easier on the groom than the Brazilian practice of a gentleman having to prove himself worthy by taming a wild donkey.

Today, the Brazilians have joined most Europeans in the tradition of presenting a ring, typically a golden band, which is worn on one hand during engagement and then transferred to the opposite hand on the day of the wedding. Which hand depends on which country - Brazilians are engaged with a band on their right hand and switch to the left on the wedding day, for most Europeans the opposite is true. Egyptians also exchange rings which are worn on the right hand during engagement and transferred to the left on the wedding day. However, during the engagement period, Egyptian tradition expects the gentleman to use his time to secure a home and purchase all his future brides' desired appliances for that home. I bet Maytag wished Americans had that tradition.

As the rest of the world decides to become more "Western," the Western world has decided it is not satisfied any longer with a romantic location, a diamond ring and bended knee - it has gone extreme. Yes, for better or worse, extreme proposals seem to be the new tradition. If you don't believe me check out YouTube. From being proposed to at zero gravity, to a gentleman literally setting himself on fire (with proper stunt-man gear) all the while explaining to his girlfriend how she makes him hot. Yes, there are some incredibly cheesy moments involved in some of these extreme proposals. But I guess you are not suppose to pay attention to the actual words when your boyfriend is on fire, or is holding you tight at 20,000 feet, as you pray the parachute actually opens. Techie's and computer geeks even find ways to program proposals into video games - World of Warcraft I am talking about you here. Creative, sure. Expensive, in most cases. Extreme - YES! Redbull sponsorship anyone? It's gotten to the point where skydiving proposals are passé. Originality and physical fitness points to the gentleman that proposed on Everest. Talk about climbing mountains to be with the one you love.

Extreme, traditional, modern, quirky, romantic, whatever the style I assure you that the person at the other end of the words "Will you marry me?" is thrilled no matter what the delivery.

Original article

Marriage Proposal and Engagement Party

This event can be considered part of the wedding ceremony or tradition and it takes place from some months up to two years before the scheduled date.

Formerly the betrothal was just an economic agreement between the families in which neither bride nor would be involved. Nowadays the economic aspect of it was disappeared while the romantic side remains.

Typically, the engagement happens when it is presumed to be accepted before hand, so it remains an act of sympathy and bond of both families. If there is dissatisfaction and conformity of any party, this act will always be violent and it is advisable not to do it, as seen on multiple occasions on TV.

Today's proposal of marriage is usually a cocktail party, a meeting with drinks, lunch or dinner, involving the closest relatives of both bride and groom. Although it is normal that everyone knows each other, it serves to strengthen the ties, and why not, friendship between "in-laws."

The groom should be received before the time of the engagement itself, bouquets for the bride and her should be arranged as well as floral arrangements as decoration that will give character and taste to an initial sight to make the bride look good in the eyes of his new political family.

How to organise it

The proposal of marriage has ceased to be done formally with the usual asking the bride's father for his daughter's hand to an exchange of gifts between the couple. Most certainly he will give her an engagement ring and she will give a smaller gift in return. But these are traditions that can be replaced by different ones. Parents can exchange with each other gifts of commitment.

In the case of a "surprise engagement" the groom would take the bride for dinner, alone or with other family members and propose surprising her with a ring. It is important to emphasise that the relationship should be ripe enough so that there is no risk of her saying no.

Other original proposals consist on a trip for both families to strengthen ties, but this option is recommended when there is already sufficient prior knowledge. Otherwise there may be bad impressions that lead to live together 24 hours a day with people who have not chosen to spend that time together.

Another idea is to organize a party in which, besides apart from the closest relatives, other members of the extended family are invited, as well as special common friends. In this way the event is more special because it engages the part of future guests.

Conclusion

The real purpose, apart from letting both families meet and know each other better, is to start preparing the wedding couple and advise on general aspects such as number of guests or place and banquet menu. It is a good time to discuss up to what degree of extended family will the guest list include.

It is advisable that the funding aspect of the wedding is discussed among groom and both sets of parents. It is advisable that they have the enough information about price per head for the wedding reception, as well as whether the wedding will take place far away.

Finally, the wedding proposal is a fantastic event to invite a wedding photographer to. Specially if it involves family from both sides meeting for the first time or getting to know each other better.

Maria De Faci is a Wedding Photographer London based in South East England and covering London, Surrey, Berkshire, etc. In addition to her photography full time job, Maria writes articles about wedding advice and business.

Original article

Going With Antique Engagement Rings

Antique engagement rings are a great choice if you have the opportunity to purchase or inherit one. It may be a family heirloom or an amazing find. With the tedious mass production and style everywhere in our society, it is a challenge to find not only unique items, but items that stand the test of time. An engagement ring symbolizes the commitment to enter into matrimony, a serious life-altering commitment. An antique engagement ring is a great way to express your love and promise in an exclusive and resilient design an antique is an item that was manufactured at least fifty years or more ago. Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco style rings are the most popular.

A Family Heirloom
It is common for jewelry to be passed through many generations and engagement rings are one example of a family heirloom. They can be passed from one generation to the next, or they can skip generations when the owners pass onto a younger generation. The wonderful thing about heirlooms is that they represent family history. The engagement ring your grandfather used to propose to your grandmother bestows a sense of romanticism and perceived good fortune on that ring when you offer it to your sweetheart. Heirloom rings can come down from either your paternal or maternal relatives and implicit with their passing is the love, respect and honor symbolized in that ring.

Purchasing Your Antique Ring
Not everyone is fortunate enough to receive an antique engagement ring from their family, and as the family spreads and grows, there are only so many heirloom pieces to go around. For those who are interested in purchasing an antique ring, there are a lot of options. Antique stores, pawn shops and estate sales are just one place to start. The internet will have a wealth of resources to search from. Some jewelers purchase old jewelry and they may have some selection for you. Individual sellers may also take out ads, so check places like the newspaper or sites like Craigslist. Make sure to carefully check the ring, as age might have taken its toll on it. Diamonds were not always the standard stone for engagement rings in the past, so you can find wonderful rings inset with emerald, opal and pearl.

If you appreciate the styles and quality of the past, then an antique engagement ring is for you. It will provide you with a unique and appreciable piece.

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

Original article

Things to Consider on a Custom Engagement Ring

The decision to ask for someone's hand in marriage is extremely personal. Men search out for ways to be distinctive in their proposals and a custom engagement ring offers that option. It is a great opportunity to have a ring with special meaning to you and your partner. You may choose to surprise your sweetheart with a ring you have designed for them or you may want to include them in the design, both of you working in partnership. Designing a custom engagement ring is a great way for you and your partner to express your deep connection through art and it can be a very rewarding experience for your relationship. There are different degrees of customization available depending on what you want your ring to look like.

The Custom Designed Ring

Once you have decided on a custom ring, you will need to find a jeweler who offers customized services, either at their store or contracted out. There are also companies online with whom you will be able to design your ring through their website and have the completed product delivered to your door. The most difficult step will probably be deciding how the ring should look. This is when it is useful to seek the advice of the jeweler and research styles of engagement rings. You may also choose to contact an independent jewelry designer who, after speaking with you, can draw up your ring and then create it. With a designer you can guarantee that your piece will be one of a kind and you can sign a contract that stimulates that the design never be created again by that designer.

The Ring with Customized Options

Most jewelers can offer you rings with customized options. A custom ring also can be as simple as a personalized engraving on the inside of the ring. It doesn't need to be an entire ring created from scratch. You may also choose to customize it by selecting the setting, the prongs and the stone. You may choose to veer away from the traditional diamond and pick an emerald, ruby or sapphire to grace your ring. You are also able to choose the metal for the band and band style; the most popular being platinum and gold.

A journey into your relationship and a commemoration in jewelry of your love, a custom ring is a distinctive choice. A memorable token of your affection, a custom engagement ring is definitely one way to make your proposal exceptional!

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

Original article

Suggestions on Choosing the Best Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are betrothal gifts given by a man to his future wife. In some cultures both the man and woman wear matching rings. In others, the engagement ring serves as the wedding ring. More than that, the ring is a representation of two people's commitment and love. Here are some key pointers you might want to consider if you are thinking of buying the perfect ring for your fiancée.

Style and composition

You can choose the style you want for your engagement ring. The most common metals used are gold and platinum. Gold from bullion are common with jewelry. It is easier to clean and polish, and easier to repair. Platinum is a more durable material, it is more resistant to minor damages and scratches. Platinum is also more difficult to find than gold, but both metals do not tarnish easily.

You must also consider your partner's personality when choosing the type of rings. Observe her carefully and try to determine her taste in accessories.

Size and value

The size of the diamond is a big factor in buying engagement rings. Consult with a gemologist or an expert jeweler about the quality of the diamond, and how much they actually cost. Most women would prefer 1-carat diamond rings. Keep in mind that a high quality diamond is more expensive regardless of the size. You can also search various guidelines on the Internet regarding high-grade diamond rings.

Stick to your budget

Don't buy anything you can't afford. Always stick to your budget. You can always get top rated quality rings without splurging all your money. All you need is patience and more research. The value of the ring does not equate the measure of your love for your fiancée. The ring is just a symbol of your commitment and love. If you want to surprise her with an engagement ring, make sure you get all the important details right. Make plans to get her ring size without getting too obvious about it. You can talk to her closest friends or family and get more information and tips about the type of accessories or jewelries that she'd like. You must be good in fishing for information.

Explore more diamond shapes

Choosing the right diamond or the shape of the gemstone is very essential. Comfort is more important that its appearance. You must also choose certain diamond shapes. This is one way to make a diamond look bigger than its true carat weight. Find out which shapes look bigger and learn more about size and quality enhancing tips.

You can also choose from certain cutting styles. There are many information about this on the internet, or you can directly consult a jeweler. Experts can best explain about a diamond's shape and cut to you.

Buying engagement rings should not necessary give too much trouble. The size and appearance of the ring shouldn't matter as long as you are being true to yourself and to your partner.

Joe Davis is a contributor to women's magazines, who features the best engagement rings and bullion.

Original article

White Gold Engagement Ring - Always A Perfect Choice

There are a lot of options when it comes to finding the perfect engagement ring and one popular choice is the white gold engagement ring because of its simplicity and class. By choosing the white gold engagement ring you are already half way home. You know that she likes the white gold engagement ring. Now it's time to choose the stone or gem that will be put in the center of it.

The most popular stone is the diamond. There are other gemstones though but diamonds are favored by many when it comes to engagement rings. If opting for a diamond as the featured gemstone, there are few to things to consider in order to get the best possible result. Here are some few tips in coming up with the perfect gold diamond engagement ring choice.

Always Consider The 4 C's

If choosing the white gold diamond engagement ring, focus on the carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.

With these four factors, you can determine the value of the actual diamond. The higher the number of points in the carat weight, the higher the value of the stone. The same with the color, the more clearer the stone is from pigments, the higher the cost. Cut which differs from shape means the quality in which the stone was done, mainly by proportion in terms of depth, width, and facet uniformity. Shape is also important because it has an impact on the overall beauty of the diamond ring. The reason why the stone has higher value as it is clearer is that imperfections affect the ability of light to shine through the stone thus impacting how the diamonds sparkle.

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.

Try To Focus On Clarity And Shape When Tight Of Budget

Deciding the carat weight and color are usually dependent upon the availability of money, it is a good idea to focus on clarity and shape of the ring in order to make the ring shine with brilliance. These will also be things that your fiancé will notice.

Take your time while choosing for a ring and try and take some clues from her about the shape of the ring. This would help more in her satisfaction of the choice of ring you'll present. Enjoy your experience while shopping for your white gold engagement ring!

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

Original article

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.

Original article

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.

Original article

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.

Original article

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.

Original article

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