Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

Santorini Engagement Ring by Whiteflash.com

If you are in the market for a unique ring or diamond setting, have an idea for something different and spectacular but don’t know where to start – read on to find out why going the custom design way may be right for you.

1: Use “old” to make “new”.
Did you inherit an engagement ring from your grandmother or a diamond wedding band from another woman in your family? The “antique” pieces carry a lot of sentimental value. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to “re-purpose” all of these diamonds in your own ring?

Work with your jewelry designer to incorporate the stones into the new engagement ring. Your ring will not only be unique, but will carry a part of special memory of your family.

2: You love your friend’s engagement ring, but don’t want to be a copycat.
You don’t have to. Talk to a jewelry designer about the ring you admire; describe everything you like about it. You probably love the style rather than the details. Or is it the stark simplicity or the intricate filigree details? Think style and you will end up with an engagement ring that fits your dreams.

Custom Designed Engagement Ring by Whiteflash.com

3: You don’t want a traditional engagement ring; you are a trend-setter.
The plain Tiffany-style engagement ring is just not for you. How about a three-stone ring, with a larger diamond in the center and two smaller diamonds on the sides? Just not your style?

How many jewelry stores have you visited looking for that “different” ring? Ten? Twenty? If you think you will never find it, you are probably right. When you have something very specific in mind, chances are it is not in a jewelry showcase.

It is time to talk to Whiteflash.com, an online diamond boutique specializing in custom designed engagement rings and wedding bands. Describe your vision and we will create a CAD (computer aided design) image that is specific to your specifications and wants! After you approve we create the custom designed ring by hand!

4: You want to be able to remember not only where the ring was bought, but also how it was made.
You want to be part of every step in your engagement process and don’t want any surprises. You want the process of designing your engagement ring to be memorable and need to be involved in the creation process.

Custom-designing an engagement ring is not simply a process, it is a journey. Stay involved from the sketch, to a wax model, to casting, to selecting all the stones.

5: You love what the Hollywood actresses are wearing.
Did you fall in love with one of the engagement rings worn by a celebrity? Yet realistically, you and your fiancé-to-be cannot afford either one of those.

It’s time to compromise. Would you be happy with an engagement ring in which a pink diamond is replaced with a pink sapphire? Still prefer a diamond as a center stone? How about scaling the ring down and forgoing some of the finer details? A good jewelry designer will be able to offer many options and help you remain within your budget.

Whiteflash Custom Engagement Ring

6: Details only known to you.
Are there things you want in your engagement ring that you don’t want other people to see? Like a little ruby stone you received in your pre-engagement ring years ago? A detail like this is important and meaningful to you but you may prefer to keep it private.

Certainly, this is a challenge, but not for a good designer. If you are custom-making your engagement ring, ask the designer to place the stones, initials, or dates into the ring’s gallery, the part located just under the stone of your ring. The gallery makes the ring smooth on the inside, the construction stronger, and it is a great place to keep the things that are meaningful to you away from other people’s eyes.

7: You like Period Jewelry but don’t want an engagement ring from an estate collection.
Think about what is it that attracts you to a style you so admire. If you decide to custom-make your engagement ring, tell your jewelry designer which time period or style you want your engagement ring to adhere to and he/she will guide you through the rest of the process.

8: You know a jeweler whose work you have always admired.
You are lucky. Just as a trusted doctor or an attorney, a good jewelry designer is not easy to find. Has the designer made any pieces for you in the past? Do your family members always speak highly of that jeweler? Have you seen their work and fell in love with the style and quality of craftsmanship?

If you were lucky to find a good jeweler — stick with him/her!

9: Use your artistic abilities.
Can you sketch the engagement ring of your dreams? Terrific! An experienced designer will take you and your idea in the right direction, and together, you can make your dream a reality.

Keep in mind that sometimes, what looks great on paper should not be made in metal. Your designer should tell you if some parts of the ring would be too thin and structurally unsound, or the design would jeopardize the security of the stones.

10: You have no idea of what you want in your engagement ring.
You are not alone and now there is homework to be done. Start by viewing engagement ring designs online and determining the styles that make you feel comfortable. Also, look at engagement rings in bridal magazines and imagine them on your finger.

So what do you do if you like the band (called a shank) in one ring, the box holding the center stone in another, and the way the side stones are set in a third ring? A good designer will help you sort out the details and create a ring for you to enjoy and to be proud of.

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

Engagement Rings at Whiteflash.com

The term “bling” is everywhere these days, but it’s nothing more than a new way to refer to the sparkle that comes from high-quality, well-cut diamonds. It may seem like an easy task to determine whether a stone has been cut well because it will sparkle, right? Well, yes and no. “Bling” can be manufactured, turning a not-so-great diamond into something designed to fool you into thinking it’s a winner.

When purchasing stones—either loose diamonds or ones already set into mountings—you have to be wary of low-quality stones that retailers are trying to pass off as high-quality choices. But don’t worry. Whiteflash.com is dedicated giving you a true diamond education through this and many other articles in our extensive online library. So come on, it’s time to get schooled in bling!

A diamond is just a hunk of potential until it’s been cut, and the cut can make the difference between a “so-so” diamond and one that is truly exquisite. At Whiteflash.com, our seasoned professionals know exactly how to cut a diamond to ensure maximum sparkle. Some retailers will give you a song and dance—complete with props—in an attempt to sell you a lower quality diamond. Don’t be fooled by tricks such as bringing out official-sounding “luminosity detectors” or a jeweler who cuts more facets into a stone in an effort to convince you that it reflects more light.

It’s especially important to know the cut and quality of a diamond when you’re choosing a piece of jewelry intended to spotlight a sole stone–such as a diamond solitaire ring or a diamond pendant. It’s similarly vital to choose a high-quality diamond for an engagement ring. It will be worn every day, and no matter how good the owner’s intentions are in the beginning, most women will admit that they don’t have theirs cleaned by a professional very often. But a high-quality diamond will sparkle and give off lots of light even with a layer of soap scum on it.

Among the finest choices is a “hearts & arrows” cut. The name comes from the shapes reflected from the diamond at different angles. When viewed upside down, eight symmetrical heats appear. When you turn the diamond over, you’ll see eight radiating arrows at the crown. These designs come from cutting a stone so exactly that facet reflections overlap, creating kaleidoscope patterns.
Any diamond looks pretty good in lots of sunlight. It’s in low-light situations—a candlelight dinner, in a darkened theatre—where hearts & arrows really shines. Rainbow flashes and unmistakable fire is what you’ll see, and you’ll be glad you didn’t settle for anything less.

The pros at Whiteflash.com weren’t content to simply rest on the laurels of other jewelers, however. Whiteflash ACA really is a step beyond anything you may have seen before. We’re so sure you’ll agree that it’s simply extraordinary that we include a toolkit complete with a compact magnifying viewer with every Whiteflash ACA purchase.

When it comes to selecting a top-quality diamond—whether it’s a diamond wedding ring or a diamond tennis bracelet—make sure you’re dealing with an experienced, scrupulous retailer that only sells truly outstanding diamonds. Remember that science—not deceptive marketing—is the key to great bling.

Expert Wedding Ring Advice at TheManRegistry.com

Have you been wondering how in the hell you’re going to size your fiance’s ring finger?

How much you should pay for engagement ring insurance?

What exactly is a conflict free diamond?

Wonder no more, guys. Whiteflash.com, the web’s top diamond e-boutique, has joined The Man Registry’s groom expert panel. The panel consists of top wedding industry experts that want to help simplify this whole wedding planning thing.

So sit back, crack a beer, and we’ll show you everything you want to know (and more) about engagement and wedding rings.

Cheers!

BrilliantEarth.com shares their top 10 tips on saving some money while shopping ethically for your engagement ring or wedding band.

Conflict free diamonds at BrilliantEarth.com

It’s tough times out there, but you don’t need to sacrifice your ethics in order to save on your engagement and wedding rings. Here are some tips from our jewelry specialists on how to save a bit of green when shopping green.

1. Opt for one special ring in place of both an engagement ring and wedding band. Look for rings with ornate patterns, unique details, conflict free diamond accents, or a more substantial width to serve as your all-in-one symbol of love and commitment.

2. Instead of giving an engagement ring with a larger center stone, give her multiple bands – each with its own meaning – that she can stack. One for the engagement, one for the wedding, another to symbolize your families coming together….The possibilities are endless!

3. Purchase your wedding bands before purchasing the engagement ring. This way you will both have a ring to wear as a symbol of your love for one another. You will have plenty of time together to design that perfect conflict free diamond ring down the road.

4. While platinum is a beautiful choice, you may want to consider the less expensive 18K while gold option, or even alternative precious metals, such as palladium. Palladium is a naturally white precious metal from the platinum family, but costs less than both platinum and gold. All of Brilliant Earth’s rings are also available in recycled palladium- contact us for more information.

5. Select classic, recycled metal wedding bands. They are simple, understated and elegant, and are reminiscent of many of our parents’ traditions. They are also a beautiful, classic accompaniment to any diamond engagement ring.

Brilliant Earth donates 5% of profits to the support of African communities

6. Select an ethical origin sapphire center gem for your engagement ring, which is more affordable than most diamond options. Precious sapphires have been revered all over the world for centuries. They are very durable, and are therefore an excellent choice for engagement and wedding rings. Deep-blue sapphires are most well-known, but they also come in many other colors, including pink, orange, green, yellow and purple.

7. Select recycled metal rings that gleam with light-catching details, such as milgrain and engraving. These brilliant features will make your ring sparkle without the additional cost of diamond accents.

8. Take advantage of upgrade policies! You’ll want to start your life together in a strong financial position, so be realistic about what you can truly afford. Down the road you will be able to upgrade to a larger conflict free diamond – which will be an especially romantic gesture of your growing love.

9. Recycle your gold and platinum jewelry that you no longer wear for a credit towards any Brilliant Earth purchase. By selecting jewelry made of recycled metals, you will help to decrease the global demand for newly mined metals. Contact a Brilliant Earth customer service representative if you are interested in sending us your jewelry for recycled metal credit.

10. Shop online! You won’t be paying the retail store overhead for bright lights and glass display cases. Brilliant Earth will even ship your rings to you with free fully insured next day shipping.

I’ll be honest, I love the way my engagement and wedding rings sparkle, sparkle. Sometimes, when I’m picking up my husband’s dirty socks from the floor, I like that sparkle so much that I don’t roll the socks into a ball and chuck ‘em at his head. Get what I’m saying? The ring matters. You know what else I like though, I like to eat, I like living in a house, and I like the occasional Marc Jacobs bag. Get what I’m saying?

That’s why over at OneWed we’ve fallen in love with online jeweler Turtle Love Committee’s cheeky spoof on DeBeers’ “A Diamond is Forever” campaign. If you’re the creative type and looking for a way to score your babe a great wedding day gift of bling, then drop us a line with your best “A Diamond is Expensive” tagline at savvyscoop@OneWed.com. We’ll pick a winner on Tuesday May 26th. Pick up your socks, grab a beer and get those creative juices flowing.

Jennifer Napier of OneWed.com is a guest contributor to the GroomsAdvice blog offering a little local flavor for The Man Registry’s Grooms. OneWed combines the largest online directory of wedding vendors, ideas & inspiration wedding blog, online wedding planning tools and, above all, honest answers for savvy brides. Stop by…we’d love to have ya!