July 14, 2010

Finding Quality Antique Engagement Rings Online

So you have already found the “right one”, the girl of your dreams, and you feel like it is already time to pop the big question. Besides all the jitters that you feel when thinking about it, you still have not yet found the right ring to seal the engagement. Sure, there are a lot of jewelry stores out there that sells engagement rings; some of them even sell rings that have different kinds of diamonds in all shapes, colors, and sizes. But still, you find them all boring and what you want to give is a whole lot different – something that would make your girl stand out among others who are also engaged.

What you need is a jewelry store that sells quality antique engagement rings to add an extra flare and uniqueness to the ring. But the thing is, it is really hard to look for jewelry stores that sell quality antique engagement rings and it is a good thing that there are many online stores you could look at and see if you could find what you are looking for.

On The Net

It is true that it’s hard to look for stores that could give you a wide range of choices for quality engagement rings, but an online store like Circa1930s could help you with what you are looking for. With Circa1930s, you will find quality antique engagement rings that are designed especially for those people who love the style of the vintage look that has intricate carvings, lacelike filigree, and delicate details that is the epitome of quality antique engagement rings. Also, you can be sure that all of their quality antique engagement rings are hand-finished and are set with fine diamonds with line of style like Victorian, Edwardian, or even Art Deco.

You could visit their website at www.circa1930s.com and you could immediately place your order online or call their toll free number. Your order will be shipped via the UPS and you will have peace of mind since all their items are insured. With Circa1930s, you can be sure to be satisfied and have the best engagement ring.

If you are looking for an older design like from the circa of 1700’s to 1935, the one-stop website for you to visit is www.georgianjewellry.com which is named as the best antique jewelry website in 2006. Its company name though is, The Three Graces and it is no wonder that they are the best antique jewelry store online since they offer a wide range of styles and selections of quality antique engagement rings. They have styles from the Georgian era, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and even earlier jewelry designs.

All items in the collection of The Three Graces store are guaranteed to have no reproduction therefore it only means that everything they sell is one of a kind. With The Three Graces, you are guaranteed satisfaction in finding the right, unique quality antique engagement ring.

Filed under Engagement Rings by Michelle

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July 13, 2010

The Purpose of the Wedding Favor Box: Why it can be so Detrimental Overall

Regardless of what type of wedding favors you actually decide to go with, it is truly the wedding favor box that will make all the difference; by incorporating a wedding favor box, you will be able to truly personalize and make special each and every wedding favor, and as well there are many different options and ideas that you can go with in regards to the wedding favor box.

Wedding Favor Box Ideas

One of the most popular ideas in regards to the wedding favor box would be that of ribbon; you can take any box, put the wedding favors inside, and then use a beautiful and decorative ribbon to garnish the outside of the box. You can find ribbon for an inexpensive price, or you can go with the more pricey stuff – whatever you wish.

As well, there are many different ways that you can attach the ribbon on; for instance, you could cut the ribbon into different pieces and then glue it on to the box and make a neat design, or you could simply tie the ribbon around the box after the box is closed and tie a nice bow on the top; this method is also great because it ensures that the box will stay closed and that the wedding favors inside will not fall out.

If you want to get more specific in this regards, you could even choose to use a different color of ribbon for each one of the receivers; for instance, if you were giving them out to the bridal party, then you may want to consider each person that you have chosen and then choose a specific color of ribbon for them, one that signifies what they mean to you.

Another great idea is to make personalized notes or to write a poem and then copy it onto each one of the wedding favor boxes; this will make the receivers feel special because they will see that you took the time to create something that was incredibly personal and personalized specifically to them. You don’t have to copy the same note either, as you may want to take the time and write a different one for each person who is going to be receiving the wedding favor, as this is incredibly more personalized and thus will most likely mean a lot more in the end.

Filed under Wedding Favors by Michelle

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July 4, 2010

The Beauty Of Princess Cut Engagement Rings

When it comes time for you to pick out an engagement ring, one of the most important things that you have to consider is what sort of stone is going to be set in the ring. This decision includes not only what sort of stone you put in there, but the size and shape of the stone. One of your options in this is princess cut engagement rings, which has a square, faceted stone set in the ring.

Princess cut engagement rings are a relatively new thing, since the cut was only invented in the 1970s, but it is a popular cut for many reasons. If you don’t know much about princess cut engagement rings, let’s take a look at why these are so popular.

The Sparkle

The sparkle of princess cut engagement rings tends to be more than with traditional square-cut stones. Traditionally, square stones were cut like emeralds, with few facets to catch light. However, princess cut engagement rings have stones cut more like the modern brilliant cut, which is used for round stones, with many facets to catch the light, creating extra sparkle. This means you’ll have a ring that catches the light well.

Another advantage to this extra sparkle is that it helps to hide any discolorations in diamonds, which are the traditional stone for engagement rings. Depending on the quality of the diamond, many have a slight yellow or brown tint to the stone. However, the extra sparkle does help to fool the eye into seeing less of those discolorations.

The Price

Compared to those with round brilliant cut diamonds, princess cut engagement rings often cost less per carat than the round cuts. This is partly because the diamond cutter doesn’t need to shave off as much of the diamond itself to make the shape, unlike with the round brilliant cut diamonds. This tends to retain carat weight better than the round cuts, which means you can either get the same carat as a round stone in a lower price, or you have a little bit more money with which to purchase a higher carat stone.

Disadvantages

To be fair, though, there are some limitations for the princess cut engagement rings. Because of the square shape, the stones are vulnerable at the corners, which are more prone to wear. Most of the time, the jeweler will be sure to create a setting that helps to protect these corners. However, these stones are often vulnerable when set, and damage can occur at that time. If this does happen, your stone might lose a little of its carat weight as a result of the repair process. Still, quality jewelers are careful and factor this into the cost of the stone up front. So, if you’re looking for a less expensive stone with some of the best sparkle around, princess cut engagement rings are the way to go.

Filed under Engagement Rings by Michelle

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July 3, 2010

Planning Your Wedding? Consider Getting Wedding Bell Favors!

You are in the midst of planning your wedding, and in between picking out your wedding dress, a venue, and all the other decorations, you have been at a loss as to what to select for wedding favors. Thus, you should consider getting wedding bell favors.

About Wedding Bell Favors

When you think about the various symbols of weddings, what things come to mind? Most likely you think of things like wedding cake, doves, and wedding bells. Thus, it really makes sense that you choose a traditional symbol such as wedding bell favors as wedding decorations.

There are two main kinds of wedding bell favors, and these are the ones that you place at each guest table, as well as the wedding bell favors you use for decorations. When it comes to the wedding bell favors you can give to your guests, you have a variety of different options.

First of all, be sure that you make the wedding bell favors really personalized. This is because you want your guests to take the favor home and always be reminded of your wedding. If you just get generic wedding bell favors, they really could just be from any wedding!

So, when you choose your wedding favors, an idea is to get two white bells and tie them together with ribbon. Using ceramic paint, paint the name of both the bride and groom on the bells. You can also get customized ribbon that indicates the date of the wedding.

Now, if you are planning on having your wedding bell favors be decorations, you have a variety of different options. For example, one of the most common examples of this kind of decoration is to get a large paper mache wedding bell and use it as a piñata. Of course, this is better for a wedding shower.

You can also take paper mache wedding bells and attach them to the ceiling in strategic places around the venue. Of course, this could only ideally be done if the ceilings are not too high. Take strips of crepe paper, and attach them to each wedding bell for a web-like effect.

Of course, you can just go with simplicity and only have a wedding bell or two as a form of decoration. If this is what you decide to do, perhaps the best places to put them would be in the doorways.

If you would like more information on wedding bell favors, all you have to do is go to your local party goods store. You can also search the internet for ideas on how you can make the favors yourself. You are sure to find the right wedding favors with the proper research.

Filed under Wedding Favors by Michelle

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June 24, 2010

Wedding Anniversary Favors More Than Thank You Gift

When planning a party for a wedding anniversary, favors for the tables should not be overlooked, as the guests will be expecting to have a memory they can take home with them. Wedding anniversary favors are more than a thank you gift for those in attendance of the celebration they should serve as a reminder to all that the couple has achieved a milestone in their married lives.

The idea of giving guests favors at a wedding began centuries ago, when Italian and French aristocrats would place five pieces of nuts or candied nuts in a porcelain container for each guest. The five pieces of candy, today known as Jordan Almonds, were representative of longevity, health, happiness, health and fertility, with the newly weds sharing their good fortune with their guests. The practice extended beyond weddings and today many couples offer wedding anniversary favors in honor of this past tradition.

The giving of wedding anniversary favors is lot limited to five pieces of candy, and over the centuries has evolved into many offerings, including matchbooks with the names of the couples, wine glasses for toasting the couple with their names inscribed on them and many other non-traditional gifts.

Favors Often Reflect Couple’s Personality

Not everyone will offer wedding anniversary favors in the traditional sense, such as candy, glasses, candles or even the matches they had left over from their wedding. Many will find wedding anniversary favors that identify with their personality or their hobbies. For example, a couple that loves to travel may offer favors in the form of a small model plane holding candy or other reminders of places they have been.

They can buy candy wrappers with their wedding date and names printed on them and wrap them around other candies purchased locally and placed in a tulle bag and tied with a personalized ribbon to use as wedding anniversary favors. Depending on the budget for the party, engraved silverware can be used for the 25th anniversary or gold plated items with their names and wedding dates for the 50th anniversary are becoming more popular.

The idea behind the wedding anniversary favors is to not only thank the guests for their attendance and sharing in the couple’s happiness, but also as a reminder of their own marriage and how one couple has made it last and they, too can see longevity in their own marriage. Typically, anniversary parties begin after 25 years, then again at 40, 50 and 60. However, they can be spaced according to the couple’s wishes.

Filed under Wedding Favors by Michelle

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June 23, 2010

Secrets of the Princess Cut Engagement Ring

A princess cut diamond engagement ring is just one of many different cuts that have been developed in order to best utilize a diamond gemstone's superlative material properties. A diamond cut constitutes a more or less symmetrical arrangement of facets which together modify the shape and appearance of a diamond crystal. Diamond cutters must consider several factors, such as the shape and size of the crystal, when choosing a cut.

History of Princess Cut Engagement Rings

The practical history of cutting diamonds goes at least as far back as the Middle Ages, before which time diamonds were enjoyed in their natural octahedral state. Long before a princess cut engagement ring had ever been produced, improvements on nature's pure design of the diamond involved a simple polishing of the octahedral crystal faces to create even and unblemished facets.

In 1370, the first diamond polishers' guild was founded in Nuremberg, Germany. During this time diamonds were chiefly valued for their adamantine luster and superlative hardness. A table-cut diamond would be black to the human eye, so rubies and sapphires made up the majority of jewelry during this period of time.

The development of diamond saws and quality jewelry lathes boosted the development of modern diamond cutting and produced the first cut diamond; the "round brilliant" cut. In 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky analyzed this cut by taking both brilliance and fire into consideration, creating a delicate balance between the two. Tolowsky's calculations still serve as the basis for brilliant cut modifications and standards around the world.

Today we know that a diamond's appearance is composed of many light paths that reflect considerably more than two times within the diamond, something Tolowsky did not know. Today's new technology, that includes laser cutting and computer-aided design, has enabled the development of cuts whose complexity, optical performance, and waste reduction have completely changed the industry.

Princess Cut

Princess cut engagement rings are the second most popular in sales because they accentuate a diamond's fire rather than its luster. The top of the diamond is cut in a square shape and the overall shape is similar to a pyramid. Princess cut engagement rings are relatively new, the first one being produced in 1970. This cut has been gaining in popularity ever since then, currently right behind the round brilliant cut where the top of the diamond is cut in a round circle and the bottom forms a point like a cone.

Chances are, if you are wearing a princess cut engagement ring today, the diameter of your diamond is smaller but the length is usually longer than a round cut. The princess cut is sometimes referred to as a "square modified brilliant," as it combines the brilliance of a round cut with an overall square or rectangular appearance. A princess cut engagement ring does sacrifice some brilliance in order to have its unique square shape.

Filed under Engagement Rings by Michelle

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June 14, 2010

Unusual Wedding Favors Should Tie Into Theme

Even the most unusual wedding favors can seem to be in the right place if they fit into the theme of the wedding and reception. Couples having a seaside wedding, for example, may have small, foldable fans imprinted with their names and wedding date placed on the tables for their guests and while a Caribbean-style fan may seem to be unusual wedding favors at a Midwest wedding, they will be a proper part of a reception at an ocean front ceremony.

For those planning a wedding with a fairly tale theme, they might consider place card holders in the shape of a pumpkin-turned-into-a-carriage to place on the tables with their guests’ names on the cards, or to hold a business card-style name and date of the newlyweds. Additional types of unusual wedding favors can be name cardholders in a variety of shapes and sizes that match the couple’s unique hobbies or interests. A crystal sailboat, for instance, will fit into a wedding with a nautical theme or for a couple that loves boating.

A Las Vegas-style wedding offers the perfect opportunity for really unusual wedding favors, but the most popular are custom printed poker chips or a pair of dice with the couple’s names on one and their wedding date on the other. Although some may think that getting married is a gamble, for others it may seem like a normal part of their party.

Boxes Holding Favors Can Also Be Out Of The Ordinary

While many of the unusual wedding favors can stand on their own, there are unique containers in which they can be placed on the table. Chocolate candies in the shape of seashells are popular confections and placing them in a small metal pail on the table can make them appear as though they were just gathered from the beach.

There is the typical food take out box, the kind with the metal handle and a top that folds closed at the top, filled with fortune cookies with custom printed messages inside. With the couple’s names and wedding date on the fortunes, they can be unusual wedding favors, depending on the type of take-out food they enjoy. The outside of the container can also be printed with the wedding information with a small tea light candle placed inside to help illuminate the tables.

By considering the couple’s hobbies and lifestyle, a little thought should go into the favors to help the guests remember the occasion as well as for the couple to thank them for their attendance. While unusual wedding favors may seem out of place at some affairs, having them fit into the personality of the couple, will make them logical to the guests.

Filed under Wedding Favors by Michelle

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What Make Platinum Engagement Rings Desirable?

When it comes time to shop around for an engagement ring, there are plenty of choices to be made, and one of the most important is that of the metal you use for your ring. Whether it’s gold or platinum engagement rings that catch your eye, you need to be sure that your ring is what fits your loved one and is one that will hold up over the years. You may find that your jeweler recommends platinum engagement rings, and you might assume that it’s just because of the high price these rings command. And while it’s true that platinum engagement rings tend to cost more than gold ones, there are some good reasons why. Let’s look at the benefits that platinum engagement rings have:

Strength

One of the main advantages to platinum engagement rings is that they are made of a stronger metal than gold engagement rings. In fact, platinum is considered to be the strongest of the precious metals. Although gold certainly does hold up well over the years, people change and rings do sometimes need to be resized. If you want to prepare for this, platinum engagement rings are less likely to be brittle or to crack during resizing.

Color

Platinum engagement rings are a sort of cold gray-white in color, which makes it a great compliment to precious stones of any color, helping to highlight the beauty of the stones without detracting from it at all. This color is a natural property of platinum, and so it lasts as long as the jewelry does.

In contrast, white gold rings, which have similar coloration, often still have a yellowish tint if the gold is not pure enough. Also, white gold rings are often coated with rhodium to improve coloration, and this coating will have to be reapplied every so often in the ring’s lifetime, adding to the overall cost. So, though the initial cost of platinum engagement rings are greater, you will have less maintenance to do to keep the ring’s natural color.

Rarity

Since the introduction of this metal for jewelry by Cartier in the 1890s, platinum jewelry has been considered the ultimate in jewelry since the metal is so much more rare than gold, which also accounts for the higher costs. So, for those who are looking to get a ring that is both elegant and will allow your future spouse to be the envy of all her friends and family, platinum engagement rings are the best option you can go for. Even if you don’t worry about the prestige involved in owning such a ring, the strength and beautiful color of platinum engagement rings make them a great buy.

Filed under Engagement Rings by Michelle

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June 3, 2010

Unique Wedding Favors will be Remembered

When a bride and groom plan their wedding, they want it to be a day that everyone will remember! One of the best and easiest ways to do this is by giving guests unique wedding favors. Wedding favors are often kept as mementos from the wedding, so unique wedding favors will certainly stand out and be remembered.

The best thing about unique wedding favors is shopping for them. The couple can take their time looking through various wedding catalogs and web sites looking at all of their options. They will definitely find some unexpected options!

Then, it is a matter of choosing which unique wedding favor to give guests. The couple should consider incorporating their color scheme or special theme into the favors. They should also try and include their personal tastes and style. This is what makes them truly unique.

The Most Unique Wedding Favors

Everyone and their brother have received Jordan Almonds as a wedding favor at one of the weddings they attended. Taking those Jordan Almonds and putting them in something creative will make for very unique wedding favors. Consider a small sand pail filled with Jordan Almonds for a beach themed wedding, or a single bud vase at a wedding filled with flowers. This combines creativity with tradition to create unique wedding favors.

If a couple wants completely unique wedding favors, then they should consider making them personally. This is a great way to incorporate their style and is also a good bonding experience. Every craft store has a wedding section where the bride and groom can go and find ideas and purchase supplies. There is no limit as to what they can create. These will be the most unique wedding favors because they are one of a kind!

When choosing unique wedding favors, the bride and groom should also consider personalization. Many wedding favors can be personalized and there are a lot of choices options can include a photograph. This is perfect because nobody else will be giving out wedding favors that are exactly the same.

Finding the perfect favors is very exciting. It does take a certain amount of creativity and willingness to take the time to find something fitting as well as unique. These wedding favors can also be a bit more expensive, but guests will appreciate the amount of time and creative effort involved in choosing just the right unique wedding favor.

Filed under Wedding Favors by Michelle

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Buying a Platinum Antique Engagement Ring Would be Worth the Price

If you are star struck about your lady love and wish to really make an emphatic statement about your love for your partner. And, provided you can back your intentions with solid greenbacks, you won’t be able to do anything more romantic or better than consider giving her a platinum antique engagement ring.

Of course, the platinum antique engagement ring is going to set you back a lot of money but in the end it will be well worth the price. This is especially when you consider that it helps to show how deep is your commitment to the other and also because it is a one-off expenditure that is also going to have a lifelong appeal.

Matchless Beauty and Excellent Durability

In addition, there is perhaps no other engagement ring that can quite match the beauty as well as durability of a platinum antique engagement ring. Although platinum is quite a recent discovery, if you can find a platinum antique engagement ring from about the end of the eighteenth century, you would certainly be able to find some excellent pieces.

One thing you can be sure of when you opt to buy a platinum antique engagement ring for your love is that is that it will be truly unique as well as exude a lot of class. What’s more, today’s brides-to-be appreciate being given something that expresses their individuality and so a platinum antique engagement ring would make for a wonderful engagement ring.

Of course, the only constraining aspect to buying a suitable platinum antique engagement ring would be your own budget as well as personal choice and in fact, it would also mean having to hunt high and low before you can hope to find a suitable piece. Even so, with many online stores to check out, you may not actually need to move out of the comfort of your home in order to find a suitable platinum antique engagement ring.

As you will also soon come to find out, the platinum antique engagement ring was actually popularized during the period known as the Edwardian era because it was a time when platinum was being used quite a bit – mainly because it allowed for creating very intricate types of details. The bottom line is that, if you have upwards of two thousand dollars, you will not find it too difficult to purchase a useful platinum antique engagement ring.

Filed under Engagement Rings by Michelle

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