Three Stone Custom Trellis Engagement Ring

By Guest Blogger Whiteflash.com

There are some things in life a man should never compromise; his values, his scotch, his leading lady and the diamond he will present to her when he proposes. While we would be happy to talk to you about fine scotches, this piece isn’t about booze-it ‘s about bling- so pour yourself a glass, sit back and  read up because we’ve done the research and are going to show you how to buy a diamond that will rock her world.

MAKE A BUDGET

These tough economic times have left many men worried they simply can’t afford to get engaged but contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to sell a piece of your liver or hawk Great Edna’s china to impress your bride-to-be.  “Setting a budget is an essential first step as is being informed.  For example, many men do not know that buying just under the carat weight will save them money,” says Bob Hoskins, Master Gemologist for Whiteflash.com

SAVE THE SAPPHIRES

Women have been dreaming about diamond engagement rings since the Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring while proposing marriage in 1477.  As the centuries have passed, trends have come and gone but the now-classic diamond remains the gold standard in engagement rings. The bottom line: Save the sapphires, rubies and emeralds for the many birthdays and anniversaries you’ll be celebrating together.

STAY A CUT ABOVE THE REST

Most of us are aware of the four-C scale: Cut, which refers to how well the diamond is shaped and not the style, (i.e. cushion cut), color, clarity, which determines how many flaws are in the stone, and carat.  While the other C’s get the most press (and are the easiest for most consumers to understand) Hoskins says that paying up for a perfectly clear stone is less important than finding one that is shaped well.   “A lot of buyers focus on size and carat weight but it’s important to remember that the cut of the stone is the most important factor when purchasing a diamond since the cut is what determines its brilliance,” he says.  What this means is that  when a stone is cut with perfect precision (see Hearts & Arrows) it allows the maximum amount of light to enter and pass through it. This is what causes the sparkle your fiancée-and her girlfriends- love so much.

LEFT - Princess Cut Pave Diamond Engagement Ring RIGHT - Jennifer Diamond Engagement Ring

GET HER SOMETHING SHE WILL ACTUALLY WANT TO WEAR

Many men will try to convince themselves that a woman should like any ring given to her if she’s saying “yes” for the right reasons but the reality is that most of us aren’t that interested in wearing things that don’t vibe with our style.  Think about that reindeer sweater your grandmother gave you.  Do you want to wear that sweater every day for the rest of your life and show it off to friends just because you love your nana?  We didn’t think so.  So, how does one avoid making his fiancé force smiles as she shows off a ring she hopes to “lose”?  Find out what her preferences are before you go shopping advises Hoskins. “Wander into a jewelry store together and pay attention to her reaction to different stones.  Does she toward classic or contemporary designs? Knowing the answer will make ring shopping a lot easier and more fun,” he says.

ENLIST THE TROOPS

Yes, fella’s, the rumors are true; most women have at least one friend or relative with whom they have shared the details of their ideal engagement ring, and she did this, in part, to ensure that when this day presented itself, you’d have some help.  We know, that was very thoughtful of her.  Just be careful about who you go blabbing your plans to.  It’s hard to believe but some women can’t keep secrets.

Jennifer Diamond Engagement Ring

Many modern couples are forgoing tradition for the chance to bond by building a ring together so if one of the reasons you love your girl is that she’s so hands-on, let her have a say in the ring she’ll be wearing.   Propose with a stand-in ring, pour a couple of glasses of champagne and a spend some time designing a ring together using Whiteflash’s unique custom design option.  “Some of our happiest female clients had a hand in designing their ‘dream ring’,” says Sheerah Koloroutis, a Whiteflash Creative Designer Specialist who notes that collaboration has replaced tradition in many aspects of wedding-planning, including the ring design.   “Most couples discuss marriage possibilities and plans for the future ahead of time so it’s not uncommon for them to work together to create the symbol of their love as well,” she says.

RELAX

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but you’re the love of her life and though the ring might sparkle (and it will because you got one that was cut well), the reason she squeals is because she’s just been asked to spend the rest of her life with you.

About WhiteFlash
WhiteFlash.com is the first company in the U.S. to offer an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamond and bring the sheer beauty of “super ideal cut” to the Internet. Debi Wexler, founded WhiteFlash.com in 2000 bringing an expansive selection of loose diamonds to the Internet, including an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamonds. WhiteFlash A Cut Above ® is unmatched in its brilliance, fire and sparkle and remains the only Hearts & Arrows diamond sold online with advertised standards and a “true patterning” guarantee. Hailed as Lord of the Rings on Line, by Kiplinger’s Magazine, Whiteflash.com also offers original, handcrafted platinum and gold settings, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, custom designs and specialty jewelry.

For more information, log on to www.WhiteFlash.com or call 877.612.6770.

By Guest Blogger: OneWed

For a lot of guys, there’s a bit of a dilemma about proposals. You want it to be a sweet, romantic, surprise. On the other hand, you don’t want to invest a lot of time and money in buying a ring, only to find out that it’s not the kind of ring your girlfriend had in mind. She’s going to be wearing her engagement ring for the rest of her life, you want her to like it.

Consider a novelty ring. The trick is to make it something fun and touching enough that it doesn’t ruin the romance of the proposal, but not have it be an actual ring, so that she understands that she gets to pick her own. The funky rings featured here are from papabubble and are made from candy! You could come up with some other ideas based on her interests, or the early days of your relationship. Whatever you do, make sure you explain that she does get to go shopping for a real ring later!

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

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

Well, millions of Americans each year express their holiday spirit by giving their hearts to that special someone. This year many soon to be grooms are turning to the web for that ‘special engagement ring’, over a traditional jewelry store.

Amidst all this, some men also think about popping that life-changing question: ‘Will you marry me’? This is one of the most important purchases you will make, as well as one of the most expensive, and you need to keep several issues in mind when making your decision. Everyone’s checklist is different, but these basic concerns will insure that you do not leave out any major considerations.

6 Crucial Tips for Online Diamond Buying

Convenience can quickly turn to confusion if you are not adequately prepared so here are a few essential tips to help guide you through the diamond buying process.
•    Don’t Be Passive
•    Cut to the Chase- Prioritizing the Four Cs
•    Buy Shy of 1 Carat
•    Smoke in Mirrors
•    Go With Your Gut
•    The Devil is in the Details

Giving Her Your Heart In More Ways Than One

One such online e-tailer, WhiteFlash.com, might be your best bet to visit when looking for a high quality certified diamond engagement ring online at an amazing price. As a trailblazer in providing some of the best craftsmanship, selection and assurance to online diamond shoppers, WhiteFlash’s site does your homework for you thus making it a dependable destination and resources guide. For a completely unique look Whiteflash offers their own Superideal Cut Hearts and Arrows Diamond brand known as Whiteflash A Cut Above®.  With their selection of more than 30,000 diamonds and over 40 unique settings men can create a staggering array of engagement ring combinations. A Cut Above remains the only Hearts and Arrow diamond with advertised standards and a guarantee of true Hearts and Arrows patterning. Each A Cut Above is faithfully cut so that all 57 facets line up perfectly with their opposites.
The key to coming out of the process feeling completely satisfied, and secure in your purchase, is to shop around and find an online site that offers a wide selection, informative staff and, most importantly, a reputation of standing behind their product.  No matter which type of engagement ring you ultimately buy, by following certain tasks and approaching the purchase in an educated fashion, you will be pleased with an investment that will grow in value just as your love continues to grow throughout your marriage.

whiteflash.com is a sponsor of the man registry

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

Sure it's a great diamond engagement ring, but is that rock certified?

A groom not buying certified diamonds is like buying a car without a title make sure to always ask for a certificate.

What is a Certificate?
A diamond certificate, also called a diamond grading report or diamond quality document, is a report created by a team of gemologists. A completed certificate includes an analysis of the diamond’s dimensions, clarity, color, polish, symmetry, and other characteristics. Also many round diamonds, due to their popularity and brilliance, will also include a cut grade on the report.

A diamond certificate is an expert third party opinion. The diamond is evaluated, measured, and scrutinized using trained eyes, a jeweler’s loupe, a microscope, and other industry tools.  It states the quality of the certified diamonds. Without the certificate you are left to trust the jeweler’s estimates. This can cause a potential conflict because the jeweler is the one trying to sell you the diamond

Buying a certified diamond usually costs a little more because the stone had to go through a lab of certified gemologists that has graded every aspect of the diamond.

Whiteflash Diamonds are Certified
Every loose diamond sold by Whiteflash has been evaluated and assessed by either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGS). These two laboratories are among the most respected laboratories in the diamond industry, and are known for their consistency and unbiased diamond grading systems. Diamonds that are accompanied by these types of grading reports and certificates are the most highly valued to consumers.

The advantages of buying a diamond with a diamond certificate are:

1.    You will know exactly what you are buying. Every important factor you need to know about the diamond is described in the certificate.

2.    The seller knows exactly what he/she is selling to you so as to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.

3.    If a diamond comes with a diamond certificate, you do not have to worry about the possibility that you might be purchasing a fracture-filled diamond. These are diamonds that have surface cracks that can be artificially filled to appear as much better diamonds than they actually are. These are in essence, very low quality diamonds that look great to naked eyes. GIA does not certificate these diamonds.

4.    If a diamond comes with a certificate, you will not become a victim of buying a synthetic diamond. Yes, there are real man-made diamonds that hit the market in 1977. Currently, average jewelers have no way of telling if a diamond is natural or man-made (These are not diamond stimulants as CZs, but real diamonds that are man made).

5.    Purchasing a GIA certified diamond will simply provide you with much more confidence and value.