You’ll sparkle with beauty in these 10k gold amethyst drop earrings.

* Cushion-cut amethyst stones celebrate your February birthday.
* Diamond accents exude dazzling style.
* Gold construction promises lasting shine.
* Post backings ensure a reliable fit.
* Details:
o Online exclusive
o 6-mm length
o Pierced
o 10k gold

The mokume gane rings can be made from a variety of different metals, the most popular combinations are usually a white on white, or an 18 karat palladium white gold fused with platinum enhanced silver or a gold mix of 18 karat yellow gold with 14 karat rose gold. These rings can truly be as unique as you want them to be. You are not limited to those metal combinations as the various mokume gane ring designers all have different materials that they like to work with.

Now the mokume gane process obviously applies to the band of your ring – as more people become familiar with this, and opt to wear one as a bridal set – the addition of diamonds and other gemstones is growing in popularity. Making these types of rings is truly an art form, so expect the price point to be a tad bit higher than a traditional engagement ring.

Although these types of bands are growing in trend, some women may not favor the detailing of the bands. Adding diamond settings into the band will soften the look

Regardless of how much money you have, the cost of an engagement ring is always an issue. No matter how deeply you love someone, it doesn’t make engagement rings any less expensive. Taking that in mind here is a guide to finding an inexpensive but meaningful ring to promise forever with.

The best place to begin your search for inexpensive rings is, of course, the internet. Ring shopping online allows you to see rings, prices, and stone selection, without ever having to set food in a store. You local jeweler is also sometimes a really good resource for finding the ultimate inexpensive rock. If you have to go really inexpensive, try looking through the fine jeweler displays at Wal-Mart or Kohl’s. Even eBay has some really nice rings starting as low as 46 dollars to over 900 thousand dollars.

If you find the ring of your dreams, but can’t afford it, try to work on payment plans with the jewelry dealer. If you have good credit, you will see better results for this that someone who was trying to get an engagement ring with a low or average credit score.

More inexpensive planning for big moment

• think outside of the box
• propose at her job or in front of her family
• propose at the location of your very first date
• Go dancing, ask the DJ to play her favorite song and allow you to propose in front of the crowd
• Go on a moonlit walk, have a friend prepare an evening picnic and propose over a glass of wine

All that’s left now is for you to sweep her off her feet and take her into a world that she had previously thought to be a figment of her fantastic imagination. Take her breath away. She doesn’t ever need to know that her ring didn’t break the bank, and if she’s a smart girl, she wouldn’t care even if she did know. Find the ring, take it to her, get down on your one knee and ask her to promise she’ll love you for the rest of your days.

Women in modern America all seem to have this fascination for designer rings. The rings are getting bigger and more extravagant by the day. It’s like a regular social competition for women of significant social status to show off their outrageous rocks and see how highly they rank amongst their friends. Designer rings are even more unique, as they are sometimes made specifically for you or your loved one. Some designers even work hard to re create the jewelry that is famous because celebrities wore or purchased them.

Designer rings are so popular for the same reason that designer gowns are popular. One reason is the ability to design a custom ring, and two for the sheer status that comes with the price tag and the designer’s names.

A few places you can find designer engagement rings:

Anat Schocher
Brynn Capella
Ayanna Betha
Chic Gems
Aaron Barak

Costs of Modern Designer Engagement Rings:

Designer rings cost anywhere between $$3,400-15,600, and sometimes more, but they are special because they speak of confidence and security. They are priceless, and they say that you will do anything to keep your loved one happy. They also speak largely to status and wealth.

Arguments against Designer Rings:

Expensive doesn’t always mean better.
They are too expensive for the average American.
Some may consider this type of expense a needless splurge.

Whether you think it’s within your price range or not, you should check out some designer diamond engagement rings. It will allow you a good chance to see what kinds of rings that are available and at what price. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you can afford, and remember that financing options are usually available at your local retailers, so it doesn’t necessarily have to be paid for at once. That’s all I’ve got for you, so drop the mouse and go find her ring. It’s going to be perfect.

*photo courtesy of Verragio.com Insignia collection

Proposals have become one of the biggest occasions in a woman’s life in our society. Most women want to brag about how wonderful it was to their friends. It’s not about the right restaurant or the perfect string quartet while you ask. They expect those things. Do something unique that will really show her you care. Here are a few fun ideas to keep it interesting.

Compliant Captive

If money is of no concern to you, here is something that will capture her heart for sure.

Call into her work and either tell her boss what your planning or tell them you fiancé to be is going to be taking her vacation and sick days on a set date. Plan a romantic getaway to an island, cabin, or mountain filled with adventure and spoil her, but don’t tell her yet that you will propose. On the day of, whisk her away answering only what you have to and then ask for her hand in marriage. 

Clue

This only takes a night
Get home before she does and set up, leave her a text message telling her when to come home. While you are waiting make a trail of petals to little love notes placed around your home, these love notes should have loving comments and instructions on what should be done next. Include a warm bath and a meal cooked by you, complete with massages and candles. Once she is properly relaxed, lovingly propose, and watch her say yes.

As you can see, proposals can be inexpensive and still romantic. After all it’s the thought that counts. It really is all about how much you genuinely care.

What NOT to do!:

• Putting engagement rings in food can be catastrophic if not really well planned.
• Never bring up past relationships or troubles during the proposal.
• Don’t be unsure of yourself. Confidence is sexy.
• Don’t propose out of obligation. Make sure you ask because you love her.

I know you are a little nervous, but try what works for you, and what you know shell like. If she loves baseball, put it on the scoreboard. The beach, ask her while you’re standing together with the waves at your ankles. There are simply tons of memorable and unique ways to ask for forever.

Every day, engagement rings are becoming more and more extravagant. There are entire magazines devoted to them, websites that will help you design them, and jewelers that will help you find one that’s morally conscious. Beautiful and elegant rings are being crafted using colored diamonds or gemstones as well. One really nice alternative to a diamond engagement ring is one that features a mineral called Moissanite.

Moissanite is a mineral that was first discovered on the inside of a meteor in the year 1893. Because there were very limited amounts of the substance on earth, it has since been recreated as a gemstone in laboratories. It has some carbon properties, much like a diamond, but they are not the same. This stone is better at reflecting light than a diamond is. It has also been proven to be much more durable. Are you ready for the best part yet? Moissanite engagement rings are much less expensive than diamonds and they look so much like the coveted gemstone that many professionals cannot easily distinguish between the two!

You do have to remember to be careful to check the color of your Moissanite very well, under a few different lightings if possible. This is because with the mineral makeup differences between a diamond and Moissanite, the latter stone may tend to have gray or green hues, especially in dim lights. Moissanite is not a fake diamond. It does look like a diamond, but they are, in fact, two separate stones, each one beautiful in its own way.

A good place to get a Moissanite engagement ring is JC Penny. They almost always have some in stock. Many other local retailers also have a nice selection of Moissanite jewelry but if you still have trouble finding a place close enough to you, you can visit www.moissanite.com. It has a feature that will actually pull up your location on a map, and show you what Moissanite retailers are in your area. Take a look, and discover the beauty of Moissanite.

If you are looking for a more delicate ring with intricate detail, look into purchasing a filigree diamond or gemstone engagement ring. They are set with specific attention to ornamentation and unique style. There are many retailers that sell filigree engagement rings, and some even specialize in only filigree style bands and settings.

One such store that sells beautiful examples of the filigree setting is Whitehouse Brothers. They have been specializing in these types of rings for more than a century, and have an excellent reputation for quality

customer service. Their rings are known for their beautiful lace-like metal designs and the unique band detail that can sometimes also resemble flowers or abstract geometric patterns. Search for a retailer near you at www.whitehousebros.com. If they are too far away, call them and they can help you with your ring design over the phone or online.

Another special and individual style of ring setting is the pave engagement ring. This style is so highly ornamental, that typically, the stone itself is a simple round diamond that is set up high, almost away from the band, so as not to detract from the handiwork of the metal itself. Look online to get an idea of what these beauties look like, to decide if it’s the right choice for you. At

www.jamesallen.com/engagementrings, you can find a delightful pave ring, starting as low as just 499 dollars. They do get more expensive as the weight of the stone itself increases. Remember that you can choose to have another type of gemstone with a pave setting, so there are ways to make sure you find a beautiful ring at an affordable price.

When the day comes, and you are on one knee asking for her hand, you want to be confident that her ring will be everything she hoped for. Filigree and Pave rings are both excellent props for taking her breath away.

You love him dearly. He loves you deeply. Both of you know that you plan to spend the rest of your lives together, but he still hasn’t popped the question. Maybe he is a little shy or he can’t afford to buy the ring just yet. It is also possible that he is just afraid you might say no. Whatever the reason is that the two of you have yet to make it official, sometimes it is necessary to take a little action to get the wedding ball rolling. So, the proverbial million dollar question is “Should a Woman Propose Marriage?”

According to an article found at www.lovetripper.com, a survey on proposals that was by Korbel Champagne found that almost one in three (31 percent) Americans were friends with or had met a woman who has asked a man to marry her, rather than the other way around.. It is becoming more and more accepted every day for a woman to be the one who’s getting down on one knee and asking someone to promise they’ll love her forever.

From choosing the venue for the proposal to figuring out how to ask for forever, asking for someone’s hand in marriage can be an overwhelming process no matter who is doing the asking. Be sure that you are ready, that you have prepared well in advance, and if your partner doesn’t want to wear a ring, find a creative solution for a substitute so you are not at a loss for what to do rather than presenting a ring. (A watch or masculine bracelet could work.)

Jason R. Rich, author of “Will You Marry Me? Popping the Question with Romance and Style” (The Career Press, 2003) says that regardless of who proposes, “understanding the expectations and dreams of the person you’re proposing to — and taking them into consideration during the planning process — is the first step in bringing a perfect proposal to life.”

With the economy becoming worse every day, and everyone thus short on extra cash, making a large purchase such as an engagement ring is difficult for some people. For others, it is impossible. Many men have wanted to propose to their girlfriend and hesitated because of the lack of funds for an engagement ring they could be proud to present. Other times, women are proposing to their boyfriends, and the boyfriends don’t want to wear an engagement ring. Sometimes, Couples are having their ring special ordered and it won’t be ready for a long time.

Often times, couples have even elected to forego the engagement ring so they could save more money for the wedding itself. Regardless of the reason for the ring’s absence at the proposal, there are a few key things to remember when popping the question with no shiny rock to mark the occasion.

One of the most prominent issues with proposing without a ring is deciding what you will do instead. What do you do with your hands? Do you still get down on one knee? Remember that the proposal without a ring is all about the question. How and where you ask are critically important details. What time you ask and whether or not the person is in a good mood are also crucial.

Because a marriage proposal is a formal way of saying “I want to be with you forever”, the ring really isn’t everything. Make sure you are ready and have already decided what you are going to say and how you are going to say it. If you are going to use a public venue, (such as a billboard) you need to plan each detail meticulously to ensure that she sees or hears your announcement when it happens. She needs to have already eaten, gotten something to drink, and made a visit to the ladies’ room. (It sounds silly, but if she’s got to go while your billboard lights up, you’ll be sorry.) It’s nerve wracking trying to find the perfect way to do this, and more so without the ring, but you can make it. Be confident, charismatic, and genuine, gentlemen. Ring or no ring, she won’t be able to say no.

It might be very challenging to know which discount diamond engagement rings to buy at first glance. While some of us think this is a clear-cut process, you will learn that there may be a number of challenges involved in finding diamond rings that are worth the value of your money. You got to have a little bit of knowledge to enable you to buy the right diamond for your specific needs. Most of us know about the four Cs but are not aware of the fifth, which is equally important.

Cut: When looking at discount diamond engagement rings, you should always ask about the cut. This is an important thing to know when buying a diamond ring because it will affect the brilliance of the diamond. There are different cuts, which you need to look at so that you pick on one that impresses you the most. Some of the cuts that are commonly found are princess, baguette, marquise, and round cuts. Once you have looked at the cut of the diamond, you are faced with another task of looking at the other Cs of diamond. A combination of these Cs will make you to pick the best diamond available.

Clarity: Inclusions, or otherwise known as flaws, are what is contained in all naturally occurring diamonds. When a diamond has fewer flaws, its clarity will definitely be higher. Therefore, when you need to buy discount diamond engagement rings, you have to look at the clarity ratings. Those with fewer flaws or inclusions are more valuable and thus are more brilliant in appearance as they are known to be brighter. This is why it is important to look at the clarity of the diamond in order to pick the best diamond available.

Color: When you want to buy discount diamond engagement rings, it is crucial to look at the color and if it is possible, you compare them. A diamond that is colorless is considered the best perfection so picking a one that is less yellowing or is off white, the better for you. Color is very important in determining the quality of diamond so when shopping for one you always look at the color to determine its quality.

Carat Weight: This is how the size of a diamond is measured and so carat weight is very important in determining the quality. The weight and size of diamond will determine its price so the bigger the diamond the higher the price. Large diamonds are more expensive for the main reason that they are bigger and because they are rarer as compared to the smaller ones.

Certificates: This is very important when buying discount engagement rings. What’s contained in the certificate is the grading report that will enable you to examine at the complete guide for your specific diamond. Diamond experts and professionals are the people who issue the certificate as they use industry standards when grading each diamond by the use of gemological instruments. Many people when buying diamonds have neglected the certificate not knowing that it is equally important like the other Cs.

Guide to Buying Discount Engagement Rings

Buying an engagement ring is always a little bit of a process, but it becomes an entire project when you are attempting to buy the ring on a strict budget. For those of you who can’t afford to spend three month’s salary on a ring, here are some things you can do the save your wallet, and still watch her eyes light up as she agrees to make you the luckiest man in the world.

One of the most popular ways to save money on the perfect ring is to buy a ring online at a site that lets you bid for your ring. That way you can set the amount you want to pay, and it eliminates the need for financing and the possibility of over spending. www.Overstock.com is a very good place to find inexpensive rings as well, although there is no bidding there.

You should also have a general idea of the ring you are looking for before you go, so you do not get caught up in the cyclone of shiny things and sales pitches. Know what cut you are seeking, approximately how many carats you want, and KNOW HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO SPEND! Stick as closely as possible to that number, as it will also help keep you from making a purchase you will not be able to afford in the long run.

When it comes down to it, this ring probably means everything. You have undoubtedly thought long and hard about how and when you were going to do it, and now, you understand how to get that perfect rock at a price that won’t ruin your credit score. Get ready, look over some rings online and in catalogs before you go and look in the stores, set your budget, and go after the rock of her dreams.

Choosing the shape of your diamond jewelry is one of the key elements in determining the overall appearance of your ring or other diamond jewelry. There are many shapes and variations from which to choose, but first off do not
confuse “shape” with “cut”. A diamond’s shape is just that: the outward appearance of the stone, whether it is round,
oval etc.; while the cut refers to how the diamond itself is fashioned, how many facets and so on. Below I’ll examine the
various diamond shapes and tell a little about each of them, in order to help you make that all-important choice.

Round Brilliant Diamonds – By far the most popular, accounting for more than 75% of diamonds purchased today,
they are also the most expensive. Most coveted as an engagement ring, they also find their way into earrings and
pendants. Round Brilliant Diamonds are noted for their fire and brilliance.

Oval Diamonds – A perfectly symmetrical design yields a large surface area that gives the impression of a much larger diamond, oval diamonds are favored by women with smaller hands or shorter fingers, it’s shape giving an elongated look to the hand.

Princess Cut Diamonds – Though in appearance the smallest of diamonds, a Princess Cut Diamond is basically an inverted pyramid which puts most of the carat weight near the bottom. Princess cut diamonds are most often sought as solitaires, and are a relatively recent shape.

Marquise Diamonds – Another diamond shape that looks larger than it actually is, the Marquise diamond is elongated with points on each end, though sometimes altered to a “French tip” where the end point is excised. A great choice for a solitaire.

Emerald Cut – Rectangular with corner cuts, this diamond is also called a step cut, because of the shape that resembles
stair steps. Large, open facets on this diamond make it imperative to choose a stone of greater clarity and higher
color, as inclusions and weak color are more noticeable in this cut.

Pear Shape Diamond – Exactly as it says, this diamond is pear-shaped, or sometimes reminding one of a teardrop. Most
often found on pendants and earrings.

Heart Shaped Diamonds – A brilliant cut, the heart shaped diamond is a romantic choice that varies from jeweler to
jeweler as it’s shape can be greatly influenced by the skill of whimsy of the gem cutter, as well as variable facet configurations. Seek out a perfectly symmetrical stone.

Trillion Cut Diamonds – A newcomer, born in the late seventies, this diamond is a triangle stone with equal
sides. These can make stunning earrings.

Baguette Cut Diamonds – Another step cut diamond shape that is most frequently employed as side stones. Because it has few facets, quality and color come into play more here as imperfections become more visible in these uncomplicated, though elegant diamonds.

Radiant Diamonds – A square or rectangularly shaped diamond, the Radiant resembles the emerald shape but has 70 facets, making it much more brilliant and dazzling than the Emerald shape.

Asscher Cut Diamonds – A rectangular shaped diamond with high crown step facets, this shape was patented in 1902 and is know for it’s fire and ability to return light.

Cushion Cut Diamonds – Sometimes referred to as “pillow cut”, this shape was popular in the 1800’s. Cut with candle
light in mind, (nothing else available at the time!) the cushion cut is a rectangular/squarish shape, with more than
a touch of old world elegance about it.

Kite, Trapezoid & Half-Moon diamonds – Lesser know shapes used mainly for side stones.

Choosing the right diamond shape can be more easily accomplished with a little information and the help of a
professional jeweler. Here’s hoping you find that perfect diamond!

Are you looking to buy the perfect ring? When searching for a ring, whether it is for a special gift or a marriage proposal, there are a few things you must pay attention to in order to ensure that your ring is flawless. One of the most important elements when purchasing a ring is what cut to choose. The cut of a stone affects the way the ring feels, the way it shines, and of course, how effective it will be at taking her breath away. So, how does one select the right cut? If you’re not interested in going the direct route and asking your mate to pick their rock, look to these tips for a little direction in your search.

Any style of diamond cutting other than the round brilliant is called a fancy cut or fancy shape. The top three cuts for diamonds and gemstones are the Asscher cut, Princess cut and Cushion cut.

Resembling an octagon, the Asscher cuts hit its peak in popularity in the early 1920’s and disappeared only to make its comeback in 2001 when significant amounts of research showcased additional facets and new specifications for a more enticing luster. Asscher is a very modern and chic cut that will look beautiful on longer fingers.

The Princess cut is equally breath taking, but hugely different. Because of the square shape, a ring with a princess cut stone will have maximum sparkle. Beautiful to look at, the princess cut is a little fragile because its sharp corners make it more likely to chip. If it’s going to be this beauty, you just have to make sure that the setting is prepared to protect all four corners of the stone.

The cushion cut resembles the Old Mine cut with larger facets that similar to those from the late 19th and early 20th century cuts married with today’s oval cut. Cushions can vary a little in their shape. Some may be a longer rectangular, have squarer corners with varying sized tables.

Every ring is different, but somewhere out there, is the one to make her speechless.

The next time you find yourself looking for a piece of diamond jewelry, make sure you are purchasing a conflict-free diamond, also known as a non-conflict diamond or a worry-free diamond.

Conflict diamonds, also called blood diamonds, are diamonds that are traded illegally to provide funds for conflict and military action in areas such as western and central Africa. These blood diamonds have been a source of corruption, violence and crimes against humanity. Diamonds that have been mined through some form of child labor, violence or human rights abuses have also been termed conflict diamonds.

Your purchase of non-conflict diamonds can help put an end to this problem. By making sure your jewelry, or the jewelry that you buy for loved ones, is legal and worry-free you are helping to support the burgeoning safe diamond markets all over the continent of Africa.

In order to buy non-conflict diamonds, you’re going to have to do some legwork. First, research your potential retailer and see if they make it a point to emphasize that their diamonds are conflict free. Jewelers who sell worry-free diamonds often make it a part of their advertising, since this is becoming an important issue for consumers.

If they don’t advertise it, you can visit one of several consumer sites online to research your retailer. You can use these sources to evaluate retailers and make sure that they are doing business legally. Make sure to check out their sources of supply if you can.

When all else fails, ask your retailer point blank where the diamonds came from and if they are non-conflict. Reputable retailers will be comfortable asking these questions. They will also be familiar with new laws and regulations that have been passed recently on the sale of blood diamonds. If they give you a blank stare when you mention the Kimberley Process and the World Diamond Council’s Chain of Warranties, that’s a bad sign.

Reputable retailers will also be comfortable giving you a written guarantee that the diamonds were purchased legally. Under the Kimberley Process, this is part of your rights as a consumer. Make sure you demand this if they provide no other guarantee of the authenticity of the diamonds.

You can also ask to see the receipts that the retailer has from the purchase of the diamonds. The new laws have conflict free guarantees that reputable retailers and suppliers will use on all of their documentation.

Although this may seem like a lot of fuss over some jewelry, your purchase can help change practices around the world. Once you find a retailer who guarantees that your purchase is conflict free you can take comfort in enjoying your worry free diamond jewelry.

Jamie Jefferson writes for Susies-Coupons.com, where she shares promotions and discounts from jewelry stores with policies regarding conflict-free diamonds and worry free diamonds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Jefferson

Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds of certified origin which are guaranteed not to be obtained through the use of violence, human rights abuse, child labor, or environmental destruction. These diamonds are individually tracked through their full chain of custody to ensure that ethical practices are used in mining, cutting and polishing.

Conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds, have funded many civil wars in Africa have and have been the cause for the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. People who wish to be conscious of these sorts of practices can feel good about owning a conflict-free diamond, and not have to sacrifice cut, carats or clarity when choosing the perfect ring. Today, nearly all conflict-free diamonds come from Canada, and can be verified through an independent auditing system. The companies that sell conflict free diamonds have gone to great lengths to minimize the impact of mining of the earth and the societies that live with the mines in their communities. To find a good conflict free retailer, the internet is most certainly one of your best tools. Some sites will even allow you to design your conflict free ring all the way down to the color of the stone. When you are searching for an engagement ring, it is nice to have one less worry amidst all of the confusion. Beautiful, ethical conflict free diamonds are the way to cover all of your bases.

For all of you tree hugging, super green types, some retailers even offer rings that have bands made with 100 percent recycled gold. The precious metal is buffed and polished before you ever see it, so you don’t have to worry about it looking like it was recycled. No matter what your concern, whether it is ethical or environmental, conflict-free rings could be the solution to your problem.

Origin of the design

There are a couple of stories surrounding the origin of Claddagh Irish jewelry design, but both agree that the Joyce family of Galway is a key component. In one story, the original ring falls from the clutches of an eagle into the hands of Margaret Joyce. She was a widow of considerable wealth who got married again and to the mayor of Galway. She used her money and influence to accomplish good works in the town and the ring was said to be a gift for her generosity.

Celtic Jewelry

The more likely story, as it doesn’t have any magical elements, is that Robert Joyce designed a Claddagh ring for his betrothed upon his return from slavery. On fishing expedition, he was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Algeria. There he learned the craft of metalwork and brought this talent back to Galway. How romantic to think that she waited for over a decade for him to return and as a token of his love and devotion, Joyce designs a ring just for her? Of course, after that Claddagh Irish jewelry really took off.

Celtic Jewelry

Symbolism

The basis of this design is the clasping hands which were taken from the fede or faith rings that were very popular during the Roman Era. Joyce added a heart to the center and then a crown above the heart. By themselves, the clasping hands symbolize love and friendship. Along with the heart and crown, the jewelry also represents fidelity, loyalty and faith.

How to wear it

Single people would wear the ring on their right hand with the crown facing inward. If they are dating and thinking of making a commitment, the ring is still worn on the right hand but with the crown facing outward. If they are completely spoken for either with a promise or a proposal and then marriage, gold or silver Claddagh jewelry ring is worn on the left hand with the crown facing outwards.

Celtic Jewelry

Occasions to give Claddagh jewelry

The romantic history of this design makes it a fitting token to give a girlfriend or boyfriend to commemorate some milestone of the relationship. It also makes a unique engagement or wedding band as it signifies love and fidelity for the giver and the receiver.

This symbolic design is often passed down as a family heirloom. A mother may give it to her daughter on her wedding day or to her son when he is ready to propose. Antique Claddagh Irish jewelry make for touching and sentimental gifts for these special occasions.

Celtic Jewelry

Of course, these pieces can be worn by anyone-men, women, single and attached individuals. They can be enjoyed simply for their beauty, their symbolism or both. While sterling silver is the most common metal used for these pieces, gold is also used. Black antiquing is sometimes used to give a new piece an aged rustic look.

Irish Claddagh jewelry can be found as rings, pendants, earrings, brooches and pins. However it is worn, this ancient design is as romantic as it is beautiful.

If you like sapphires, you’re not alone. Sapphires continue to be the best selling gem in the U.S. When people think about sapphires, they usually think of blue sapphires. However, natural sapphire comes in a variety of colors. Sapphires that are not blue are referred to collectively as fancy sapphires. Purple sapphires as well as other colored sapphires can be found in Madagascar, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, and Australia to name a few regions. Heating sapphires may add to their value by enhancing color and clarity. It is estimated that over 90-95% of the sapphires in the market today are heat-treated.

Purple sapphires are a good choice for engagement rings because sapphires as a whole, are extremely durable gems. In fact, sapphires are the hardest gemstone except for diamonds. Thus, your ring can withstand all the elements and rigors of daily wearing, without you having to think twice.

In addition, purple sapphires are a good deal, often costing less than blue sapphires. As with diamonds, sapphires increase disproportionately in cost as their carat weight increases. i.e. A three carat sapphire might cost a lot more than three separate sapphires adding up to three carats in weight. This is due in part to the fact that large carat sapphires are relatively rare. The kind of sapphire cut also impacts cost, with round sapphires costing slightly more than marquis or pear cuts.

Blue sapphire engagement rings have been known to be preferred by royalty because the blue sapphire stone is even more rare than a diamond and is almost as hard. This is a nice factoid to share with your number one queen as you slip a blue sapphire engagement ring on her ring finger.

Blue sapphires come in a range of shades from a light to deep blue. The blue color is due to the level of titanium in the stone: the more titanium, the richer the color. However, too much color can actually create a dull black effect, reducing the price of the stone.

Most blue sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Burma, and Madagascar. Burmese sapphires tend to cost more than those from Sri Lanka and Madagascar due to their brilliant color. Kashmir blue sapphires are the most rare and expensive of all as the supply found in a remote region of India was exhausted around a 100 years ago, thus escalating price and demand. Prices for blue sapphires depend on whether or not they’ve been treated (with untreated costing much more) as well as color, cut, tone (lightness or darkness of stone), saturation (degree to which hue is hidden by other shades), and clarity. One carat blue sapphires can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Rainbow sapphire engagement rings seem to be increasing in popularity these days. There are a number of websites devoted soley to selling rainbow sapphire jewelry. Quite a few websites also offer rainbow sapphire wedding lines. Check out these websites offering a variety of rainbow sapphire engagement rings

www.rainbowsapphire.com

This website is pretty awesome if you love rainbow sapphire jewelry! It has two separate collections for rainbow sapphires with intense hues and those with medium color saturation. Unfortunately, they don’t sell directly to customers. However, you can send them an email to find out where an authorized retailer is located nearby to you

www.titanium-jewelry.com

This website offers several really cool looking syles for rainbow sapphire rings. The rings are solid titanium with rainbow sapphire chips. Very stylish and unique without looking gawdy.

www.amazon.com

Go to this power-house and type in “rainbow sapphire rings” and a bevy of colorful results will appear.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

If you are interested in having an engagement ring or wedding band that is truly unique consider mokume gane. So what the heck is Mokume gane? Mokume translates from Japanese as wood eye, which refers to burl wood grain, and gane means metal. During the samurai era, mokume gane was utilized to construct the handle for the samurai’s sword and often symbolized wealth and status. Mokume was invented by Denbei Shoami, a 17th century master metalsmith. Currently, mokume refers to designs made in this Japanese lamination technique and is typically used to create jewelery.

Mokume gane is created by complex processes involving forging, twisting, rolling and bonding metal alloys together so that they are intimately and intricately entwined. Many layers (most often somewhere between 10-30 layers) of selected metals such as platinum, golds, palladium, silver and/or iron, are clamped together between steel blocks and are then heated in a kiln, which allow the layers to fuse but not melt. The resulting fused stack of metal is called a billet which is rolled to reduce its thickness.

The unique patterns of the Mokume gane are created by hand carving down through the layers in the laminated stack and then rolling and flattenning it out. The process of carving and rolling is performed repeatedly to create the finished pattern. The patterns formed in this manner are almost like a topographic map, showing the depth of the carving into the original laminate
Mokume gane rings are available in a variety of patterns, metals, widths, and embellishments. The mokume gane technique creates a distinctive pattern whereby several general styles can be created depending on how the initial sheets of metal are fused. For example, a “river” design has wavy stripes, while an “island” design has unique loops and swirls. Patterns can also be created to run horizontally or vertically along the ring. The types of metals used will contribute to the color of the rings. Typically two or three types of metals are used in the creation of Mokume Gane, with yellow and white gold being commonly used. Yellow gold creates a yellowish hue whereas white gold creates a grayish hue. The width of the ring is dependent on personal taste, although wider rings better accentuate mokume patterns. Concerning gemstones, you can choose to have a gemstone inserted in the band for an elaborate engagement ring or let the sheer beauty of the mokume gane stand on its own, sans precious stones.

You most likely won’t find Mokume Gane engagement rings at your local mall. Try googling “mokume gane and engagement rings” and you will come up with a number of small businesses specializing in this art-form. As with all online purchases, be sure the business has a solid reputation: ask for references, contact the Better Business Bureau, etc.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

Diamond nexus labs offer you all the look, luxury and glamor of a diamond but without the fancy price tag. Let me put it in layman’s terms….they sell you perfectly simulated diamonds… The naked eye can’t tell the difference between these gems and the ones that cost 10 times as much. Diamond simulants actually cut glass and have massive fire and brilliance as well as perfect clarity and color. In other words, you wont get any yellowish, mishaped stones. Nexus labs claims that in almost all measurable tests, their diamond simulants match or are superior to natural diamonds. Most gemologists require scientific testing equipment to tell the difference between diamonds and diamond simulants.

Diamond Nexus Labs jewels are ensconced in 14k white and yellow gold….which means your jewelery isn’t going to turn green and leave black marks on your engagement ring finger or worse, make your finger itchy and leave a bright red rash. If you don’t see what you like in their vast selection of choices, not too worry…they will custom make the piece that you desire. You can also buy loose stones if you like in every possible shape and size. They have both one and thee ring diamond engagement rings as well as simple and more ornate settings. The engagement rings range in price from $100-$2,000. They also sell bracelets, pendants, earrings, watches, and men’s jewelery

Diamond nexus lab sells jewelery that looks very tasteful and classy. You know how sometimes when you spot a faux handbag or faux jewelry, you can tell right off the bat because it looks incredibly gaudy? This concern won’t even enter you mind when you see what Diamond nexus is offering. The jewelry looks like you will have spent thousands when you’ve actually have only spent hundreds. You can then take you massive savings and put it into something that you really need as a couple, like a down payment for a house. This year, I have actually decided to stop paying insurance on my engagement ring ($150 a year). I figure if anything happens to the ring (and knock on wood that nothing will), I’ll replace it with a diamond simulant and no one will be the wiser. In the long run, it will help me save a bundle on the expense of engagement ring insurance. They sell an ascher cut sem-bezel ring that looks very similar to mine with the exception of the price-tag ($545) for theirs (over $5,000) for mine.

I have never purchased anything from Diamond Nexus Lab but they give off the appearance of a company that’s got its act together. The detailed website offers and information and education center where you can learn all about how their diamonds are created. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and offer a secure website for making purchases. They offer an awesome guarantee…..you have thirty days to test out your purchase and decide if you want to keep it for good. There is a lifetime guarantee that if anything should happen to your diamond (fading, discoloration, chipping) they will replace it free of charge. If you lose your diamond because it falls out of the setting, they will replace it for a minimal remounting fee.

We all know that packaging and presentation is important. Diamond Nexus Labs hits the mark with their beautiful cherry wood and royal blue gift boxes and big wrapping bows. The boxes merely say 14k on them and don’t have the lab’s imprint…making them beautiful to display. Their marketing catalog is just as impressive, with thick pages and tasteful photographs.

If your the kind of person whose conscious keeps you up at night….diamond nexus labs may be right for you. You don’t have to worry that your gem came to fruition via child/slave labor or human bloodshed. With simulant diamonds, you don’t have to worry that any harm came to anyone involved in the making of your jewelry. No conflict here.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.