Friday, May 22, 2009

Tiffany Style Engagement Rings

A wedding is the ceremony in which two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding Tiffany Rings ceremonies involve an exchange of wedding vows by the couple, and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or leader, presentation of a gift such as offering, ring, symbolic item, flowers, money.

Exchanging rings- may it be gold, platinum, titanium, and tungsten ring are the oldest and most universal symbol of marriage, but the origins are unclear. The ring’s circular shape represents perfection and never-ending love. The rings are exchanged during the wedding ceremony and according to tradition, symbolize the love, faithfulness and commitment of the marriage union.

According to some customs, the wedding ring forms the last in a series of gifts, which also may include the engagement ring, traditionally given as a betrothal present. Other more recent traditions encouraged by the jewelry trade seek to expand the idea of a series of ring-gifts. The promise ring is often given when serious courting begins, while the eternity ring that symbolizes the renewal or ongoing nature of a lasting marriage, sometimes given after the birth of a first child; and lastly a trilogy ring, usually displaying three brilliant-cut round diamonds each in turn representing the past, present and future of a relationship.

A European tradition encourages the engraving of the name of one’s intended spouse and the date of one’s intended marriage on the inside surface of wedding rings, thus strengthening the symbolism and sentimentality of the rings as they become family heirlooms.

Among Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians, the exchange of rings is not technically part of the wedding service but rather are exchanged at the betrothal. It is always a two-ring ceremony. Traditionally, the groom’s ring will be made of gold, and the bride’s ring made of silver (though gold, titanium, and tungsten ring are commonly used nowadays) and are blessed by the priest with holy water.

The priest blesses the groom with the bride’s ring, and places it on the ring finger of his left hand; he then blesses the bride with the groom’s ring and places it on her finger. The rings are then exchanged three times either by the priest or by the best man.

The custom that calls for the future bridegroom to give his future bride a jeweled ring upon proposing to her is also common among Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians, albeit this ring is not used again at the betrothal or wedding. Indeed it need not be a ring at all, but any piece or set of jewelry- such as a bracelet, brooch, earrings, necklace, tiara, or rarely whole parure. Though rings such as tungsten ring are now commonly used.

 

 

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A Stunning Classic Tiffany Style Knife Edge Diamond Engagement Ring

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

 

Thanks for the note.  The diamond engagement ring looks wonderful, proposal went great, she loves it. I'll probably be contacting you at some point to locate a wedding band that would go well with the ring. Thanks for the input in the process and the stellar customer service. 

 

Jordan

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You Don't "Luck Into" Love: How To Find It

For those who are single or starting over, dating can be daunting. Maybe you'd love to settle down, but the methods of meeting a man just don't seem to be working, and everywhere you turn, advice abounds.

"Try dating online!" your friends suggest. "Been there, done that," you think.

"You need to meet my brother—his missing teeth and eye patch are totally charming," your colleague offers.

"You should just settle down. So what if Harry doesn't call as much as you'd like? At least you won't die alone!" your mother urges.

On top of the well-meaning but poorly received advice, there's the damage that years of dating or looking for "the one" can do to one's self-esteem, motivation and optimism. Dr. Diana Kirschner, a psychologist and love expert who contributes regularly to the Today show, wants to revolutionize the way women look for love. Her book, Love in 90 Days, presents some ideas that—on the surface—may seem unappealing.

 

How much about finding love is effort versus chance? 

People say, "If it was meant to happen, it would happen." Now, in what other area of life would you ever take that attitude? I mean, "If I was meant to be fit, it would just happen. I would be fit?" Or, "If I was meant to learn French, it would just happen. I would know French." Well, you know, love isn't any different. Luck meets the prepared mind, right?  So, you have to be prepared, and you have to work on yourself. Number one is your own self-love and, then, you have to put yourself out there.

 

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Platinum Micropave Earrings Shine Like Diamonds In Recession

 

With constant talks of bankruptcies and bailouts, exotic high-end jewelry is usually not on everyone’s mind. Celebrities and hip hop stars on the other hand are still hitting the red carpet strong with iced out jewelry from their earlobes on down. With the introduction of Platinum micropave earrings, now any one can get that high end, realistic diamond look during both prosperous and tough times. They are the perfect balance of price, quality and elegance.

 

For many years, men’s earrings were a small category in both fashion and fine jewelry. Many men simply wore unisex diamond studs set in sterling silver, gold or platinum. Kite and square shaped diamond paved earrings are the latest trend in hip hop and Hollywood alike. Now they are available for the first time in more affordable materials. A select handful of specialty jewelers have began offering the same quality, craftsmanship and brilliant shine made with white gold and colored gemstones.

 

These platinum micropave earrings offer consumers a true alternative to overpriced high end jewelry. These earrings are available in many popular styles and some unique and rare custom designs as well. Stones are available in the usual brilliant white as well as exotic colors such as blue, canary yellow and even black.

 

Leading online retailer Whiteflash.com has released a full collection of micropave earrings. For more information about micropave settings and platinum earring, please visit Whiteflash.com

 

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What Is Considered A Synthetic Diamond?

First, let’s define synthetic.  In the world of grass, synthetic means plastic grass.  I know, I have it in my backyard.  It looks pretty good too.  I don’t have to mow it, water it, or weed it. I wish the homeowner’s association would let me install it in the front yard! 

In the world of cars, synthetic motor oil is sold all the time – and it seems to work just fine in an engine. But I don’t really know what it is.

In the world of fashion, synthetic means polyester leisure suit… 

 In the world of bling, synthetic describes a stone that has been created in a laboratory, under the guidance of man, and it has the same physical, optical, and chemical properties as the natural gemstone it represents.  For example, synthetic ruby – if a gemologist does some standard gemological testing on it, the optical properties would be that of ruby. Chemically, the laboratory has produced ruby.  Physically, it is red and has the same hardness as natural ruby, so it can be polished just like a ruby. However, since it was produced under controlled conditions, there are internal characteristics which tell the rest of the story. Interesting, huh?!

 It takes a pretty good gemologist to make a positive identification.  Without knowledge – also known as education, and without practice – also known as experience, this gemologist may arrive at the wrong conclusion – costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars.  But I digress…

 The point is the word synthetic means different things to different people and things. So the jewelry industry is debating whether it’s a good word for you, the consumer.  Does it make you think it’s a fake diamond?  Like fake grass, which, of course, is man made plastic, not man made grass. Does it hold more value to you than a CZ or synthetic moissanite?

 The truth is, it’s more costly to produce synthetic diamond than to produce an imitation diamond, such as synthetic cubic zirconia (CZ). And, it’s more difficult for a gemologist to identify a synthetic diamond than it is to identify a CZ. Most importantly – to some people – it’s impossible to spot a synthetic diamond by just looking at it at a party!  There are lots of savvy people who can spot a CZ from across the room!

 In some cases, it takes advanced testing by a professional laboratory with VERY EXPENSIVE equipment (and smart people) to identify a synthetic diamond. In some cases, gemologists can recognize the internal characteristics which indicate synthetic.  In all cases when gemologists are fooled it’s because they haven’t taken a class on all the technological advances in the field of bling!  BTW – the next time someone tells you they are a gemologist, ask to see their diploma and then look at the year it was earned.  If it’s more than two years ago, ask them for proof of continuing education. 

 

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Whiteflash's Stunning Photography Team Does it Again!

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

 

The picture of the diamond ring is Gorgeous. I have to pick it up from FedEx -- I’m wrapping up my final exams in school all day tomorrow. I'll have to get it tomorrow or on Saturday  : (

 

As usual THANK YOU for all your help. Anniversary will be here before you know it and Ill be calling you again!  :)

 

 

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Thursday, May 21, 2009

Choosing A Diamond Shape

 

From classic round to cutting-edge cushion, rate your sparkler with our savvy diamond guide.

Heart

The look: This century-old shape, symbolizing love and devotion, should be well proportioned for optimum sparkle. Kid Rock proposed to Pamela Anderson with a yellow heart-shaped diamond.

This choice says you're: sentimental and dreamy.

Pear

The look: Resembling a teardrop, a pear-shaped diamond has the fire and beauty of a round shape, but with a less conventional look. This shape can also make a wide finger look slimmer.

This choice says you're: even-tempered and adaptable.

Oval

The look: If you love the gorgeous sparkle of a round, brilliant-cut diamond but still want something unique, consider an oval. A fresh take on a timeless style, this new shape came about in the early 1960s. Actor Jerry O'Connell recently gave his betrothed fashionista, Rebecca Romijn, an oval-shaped sparkler.

This choice says you're: risk-taking and creative.

Asscher

The look: Square with angular corners, this shape dates back to the late 1800s. If you look closely, you'll see that it's step-cut, meaning the facets are rectangular and seem to descend into the stone.

This choice says you're: feminine and meticulous.

Round

The look: Also known as brilliant-cut, this tried-and-true shape reflects more light than any other, and is the most popular. Avril Lavigne showed her traditional side by wearing a round diamond engagement ring.

This choice says you're: trustworthy and easygoing.

Emerald

The look: Inspired by the Asscher, this glamorous choice is also a rectangular step-cut shape. It has fewer facets than some of the other shapes, so look for an emerald-cut that offers maximum brilliance.

This choice says you're: efficient and straightforward.

Cushion

The look: Rectangular with curved sides, the cushion-cut first hit big in the 18th century. A recent resurgence in popularity has given it a modern-meets-vintage feel. Ben Affleck gave Jennifer Garner a cushion-cut rock.

This choice says you're: organized and daring.

Princess

The look: This relatively new square shape, with a modern, understated feel, combines a sparkly, brilliant effect with a geometric step-cut. You can attribute its spectacular glitter to extra faceting around the rim.

This choice says you're: decisive and fun-loving.

 

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