Birthstones for the Modern Girl

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If you consider yourself a modern woman, chances are that the last time you wore your birthstone was back in the third grade.

You’re not alone: in fact, more than 25% of Americans don’t know their own birthstone. This quarter of the population is really missing out – because when it comes to celebrating your creativity, individuality and uniqueness, a gorgeous piece of jewelry featuring your glittering birthstone is the perfect way to do it!

So what are birthstones, exactly? Birthstones are gemstones that coincide with a specific month of birth. For centuries, these gemstones were believed to have special powers – and this is why certain stones have been attributed to various signs of the Zodiac. However, you don’t have to be an earthy Virgo or a creative Pisces to buy into the mystique that surrounds birthstones…

…Because your own birthstone can be the new standout piece in your jewelry collection as an engagement ring, anniversary ring, wedding band, pendant, or a fashion ring!

January Birthstone: Garnet.
These fiery gemstones have long been associated with blood due to its typical deep-red color; however, garnet comes in a range of shades and colors that will please even the most discerning of tastes. Garnet is believed to protect the wearer from nightmares and things that go bump in the night.

February Birthstone: Amethyst.
Typically displaying varying shades of purple, this gemstone was believed to induce feelings of tranquility, peace and sobriety within the wearer.

March Birthstone: Aquamarine.
Due to the sea-green color of this precious gemstone, aquamarine was believed to provide protection for those at sea. Aquamarine has also been attributed with varying powers, including making new friends and inspiring affection.

April Birthstone: Diamond.
It’s no wonder the diamond is a staple of engagement and wedding jewelry: this incredibly popular and desirable precious stone is associated with love, strength and eternity.

May Birthstone: Emerald.
The deep-green color of this gemstone is synonymous with healing; however, some cultures believe that one can see into the future while gazing into an emerald.

June Birthstone: Pearl.
Pearls have also been associated with chastity, modesty and pureness, which is why pearls remain such a popular choice for bridal jewelry and Sweet 16 birthdays. These iridescent birthstones look perfect as necklaces, stud earrings and bracelets.

July Birthstone: Ruby.
This deep-red gemstone is believed to provide its wearer with protection and harmony, and has been one of the most in-demand stones since ancient times.

August Birthstone: Peridot.
Because this gemstone is a by-product of volcanic eruptions, many cultures believe that peridot is an energetic stone possessed with many healing powers. Additionally, some cultures attribute peridot as a useful remedy against nightmares.

September Birthstone: Sapphire.
The deep blue of the sapphire is a highly desirable color, which is why this precious stone is in such high demand. Traditionally associated with faith and purity, its thought that a sapphire’s level of sparkle matches the wearer’s constancy and faithfulness.

October Birthstone: Opal.
This enigmatic stone (which is formed over thousands of years) has long been a staple of folklore; in fact, many cultures once believed that opals could be used as healing stones. Opals have also been linked to friendship and strong emotion.

November Birthstone: Citrine .
The name citrine comes from the French word for lemon, “citron,” which describes this stone’s yellow hue. In ancient times, citrine was revered as a gift of the sun and believed to be a powerful antidote to a viper’s venom.

December Birthstone: Topaz.
The ancient Greeks believed that topaz was a source of strength, which is why this precious stone is linked to vitality, life and mental clarity. Topaz comes in an extremely wide range of colors, including golden, pink and pale green.

As you can see, any woman can incorporate her gorgeous birthstone with a few modern twists!

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Posted in Anniversary Rings, Engagement Rings, Fashion Rings, Wedding Bands | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Planning Your Wedding Jewelry

It’s no surprise that wedding jewelry has become synonymous with perfect diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. After all, the whole wedding ceremony centers on the blessing of the rings, the exchange of the rings, and the vows given after the rings have been received.

But for the bride-to-be, wedding jewelry doesn’t start and end with your diamond engagement ring and wedding band; in fact, it’s hardly the beginning!

Over the past few decades, wedding jewelry has become as modern and sophisticated as brides themselves. From traditional yet stunning pearls to jaw-dropping diamond pendants and matching stud earrings, the only rule for wedding jewelry is this…

…Your wedding jewelry should be as unique and stunning as you are!

If you haven’t yet selected your wedding jewelry, not to worry: 25karats.com has the tips you need to ensure that your accessories perfectly compliment your entire ensemble!

One-Time Occasion or Multiple Wear? Before selecting your wedding jewelry, it’s extremely important to ask yourself this vital question: will you wear your bridal jewelry after the wedding day, or will it be a one-time occasion only? If the latter, then your jewelry can be as elaborate and intricate as your dress – after all, it’s the only time you’ll wear these accessories!

However, if you want to get more wear out of your wedding accessories, consider how each piece of jewelry will function with your everyday clothing. Traditional bridal choices such as pearls work well with minimalist business wear, while delicate diamond necklaces and bracelets can be worn for all special occasions – like on your honeymoon!

Budget or Blowout? Many brides and grooms forget to factor in the cost of bridal jewelry into the wedding budget; however, if you’re looking to purchase real diamonds and pearls, then you’re looking at a bill that can rival that of your wedding veil!

For those brides on a budget, wedding jewelry doesn’t have to be a dream. Ask your grandmother if you can borrow her fabulous pearl necklace for the big day, or see if your always-trendy sister would be willing to part with her diamond pendant for a few hours. If you prefer to own your wedding jewelry, check out online vendors and dealers who purchase their jewelry at factory-direct prices, as you’ll save hundreds over traditional jewelry retailers.

Minimalist or Glamorous? Of course, the deciding factor of choosing your bridal jewelry boils down to the style of the dress. Is your gown fit for a regal princess? If so, consider purchasing minimalist pieces to ensure that all eyes remain on your gorgeous dress. If you’ve chosen a more subdued style, such as a sheath or empire dress, then feel free to choose heavier pieces to compliment the dress. Remember to bring along your mother and your bridesmaids to get that coveted second opinion!

Your gown and veil may be stored away after the big day, but your wedding jewelry has the potential to be worn again and again. Therefore, ensure that your bridal pieces compliment your tastes and style in everyday life as well as during the big day!

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Posted in Diamond Jewelry, Wedding & Engagement | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

How to Make Her Say “Yes” to Your Wedding Proposal!

You’ve done it: you found the woman who you want to spend the rest of your life with. Everything she does makes you happy – and when it comes to your future, she’s a huge part of it.

That’s why you’re ready to make it official by getting down on one knee and offering her your heart, soul and a gorgeous diamond engagement ring!

But wait – don’t get down on that knee just yet! To your girlfriend, a wedding proposal is more than the affirmation of her love wanting to spend the rest of his life with her; it’s a moment she’s been dreaming of since she was a little girl. That’s why you want to ensure that your wedding proposal doesn’t just live up to her expectations…

…It exceeds them!

Think of this as the ultimate cheat sheet for a wedding proposal that’s so inspiring, memorable and downright romantic that she’ll be guaranteed to say yes!

Make It About Her. What’s the number one mistake that most men make when they propose to their sweethearts? They don’t make it about her. Sure, she may think that a wedding proposal will be romantic no matter what – but if you really want to take her breath away, then you need to tailor the wedding proposal to her tastes, interests and passions. Does she love adventure travel? Propose to her while bungee-jumping. Is she passionate about cooking? Cook her up a sumptuous feast and place the engagement ring on top of her dessert. Tailoring the proposal to her tastes and interests shows her that you’ve always been attentive to her interests…

…And you will be for the rest of your lives together!

And About You Too! Of course, your wedding proposal should fit your tastes and personality as well. For example, if you’ve never donned a suit in your life, then don’t whisk her away to a fancy five-star restaurant for her proposal (she’ll suspect something!). Similarly, if you’re a formal kind of guy, then by all means, have a formal kind of proposal. The point is that your wedding proposal should be about you and your sweetheart as a couple: your likes, dislikes, and those special moments that stand out for the both of you.

Pick a Special Day. Anniversaries, holidays and birthdays are too obvious – instead, why not propose to the love of your life on the day of your first kiss, or the day when you both finally said “I love you” to each other? It’s a smooth move that’ll blow your future wife over; not to mention land you a reputation as a master Casanova!

Choose the Right Ring. The cherry on top of your wedding proposal should always be a gorgeous and unique diamond engagement ring. Like with the proposal, make sure that it fits the personality and tastes of your bride-to-be: if she’s has traditional tastes, then a diamond solitaire engagement ring makes a perfect choice. Likes to be pampered? Then a gorgeous diamond engagement ring with side stones makes the perfect choice to woo your sweetheart.

No matter what shape or form your wedding proposal takes, why not let 25karats help you to choose
the perfect diamond engagement ring? With our factory-direct prices, wide variety of rings and superior customer service, choosing a unique and perfect diamond engagement ring has never been easier!

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Posted in Wedding & Engagement | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Make Your Style Statement With Fashion Rings

As fashion and diamond jewelry blended in an out-of-the-box but impressive theme at a San Francisco exhibit only recently, ornament enthusiasts have much to be delighted about. Fashion diamond jewelry has become immensely popular, especially as tradition gives way to new-age trends. Precious stones incite awe among women. And their elegance has been multiplied dozen times over with the fusion of ingenuity and ornate designs by contemporary designers.

Fashion diamond jewelry is often considered chic, especially as they are viewed upon as a status symbol of class and financial prowess. The richer or upscale you happen to be, the better is supposed to be the quality of the stone adorning your finger. However, today’s industry has moved beyond the status-symbol tag and has explored newer grounds. One of the most important trends in this arena is the blending of international designs, and the rise in potential business metrics for firms based in the South Asian subcontinent.

Fashion diamond jewelry, with the turn of the decade, has become a style statement in its own right. You will find people looking for ornaments that actually suit their wardrobe than their budgets. Complimenting your own personality with such ornaments is also very much in vogue. For an instance, extroverts prefer gaudy bands and gemstones on their fingers, as against subdued women looking for the perfect sober blend of a black diamond on a platinum band!

Ornaments or rings that strut big on the fashion front usually cost a hefty amount. However, with the recession taking the bite off the price tags of various brands, now is the time to buy that coveted fashion diamond jewelry sets without having to drain your bank balance dry. Seasonal discounts, special offers and package deals are also a frequent occurrence in most of the real-world or online outlets.
























With custom designs and tailor-made jewelry sets available from various dealers today, maintaining a high fashion quotient has become easier for you. Also unconventionally cut diamonds on bands that highlight the stones have also become a hot favorite with the younger couples these days. So if you want to complement your unusual wedding dress or the atypical wedding venue, choose a colored or creatively cut stone for your ornament set.

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Posted in Fashion Rings | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Why Diamond Jewelry Makes The Best Long-Term Investment

If there’s anything that the Great Recession has taught us, it’s that we should take the time to choose our investments wisely. And as unstable world markets continue to fluctuate, one investment has proven itself to be dependable and extremely profitable: diamonds.

But if you think that you have to be a millionaire to invest in diamonds, then think again: there are high-quality and unique diamonds out there for any budget. And as the years pass on, your diamond will only become more valuable! However, if you want to ensure that your diamonds remain a lucrative long-term investment, follow these top tips to preserve the value of each beautiful diamond:

Go Beyond The Four Cs. You know that when it comes to buying perfect diamond rings on an individual basis, you’ll use the four Cs to measure its value: cut, color, clarity and carat. However, when shopping for diamonds as an investment, you’ll need to look beyond these four Cs and instead judge the diamond’s value by its potential for long-term growth. To do this, you’ll need to take the following four factors into consideration:

-Trendiness;
-Size;
-Marketplace;
-Wearability

The logic is this: the more trendy a diamond is, the less likely that it will grow in value over the decades – whereas more classic styles are timeless. However, one factor that can make up for trendiness is the diamond’s carat – after all, the more carats, the more your diamond will appreciate over time. Size and wearability are also important factors (bigger is better!), and the marketplace also affects the value of your diamond.

Don’t forget that the metal of the band will affect the value of your diamond jewelry. Choose precious metals like platinum and gold, which have retained a timeless value within the diamond jewelry marketplace. Speaking of which, let’s explore where you should buy your diamond jewelry investments.

Buy From The Manufacturer. Get more bang for your buck by purchasing your diamond jewelry directly from the manufacturer. It’s no secret that jewelry sellers can significantly inflate the price of diamond jewelry – and when you’re looking to purchase diamonds as investments, price inflation can often prevent your investment from making a profit. However, manufacturers have the ability to sell the same quality diamond at a lower price, and will often throw in free appraisal for your troubles.

Appraisal Is A Must. If you really want to see your diamond investment pay off, then ensure that you get certified diamond appraisal for both loose diamonds and diamond jewelry. No matter how large and impressive your diamond stone might be, a potential buyer won’t offer you the best price for your investment without evidence of an expert appraisal.

Before buying from a manufacturer, ask if they’ll throw in a free appraisal by a GIA gemologist, which is one of the most trusted appraisal experts in the world. This guarantees that the value of your precious diamond investment will be protected now and in the years to come!

Diamond jewelry is always at the top of the list for best gifts – and if you really want to impress that special someone, why not make a gift of your diamond investment? It’s a gift that truly shows you care, especially during this current economic climate.

And of course, don’t forget to take your diamond investment out for a spin on those special occasions. After all, diamonds are meant to show off your impeccable taste and status – so don’t let your diamond investment sit around gathering dust!

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Posted in Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

How Much Should You Spend On An Engagement Ring?

Buying a diamond engagement ring can be a scary business. After all, not only are you selecting a piece of jewelry that’s meant to symbolize your love for your sweetheart for the rest of your life (scared yet?), but a high-quality diamond engagement ring can be one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make.

In other words, buying a unique diamond engagement ring is something that you want to get right the very first time!

Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

You may know what your sweetheart’s dream engagement ring looks like – but when it comes to purchasing it, how much should you really spend? Should you stick to the “two months’ salary” adage, or should you break this traditional rule and instead go with your gut?


Here’s the short answer: it’s a combination of both. While spending two months’ salary on a perfect diamond engagement ring works for some men, it might interest you to learn that the two months’ salary rule was first started by a De Beers advertising campaign during the 1920s. Therefore, two months’ salary won’t necessarily guarantee that you’ll get a high-quality diamond engagement ring – and there are plenty of engagement rings that are just as beautiful for half of the price.


The only “rule” that you should follow when purchasing a ring is the 4 Cs rule – cut, color, clarity and carat. These factors will have the biggest influence on how much the diamond engagement ring will be. So if your sweetheart dreams of a two-carat princess-cut ring, then you should expect to pay a few thousand dollars to procure her dream ring. If, for example, she wants a one-carat solitaire engagement ring, then you’ll be looking at a price range of $800 to $1,500, depending on the retailer. Shop around to find the best deals, and don’t be afraid to look online – these vendors often purchase their diamonds directly from the manufacturer at wholesale price, which significantly cuts down on the overall cost of the ring.

So when it comes to how much you should spend, what’s the final answer? Simple: tell you sweetheart your budget and take her ring shopping with you!

Let’s face it: if she’s got a dream ring in mind, then you’ll win brownie points by allowing her to pick out her own ring. It’s a win-win scenario – she gets to select her perfect diamond ring, and you can have some input as to your budgeting needs!

To add some romance to ring shopping, don’t reveal to her that you’re about to select an engagement ring until you’re at the shop or online. She’ll be so impressed by your spur-of-the-moment gesture – not to mention pleased that she can pick out her own ring – that you’re guaranteed to get a resounding yes!

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Posted in Diamond Jewelry, Engagement Rings | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The 10 Most Fascinating Wedding Facts You Didn’t Know!

Weddings seem to be a pretty typical affair. The bride and groom get together in front of friends and family, exchange vows, cut the cake and then spend the rest of the evening with loved ones at the reception – and that’s about it.
Right?

Actually, the wedding industry is full of extraordinary surprises – and when it comes to how loving couples celebrate the first day of their new lives together, there’s only one rule to follow: anything goes! With that in mind, 25karats.com decided to investigate some of the most interesting and fascinating wedding trends, facts and figures you didn’t know about. You’ll be amazed at how unique and non-traditional weddings can be!

Think that the cost of US weddings is expensive? Take a look at what the typical Japanese bride spends on her wedding day: over $70,000, according to the 2005 Census of Japan. However, just by getting married in nearby Guam, a Japanese bride saves over 60% on wedding costs, or $42,000!

In comparison, the average US wedding only costs $20,000 – that’s practically pocket change for a Japanese bride!

You know that the most popular wedding month is June (10.8% of all weddings occur then) – but can you guess which are the next most popular months? If you guessed August (10.2%), May (9.8%), September (9.6%) and October (9.4%), then you’re right!

On the other hand, the least popular months to get married are January (4.7%), March (6.1%) and February (7.0%) – so if you’re looking for steep wedding discounts, consider a winter ceremony!

US couples spend an average of $3,657 on their honeymoon – but spend less than a third of that on their wedding rings ($1,016).

Wedding registries make up a huge portion of the wedding industry, which rakes in a whopping $72 billion each year. According to Bride’s Millennium Report, $19 billion is spent on wedding gift registries. Over 91 percent of all couples register for gifts, with the average couple receiving wedding gifts from an average of 200 guests. The average guest spends between $70 to $100 per gift. No wonder wedding registries make up such a huge portion of the industry!

99% of all newlyweds will take a honeymoon. The most popular destinations for honeymoons include Las Vegas, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Jamaica.

It’s a good thing two of the four most popular destinations are in the United States, because only 35% of brides and grooms only have a valid passport.

Think that Las Vegas is the top wedding city of the world? Think again – Istanbul marries a whopping 166,000 couples per year, with Las Vegas in second place with 114,000 weddings!

The average couple will spend three times more on their honeymoon than a regular vacation. Don’t forget to let airlines and hotels know that you’re recently married to get some fabulous (and free!) honeymoon perks!

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Posted in Wedding & Engagement | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Why Do People Wear Wedding Rings On Their Right Hands?

Traditionally, the ring finger on the left hand has always been the location for a wedding band. Stemming from a Tudor belief from the 16th-century, the left-handed ring finger was believed to be connected to the heart by a vein; therefore, wearing a ring on that finger signified to the world that the wearer had a “claim to their heart” in the form of a fiancé or a husband (men didn’t start to wear wedding rings until centuries later).

However, just as the ring finger on the left hand signifies love, fidelity and monogamy, the ring finger on the right hand has also developed a code of its own. As the new millennium approached, diamond rings began to suddenly shift to the right hand – and the multiple meanings behind this shift are fascinating.

If you’re still not sure what it means to wear a wedding ring on your right hand, then take a look at 25karats.com’s quick guide to the meanings behind the right-handed ring:

Economic Independence. As female workers began to out-earn men, women finally had the kind of income that allowed them to buy diamond rings for themselves. Today, a woman doesn’t have to wait for an engagement ring from her boyfriend in order to don a gorgeous diamond ring – she simply can buy a right-handed ring and wear it proudly as a signifier of her economic independence.

Gay and Lesbian Marriage. Instead of wearing wedding bands on their left hands, gay and lesbian couples often choose to wear rings on their right hands instead. Within gay and lesbian communities, the right-handed ring is an instantly recognizable marker of a monogamous relationship, and even marriage within the states that have legalized it.

Family Heirlooms. Wedding rings carry enormous sentimental value, so it’s no surprise that many people choose to wear these heirlooms as opposed to letting it gather dust in a box or a safe. By wearing the heirloom on the right hand, the wearer can be constantly reminded of tradition, family values and the importance of intergenerational connections.

Infidelity. Married men and women don’t have to resort to hiding their wedding rings in order to cheat on a spouse; shockingly, many people believe that switching a wedding band from the left to the right hand is a code that signifies an openness to cheating on their mate or spouse.

Differences In Culture. Not all cultures believe that the wedding ring should be placed on the left hand. In countries like Poland, Greece, India and Colombia, the wedding band belongs on the right hand, not the left.

Left-Handedness. Finally, wearing a wedding ring on the right hand can simply mean that the wearer is left-handed and doesn’t want his or her ring to be subjected to the wear and tear from their dominant hand.

As you can see, the ways in which one can wear a wedding band is as diverse as wedding ring styles themselves!

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Posted in Diamond Wedding Rings, Wedding & Engagement, Wedding Bands | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments