Guest Blogger: OneWed.com

We’ll admit it, we love bling! We have an amazing gallery of engagement rings over at OneWed.com and there are days that we spend way more time than necessary browsing through it.

But, we’re also getting interested in a new trend. Have you considered a “vintage” engagement ring? Vintage engagement rings bought from a reputable antique dealer can save you money, save the environment and best of all with the trend toward vintage styles you’ll even surprise your fiancée with your knowledge of fashion.

Engagement ring shopping: let the fun begin

77diamonds.com is back with another great guest blog – this time it’s all about taking the right steps while engagement ring shopping

She’s the one, and you want to propose. Congratulations! So now you need a ring, but in the wonderful world of engagement rings, where do you start? Here at 77Diamonds, we have compiled 10 steps to choosing the perfect engagement ring!

Engagement ring designs from 77Diamonds.com

Preliminary plans

1.    Budget

Money doesn’t grow on trees, and even though it is an initial reaction to want the biggest and best, setting a realistic budget will ensure that you choose a ring that is the best value for your money. If you’re the traditional kind of guy, then it is conventionally suggested that you spend at least two months-worth of your wage on ring. On the whole, however, once you have a price in mind, you can pick the characteristics of the ring (for example: carat size and metal) which best suit your allotted budget.

2.    Measuring Up

Even if you are not 100% sure on the size of your partner’s finger, it’s important to have a sense of it at this point. Knowing the size, even though it is not vital, will take away one less stress, and the sooner you find it out the better. It’s also good to do some research on the jeweler’s re-size process, just in case!

3.    Metals

Most commonly, engagement rings are made using three metals: platinum, white gold and yellow gold. For the more traditional fiancé, yellow gold will prove to be a perfect choice, but for the more contemporary bride, platinum or white gold will suit the best. Diamonds are usually set into 18k gold or platinum. Also, a cheaper option that is becoming more popular is palladium.

Diamonds come in various shapes and sizes.

The fun bit

4.    Ring Designs

There are hundreds of different styles of engagement ring settings. To name but a few, prong, bar, tension, bezel, channel, flush, cluster, and invisible are some of the terms a jeweller will refer to whilst you’re on the search for an engagement ring. The most popular is prong setting as it maximises the reflection of the light of the diamond which creates the most sparkle. It’s also good to bear in mind that bespoke designs are now very popular, so if you want to be totally original don’t be afraid to get designing and make your vision come to life.

5.    Shapes and Style

The shape of the diamond should reflect the personality of the person intended to receive it. The round brilliant cut still being the most popular diamond today is understandably is a favourable option with the guys! For the more romantic bride and groom, the heart, pear or marquise cut diamonds may be just what you are looking for.  Popular shapes also include the elegant emerald and trendy princess and oval shapes.

Not to sound like a broken record, but know the 4 C's before you start shopping for an engagement ring.

The technical bit

The Four C’s

Clarity, Cut, Colour and Carat are the basic four terms which you need to know all about when choosing an engagement ring.  Armed with this knowledge, you will have the confidence to pick something that you know will be perfect! It’s important to know that different diamond grading laboratories have different grading standards; so research is a must!

6.    Clarity

Clarity has the most influence on the price of the diamond and is what makes every diamond unique. It is measured by grades which indicate the level of inclusions, including blemishes, scratches, air pockets and non-diamond material on the surface of or inside the diamond.

7.    Cut

The cut determines the sparkle of the diamond, in order to reflect as much light as possible by adjusting angles and proportions. Proportions are determined by depth and table percentages. However, cut isn’t graded by all diamond grading labs, and it’s difficult to determine for fancy shapes.

8.    Color

Diamonds are known for their icy white appearance; however most diamonds contain a hint of brown or yellow. Color is graded on a scale from D (white or colorless) to Z (brownish or yellowish). Diamond grades from D to H are usually colorless or near-colorless but a faint yellow tint becomes visible in I grades. It’s very important to decide on your personal preference, budget and the colour of the jewellery setting before making your decision!

9.    Carat

To get the best value for your money you should find a happy medium between quality and size. Carat is the weight of the diamond in grams (1 carat is equal to 0.2 grams). The carat size is intended to give you an idea of the size of the diamond, however, watch out because double the weight does not guarantee double the size. If you want to get a more accurate size of the diamond, the actual measurements of the stone are the best way to realistically see the size.

10.    Certificate and Returns

Each diamond should be accompanied by a certificate to authenticate the diamond. The carat weight, cut, colour and clarity are all validated together with the diamond’s exact measurements. Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) and the American Gem Society (A.G.S.) are two of the most trusted.  You must be wary of lesser known laboratories which may not be internationally recognized, so make sure you research the reputation of the lab that has certified your diamond. And lastly, just in case for some reason your choice wasn’t exactly perfect, it’s good to know where you stand in terms of re-sizing/adjusting and returns policy. Find out about your jeweler’s return policy before purchasing anything.

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disclosure: 77diamonds.com is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Popping the Question is the easy part. Finding the ring ring is the challenge.

Guest Blogger Profile: Jewelry & Style Expert Michael O’Connor

Asking your girlfriend to become your wife takes a lot of guts, right? So why does it require nerves of steel to find the perfect engagement ring? Well for most guys, this will be the first big “investment” in a piece of jewelry and let’s face it, it’s not like looking up the “blue-book” value on a car where things are spelled out. It can be much more confusing when it comes to finding the right ring and the right style for her without feeling like you’re going broke.  Well here are a couple of thoughts that will help you make some good choices and still have enough money to take her to dinner to celebrate!

The first thing to consider is that nobody ever bought a car with the expectation of “till death do us part”. Most people hope a car will give them years of great service, but nobody expects the car to last for a lifetime of daily driving. An engagement ring needs to be thought about as something that must stand up to a lifetime of daily wear. This means that your thinking needs to start “from the ground up” or in this case from the mounting to the diamond.  The mounting will bear the brunt of daily wear, need to hold your expensive investment in the diamond securely for life and keep that diamond looking as good in fifty years as it does the day that it’s purchased. This is where you really can’t afford to skimp. The first tip is to set a budget that is appropriate for you and stick to it.  Whatever budget you decide reserve 20% for the mounting leaving 80% for the center diamond. The second tip is to get the best setting that you can. In my opinion, that’s platinum. Platinum may be more expensive than gold, however, the advantages of having an engagement ring set into platinum make it worth the extra. Platinum is extremely durable as a metal. Therefore, it will hold the diamond (your 80%) more securely for life. Additionally, unlike other jewelry metals, it is more durable and won’t wear down as easily. That means, less long-term maintenance on the setting and ensures that the piece will stand up to daily wear for life. Finally, platinum is a naturally white metal, unlike white gold that is really yellow treated to look white. Therefore it will keep your diamond looking great and won’t fade or loose its color. Best of all, you don’t have to empty your wallet to afford the best where platinum settings are concerned. High-end designers are creating platinum settings that start at about $1,500.

Penelope Cruze and her engagement ring

Next you’ll need to consider her personal style. A quick tip is to look at the celebrities that she likes and admires. Many celebrities are getting engaged lately and that can give you a great clue on the style she might like. For example, if she admires Emily Blunt’s style you may want to consider a similar ring to the one she received – classic round center with a modernizing collar of diamonds around the center. If she admires Molly Malaney from “The Bachelor” she might prefer a more romantic setting with micro-pave diamonds around it. If she prefers Penelope Cruz’ style, think about a colored gemstone center instead of a diamond (Penelope’s ring has a sapphire). This is a great way to help you determine what ring she will be thrilled with.

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t need to be complicated and it doesn’t have to break your bank. Go to a quality jeweler you can trust. Determine your budget. Apply the 80/20 percentage when it comes to the setting and the center stone. Get a platinum setting to ensure a lifetime of wear and security, and choose a style you know she admires by using her favorite celebrity’s style. Using these steps can almost make is almost as easy as figuring out your next car purchase.

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Special thanks to Michael O’Connor for providing this post

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

Alternative Gemstones to Fit the Perfect Ring & Taste

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend. But what about all the other precious gemstones whose striking colors and luster have stolen the hearts of women for many years?

Traditions dictate that a man should spend about three monthly salary on an engagement ring. While this may be affordable for most prospective husbands, other men may choose to regard it as an escapable expense. This is because the majority agrees that the true value of the ring lies in its meaning and the intentions behind the proposal NOT THE COST.

The Meaning of a Marriage Proposal

But the concept of being engaged has changed over the years. In Victorian times, an engagement ring symbolized great partnership. On the man’s part, proposing marriage to a woman meant that he became legally obliged to marry her. If he chose to end their relationship, she was able to sue him for “breach of promise”. In the present day, proposing marriage to a woman, although taken seriously, bears no legal obligation. Women are happy to settle for rings with rocks that make bold statements to their family and friends.

Other Equally Appealing Precious Stones

Although there is nothing plain about a diamond (arguably the most sought after stone for marriage proposals), there certainly are alternatives that can add some character to that special engagement. For those who love beautiful colored gemstones, consider some of the stones below.

Tanzanite – a rare gem only found in the Merelani Hills which was discovered in 1967 in Tanzania. This stone is a newcomer to the gemstone market and is referred to as the “Jewel of East Africa.” Tanzanite is typically brown with reddish, orange, yellow, or bronze hues and is a unique variety of the mineral zoisite.

Sapphire – is the ultimate blue gemstone that represents the soul and fidelity. Sapphire is an extremely durable gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, the most common being blue – a color associated with friendship and loyalty as well as harmony. It is known as “The Jewel of the Sky” and is the birthstone for September.

Emerald – an intense green gemstone, its magnificent green color speaks volumes as well as being May’s birthstone. It is known as the “symbol of spring.” In the ancient world this gem was believed to symbolize hope, arrival of spring and rebirth. Emeralds come in various varieties of light and dark shades of green and sometimes having background hues of different colors like yellow, blue, brown of gray. In its finest quality, an emerald is more valuable than a diamond.

Ruby – the birthstone for July is also known as the “King of Gems”. The ruby is considered the ultimate gemstone associated with love and passion and its sometimes referred to as the “blood” gemstone representing courage and bravery. It is rare to find in its top quality which displays all the characteristics of a precious stone: pure brilliance, lasting hardness and stunning color, which is noted as ruby’s most appealing feature.

Modern engagement rings don’t necessarily have to have diamonds on them, but they must fit the wearers taste. Marriage is about commitment and love and the ring only symbolizes the beginning of your journey together.

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

The
 average engagement ring costs over $1,500, yet many of us forget to get adequate coverage in case it is lost or stolen. While you can never replace your ring’s emotional value, there are ways you can insure its monetary value. Purchasing jewelry insurance doesn’t have to be complicated.

When planning a romantic proposal, insuring a valuable gift is not necessarily the first thing that springs to mind, so we are reminding people to make sure expensive jewelry is fully covered.

First, get your ring valued by a jeweler or appraiser, who should give you a valuation certificate.

Then check if it’s covered by your home and contents insurance policy.

Once you’ve got your insurance, take a photo of your ring, as this will help your insurer to process any claim more quickly.

Finally, if you lose your ring, inform your insurer immediately, and if it’s stolen, contact the police and get a crime reference number, as this is essential for a theft claim.

Diamond Jewelry Insurance Chart

Through in-depth education and a outside of the box approach, Whiteflash.com has established itself as the leader in the online diamond retail industry, by providing customers with the highest quality diamonds and jewelry and top notch customer service online. Simply stated, Whiteflash offers the finest classic and contemporary diamond engagement rings and wedding bands for any taste.

In the new year of 2010, Whiteflash is expanding its inventory to include new custom designed rings and a larger stock of in-house loose hearts and arrows diamonds. From stunning wedding bands to sensational engagement rings, you’ll be stunned by the enchanting design and dazzling diamonds. With Whiteflash you’ll find amazing diamond jewelry with certified super ideal cut diamonds that reflect refined taste and stylish sensibilities.

With a plethora of diamond rings to choose from, it’s fun to let friends and family to join in on this memorable occasion. That’s why Whiteflash has taken a huge step into social media – now customers can ask for their friends’ opinions, comments, raves and reviews on a plethora of channels like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Come help Whiteflash Bling in the New Year with some great new designs!

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disclosure: whiteflash is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Alright men, so you’ve finally decided the time is right to pop the question. You’ve picked out the engagement ring, you have the perfect proposal planned out, but one thing is standing in your way: You don’t know her ring size. Well don’t fret because 77Diamonds.com is here with a list of tips to help you secretly find your future fiancé’s ring size to complete the perfect surprise proposal.

1.    Phone a friend: Get in touch with a friend or family member of your significant other. They may have bought her a ring as a gift before, or the topic of ring size could have popped up in conversation. If they don’t know then you can always recruit them as an accomplice. Have someone take her “window shopping” for a ring and get her to see what her ring size is for “fun”.

2.    ”Borrow a ring”: If you can get your hands on a ring that your girlfriend wears you can take it to a jewellers and get it measured. However, in order to get an accurate measurement you’ll need to be sure that the ring actually fits her properly and it is worn on the correct finger (left ring finger), as all fingers are different sizes. If she does not wear a ring on that finger you can settle for an estimated measurement for another finger, but beware the ring will most likely need to be re-sized.

3.    When the ring can’t leave the home: Say you are unable to take her ring to a jeweller without her noticing it’s missing, there are several ways you can estimate the size without taking the ring out of the home. For one, you can try the ring on yourself and mark on your finger where it falls. Then you can go to a jeweller and have them find the size that falls in the same place. Also, you can make an impression of her ring in a bar of soap or clay and take it in for measurement. One last way is to trace the inside of her ring with a pencil and have a jeweller match the size.

4.    Sleeping Beauty: While your girlfriend blissfully slumbers, unaware of what you have planned you can wrap a piece of paper or string around her ring finger and mark the size that way. If you bring this in to a jeweller they can help you to find a measurement. Just make sure she’s not a light sleeper.

5.    When in doubt: Size up! A ring is easier to re-size if it is too big, and most jewellers offer free resizing. Just note that thin bands or those which are intricately covered in gems might not be able to be re-sized. Make sure you check with your jeweller if the ring is re-sizable. Also, if you’re guessing her ring size it’s important to know that rings which have a thick band will need to be larger than her normal rings.

6.    Tell her it’s for someone else: You may be able to get her to divulge her ring size by telling her you want to buy a ring for your sister or mother. Tell her you want to get an estimated size for someone else and either ask her to try on a ring or ask her outright what her size is. Beware though; this method could be a dead giveaway if not done right.

Using these one of these tips you should be able to get a fairly accurate measurement of her ring size and be well on the way to spending the rest of your life with the woman of your dreams. Just remember to keep in mind these important points: 1) You need to find the size of her left ring finger. Rings worn on any other finger aren’t likely to give an accurate measurement. 2) When in doubt size up because it’s easier to resize down. 3) Make sure the engagement ring is resizable.

Good luck fellas!

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disclosure: 77diamonds.com is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Feeling a little light in the wallet, but still want to get her something great for Valentine’s Day? Do yourself a favor and enter to win her a diamond pendant from Whiteflash.com and Stylit.TV.

There is no purchase necessary to enter the contest. The items being given away are:

Custom One Heart for Two Diamond Pendant – Two Whiteflash conflict-free diamonds featuring the ‘hearts and arrows’ cut are nestled inside the arms of this heart-shaped platinum pendant. This hand made, one of a kind version features larger diamonds.

Essence II Heart Diamond Pendant – This Essence II heart diamond pendant is made from 18k white gold and comes with a dazzling diamond surprise. All Whiteflash.com diamonds are conflict-free and feature the ‘hearts and arrows’ cut, creating an intense sparkle.

Enter here.

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, the diamond experts at Whiteflash.com want to help guys get the gift right this year. And by get it right, we obviously mean buying her a diamond pendant.

Whiteflash.com Full Bezel Diamond Pendant

Go straight to the heart of the matter with a diamond, the ultimate, essential gift of love. When it comes to giving loved ones a gift, the first thing that people think of are dainty simple diamond pendants that can be worn with practically anything. People love to wear diamond pendants, because diamonds look good on anyone whether blond, brunette, male or female for the classic season of love.

If you have decided to purchase a diamond pendant for your loved one, make sure you buy the best one for them. As you will be spending a large amount of your hard earned money, you should definitely make sure that you buy the right piece. Whiteflash Diamonds By The Yard is a popular choice, as the necklace offers a bit of sparkle and pop without overstating your elegance. While the cut of a diamond may not be a large factor in bringing out or accentuating certain features, your choice of cut will express aspects of who you are. A diamond pendant can be beautiful with square, round or marquis – even all three cuts combined. However, the round brilliant cut is the most common cut for a diamond and with good reason. Frequent choices of a diamond pendant can be the halo pendant or full bezel pendant as those designs tend to make a Whiteflash ACA pop and look larger. People can remember that the gift of a diamond pendant doesn’t have to be overly expensive. There are items above $4,000, however there are beautiful pendants and other diamond jewelry less than $1000. No matter what occasion for giving the gift, a gorgeous diamond pendant with a Whiteflash cut can be purchased without going for broke.

You should buy a diamond pendant that is unique to the individual. The right piece is the one that stands out so select the most eye catching settings that reflects the personality of your loved one.

Diamond pendants are available in various sizes, shapes, colors, etc. today. Prices of all these pendants differ depending on the style, design and size of the pendant. You should do a little research and gain some knowledge before buying diamond pendants.

Buying diamond jewelry online is a very easy and convenient way of shopping where you can save a lot of precious time and are sure to find the perfect gift.

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disclaimer: whiteflash.com is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

I don’t know about you guys, but I ALWAYS struggle with what to get my wife for Valentine’s Day. Let’s face it, sometimes we do need a little help in the gift department.  Luckily, the diamond experts at Whiteflash.com are here today to share advice on 2010’s hottest Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Ladies.

Spoil her this Valentines Day! Whiteflash.com has hand-pick the most popular Valentines gift ideas for 2010 that will keep your wallet out of the red! Show that special someone how much you care this Valentine’s Day with a romantic and unique gift that really conveys the depth of your love.

Finding the right Valentine’s Day gift is probably the trickiest shopping experience in any man’s life. It isn’t like buying a birthday gift — choosing a gift for this special occasion won’t just show your true affection toward her, but also shows your level of commitment as well.

Your Valentine’s Day gift can reflect how much you care, or don’t care, about her. Women appreciate that you spent time and effort selecting a gift. So it’s a good idea to listen to what she says, pick up on a hint she may mention in passing, and then surprise her!

Personalized Jewelry:
You can make the gift of jewelry extra special on Valentines Day when you have it personalized. Nothing says it better than a great piece of jewelry that’s engraved with a sentimental phrase, special date, or just has your names intertwined together as a gesture of love.

Diamond Pendant:
Why She’ll Love it: it’s a meaningful, symbolic way to say that you value her and your new relationship – small in price, but big on heart.

Diamond Stud Earrings:
Why She’ll Love it: Small and sparkly, earrings with stones can dazzle. If your budget can’t afford diamond earrings, select a pair with pearls or semi-precious stones to dress up her ears.

Diamond Heart Jewelry:
If you want to melt a heart, there’s nothing like bestowing a jeweled one that is mounted with a diamond… or two… or more. Diamond jewelry sparkles in the light, reminding the wearer of the person who gave it to her each time it scintillates. We all know that heart jewelry makes great Valentines gifts for women of any age.

Diamonds By The Yard Necklace:
A popular choices as the necklace offers a bit of sparkle and pop without overstating your elegance. People can remember that the gift of a diamond pendant doesn’t have to be overly expensive. No matter what occasion for giving the gift, a gorgeous diamond pendant with a Whiteflash cut can be purchased with out going for broke.

Disclosure: Whiteflash.com is a sponsor of The Man Registry