Basic Tip to Keep your Diamond Engagement Ring Shining
October 4, 2009
Is There a Correct Way to Clean a Diamond Engagement Ring?
To keep your diamond in tip-top shape, it needs to be cleaned routinely. Harsh household chemicals, lotions, and hairsprays can cause buildup on your ring, making it look cloudy. Although your jeweler can professionally clean and polish your ring, you can also achieve that brand-new sparkle at home by following these easy steps:
# Mix warm water and a mild liquid soap. You can also use a store-bought jewelry cleaning solution.
# Place the ring in the solution and take a soft toothbrush to clean the diamond, taking care to get into all the crevices underneath and in between the setting.
# Rinse with warm water.
# Dry with a lint-free cloth.
When you’re done, you should have a diamond that will reflect the maximum amount of light so it’s as shiny as the day you received it. One last tip: Remember to clean your ring away from the sink so you don’t risk losing it down the drain.
Custom wedding ring boxes by Elegant Wood Works
June 6, 2009
A custom ring box makes a memorable occasion even more special. Whether you are looking for a single engagement ring box, a wedding ring box or an anniversary or special occasion ring box, Elegant Wood Works would delight in creating a unique piece of art that will surprise and delight. Listen to others describe how a custom, wooden ring box created a lasting memory.
The size of the wedding ring box is 3.25 inches in diameter.
You can choose from a brass, nickle, or black engraving plate that will be mounted on the bottom side of your ring box.
Check out some of these beautiful wedding boxes at http://www.elegantwoodworks.net/magento/index.php/default/ring-boxes/wedding-ring-boxes
Wine stopper by Elegant Wood Works
June 3, 2009
All bottle stoppers are hand turned from exotic woods. You can choose from a nickel or brass plate to engrave.
Look at all of our beautiful wine stoppers at http://www.elegantwoodworks.net/magento/index.php/default/wine-accessories
Ring buying guide
May 27, 2009
There’s more than one way to wear a carat of diamonds on your finger. A ring with a classic solitaire at this weight (right) will generally cost thousands. But a band covered with tiny pavé diamonds that add up to just under 1 carat (left) sparkles plenty and can cost up to 90 percent less than a ring with a big center stone.
The way a diamond is framed can have a major impact on how big it looks. For example, a bezel—a thin band of metal that wraps around a gem—gives the illusion of a larger stone. These two rings both hold .25-carat diamonds, but the solitaire on the left seems more substantial than the prong-set one on the right.
A diamond of a carat or more should come with a gem report—a gemologist’s evaluation of the stone’s color by letter grade (good stones are ranked no lower than I) and clarity, ranging from “flawless” (FL) to “very slight inclusions” (either VS1 or VS2) for an acceptable diamond. The cut, carat weight and measurements are also listed. The Gemological Institute of America issues most gem reports, but a few fine jewelry firms offer their own guaranteed certificates.
Platinum and gold are the top choices for engagement rings. The former will cost you—a simple platinum band can cost nearly $600 more than a comparable one in gold—but many brides feel the price is worth it. Platinum is a far more durable metal. It will show fewer nicks and scratches, and platinum prongs will hold a stone more securely. As for color, some people believe that yellow gold casts an unflattering light on the diamond, while others prefer the hue’s warmth and traditional look.
The cost of protecting yourself against loss or theft depends on several factors—including the value of your ring, of course, as well as where you live (major city dwellers will pay more). According to Donna Syverson, a spokeswoman for the national insurance firm Jewelers Mutual, your annual premium will be about 1 to 2.7 percent of the jewelry’s appraised value, even for rings that cost six figures.
Your diamond’s certificate number (or jeweler’s designation) can be laser-inscribed on the side of the stone, allowing it to be positively identified in case of theft or after cleaning or repair. Such inscriptions, which are visible under magnification (shown at right for the ring below) don’t affect the gem’s value. They cost from $40 to $200 and offer more than mere peace of mind: Some insurance carriers will give policy discounts on inscribed diamonds.
Most couples look for diamonds in whole carat weights, but what you may not realize is that jewelers charge a premium for such stones. If you opt instead for a gem just under a carat (or under 2 or 3 carats, for that matter), the savings can add up to 30 percent. And the difference in size is so insignificant, you won’t be able to tell. Of the rings shown here, the top one features a 1.03-carat solitaire and costs $14,000; the solitaire at the bottom weighs .93 carats and will run you $11,000
For a big anniversary, couples often replace their engagement ring with a grander model. When shopping now, ask jewelers if they’ll accept this purchase as partial payment on a later ring. Both Tiffany & Co. and Jeff Cooper will apply the full retail purchase price toward another ring (that’s at least double the value) for as long as you own your original one.
Believe it or not, many reputable jewelers offer one-of-a-kind rings without charging exorbitant fees. Some companies require a minimum purchase or bill clients a small amount for preliminary work, such as drawings.
The center stone constitutes the most expensive part of a classic solitaire ring, accounting for as much as 85 percent of its price. One way to cut down on the cost is to buy a diamond online. At a resource like bluenile.com or diamonds.com, it’s possible to save up to 40 percent over prices at brick-and-mortar jewelry stores. Feeling nervous? Both e-tailers offer certified gem reports, as well as a full refund within 30 days on undamaged stones.
Custom engagement ring boxes from Elegant Wood Works
May 26, 2009
A custom ring box makes a memorable occasion even more special. Whether you are looking for an single engagement ring box, a wedding ring box or an anniversary or special occasion ring box, Elegant Wood Works would delight in creating a unique piece of art that will surprise and delight. Listen to others describe how a custom, wooden ring box created a lasting memory.
The size of the engagement ring box is 2 inches in diameter and will fit easily into your pocket.
You can choose from a brass, nickle, or black engraving plate that will be mounted on the bottom side of your ring box.
Check out some of the engagement ring boxes that are currently available at
http://www.elegantwoodworks.net/magento/index.php/default/ring-boxes/engagement-ring-boxes
Trend #1: Neutral-colored Gems
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s relationship might not have lasted, but the lure of colored engagement rings sure did. Her 6.1-carat pink diamond engagement ring set the stage for a bevy of other colorful gemstones like beryl, sapphires, and rubies to take a leading role.
Trend #2: Diamonds All Around
A gorgeous diamond gets lots of character from its surroundings. And these current styles drizzled with diamonds are definitely a hit among brides and designers alike. Not only do the extra diamonds add tons of sparkle, but they can enhance the size or at least give the illusion of a larger center stone. What bride-to-be (and groom too) wouldn’t love that?
Trend #3: Intricately Raised Settings
The newest ring settings are really raising the bar — elaborate and (more important) lofty designs are hot. There’s nothing like a delicately draped bow or precision-cut mold to give your center stone the spotlight.
Trend #4: Twisted Bands
Designers have opted to put a little more swing in their rings. From swirling diamond bands to more streamlined metal twists, we’re enamored with this smooth move.
Trend #5: Vintage Glamour
Heirloom styles, though rich in history, are definitely not a tired idea. Think intricate settings with metal and diamond detailing.
Trend #6: Eco-friendly Rings
These dazzling designers prove that it’s hip to have more than just a green thumb. Decorate your ring finger with conflict-free diamonds and recycled gold settings.
Celebrity engagement rings
May 25, 2009
American Idol finalist Katharine McPhee rocks a 3-carat brilliant-cut diamond set in platinum designed by jeweler Cindy Boudov.
Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough’s bride, Leigh Boniello, wears a custom-designed three-stone diamond engagement ring.
The Game actress Tia Mowry pairs her 1.5-carat round diamond engagement ring with a 14kt-gold princess-cut diamond wedding band.
Firehouse Dog actress Bree Turner rocks a gorgeous round diamond sparkler.
Jocelyn Maldonado
Mets Weekly host Jocelyn Maldonado dons a 4-carat round-cut diamond flanked by six smaller round stones given to her by husband and New York Giants linebacker, Antonio Pierce.
Josh Cappo collaborated with his mother, jeweler-to-the-stars, Erica Courtney, on the the 2-carat platinum engagement ring he presented his future bride, Jessica Nassi.
Melissa Akey
Fashion designer Melissa Akey wears a Renee Lewis band set in 18kt-yellow gold and sterling silver with antique rose-cut diamonds.
Star engagement rings
May 24, 2009
Jeweler Lorraine Schwartz had to hit the road (including an airport meeting) to rendezvous with Ty Law, Jewel’s singer and the rodeo star fiance, before the couple picked a 4-carat cushion-cut diamond ring.
Ellen DeGeneres popped the question with a 3-carat Neil Lane marquise diamond ring while she and de Rossi were tending to their pet goldfish. De Rossi also wore Neil Lane bracelets on the big day.
Darren Legallo gift-wrapped his Jean Dousset 1-carat brilliant-cut diamond ring before proposing to Amy Adams last year. “Amy kept the wrapping paper,” says Dousset.
The 10.02-carat diamond on the Jacob Arabo engagement ring is in Mariah Carey’s preferred hue: pink. Nick Cannon’s reaction when he saw it completed? He was so happy, he jumped up and down.
“We redid the design three times,” says Dallas-based jeweler William Noble of the 5-carat Asscher-cut diamond ring, which Pete Wentz wanted to be extra delicate for Ashlee Simpson’s petite fingers.
Mena Suvari’s fiancé, music producer Simone Sestito, designed the actress’s 8.6-carat engagement ring.
