Archive for August, 2012

Popular fine jewelry styles to consider while engagement ring shopping

Popular fine jewelry styles to consider while engagement ring shopping When it comes to fine jewelry and engagement rings, there are numerous trends worth noting. Many people prefer to customize the rings they give their partners, making it even more important to be mindful of up-and-coming styles that ring true to the hottest designs.

As of late, Business2Community.com reports that oval engagement rings have been some of the most popular on the market. These baubles steer clear of the traditional round cut but still have an elegant touch, making them perfect for women with traditional taste.

Although they may seem a little juvenile, heart-shaped diamonds are also making a comeback. Because of its unique shape, more women are leaning toward this quaint design and asking for it in their rings.

When it comes to the material of the piece itself, platinum and gold still reign supreme in the world of wedding bands and engagement baubles. These metals are as strong and timeless as the gems they hold.

Whether you intend to opt for an antique engagement ring with classic style or sapphire engagement ring to catch your loved one off guard with a rich color, there are several styles to choose from. 

Three tips to flaunting cocktail rings, necklaces and accessories

Three tips to flaunting cocktail rings, necklaces and accessoriesWhether you're a fan of cocktail rings or you don't know where to begin when it comes to wearing a vintage brooch, there are a few jewelry tips you can take into account. Knowing how to flaunt your accessories can help you put the finishing touches on your overall look.

Don't mix bangles and watches

You might think that your bracelets and watches go perfectly together on your wrist, but even pieces made of the same material can clash when worn all at once. Limit the jewelry you wear on your wrist and don't try pairing bangles and watches.

Reserve statement rings for long fingers

As a rule of thumb, LiveWellNetwork.com states that oversized statement rings should only be worn on long fingers – primarily your index and middle fingers. Anything else can become overwhelming and take away from your entire look.

Step outside of your comfort zone

Just because you've always worn studs doesn't mean you can't start wearing chandelier earrings! Trying something new can be the perfect way to freshen up your accessories and overall appearance.

Avril Lavigne steers clear of antique engagement ring with pear-shaped diamond

Avril Lavigne steers clear of antique engagement ring with pear-shaped diamond When it comes to antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings, these styles have been floating around Hollywood for months, being some of the biggest trendsetters in the jewelry industry. However, one woman might start a new fad of her own with the bauble her beau put on her finger – Avril Lavigne.

News broke less than two weeks ago that the rock star had gotten engaged to fellow rocker, Chad Kroeger, of Nickelback. However, there were few details on Lavigne's engagement ring. Now, all of the details are out and her ring truly defies what's been seen as of late around Hollywood.

People Magazine reported that Kroeger custom designed the engagement ring for his bride-to-be, which has a stunning 14-carat pear-shaped diamond. Sources say that the ring is valued at approximately $350,000 – hopefully Kroeger will get his money's worth with a happy marriage.

That being said, you don't need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to get your hands on a beautiful antique engagement ring. There are many jewelers on the market who offer this timeless style to the public at a reasonable price, and the rings are just as gorgeous.

Cleaning your diamond fine jewelry to restore its natural beauty

Cleaning your diamond fine jewelry to restore its natural beauty If you have a vintage engagement ring embedded with diamonds or an estate brooch that has a big diamond in the middle, you might've noticed that these stones have lost their shine over time. However, diamonds are fairly easy to clean and you can restore their beauty in a matter of minutes.

One of the simplest ways to clean a diamond is to create a warm water and ammonia solution. Dunk your jewelry in the solution and allow it to sit for approximately 20 minutes for the best results, according to Real Simple Magazine.

Once you've given the ammonia a chance to work its magic, remove the jewelry from the solution and rinse it in warm water. Then, consider using a toothbrush to scrub away any dirt and grime that may have built up over time.

After you've taken care of the scrubbing, you can damp the jewelry with a cloth and allow it to fully dry before wearing. If you're weary of cleaning your diamonds on your own or would like advice before proceeding, don't hesitate speaking to a professional jeweler.

Three tips to make your fine jewelry shine like new

Three tips to make your fine jewelry shine like new Whether you have an antique engagement ring that could use a cleaning or a vintage brooch that needs some sprucing up, you'll want to scrub away dirt and grime sooner rather than later to maintain your pieces. Here are some tips on cleaning your most treasured jewelry.

1. Use Alka-Seltzer.

As simple as it sounds, Reader's Digest reports that Alka-Seltzer can be the key to getting your jewelry to sparkle like new again! Drop a tablet in a glass of water, allow it to dissolve, then dip your jewelry in for a few moments.

2. Don't underestimate the power of dishwashing liquid.

It can make your dishes shine, so why not your jewelry? A warm water solution with a few drops of dishwashing liquid can help you eliminate any hard-to-remove dirt from your jewelry, including gold.

3. Club soda isn't just for drinking.

You might've heard that club soda can remove stains from carpets, and it's just as powerful when it comes to cleaning gemstones. Leave your gemstone jewelry in a cup of club soda overnight to restore its pristine shine.

Singer Brandy denies rumors that Press put an antique engagement ring on her finger

Singer Brandy denies rumors that Press put an antique engagement ring on her fingerIt seems that more celebrities these days are flaunting antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings, but Brandy isn't one of them. Although rumors have been swirling around that the singer had said "yes" to her longtime boyfriend, she says that he has yet to pop the question.

"I wish we were engaged," Brandy recently told Ebony according to Taletela.com. "He's taking a little long on the ring side of things, but I'm patient. I wanted to impress him. I wanted him to be proud of me; I was inspired by him."

Brandy has always lived her life in the spotlight, but is her boyfriend Ryan Press ready to join her? It seems that he's still a little far off from getting down on one knee, but when the fateful moment comes, he might pop the question with an antique engagement ring – one of the hottest styles seen around Hollywood as of late.

If you intend to ask the woman of your dreams to spend the rest of her life with you, you might want to be mindful of these trends in jewelry. In the end, you'll be sure to please your wife-to-be by giving her a ring with a timeless design.
 

Selecting the perfect diamond vintage engagement ring for the woman in your life

Selecting the perfect diamond vintage engagement ring for the woman in your life When it comes time to look for the perfect ring for your wife-to-be, you'll have a wide selection to choose from. These days, everything from antique engagement rings to vintage engagement rings are back in style. However, knowing what shape of diamond you want can help you narrow down your choices. Here are three tips for choosing the ideal gem for your future blushing bride.

1. Consider her personality.

Does that special woman in your life lean toward elegance and classic styles? Does she prefer modern, unique jewelry? This can tell you plenty about what type of diamond to buy. For instance, those who prefer classic jewelry are more likely to lean toward round brilliant cuts.

2. Take color and brightness into account.

Diamonds vary in color and brightness, which are two factors you'll want to consider while shopping. A professional jeweler can help grade the color and brightness of the prospective rings you're looking at and assist you as you make a selection.

3. Customize an heirloom.

If you have a family heirloom you want to pass down or you've found an estate engagement ring you think would be perfect for your bride-to-be, don't rule out customization.

Cassie may just be donning a cocktail ring – not an engagement one from Diddy

Cassie may just be donning a cocktail ring - not an engagement one from Diddy It's always big news when another celebrity is seen walking around with an antique engagement ring or a vintage engagement ring that shines under paparazzi camera flashes. That being said, not all oversized baubles seen on the ring fingers of Hollywood A-listers are necessarily an indication of an upcoming wedding!

Recently, hip hop mogul Diddy's long-time girlfriend Cassie was seen with a large ring on her finger in a photo circulating around the internet. Rumors began to swirl that Diddy had finally proposed to Cassie, but the rapper's rep has dismissed all allegations that the two are getting hitched.

Does this mean that it's the end of the line for Cassie and Diddy? Certainly not! The couple has been going strong and continues to make headlines as one of the music industry's hottest pairs. Perhaps this rumor will encourage Diddy to make the next move!

You don't have to be a big celebrity to propose with an antique engagement ring. This timeless trend is something that any woman would love – consider one if you're thinking about getting down on one knee in the near future.

Even punk rockers can sport an antique engagement ring

Even punk rockers can sport an antique engagement ringWho says punk rockers can't find true love? Their music and lyrics may be more suited for the heartbroken, but these celebs are just as interested in discovering romance as the rest of us. One couple that recently proved it was Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger.

The two just announced that they had gotten engaged after a six-month relationship full of love, lust and, of course, rock. Kroeger met Lavigne while helping her on a song for her upcoming record. People Magazine reported that Kroeger proposed with a 14-carat diamond ring on August 8.

"A romantic relationship blossomed as they spent time writing together," a friend of Lavigne told the news source.

A family source also told the magazine that Kroeger makes her incredibly happy and both of their families could not be more excited for the moment the two walk down the aisle.

If you want to make a splash when you propose to your loved one, consider a vintage engagement ring or an antique engagement ring. These timeless designs are perfect for any woman, whether she loves punk rock or prefers a quaint, quiet lifestyle.

Is Shiri Appleby rocking a vintage engagement ring?

Is Shiri Appleby rocking a vintage engagement ring?These days, it seems like the wedding bells keep ringing for Hollywood celebs as more people pop the question and walk down the aisle. Although not all relationships in the spotlight end in happiness, a majority of popular couples seem to be willing to give it a try.

One celeb who wasn't shy about announcing her engagement and letting the world know she's ready to say "I do" is actress Shiri Appleby. Recently, the "Roswell" star confirmed that her boyfriend Jon Shook asked her to marry him after a long relationship together.

In between planning her wedding, Appleby will be busy with a number of different roles, including guest spots on the shows Girls and Chicago Fire, a new NBC drama. Appleby told Us Magazine that her ring is approximately 2.5 carats and was designed by Itay Malkin.

If you're interested in proposing to your sweetheart in the near future, you might want to consider an estate engagement ring or an antique engagement ring for your bride-to-be. These classic, timeless styles are perfect for any woman and can suit a wide range of tastes.