Archive for November, 2009

Thanksgiving Themed Wedding Rings

Monday, November 30th, 2009

If you don’t quite want the heat and humidity of a summer wedding or the chill of December nuptials, then a fall wedding may be the perfect time of year for you to tie the knot. Imagine incorporating the shades of fall into your flower arrangements and Bridal party colors as well as falling leaves and themes of family, love and thanks into your wedding rings. The possibilities for inspiration are endless and since most couples choose to get married in June or July, a fall ceremony will be something completely different for you and a pleasant surprise for veteran wedding guests.

If you do in fact choose to take your vows around the holidays, there are a few other benefits to consider. Most working families take off work for the holidays so odds of absentee guests greatly decrease. It is more expensive to fly around days like Thanksgiving but chances are that most folks were planning on traveling anyway. If you’re a bride that loves accessories, then give thanks for the cooler weather of fall! Instead of engraved flasks and keychains as gifts for your Bridesmaids, consider wraps or shawls or even necklaces mirroring the fall theme used on your wedding bands.

Here are a few ideas to incorporate Fall’s many themes into your wedding band:

Folks travel in great numbers near and far to see the leaves change colors in small towns all over New England. Capture the spirit of falling leaves with engraved leaves on your bands or leaf inspired designs.
November’s birthstones are Citrine Quartz or yellow Topaz. Even if your birthday isn’t in November, these stones are said to have heightened powers throughout the entire month. Other warm colored stones can also be a perfect way to represent fall skies, soulful food and a cozy family atmosphere.
Thanksgiving is the season for giving thanks. Catch the spirit and use symbols such as joined hands or interlocking weaved designs on your band.
Past, present and future rings are also an interesting idea to use on a fall anniversary ring. In keeping with the theme of giving thanks for all that has been, is and will be good in your life this particular ring is a great way to show appreciation for the life you share with your special loved one.

Whether early on or late in the season, a Fall wedding can be nothing short of a true celebration of the family you and your spouse are starting. It can be a wonderful introduction to a new life filled with family, love and joy forever.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tags: Holiday themes, November birthstones, wedding bands
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Festive Engagements: Holiday Proposal Ideas

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Are you thinking about popping the question to your girlfriend this holiday season? Do you want your proposal to be perfect? Many couples become engaged over the holidays, perhaps because of the festive spirit in the air. The day after Thanksgiving, a man in Dublin Ohio used the Santa at the local mall to propose to his now fiancé. When Santa asked Chad Chafens what he would like for Christmas he replied, “Well, Santa, there’s one thing I’d like – Caroline Marie Charles, Will you marry me?” What made the moment even more special is Chad and Caroline had actually met seven years before, at this same mall.

Want to ask her the big question in a similarly unique way? Here are some ideas for asking your loved one to marry you, with a little holiday cheer.

Wrap the engagement ring in a large box and place it under the tree. She will never expect to find a ring inside such a large package, but make sure this is the last present she opens. When she rips open the paper and finds the engagement ring inside, ask her to marry you.
Want to really take it over the top? Write “will you marry me” using strings of lights on your lawn. Take her out to dinner and then drive home to reveal the glowing question, then presenting her with the engagement ring.
Hang some mistletoe with the ring attached. Meet her underneath and tell her to look up. When she notices the engagement ring, pop the question and give her the traditional mistletoe kiss (if she answers “yes,” of course!).
Do you have snow? Build a snowman holding a sign that reads, “Will you marry me.” Be sure to have the engagement ring in hand and drop to one knee when she sees it.
When the clock strikes midnight on January first, give her the traditional New Years kiss, then drop to one knee, hold up her engagement ring, and say, “will you marry me.” What a great way to begin the New Year!
Place the engagement ring in the tree, and after all the presents are opened, say “oops! There is one more gift in here that we forgot to open.” Present her with the engagement ring and pop the question.
While you are decorating the tree together, pass her the engagement ring instead of an ornament.
Invite some carolers to your door and be ready with the engagement ring in your pocket. When she answers they will sing her favorite carol, changing the words to “will you marry me?”
Take your own spin on Chad Chafens Santa proposal. When she sits on Santa’s lap, the groom to be will tell her that Santa wants her to be your wife, then you present her with the engagement ring.

Tags: holiday engagements, holiday proposals, Holiday themes
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My Perfect Wedding Band

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

If you are like me, you don’t like wearing flashy jewelry, and the rings that you do wear should be special, unique, and stand out. If you were to peek inside my jewelry box you would find a single pearl ring from a remote mining town in Arizona, a large black triangular ring made from horn purchased in New York City, and a creamy cameo ring I picked up to memorialize my time in Athens, Greece. None of these pieces can be worn together; they make a bold enough statement to be worn alone, so how would I go about choosing a wedding band of the same caliber? Where do I find a wedding band that can compliment each precious ring in my collection? After all, I will be wearing this ring every day.

My wedding ring would have to be simple, but there must be meaning behind it, and something to make it unique. It couldn’t be too modern; it wouldn’t fit well with my cameo ring. It also could not appear too antique, because then it would clash with my precious Arizona pearl. My perfect wedding band could not be too traditional, because the bold black horn ring from the Big Apple would lose its voice. Where do I find a wedding band that fits all these categories? How do I locate a wedding ring with meaning, simplicity, and neutral style? It’s simple, I create it myself.

I am not speaking of starting from scratch and designing a completely custom ring. I love the idea of selecting a simple band and engraving an important message along the outside. It is typical to etch your wedding date or your names inside your wedding band, but what about a message along the outside of the ring? I would suggest a wider band, perhaps even selecting a men’s wedding ring, and engraving something that reminds you of the day you met your groom, the day that he proposed, or what you hope for your future. Maybe the message is a portion of your self composed vows, or a love quote that suits you perfectly. Perhaps you write the phrase in another language, like French or Italian. Here are some rings and quotes that I would consider for my wedding band, what about you?

“deux cœurs devenu l’un” This is French for “two hears become one”

“due cuori diventano uno” This is Italian for “two hears become one”

“For those who love… time is eternity” – Henry Van Dyke

“I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life.” – Elizabeth Barrett Browning

“My heart is ever at your service” – William Shakespeare

“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece” – John Ruskin

“We are, each of us, angels with only one wing, and we can only fly embracing each other” – Luciano DeCrescenzo

“In the arithmetic of love, one plus one equals everything, and two minus one equals nothing” – Mignon McLaughlin

“We can only learn to love by loving” – Iris Murdoch

“A heart in love hears music even when there is silence” Tia Pilikian

“Where there is love there is life” – Mahatma Gandhi

“Union gives strength” – Aesop

“Love is the joy of the good, the wonder of the wise, the amazement of the Gods” – Plato

“Io sono per voi, per sempre” This is Italian for “I am for you, forever.”

“Je suis pour vous, pour toujours” – This is French for “I am for you, forever.”

Tags: custom wedding rings, Men's Wedding Rings, wedding bands, Wedding Ring Trends
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Help, my Engagement Ring Doesn’t fit with my Wedding Band!

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Tradition tells us that brides are supposed to wear their wedding band on the inside of their ring finger, closer to their heart, and the engagement ring on the outside of the same finger, further away. There are many options on the market for matching sets of engagement rings and wedding bands, some even fit together and become one ring, but what about the bride that wants each ring to be unique. Maybe your engagement ring is very extravagant or detailed and would look awkward next to another piece of jewelry. If this is the case, what is the proper etiquette? What do you do if you don’t want to wear both your wedding band and engagement ring on the same finger?

Many modern brides see no problem resizing their engagement ring to be worn on their right hand after the wedding ceremony. While a break from tradition, it is perfectly acceptable today, just be sure that you are comfortable wearing a ring on each hand, and that the two compliment each other. For example, if your engagement ring is made of platinum, do not opt for a yellow gold wedding band; keep the two pieces of the same metal color. Also, you should consider the style. An antique engagement ring on your right hand would not compliment a modern wedding band on your left hand. Consider using comparable stones. If your engagement ring is large and elaborate, add some similar, but smaller stones to make sure your wedding band has some flare too. It would appear a little unbalanced to wear a simple gold band on your left hand and a large grouping of diamonds on the other.

Some brides prefer to keep it simple, and once they are married the only wear their wedding band, the engagement ring is tucked away for special occasions and to keep as a family heirloom. This is also perfectly acceptable, just be sure that you run it past the groom before deciding. He likely put a lot of effort into the selection of your engagement ring, as well as a large sum of money, and may resent not seeing it on your hand. Also, if you chose to wear only one ring, you may want to select a wedding band with a stone setting. A basic band worn alone may not seem special enough to you.

A third option is to have your wedding band custom made to fit your engagement ring, so you can avoid the standard groupings and increase the value of the piece you wear now. You can also alter your engagement ring to fit a wedding band you find that you just must have. This is easily accomplished, but there are some costs involved.

See some of the examples below for ideas:

Wear this engagement ring on your right hand

This diamond linked ring could serve as a unique and complimentary wedding band with a simple solitaire engagement ring worn on your right hand

Use this complementary ring as your wedding band.

This beautiful 3 toned ring would not fit with an engagement ring on the same finger, so opt to use it alone.

Tags: advice, engagement ring, Engagement Rings, wedding bands, wedding ring sets, Wedding Rings
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Are you a Bridezilla-to-be?

Friday, November 27th, 2009

The character of Godzilla was introduced in a 1954 film as a Japanese fictional monster said to be part gorilla/part whale and all big and scary. It only makes sense, I suppose, that overzealous, control freak brides deserve to have their names melded with such a monstrous beast. You have to admit, the image of a 300 foot bride terrorizing a city with her crazy eyes and impossible demands is to say the least, hilarious.

So, listen up ladies, it’s wake up call time! If you think the question is coming soon, now is the time to relax and realize that even though every magazine and wedding book says this day is all about the bride, they’re wrong! It is not all about the bride, or even the groom for that matter, it’s all about the two of you as a couple, joining each other in a sacred union and spending the rest of your lives together.

Here are a few early warning signs that you might already be more of a bridezilla-to-be than a lovable, huggable bridekitten.

Don’t push.
If you’ve only been dating a short period of time and talk of marriage hasn’t even come up in casual conversation, then you’re probably not ready to take the big step. Most bridezillas are more excited about getting married than they are about actually being married to their boyfriends, marry for love and not for the attention.
The engagement ring.
It all starts with the ring. The ring is the first tangible item a bride receives before the pre-wedding buying spree commences. To a bridezilla, who has been tracing designs of her perfect ring since she was thirteen, the material possession of a ring is more important than what it represents.
If there is a ring that you really want, you can leave subtle hints by telling a family member or pointing out particular styles if you and he “happen”onto a wedding ring website while surfing the Internet one rainy day.
NOTE TO MEN ONLY: Pay attention to what she likes when you do some casual window shopping together. If you think this approach is too obvious, ask a family member, they can help you out if you get really stuck.
Early action.
This is the most important warning sign that you are about to cross the point of no return into bridezilla-ville. I know that some churches and banquet halls book up to a year in advance, I understand that a custom-made dress can take almost two years to complete and I realize the time it takes to find the perfect wedding bands but do not start shopping for a wedding until you are actually engaged!

Let’s ban together and destroy this mythological creature that is “Bridezilla” and prove to our spouses-to-be once and for all that they are at least as important if not more important than the size of the engagement ring or the designer of the wedding gown. The fact that you read this blog is a good sign, admitting you’re a bridezilla is the first step on the road to recovery.

Tags: Bridezillas, Engagement Rings
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Wedding Ring Trend – November Birthstones

Friday, November 27th, 2009

A great idea to personalize an engagement ring or wedding band is to accent your lonely diamonds with brilliant, colorful birthstones.

Whether you’re a casual horoscope reader or an astrological junkie, throughout history many have believed that certain gemstones carry special powers and that these powers are heightened during a corresponding month of the year. Over time, these gems have become associated with the twelve signs of the Zodiac, to which it is believed that those born under a particular sign are influenced by it and its assigned characteristics.

November’s traditional birthstone can be represented by either Citrine or Topaz gemstones and is most commonly found in a glowing shade of yellow.

Citrine is one of the more rare forms of quartz and can range in color from the palest yellow to a darker amber color. The name Citrine is a derivative of an old French term, “citrin,” meaning lemon, presumably referring to the stone’s sunny disposition. Artisans of old often favored the warm color of quartz because they believed it enhanced the quality of gold jewelry and, like all forms of quartz, had magical powers and could ward off evil thoughts and snake venom (If only Harry Potter could’ve gotten his hands on a Citrine quartz!). A gift of Citrine is typically thought to be symbolic for hope and strength.

Topaz, November’s alternative to Citrine quartz, is usually found in yellow but also exists in other colors including red, golden-brown, blue and pink. Egyptians believed its golden color was cast specifically by the sun god Ra. Like Citrine, Topaz was thought to have its own special powers and that this particular gem could calm tempers and give its wearer strength, much like Samson and his flowing locks of hair. A gift of Topaz is a symbol of friendship and often thought to increase one’s capacity to give and receive love, an excellent stone for a wedding ring!

In regards to the stones representing particular Zodiac signs, November shares its days with both the Scorpio and Sagittarius signs. In my amateur astrological research, it appears that despite their proximity on the calendar, these two signs are quite opposite of one another.

Scorpios, besides being weird desert creatures with deadly tails, are often described as passionate, intense, mysterious, deep and incredibly strong-willed. Famous Scorpios include Lucille Ball, Marie Curie, Jonas Salk (no, not one of the Jonas brothers!), Ghandi and Bill Gates.

Sagittarius signs, besides being half man half horse, are often described as utterly optimistic, curious, creative and friendly. Famous Sagittarians include Beethoven, Frank Sinatra, John F. Kennedy JR., Frank Sinatra and Joe DiMaggio.

In conclusion, you don’t have to believe in the magical powers of the stars or the mystical properties of stones to include one of November’s beauties on your ring. Personally, yellow is my favorite color and if there is any truth to the power of sharing astrological signs, I don’t think I would mind being grouped in any category that includes Beethoven, Sinatra and Bill Gates!

Tags: Birthstones, Wedding Ring Trends
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Should a Man Wear a Wedding Band?

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

Should a man wear a wedding ring? The question may seem strange to some of you, but the truth is that up until recent years, it was very uncommon, and there are still many cultures today where it is not practiced. Traditionally wedding rings were given to women as a symbol that she was “off the market.” During World War Two, by some urging by the jewelry industry, many US soldiers began wearing a band on their left ring finger as a token of devotion to his wife while he was away at war. These wedding rings publicized the GI’s marital status and told his wife back home that he intended to remain faithful and devoted to her. Because this was not a common practice, the act of a man wearing a wedding band made a stronger statement. In fact, prior to the Great Depression, only 15% of grooms wore a ring, and after the end of World War Two the percentage increased to 80%. Today, while it is almost unheard of the groom foregoing the ring, some men have a little anxiety over the concept of permanent jewelry. This is not likely because they will be advertising their unavailability, but because many men have never worn jewelry before, and the feeling on their hand can seem strange. Also, many men are working in industries where a ring could get in the way, and damaged easily, so it becomes impractical. I think most new brides and grooms want both parties to wear a wedding ring symbolizing their love and devotion to one another, so here are some things that may make the transition from the naked ring finger, to the adorned one.

First of all, consider comfort. Men’s wedding bands of the past were rather rigid, and pinched the finger, making wearing one rather uncomfortable. Today there are many comfort fit rings on the market designed to be much more ergonomic. The interior is curved, so it doesn’t pinch the skin. Second, consider durability. Metals such as Stainless Steel, Titanium and Tungsten are incredibly strong, and won’t scratch and bend like Gold or Platinum. These metals are great for men that work in dangerous trades. Finally, consider the style. Diamonds are no longer just for a woman’s wedding ring, but some men prefer a simple band with no detail. His ring should reflect his personality, which will make it much easier to wear daily. It is important to realize also, that regardless of the comfort, durability, or style, men may need to take their ring off from time to time. Some men cannot do their job with a ring; others may prefer not to wear one in the gym while lifting weights. Ladies, if they do remove their rings for reasons like these, remember, it is not because they hope the woman next to them on the treadmill strikes up a conversation, it is only due to man’s inert concern for practicality.

This simple, Titanium, Comfort Fit ring would be perfect for any man.

Tags: history, men's rings, Men's Wedding Rings, titanium wedding bands, wedding bands, wedding rings for men
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Add Flare to your Wedding Ring

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

After Victorian times, diamonds became more available and dominated the wedding and engagement ring market, forcing gemstones to take a back seat. In 1980, Princess Diana’s choice for a diamond and sapphire ring rocked the traditional wedding ring thinking world, but while beautiful, the trend did not catch on. This is not true any longer. Today, many women are opting for colored gemstones, for several reasons. First, in a down economy, mixing gemstones with diamonds can decrease the cost of the ring and create a beautiful recession friendly setting. Also, many brides want something different than the standard diamond solitaire and find that incorporating a gemstone offers a unique alternative to the status quo. But the most common reason brides choose colored stones may be that the gem adds deeper meaning to their wedding rings. If you have been considering adding flare to your wedding ring with colored gemstones, perhaps you will choose your partner’s birthstone in honor of your devotion to him, or include both of your birthstones to symbolize your union, but you also consider custom designing a ring with alternative gems. They all have unique meanings that can set your wedding or engagement ring apart from the rest.

Ruby: The ruby is said to increase love and lessen anger. It is closely linked to the heart, represents beauty, and diffuses negative energy.

Garnet: Garnets are said to have the effect of healing a broken bond between two lovers and promote compassion, devotion, love, passion, and inspire truth.

Pearl: The pearl is calming and centering. It helps eliminate emotional instability and promotes a pure heart.

Topaz: Topaz increases the ability to give love and receive love while creating deeper and more meaningful relationships between lovers. It also promotes compassion and eases negative feelings for others.

Emerald: The Emerald represents the Goddess Venus and is said to preserve love. It is the symbol of hope, wisdom, and devotion. They promote faithfulness and ease troubled minds.

Aquamarine: Aquamarine strengthens self confidence, thus increasing the bond between lovers. It brings peace and tranquility to the wearer, also improving communication skills and one’s ability to express themselves. Good tools for those in a relationship.

Choosing one of these stones based on its meaning can add an increased significance to your ring, but be sure to also consider the look and style. Diamonds are clear and neutral, they go with everything. Step outside the box and design a unique wedding ring all your own, but make certain that the colors you chose are ones that you can wear for a lifetime.

Princess Diana's brilliant sapphire engagement ring

Tags: advice, diamonds, Engagement Rings, Wedding Ring Trends, Wedding Rings
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A Jewelry Box Story

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

In a drawer, long forgotten by me, until now that is, are several luxurious miniature boxes of various colors and sizes. They are jewelry boxes of rings and bracelets and necklaces past. Some boxes are so intricate and beautiful in their own right, I can’t ever bring myself to throw them away.

If I thought about it long enough, I can imagine the person whose sole responsibility it is to invent these ingenious little boxes. How they must sit and agonize over the box snapping open perfectly every time it’s opened, hoping that the hinges won’t fail at that crucial moment. The ring box inventor closes his eyes and imagines a fella on a date with his best girl and a box slightly protruding from his suit jacket pocket. He visualizes the story line, step by step…

Throughout dinner said guy smiles at said girl and continues to touch said box nervously over and over again. He wonders if she’ll be surprised, he hopes he doesn’t lose the ring between now and then and he prays with all his might, to whomever might be listening, that she says “yes.”

Up until this point it is the askee that bears the onus of the success of the big moment. The strength of the relationship to this point, the readiness of marriage and even this very night itself has not much to do with the ring box maker thus far, but his moment is quickly arriving. Like the blur of a passing bullet train, the night whizzes past. From across the crowded dining room, a piano player gives a slight nod toward the couple’s table and begins the opening chorus to “their song.”

The man touches the box one more time to make sure it’s still in his pocket, then smoothly grabs the microphone from the outstretched hand of a nearby waiter. He gets up from the table as he starts to sing to his hopeful wife to be. She cowers in mock embarrassment, all the while blindly texting “this is it!” to her best friend from under her dinner napkin. The song continues, the man gets on bended knee and changes the last line of the song to “will you marry me?”

The ring box maker’s moment has arrived! Once the ring box is triumphantly revealed, the sleek outer casing causes the intended to immediately anticipate exactly what gift is inside. Then the small perfect package is opened, the ring almost blinds her it is so dazzling perfectly placed on a bed of soft crushed velvet. She is overwhelmed but manages to squeak out a “yes” between tears. He puts the ring on her shaking hand, the whole restaurant claps in approval and the moment is over.

The ring box maker sighs. The ring will last forever as a token of this couple’s love, but what of the ring box? Probably destined to be thrown out, kept and used on occasion or even thoughtfully saved in some forgotten drawer. But on this day and this blog we rings and ring wearers salute you ring box maker, thanks for the lift!

Tags: Engagement Rings, Jewelry boxes, Surprise engagement
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Invest in Gold! Buying Wedding Rings in a Recession

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Want to get married but fear you can’t afford the right ring? Thanks to the recession, the days of spending two months salary are over. As people across the globe lose confidence in the American dollar, why not invest your money in gold? Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect engagement or wedding ring during economically troubled times.

First of all, shop for your wedding or engagement ring on the Internet. Not only does this save you gas money and precious time hopping from store to store, but Internet prices are much more competitive. Jewelry companies without a brick and mortar store have much less overhead and can keep prices lower. In addition, the Internet is so competitive that online purveyors are much more likely to offer bottom-line prices. Plus, you don’t have pesky sales people pushing you over your budget and talking you into buying a ring that you don’t want.

Another way to save money on your wedding ring purchase is to cut back a little on the diamond color. If D level stones are out of your price range, don’t feel like you are settling purchasing a diamond in the F – I color range. These diamonds are still incredibly brilliant, but cost less! Thirdly, does your fiancé love the color of platinum? Opt for white gold instead. It is similarly beautiful, without the extra cost, and if hardness is not an issue, you could save even more money buying 14k as opposed to 18k.

Lastly, why not break outside of the box and chose a ring that is special because of it’s uniqueness, rather than because of its monetary value? Take a look at some of these incredible options, all under $500!

This wedding band's beauty comes from it's unique braided design, for under $80!

This ring's style would stand great alone, no need for the engagement ring!

This rings beauty lies in it's simplicity

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