Posts Tagged ‘Engagement Rings’

 
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Engagement Rings Sales are Positive this Past Holiday Season, Despite the Recession

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Sellers of diamond engagement rings and wedding bands look forward to the holiday season because it is the most popular time for hopeful grooms to pop the question.  Known as the Engagement Season, with the Christmas spirit in the air and the hopefulness of the New Year ahead, many smitten men find it to be the perfect time to propose.  Whether under the mistletoe, beside the Christmas tree, on a horse drawn carriage through the wintery park, or as the ball drops at midnight, the holidays offer many perfect settings for an engagement proposal.  It is estimated that one third of all proposals take place between Thanksgiving and Valentines Day.  In America, that is approximately one million couples!

 

The Nielsen Company had predicted that last year’s holiday sales would be rather flat, with a modest positive result.  They anticipated that sales would increase about 0.03 percent, with 44 percent of households spending the same amount of money as last year, 42 percent spending less, and only 4 percent increasing their holiday budget. With turbulent economic conditions, sales are affected in all areas of retail.  Jewelers, like other sellers, were unsure what to expect this holiday season, but it seems that even in times of financial depression, men and woman are still planning weddings.  Engagement ring and wedding ring sales this last November and December were much better than forecasted.  Maybe hard economic times are actually bringing people closer together, and reminding Americans that love and family are the most important aspects of life.  The demand for engagement rings and wedding rings has not just held steady, but it has actually begun to climb!  This is not only great news for wedding ring and engagement ring retailers, but the condition of the American family as well.

 

Many engagement ring and wedding ring websites and brick and mortar stores are advertising and promoting recession friendly ring options, and expected to see a surge in the less expensive silver and gold engagement and wedding rings, but this has also not been the case.  Platinum wedding and platinum engagement rings, typically the most expensive option, have shown strong sales.  This is especially true in the United Kingdom, and Ben Roberts of Clogau Gold, a Welsh jewelry company says, “It could just be that the Christmas spirit overwhelms couples – or that girlfriends and fiancées’ hints are not as subtle as they once were.” This may be true, but these high sales of Platinum wedding and engagement rings in the United Kingdom could also be due to the fact that the British Pound has held a much higher value than the American Dollar.  Either way, it appears that even in a recession, people still find love a priority and look forward to making their commitment official with an engagement proposal or wedding ceremony.

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Penelope Cruz Still Flashing an Engagement Ring

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

The engagement rumors regarding 35-year-old Spanish actress Penelope Cruz and 40-year-old Spanish actor Javier Borden have heated up again in recent days after the private couple was photographed getting frisky on a beach in Brazil this week.  The rumors began back in October, when Cruz was flashing a stunning engagement ring at the screening of the film Broken.  The pair denied the rumors, but a friend of Cruz leaked information to the press saying that “Penelope’s parents are conservative Catholics and are really pushing for her to get married. Javier would like to take things slowly, but Penelope wants to make her parents happy.”  The friend also told reporters that a holiday wedding may be possible for the pair, and because Cruz is from Spain, she would like a Spanish designer to create her wedding gown.  During this time Cruz was spotted visiting a famous Spanish dress designer at the House of Balenciaga.

 

The first several months Cruz and Borden were very low key and revealed nothing to the media in regards to their relationship.  This leak angered the couple, who had hoped to keep their relationship and wedding plans out of the press, and came just after Cruz downplayed marriage to a reporter for Britain’s Psychologies magazine saying that, “I don’t know if I believe in marriage.  I believe in family, love and children.” This is obviously very different information than that that was leaked by her friend.

 

While as far as the press knows, there was no holiday wedding, Cruz is still sporting the ring, as evidenced in the photos taken in Brazil.  The alleged engagement ring is an enormous sapphire center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds, and leads one to believe that if it wasn’t an engagement ring, why would she wear it everyday, or at the beach?

 

Cruz and Borden originally met before the two Spanish actors had hit it big in mainstream Hollywood.  Back in 1992 they filmed the movie, Jamon, Jamon, together, but Cruz broke off their steamy relationship after the filming had ended.  A few years later, they met again on the set of Live Flesh, in 1997, with no rumors of a relationship, and it wasn’t until their latest film together that the two really got hot and heavy.  They have been back together since 2007 and meeting again with their supporting roles in Woody Allen’s movie Vicky Christina Barcelona.  Cruz played Borden’s ex wife in the film and was so convincing that she won an Oscar for her role.

 

The two have been inseparable since, despite rumors that Cruz had been angry with Borden over his workload, and broken things off.  Cruz and Borden have still been quiet regarding their relationship.  So quiet, in fact, that the couple could already be married and we may not even know about it!

 

Cruz

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Michael Buble Engaged to Young Latin American Celebrity

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

Crooner Michael Buble is the next celebrity to join the ranks of Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, and AJ McLean, and plan to be married during engagement season 2009/2010.  The Canadian born singer, songwriter, actor, and Grammy winner, reportedly proposed to his Argentinean girlfriend Luisana Loreley Lopilato de la Torre, a Latin American Soap Opera actress, singer, and model.  Buble’s rep Liz Rosenberg told People magazine that, “Michael proposed to his girlfriend, Luisana, in November, in front of her family in Argentina. They’re ecstatic. They’re adorable, in love and laugh all day long.”

 

Michael, 34, and Luisana, 22, met at his concert in Buenos Ares in November 0f 2008, one year before he popped the question.  Apparently Luisana caught his eye during the performance, and the singer serenaded her during the show, falling in love at first sight.  Since, the two have been dating exclusively, and their meeting come shortly after Buble parted ways with his British actress girlfriend Emily Blunt, whom he allegedly cheated on.  While he had never proposed to Blunt, this is not the Grammy winner’s first engagement.  He was previously engaged to long time girlfriend and singer, dancer, and stage actress Debbie Timuss.  Timuss and Buble also worked together.  They both starred in the stage performances, “Red Rock Diner,” and, “Forever Swing.”  Timuss also sang backup on Buble’s album, “It’s Time,” and the break-up of their engagement in 2005 inspired him to write the hit song, “Lost.”

 

This is also not Luisana’s first engagement, or her second.  In fact, in just twenty-two years of life the young Argentinean celebrity has now reached her third engagement.  Her first time around she had planned to wed fellow Latin American actor and Alma Piratastar, Mariano Martinez.  Next, she was engaged to tennis player Juan Monaco, and now she wears a ring given to her by Michael Buble.  Let’s hope this engagement is the keeper…

 

Luisana’s career has been as active as her love life.  She has starred in several big Latin American hit shows including the Argentinean version of Married with Children, playing Christina Applegate’s counterpart, called Casados Con Hijos.  She produced three hit albums and completed three tours with the musical group Erreway, recently leaving the group to become a trio and attempt a solo career with the label Universal Music Group.  She has been a host for several Latin American MTV projects, including the 2007 Latin Music Awards, and has served as a spokesmodel for many companies in South America including Glamour magazine, McDonalds, and Coca-Cola.  Her latest project was starring in her fiancé’s latest music video titled, “Haven’t met you Yet,” it seems Buble really enjoys mixing business with pleasure.

 

This will big a big year for Buble, not only is he now engaged, but his fourth and most recent album is set to win big at the Grammy Awards Ceremony that will take place later this month in Los Angeles.

 

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Three of the most popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

For more than two hundred years the tradition of offering engagement rings to secure agreements to marry has held strong in the United States and has spread to many other countries.  These engagement rings are very special to the wearer and differ from wedding bands in that they are typically more expensive and offer a beautiful sparkling diamond solitaire or group of diamonds as a token of everlasting love.  Since the advent of engagement rings there have been many different diamond shapes that have emerged, but there are three shapes that are most often seen in engagement rings.  If you are about to search for engagement rings you should know about the Cushion cut, the Round Brilliant diamond, and the Princess cut.

 

The Cushion Cut Diamond

Engagement rings that showcase the Cushion cut diamond have been popular for many years, but until recent times they were most often in antique engagement rings.  This is because the Cushion cut diamond was in high fashion during the Victorian Era.  Also referred to as the Pillow cut or Candlelight diamond, Cushion cut diamond engagement rings do not sparkle as brilliantly as some of the other diamonds shapes so popular in engagement rings, but they have other benefits.  Engagement rings that feature the Cushion cut diamond are classically beautiful, have a romantic feel, and certainly stand out among other diamond engagement rings.

 

The Round Brilliant Diamond

For those seeking a traditional looking engagement ring or a classic diamond solitaire engagement ring, round brilliant diamonds are the most popular shape for engagement rings today.  The engagement ring retailers are well stocked with Round Brilliant diamonds so those seeking engagement rings with this diamond shape will have many options to choose from.  The way the Round Brilliant diamond is cut is the most important of all the four C’s, so choose engagement rings with Round Brilliant diamonds that feature ideal cuts.  This will ensure that your engagement ring will sparkle beautifully.  To increase the impact of the diamonds brilliance, Round diamond engagement rings can also include smaller side stones for added sparkle.

 

The Princess Cut Diamond

Square cut diamonds have always been wonderful options for engagement rings, but until the arrival of the Princess cut diamond, they did not offer the brilliance of a Round diamond.  Engagement rings that feature a Princess cut diamond are beautiful options for brides that seek the sparkle of a Round Brilliant diamond but want engagement rings that have a little different and more modern look.  Because of their unique style, Princess cut diamond engagement rings have become very popular options in recent years.

 

Engagementrings.org offers extensive selections of diamond engagement rings that include the Cushion cut diamond, the Round Brilliant diamond, and the Princess cut diamond.  See some of these engagement rings at engagementrings.org

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Choosing a Tension Setting for your Engagement Ring

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Tension settings are a very contemporary design that allow engagement rings to be transformed into an elegant and unique symbol of your relationship. This type of setting is perfect for highlighting the beauty of a sparkling diamond, but they are not for everyone.

 

Before choosing a tension setting for your engagement ring, you should understand both the benefits and drawbacks.

 

What Are Tension Settings?

Tension settings are a very modern design that are created to allow the illusion that the gemstone is floating in midair. In reality, however, the entire band holds the stone in place rather than a more traditional prong setting.

 

While at first look it might seem that a tension setting isn’t very secure, they are actually more secure than a typical 4 or 6 prong setting because the metal used for a tension setting is often much stronger. Additionally, the entire band comes into contact with the stone, which allows for a much tighter fit than with a prong setting.

 

Tension Setting Designs

While most tension set engagement rings are typically a simple round diamond held within the band, there are many more unique variations that couples may want to consider.

 

For example, you can add other gemstones as accents, and have them channel or flush set into the overall band. Accent stones are a nice complement to a central gemstone, and offer a unique approach to the typical tension set engagement ring.

 

You could also vary the shape of the stone for a distinctive look. Alternatively, you can have filigree patterns or symbols incorporated into the band for a classic and alternative look.

 

While tension settings were initially very popular with men’s rings, more brides-to-be are turning to tension settings as a unique alternative to other types of engagement ring settings.

 

As far as metal choices are concerned, titanium is the best and most popular metal to use for tension set engagement rings. However, some jewelers may offer various designs crafted from white or yellow gold, platinum or even stainless steel as well.

 

For gemstones, only the hardest stones can be used in a tension setting. Diamonds are the most popular and obvious choice, but rubies or sapphires can also be used because they are strong enough to withstand the pressure of a tension setting.

 

Things to Consider

While tension settings are an attractive and unique alternative to traditional engagement ring settings, there are certain things to consider before you choose this type of setting for your ring.

 

For one, engraving or resizing is usually impossible. Engraving can weaken the strength of the band, and resizing cannot usually be done because the ring was designed around a specific gemstone with the exact strength it needed to hold the stone. Additionally, most tension set engagement rings cannot usually be worn or paired with an elaborate wedding ring because of how it was designed.

 

For the bride-to-be who wants a contemporary engagement ring design but still enjoy the beauty and elegance of a sparkling gemstone, a tension setting may be the perfect choice.

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How to Spend $500 or Less for an Engagement Ring

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

While many couples feel that the more expensive an engagement ring is, the better it is, that is simply not the case. A ring is a symbolic representation of the relationship, but the relationship itself and the emotions behind it are the most important thing.

 

If you cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on an engagement ring ring, there are ways you can purchase a beautiful engagement ring ring to symbolize your relationship for $500 or less.

 

The Average Cost of an Engagement Ring

These days, the average engagement ring can cost upwards of $3,000. Unfortunately, this price range is usually beyond the reach of many couples, especially when you factor in the cost of a wedding and starting a new life together.

 

Even if you cannot afford this price range, engagement rings are more about what they symbolize than how much you spend on them. If you are more concerned about the price of the ring, you may not be ready to get married for the right reasons.

 

What does a $500 Engagement Ring Look Like?

True, you may not be able to buy a super high quality engagement ring for $500 or less, but it can still be a beautiful symbol of your love for one another. $500 engagement rings share a few qualities that will be helpful to learn when shopping for the perfect ring that fits your budget.

 

For one, the metal may be silver, titanium, tungsten or another less expensive metal or combination of metals. You won’t find a platinum band for this price, though, so keep that in mind when ring shopping.

 

Additionally, gemstones other than diamonds can often be found in this price range. Tiny diamonds may be used as accents. Furthermore, the quality of the stones you use will be lower than with more expensive rings. Flaws or imperfections are likely to be more visible with a $500 engagement ring than with a ring that’s more expensive.

 

The overall carat weight of an engagement ring in the $500 price range is likely to be about 1/4 carat or less, as well. Even if diamonds are used as accent stones, the bulk of the weight will be concentrated within the central gemstone.

 

Finally, you are likely to have a standard setting, such as a prong setting, because they are cheaper to make and widely available.

 

Of course, even if there are flaws in your ring, you are less likely to notice them with smaller stones. What’s more, most people are unable to distinguish when certain imperfections may be present.

 

Engagement ring prices vary widely, but it is possible to have a gorgeous token of your relationship for $500 or less. As long as you keep in mind the sentiment and symbolism behind the ring rather than how much you spent on it, you can have a gorgeous symbol of your relationship that will continue to be meaningful for the rest of your lives together.

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Cathedral Setting Engagement Rings

Monday, June 14th, 2010

When purchasing an engagement ring, choosing a setting is a critical step in finding the perfect ring for your bride-to-be, and cathedral settings are a simple yet elegant choice.

 

Cathedral settings are varied, and understanding the basics behind this gorgeous choice as well as the various design elements of this type of setting can help make finding the perfect engagement ring a much easier task.

 

Cathedral Settings

Cathedral settings are named for their ability to mimic the graceful and elegant arches that are an inherent part of real cathedrals. With these types of engagement rings, arches are created to act as a frame for the central gemstone.

 

Types of Cathedral Settings

As with real cathedrals, cathedral settings can be quite varied. Understanding these differences will help you decide whether this type of setting is the perfect choice for your engagement ring.

 

Dramatic arches can surround a higher setting, but arches in a cathedral setting can also be very small. The degree of the arch can vary from a little to a lot depending on the overall style of the ring.

 

Alternatively, the ends of the arches can be tapered to give a distinctive look to the ring, but they can also be squared or rounded for a unique look. The curves of each arch can also vary, depending on whether they are convex (rounded outward) or concave (rounded inward.)

 

Regardless of how the different features are designed, cathedral settings are distinctive because of the arches. Adding different design elements to a cathedral setting engagement ring can make the ring as distinctive and personal as you’d like.

 

Styles

If you’re interested in a cathedral setting, there are many customizations you can make that complement the distinctive arch design.

 

Adding additional gemstones into the side of each arch is a lovely way to not only complement the central stone, but highlight the unique arch structure. Alternatively, you can have small symbols such as hearts engraved into the side of the arch for a symbolic and meaningful addition to the engagement ring.

 

Incorporating small diamonds to accentuate the arches (such as with a pave setting) is also a popular choice.

 

As far as gemstone shapes, round diamonds or other gems are the most popular option available to you. Of course, you have many options at your disposal. Many brides-to-be enjoy the look of princess cut stones, and marquise stones are another elegant choice. If you choose a more unusual stone shape, the arches of the cathedral setting will need to be altered to create a more uniform look.

 

Cathedral settings are a lovely, elegant choice for any engagement ring. There’s no denying that there is something very simple yet regal about this type of setting, and it allows the central gemstone to be highlighted beautifully.

 

With so many design variations to choose from, any couple can customize a gorgeous cathedral setting to create the engagement ring of her dreams!

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Finding Contemporary Engagement Rings

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

While some brides-to-be love the look of vintage rings, contemporary engagement rings are modern and just as beautiful. In fact, you can still have a more modern engagement ring without sacrificing the classic beauty of more traditional styles.

 

Contemporary Rings

 

Contemporary engagement rings, also called modern rings, are rings that use today’s modern technology to create a unique spin on more classic or traditional designs. Contemporary rings offer more design choices that simply would not have been possible in older times, such as unusual diamond shapes or metals.

 

Designs

 

Today, couples have a variety of modern design options when choosing a more contemporary engagement ring. Everything from the gemstones used to the metal and settings can be customized for a unique ring that’s truly your own.

 

For example, gemstone choices for contemporary rings tend to back away from the traditional colorless diamonds. In fact, many modern rings use diamond alternatives (i.e. other precious and se,i-precious gemstones). These alternatives also help make an engagement ring more affordable, especially for couples who are on a strict budget.

 

Contemporary engagement rings can now be found with various colored gemstones and couples can usually find particularly rare gemstones incorporated into more modern designs.

 

Additionally, most modern engagement rings tend to have several stones, whereas a more traditional ring uses only one large central stone with small accent stones to give it visual interest. For example, three-stone rings are highly popular, and are a modern twist on a classic.

 

Of course, the type of metals used in most contemporary rings also differ from traditional styles. While white and yellow gold and platinum are all popular choices, they are not your only options.

 

In fact, many contemporary rings use multiple metals to create a distinctive multi-tone effect, or use different types of metal as accents in an intricate scrollwork design. Palladium engagement rings are also a distinctly modern choice.

 

Different settings are often incorporated into contemporary rings. While prongs may be popular for classic styles, more unusual settings are the norm for modern engagement rings. Bezel settings are beautiful, as are pave settings that use a smattering of diamonds or other gemstones to make the ring look as if it is created entirely from those stones.

 

Intricate designs are also highly common among modern style engagement rings, and women who prefer more elaborate styles will love the options they have available to them.

 

While classic or traditional rings are undeniably beautiful, many women prefer the intricate designs and unusual settings, metal choices and stones that contemporary rings offer. Even though styles are constantly changing and your modern engagement ring may not be “in style” forever, that will simply make the piece more unique and special as the years go by.

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Tiffany Settings

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

Tiffany settings are a classic choice for engagement rings. They use simple prongs that are arguably one of the most popular settings in rings today. Whether you prefer a classic style or something a little more modern, Tiffany settings are used in a wide variety of styles and highlights the gem in a gorgeous way.

 

Tiffany Settings

Tiffany settings are named as such because they became the signature style choice for Tiffany & Co. in the late 1800′s.

 

It is a simple engagement ring setting, using four or six prongs to hold the stone securely in place above the metal band. Regardless of the number of prongs used, each are placed symmetrically around the stone to give balance and a nice focal point to concentrate on.

 

Despite the simplicity of this type of setting, Tiffany settings actually have quite a few benefits. For example, the open design of the setting allows the maximum amount of light to reflect off a quality diamond, allowing for the ultimate in fire and brilliance.

 

What’s more, multiple prongs provide a secure base for a diamond and do not detract from the overall beauty of the stone.

 

However, if you choose a Tiffany setting there are certain things you should look out for. Because simple settings show flaws more easily, it’s important to carefully check a Tiffany style ring for quality.

 

Check out the prongs and make sure they are evenly placed in proportion to the stone. Uneven prongs can result in a less secure setting and ruin the symmetry of the design. Round and smooth prongs are also an important feature of a Tiffany setting because this will lessen the chance the prongs can snag on anything and become broken or damaged.

 

You should also make sure the stone you choose is of the best quality you can afford. Because a simple prong setting doesn’t use any fancy or elaborate designs, there will not be anything to detract from flaws or imperfections in the diamond.

 

Price

Because Tiffany settings are very simple and easier to make than more elaborate designs, the setting itself is very inexpensive. When compared to more unusual settings or intricate designs, simple prong settings are one of the most inexpensive you can buy.

 

However, because Tiffany settings often require a stone of exceptionally high quality, the overall cost of a Tiffany style engagement ring can be upwards of $2,000 or more depending on the gemstone. Of course, the overall price of the ring will depend on a variety of factors, but the quality of the diamond or other gemstone you use will play a large role.

 

Arguably the most popular type of setting, Tiffany settings are a classic and simple design that many couples choose to reflect their stone in the best possible light. These traditional settings offers a beautiful way to highlight the brilliance of a diamond and are one of the most inexpensive settings to use for an engagement ring!

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