Modern Wedding Rings: A New Twist on a Classic

Everyone knows that the classic wedding ring is a plain gold band. While this was fine for your parents, don’t you want to think a little more outside the box for your own wedding? Consider modern wedding bands to make a bold, unique statement about your love. Modern styles have an understated simplicity, perfect for both men and women.


The Band
If you are a gentleman who remembers shopping for an engagement ring, or a jewelry-savvy woman, you know that there are lots of band styles. For example, the band might take on an antique look with a brushed finish. Or, you can choose a more ornate option with elaborate knot work or floral designs.

All are great choices, but modern jewelry is about simpler bands. These bands might be plain, or with a few understated embellishments. Think subtle beadwork on the edges. Or beveled edges and settings.

Modern styles also incorporate bolder looks. Square wedding bands are a surprising touch. You can also take advantage of rings with elaborate grooves and carvings for an attention-grabbing piece of jewelry.

Say it with Diamonds
Diamonds aren’t just for the engagement ring anymore. Think about incorporating this stone to make that wedding ring sparkle. And diamonds aren’t just for the ladies, either!

There are plenty unisex, modern wedding band options that feature diamonds.

A beautiful modern setting will have the stones inlaid into the bands, rather than rising up in a prong. You can feature a few round diamonds in channel settings around the band, for a breathtaking ring. Modern rings can showcase fun, alternating finishes and textures to truly highlight the beauty of diamonds.

The great thing about modern styles is that they can be stylish without looking flashy. Perfect for a guy who thinks he might get teased at work for sporting a few diamonds on his wedding band.

Finishing Touches
If there is one thing that modern styles have fun with, it’s the finish of the ring. Rings that have the normal, glossy finish are certainly pretty. But now you have lots of other options! For example, you can choose a satin finish. This showcases the glint of diamond beautifully, because it has more of a subdued shine. Also, metals with a matte finish look sleek, and hold embellishments beautifully.

For even more striking and unusual options, consider a hammered or sandblasted finish. These finishes have more textured looks. Plus, you’ll love how they feel!

Now that you have these things in mind, you’re ready to start shopping. A modern wedding ring is a unique expression of your love. Just remember to choose a meaningful engraved message on the inside. This is one classic touch that should never be forgotten!

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Rules to Finding Your Perfect Wedding Bands

When it comes to diamond ring shopping, there’s no denying that plenty of emphasis is placed on finding the perfect diamond engagement ring. However, while every girl dreams of her engagement ring, not everyone has their perfect wedding band in mind – which is why many couples find shopping for wedding bands so difficult.

If you’ve found yourself wondering how much should you spend on your wedding bands, or when’s the best time to shop for your diamond wedding bands, then you’ve found this article just in the nick of time. Read on for the simple yet clear-cut rules to finding your perfect wedding bands:

Keep Engraving in Mind. Plenty of brides dream of sporting wedding bands with something sweet engraved on the inside of the ring; however, not all brides leave enough time for this complicated process to be completed. Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning or you’re already knee- deep in colored napkins and reception favors, it’s important to leave a few months between now and your wedding for engraved wedding rings.

To avoid any untimely delays or mix-ups, be sure you’re specific about your engraving requirements. Don’t just hand your wedding date or sentence over to the engraver and expect it to look perfect; be
sure to know what you want in terms of font, size and style. You might feel like a bridezilla by being so demanding, but trust us – your engraver wants this information from you!

Forget The Matching Rule. Plenty of couples run into major hurdles when choosing matching wedding bands. If you’re a huge fan of diamond wedding rings, while he prefers a simple and classic gold wedding band, you don’t have to wear matching wedding bands. You should both pick out wedding rings that look and feel right. Besides, this is the one piece of jewelry that you and your hubby will wear for the rest of your lives – so you want to make sure you’re both big fans!

Don’t Break the Wedding Budget. Hey, we understand that times are tough. Add to the fact that you’re expected to shell out $30 a head at your reception, and it’s no surprise that you’re feeling the strain over paying for your wedding bands. However, you don’t have to be stuck with the same wedding ring for the rest of your lives together. In fact, loads of couples are opting for cheaper wedding ring options for now, with the promise of upgrading to a new wedding ring once those bills for catering have finally been cleared. So if you can’t afford platinum, don’t buy it right away – after all, you don’t want to start your married life in a load of debt, do you?

Finding your perfect wedding bands doesn’t have to be difficult – just turn to this article when you need a helping hand!

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Posted in Anniversary Rings, Diamond Wedding Rings, Wedding & Engagement, Wedding Bands | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Guarantee She’ll Love Her Diamond Engagement Ring

Okay guys, listen up: this one’s for you. If you’re in the market for a diamond engagement ring (by the way, congratulations!), then you’ve probably armed yourself with your knowledge about the four Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat. While you might think this is enough to guarantee that she gets a perfect diamond engagement ring, the 4 Cs won’t come to your aid when you’re stuck for ideas about the setting, the type of precious metal for the band, and diamond engagement ring insurance.

With so many curveballs waiting to be thrown your way, how can you guarantee that she’ll love her diamond engagement ring?

Simple: by using this handy article as your guide!

Get the Shape Out of the Way: Forget fancy gemology terms like “cut”, “facets” and “underside”; the first thing you need to get right is the type of shape she’ll love to see on her diamond engagement ring.

This is where you’ll need to pull in advice from her (discreet) best friend. What diamond shapes make her happy? Which shapes make her not-so-thrilled? Is there a celebrity who is sporting a diamond engagement ring that she adores? Once you have the shape of the diamond out of the way, you can move onto the next step…

Selecting the Perfect Setting: Here’s where your jeweler’s knowledge will come in handy. The setting of her diamond engagement ring can help maximize the size of a smaller-carat diamond, or swamp it so that it looks miniscule. To help make your diamond look bigger – and put a huge smile on her face – remember that round and oval diamonds look great in prong settings, larger diamonds look fresh in bezel settings, and several smaller stones look amazing in eternity settings. Ask your jeweler to help you identify each type of setting.

Select Her Favorite Metal. She may wear a lot of gold jewelry, but that doesn’t necessarily mean she wants her diamond engagement ring to be made from gold. To hedge a safe bet, let the diamond determine what type of precious metal you’ll be using. Clear diamonds look fantastic against platinum, palladium and white-gold, while colored diamonds stand out against a golden-yellow backdrop.

Choose Customer Service. Despite these tips, you might not always get the diamond engagement ring right. If she’s not thrilled with it, this is where having a jeweler with a fantastic return policy comes in handy. Some jewelers offer a generous 30-day return guarantee, while others won’t budge on the sale. Be sure you know what you’re in for from your jeweler before making the big purchase.

With this article by your side, you can guarantee that she’ll fall head over heels in love with her diamond engagement ring – just like she did with you.

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How to Find the Right Diamond Engagement Ring for Your Love

If you’re gearing up to propose to your sweetheart with a unique diamond engagement ring, then it’s no understatement to say that you’re feeling the pressure. You don’t want your future wife to catch on that you’re about to propose – but how can you determine what her dream diamond engagement ring is without arousing her suspicions?

At 25karats.com, we’ve got you covered. There are certain types of diamond engagement rings that appeal to certain types of women – and if you know what your sweetheart’s fashion tastes and personality are like, then we guarantee that you have a head start on finding the perfect diamond engagement ring.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at how you can determine which engagement ring is the one your future wife will love to wear for the rest of her life:
If you’re dating a fashionista: Does your sweetheart love fashion? Does she dress to match the latest designer trends? Does she have a soft spot for feminine activities like spa days, manicures and girly nights out? If so, then you’re dating a true fashionista. When it comes to diamond jewelry, a fashionista appreciates trends, but still likes engagement rings that retain an elegant and classic appearance. A princess-cut diamond engagement ring will delight any true fashionista.

If you’re dating a classic girl: The classic girl doesn’t follow trends; rather, she appreciates the styles from generations before. While the classic girl can pull off any look, she feels at her best when she’s in a simple ensemble, like jeans and a t-shirt. She knows she doesn’t have to spend loads of money to look her best. If you’re dating a classic girl, look for a solitaire-cut diamond engagement ring.

If you’re dating a romantic: The romantic girl loves the idea of a continuing love story. For her, love isn’t just for a lifetime – it’s an eternal feeling that can be passed down through the generations. If your girlfriend loves sweeping romantic movies, melts when you send her flowers and doesn’t have any qualms about sharing her deepest feelings with you, then she’ll appreciate a vintage-style diamond engagement ring. Look for teardrop rings, or ask her parents if they have an heirloom diamond ring that you can propose with.

Finding the perfect diamond engagement ring for your bride-to-be doesn’t have to involve surreptitious hints and intensive detective work. By getting in touch with your sweetheart’s personality, you can unlock the secrets to her dream engagement ring…

…Without her catching on to your proposal plans!

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Diamond Jewelry Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

Diamonds aren’t just a girl’s best friend – and with Father’s Day approaching soon, it’s time to surprise Dad or your husband with a special gift he’ll always cherish.

If you think that men’s diamond jewelry just involves earrings, then think again: diamond jewelry for men runs the gamut from watches and cuff links to special diamond rings. No matter what that special man in your life’s tastes – or your budget size – there’s a fantastic diamond gift out there for him. So if you really want to make this Father’s Day something special, then take your pick from these diamond jewelry gift ideas:

Diamond Ring. This is a fantastic diamond jewelry gift idea for Father’s Day, especially for the wives out there. Men’s diamond rings are effortlessly classy and cool – think thicker platinum or palladium bands with tiny diamonds embedded within the shiny metal. This gift is perfect for the husband who loves to look cool or who loves the look of luxurious accessories.

Diamond Cuff Links. Why not get the kids involved with this gift and splash out for Dad this Father’s Day? Diamond cuff links add a unique and undeniably sophisticated touch to any suit. That special man in your life can sport it during special events, or wear it around the office to gain a seriously cool reputation.

Diamond Studs. This is a classic Father’s Day gift for the man who loves looking fashionable yet masculine at the same time. Men’s diamond earrings have always been a favorite, so why not treat him to something a little special this year? Just don’t be surprised if you end up borrowing those diamond studs from him.

Diamond Watch. If you really want to impress that special man for Father’s Day – and you have the budget – then why not splash out on a diamond watch? Men’s diamond watches are incredibly luxurious and sophisticated. Choose a men’s diamond watch in gold or platinum to showcase the brilliant gemstones.

Other great diamond gift ideas include money clips and key chains. While they may not be as classic as diamond jewelry, these fashionable yet functional gifts show the dad in your life just how much you appreciate everything he’s done for you.

But before you pick up your diamond gift for that special father in your life, we have one word of warning: it will be difficult to top these diamond jewelry gifts for next Father’s Day!

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Myths and Mysteries of the Diamond Engagement Ring

If you’re considering buying a diamond engagement ring and proposing to your sweetheart, then congratulations are in order! Nothing beats the feeling of slipping a gorgeous diamond engagement ring on the finger of your sweetheart – and when she says yes to your proposal, you’ll feel completely over the moon.

Before you hunt down that perfect diamond engagement ring, why not learn a little more about how this tradition came about – and how accepted engagement ring “facts” are actually cleverly disguised marketing tricks:

An Engagement Ring Should Cost Three Months’ Salary. It seems like everywhere you turn, people are quick to recommend spending at least three months’ salary on your sweetheart’s diamond engagement ring. But this accepted “fact” didn’t come into existence until the 1920s – and it’s all thanks to a clever advertising campaign by De Beers, the geniuses behind the “Diamonds are Forever” slogan.

During the opulent 1920s, people had more disposable income than ever before – and they were eager to spend it. De Beers sough to capitalize on this new luxury market by developing a campaign that instructed young men as to how much they should spend on a diamond engagement ring. They recommend a minimum cost of at least three months’ salary – and the ad campaign took off like wildfire. The rest, as they say, is history!

Carat is the Most Important C. Every man knows that a good diamond ranks high on all of the four Cs – cut, color, clarity and carat – but most men tend to focus on carats as the most important C of them all. While carats certainly influence the market value of the diamond, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get a brilliant, sparkling diamond. If you want to take your sweetheart’s breath away with a diamond that shines as much as her, find a good balance between the four Cs, with slightly more of an emphasis on cut and clarity. A clear diamond will have less blemishes and inclusions, while the right cut can make even the smallest diamond look larger than life.

You Have To Go It Alone. Planning a proposal and selecting the perfect diamond engagement ring might seem like a solo mission worthy of James Bond. But don’t underestimate all of the great support that’s out there for you. When selecting the diamond engagement ring, make sure you enlist the help of your favorite diamond jeweler. They’ll be happy to walk you through the process and help you select the best ring to suit your future bride’s tastes.

When it comes to the proposal, don’t be afraid to get some help from her close friends. When you’re down on one knee and offering her the diamond ring of her dreams, you’ll be glad that you got so much help from the engagement experts!

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How to Showcase Your Diamond Ring

Selecting the perfect diamond jewelry can be surprisingly complex. After all, what’s so hard about picking out a gorgeous diamond and finding the perfect setting for it?

However, diamonds are fickle gemstones that require certain conditions in order to achieve maximum brilliance. If you want to showcase your diamond ring to the world, then you’ll need to know how to
optimize your diamonds for brilliance, shine and clarity.

Luckily, there are a few key methods to achieving this highly desired look – and they’re a lot easier than you think:

It’s All about the Metal. Like with any house, showcasing the perfect diamond starts with its foundation: the metal band. Certain metals will highlight the effortless brilliance of your diamond, while others can make it look dull in comparison. If you’re not too fickle about the metal band of your ring, then opt for a platinum, palladium or white gold base. The silver color perfectly complements the brilliance of the diamond without drawing too much attention away from it.

If you’re interested in using a colored diamond, then gold might be a more sensible choice as a base metal. For example, green, violets, browns and reds are set off brilliantly by the warm undertones of a gold metal band.

Here’s a helpful hint: gemstones with cool undertones (like diamonds and sapphires) look great with silver tones, while gemstones with red undertones (such as rubies) sparkle against gold.

Pick the Perfect Setting. The setting is crucial to highlighting your diamond, as the wrong setting can overwhelm or even minimize the look of your gemstone. For those who are interested in solitaire diamond rings, make sure the diamond carat is higher than .75, as anything smaller can look tiny in a
solitaire setting. Those who want a smaller diamond should choose bezel, channel or eternity settings, as these use multiple small diamonds to create a brilliant sparkling effect.

Of course, the setting choice will ultimately be determined by your own tastes – just be sure that your favorite setting does that fabulous diamond justice.

Cutting is Key. Here’s a neat little trick that can make even the smallest diamond appear much larger: have your jeweler cut the stone’s edges. This cutting style allows the diamond to reflect more light, which visually increases its size. For example, this method is used to create Asscher-cut diamonds, which look almost identical to emerald-cut diamonds; however, thanks to this special cut, smaller Asscher-style diamonds look just as big next to larger emerald styles.

Your diamond ring will be a main feature on your finger for years to come – make sure you optimize its brilliance, clarity and shine!

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The Origins of Wedding Band Traditions

Shopping for a wedding band is an exciting part of any couple’s ceremony preparations – after all, these are the bands that the two of you will be wearing for the rest of your lives. But have you ever stopped to think why we wear wedding bands – and why we place these precious gold, platinum or palladium bands around our fourth finger?

We certainly have. With a little investigation, we discovered the cultural events and beliefs that shaped the traditions that revolve around our wedding bands. Read on to find out more about these beliefs – they’ll certainly make you see your beautiful new wedding band in a new light!

The Origin of the Left Ring Finger. Wonder why almost every Western culture places wedding bands on the left ring finger rather than the right? This is because ancient philosophers in Greece believed that our left ring fingers were the starting point of the “Vena Amoris”, or the Vein of Love. According to these ancients, the vein connected the ring finger directly to the heart, thus establishing this finger’s importance in determining matters of the heart. However, the tradition of placing jewelry on the left ring finger didn’t begin until the 11th century, when the habit was adopted from eastern European cultures. By placing a wedding band on the ring finger, it symbolizes that the person will be eternally faithful and loving to their spouse.

However, not all cultures favor the left ring finger over the right; in fact, some countries even regard it as a sign of evil…

Left Hand vs. Right Hand. For many cultures, placing the ring finger on the left hand is unheard of, as the left hand represents evil energies, while the right represents benevolent energies. These origins can be traced back to the early beliefs that marked left-handed people as witches or warlocks. While we certainly don’t believe these superstitions today, many countries still prioritize the right hand over the left, including Spain, India, Chile and many Eastern European countries. Additionally, some orthodox Catholics continue to follow this tradition.

The Ring Finger Controversy. While many people believe that we wear wedding bands on our left ring fingers due to the “Love Vein,” there are some who oppose this theory. Some historians have pointed out that in early official marriages in England, the ring placement would follow prayer recitations. For the prayer “In the name of the Father,” the ring would be placed on the thumb; “The Son” would be placed on the index finger; and “The Holy Ghost” would lead to the middle finger. “Amen” would directly place the wedding band on the ring finger.

As you can see, the origins of why we wear wedding bands are varied, fascinating and rife with history. So when you place your wedding band on your sweetheart’s ring finger during the big day, you’ll know the important cultural beliefs that led you to that very moment.

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